Refrigerator and control method therefor

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a sensor module capable of detecting an object positioned at a short distance in the front lower side or at a long distance in the front lower side, and thus can automatically control opening of a door to the left, right, or both sides according to detection of the object positioned at a short distance or long distance in the front lower side.

Description

Refrigerator and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more specifically, to a refrigerator including a sensor module applicable to an automatic opening door and a method for controlling the same.

[0002]

[0003] A refrigerator is a home appliance that supplies cold air generated by the circulation of a refrigerant to a storage compartment, keeping various types of items fresh for extended periods. The cold air supplied to the refrigerator is generated when the refrigerant, circulating in the order of the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, flows into the evaporator and absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator as the liquid refrigerant vaporizes into a gaseous refrigerant.

[0004] Generally, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment and a door provided in the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The door may be opened and closed in a manner such as a rotary door or a drawer door.

[0005] Recently, refrigerators featuring automatically opening and closing doors are being developed, and accordingly, technology is required to detect objects and prevent collisions during the automatic opening and closing process.

[0006] Patent Document 1 (KR 10-2021-0027912) discloses a refrigerator including a user detection sensor that detects a user located in front of the door. However, Patent Document 1 has the disadvantage that the user detection sensor is fixed and cannot detect the lower front side of the refrigerator.

[0007]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can improve user convenience by including a sensor module applicable to an automatic opening door.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator in which a sensor module is located inside the door in a standby state and lowers the sensor module in an active state to detect an object in the front lower side.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of lowering a sensor module to display a lighting indicator corresponding to the position of an object.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of distinguishing and detecting objects located at a distance, at a close distance, to the left, or to the right.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of automatically opening a left door, a right door, or both doors by distinguishing and detecting objects located at a distance, a short distance, or to the left or right.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of preventing collision between the door and an object when the door is automatically opened.

[0014] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0015]

[0016] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first sensor module for detecting an object located on the front of the left and right sides of a first door; and a second sensor module for detecting an object located on the lower front side of the second door, which is driven to move downward inside the second door.

[0017] The present invention can move the second sensor module downward when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

[0018] In the present invention, the second sensor module includes a sensor and an indicator, and the sensor and the indicator can be activated when an object is detected by the first sensor module to be within a reference distance range.

[0019] The present invention can automatically control the opening of the left, right, or both sides of the first door based on the detection signal of the first sensor module and the detection signal of the second sensor module.

[0020] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of checking whether an object is detected within a reference distance range from a first sensor module; a step of lowering a second sensor module when an object is detected within the reference distance range; a step of checking whether an object is detected only on the left or right side from the first sensor module; a step of driving a second sensor module so that the angle of the second sensor module is tilted downward when an object is detected only on the left or right side from the first sensor module; a step of checking whether an object is detected in the second sensor module; and a step of opening the left or right side of a first door according to the object detection position of the first sensor module when an object is detected in the second sensor module.

[0021]

[0022] According to the embodiments, the present invention can be applied to an automatic opening door by including a sensor module that detects an object located at the lower front of the door, and can improve ease of use.

[0023] In addition, the present invention allows the sensor module to be located inside the door in the standby state and to be lowered in the active state to detect an object in the front lower side.

[0024] In addition, the present invention can lower the sensor module to display a lighting indicator corresponding to the position of the object.

[0025] In addition, the present invention can accurately determine a user who intends to use the refrigerator by distinguishing and detecting objects located at a distance, at a close distance, to the left, or to the right.

[0026] In addition, the present invention can automatically open the left door, the right door, or both doors by distinguishing and detecting objects located at a distance, at a close distance, or on the left or right.

[0027] In addition, the present invention can prevent collisions between the door and an object when the door is automatically opened.

[0028] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0029]

[0030] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the open state of a rotary door in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reference distance for object detection in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the location of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a second sensor module of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second sensor module of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the up-and-down movement of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 9 to 11 are drawings illustrating long-distance detection of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 12 to 14 are drawings illustrating the near-field detection of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a control device for a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]

[0043] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0044] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0045] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0046] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0047] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0048] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0049] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0050] [Structure of a Refrigerator]

[0051] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the open state of a rotary door in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a reference distance for object detection in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the refrigerator (1) may have an exterior formed by a cabinet (2) that includes one or more storage rooms which are storage spaces for items, and a plurality of doors (10a, 10b, 20, 30) that can open and close the open front of the cabinet (2).

[0053] The first door (10a, 10b) is provided with a pair of left doors (10a) and right doors (10b), and may be rotary doors that rotate by being connected by hinges to one side and the other side of the cabinet (2) forming the first storage room.

[0054] A transparent section (11) may be formed on the front of each first door (10a, 10b) to allow viewing of the inside of the first storage room without opening the left door (10a) or the right door (10b). For example, the area of ​​the first door (10a, 10b) corresponding to the transparent section (11) may be formed of a transparent material such as glass and may be transparent. Additionally, the transparent section (11) may be formed of a material in which the light transmittance and reflectance can be selectively adjusted, so that selective operation of a transparent or opaque state is possible depending on the user's operation.

[0055] One or more first input units (220) may be arranged on the front of the first door (10a, 10b). For example, the first input unit (220) may include a touch panel capable of inputting commands by touch input from a user, or a display unit including a display panel for outputting a screen. The display unit is for displaying and operating the operating status of the refrigerator (1) and allows the user to identify various information from the outside. The display unit may be equipped with a display screen for displaying status information of the refrigerator (1) and various operation buttons for setting the operation of the refrigerator (1).

[0056] Additionally, the first input unit (220) may be provided in the form of a microphone that recognizes a user's voice command. For example, when a specific command that is pre-set is input into the first input unit (220), the first input unit (220) may recognize it and transmit an input signal to the controller of the refrigerator (1).

[0057] A first sensor module (240) may be placed on the front of the first door (10a, 10b). For example, one or more first sensor modules (240) may be placed at the bottom of the transparent portion (11) of each first door (10a, 10b).

[0058] The first sensor module (240) can be mounted on the inside of the first door (10a, 10b), and if the front of the first door (10a, 10b) is made of a transparent material such as glass, the location of the first sensor module (240) can be exposed to the outside. As the first sensor module (240) is positioned in the lower area of ​​the first door (10a, 10b), the first sensor module (240) can be located in the approximately central area based on the total height of the refrigerator (1).

[0059] The first sensor module (240) may include a proximity detection sensor that detects the proximity of an object located in front of the refrigerator (1). The first sensor module (240) may be used to activate the detection function of the second sensor module (250).

[0060] A door actuator (230) may be provided in the cabinet (2) to provide driving force to the first door (10a, 10b) so that the first door (10a, 10b) is automatically opened and closed and to rotate the first door (10a, 10b).

[0061] The door actuator (230) may be positioned on the upper sides of the cabinet (2) corresponding to the location where the first door (10a, 10b) is mounted. Based on the distance from an object measured by the second sensor module (260), the controller may drive the door actuator (230) to automatically open and close the first door (10a, 10b).

[0062] The second door (20) and the third door (30) may be drawer-type doors that open and close in a manner that allows them to be pulled in and out in the front and rear directions. In this specification, the front and rear directions refer to directions based on the front and rear of the refrigerator (1), and the left and right directions refer to directions based on the two sides of the refrigerator (1). The front of the refrigerator (1) refers to the direction in which the user uses the refrigerator (1).

[0063] The lower surface of the third door (30) may be formed higher in the upward direction by a predetermined distance than the lower surface of the cabinet (2). A second sensor module (250) may be placed at the bottom of the third door (30).

[0064] The second sensor module (250) may include one or more sensors that measure the distance from an object. Based on the distance from an object measured by the second sensor module (250), the controller can control the operation of the door actuator (230).

[0065] The second sensor module (250) is driven to move downward inside the third door (30) and detects an object located at the front lower part of the third door (30).

[0066] The second sensor module (250) can move down and detect an object located at the front lower side when the first sensor module (240) detects that the object is within the reference distance range (d1~d2).

[0067] The second sensor module (250) includes a sensor and an indicator, and the sensor and indicator can be activated when the first sensor module (240) detects that an object is within a reference distance range (d1 to d2). The second sensor module (250) detects whether an object located at the front bottom is within the first reference distance (d1), the second reference distance (d2), or the reference distance range (d1 to d2).

[0068] The controller can automatically open the left, right, or both sides of the first door (10a, 10b) based on the detection signal of the first sensor module (240) and the detection signal of the second sensor module (250).

[0069] The second sensor module (250) can have its sensing angle adjusted to detect objects located at a distance or near distance. For example, if an object is detected only from the left or right side by the first sensor module (240), the controller drives the second sensor module (250) so that its angle is tilted downward. Additionally, the controller can open the left or right side or both sides of the first door depending on the object detection position of the first sensor module (240) and the object detected by the second sensor module (250).

[0070] A third sensor module (260) that detects an object when the first door (10a, 10b) is opened may be provided on the upper inner side of the cabinet (2).

[0071] The third sensor module (260) may be provided at the top inside the cabinet (2) to operate according to the opening and closing of the first door (10a, 10b). The third sensor module (260) may be inactive when the first door (10a, 10b) is closed and may be activated when the first door (10a, 10b) is open.

[0072] The third sensor module (260) can adjust its sensing angle to the left when the left door (10a) is opened. Additionally, the third sensor module (260) can adjust its sensing angle to the right when the right door (10b) is opened. The detailed structure and operation of the third sensor module (260), and the automatic opening and closing control operation of the first door (10a, 10b) based on object detection by the third sensor module (260) will be described later in the description of FIGS. 3 to 14.

[0073] For example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) sensor. The PSD sensor is a sensor for position detection using a light source. The PSD sensor is a light sensor used to measure the position of incident light, and can determine the position of an object by measuring the current distribution generated when light or particles strike the sensor surface. The PSD sensor may be referred to as a position detection sensor or an optical position detector.

[0074] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor. A TOF sensor is a sensor that emits light of a specific wavelength and calculates distance by measuring the time it takes for this light to be reflected back. By precisely measuring the round-trip time of light, the TOF sensor can calculate the distance between an object and the sensor in real time using the time it takes for the light to be reflected back.

[0075] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor is a sensor that emits sound waves and receives reflected waves that are reflected back from an object to measure distance. The ultrasonic sensor can precisely calculate the distance to an object by measuring the time between the emitted sound waves and the received reflected waves.

[0076] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include a radar sensor. The radar sensor may operate by transmitting radio waves and receiving reflected waves to calculate the distance to an object by measuring the time difference of the radio waves. The radar sensor may monitor various information such as the angle, position, and speed of an object by utilizing the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the reflected wave.

[0077] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include a Lidar sensor. A Lidar sensor is a sensor that calculates distance by measuring the time it takes for a laser light emitted to be reflected back from an object using the Time of Flight (TOF) principle. The Lidar sensor can recognize sensor values ​​regarding the surrounding environment while rotating 360 degrees using a motor.

[0078] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include a heat detection sensor. A heat detection sensor is a sensor that identifies the location of an object by detecting heat emitted from a human body or an object. The heat detection sensor detects objects using infrared radiation energy and can operate effectively even in dark environments since it does not use light.

[0079] As another example, the first to third sensor modules (240, 250, 260) may include motion detection sensors capable of recognizing gestures such as specific movements of a user. When the first sensor module (240) recognizes a specific movement of a user, the detection function of the second sensor module (250) may be activated. Based on the distance from an object measured by the first sensor module (240), the controller may activate the detection function of the second sensor module (250).

[0080] One or more wheel parts (9) may be disposed on the lower outer side of the cabinet (2). For example, the wheel parts (9) may be formed at four corners on the lower outer side of the cabinet (2) to assist the user in easily moving the refrigerator (1). Additionally, one or more height adjustment parts (8) may be disposed on the lower outer side of the cabinet (2). For example, the height adjustment parts (8) may be formed at two corners on the lower outer front side of the cabinet (2). For example, the height adjustment parts (8) may be implemented in a way that raises or lowers the height of the refrigerator (1) in the vertical direction depending on the direction of rotation. The height adjustment parts (8) may come into contact with the floor surface supporting the refrigerator (1) together with the wheel parts (9), and depending on the height being adjusted, only the wheel parts (9) may come into contact with the floor surface while the height adjustment parts (8) do not come into contact with the floor surface. When the height adjustment part (8) and the wheel part (9) come into contact with the floor surface together, the movement of the refrigerator (1) by the wheel part (9) may be restricted due to friction between the height adjustment part (8) and the floor surface.

[0081] [Sensor Module]

[0082] Hereinafter, a second sensor module (250) provided in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the position of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a second sensor module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second sensor module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the vertical movement of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the second sensor module (250) is driven to move downward inside the third door (30) and detects an object located at the front lower part of the third door (30). A gasket portion (38) may be formed on the rear edge portion of the third door (30).

[0085] The second sensor module (250) is moved downward when the first sensor module (240) detects that an object is within the reference distance range.

[0086] The second sensor module (250) includes a case (251), a guide case (252), a drive motor (257), a rotating structure (254), a sensor (255), an indicator (256), and a cover (253).

[0087] The case (251) has a first receiving space formed on one side for accommodating a guide case (252) and a second receiving space formed on the other side for accommodating a drive motor (257) and a rack (252a), and the front can be open, and a first opening (251a) can be formed on the bottom so that the guide case (252) can move up and down. The second receiving space can be formed to have a height higher than the first receiving space so as to accommodate the rack (252a).

[0088] The guide case (252) has a receiving space (252c) formed inside to accommodate a rotating body structure (254), is accommodated in a case (251), and is provided with a rack (252a) for vertical movement on one side. Additionally, the guide case (252) has a side wall formed along the perimeter of the front to attach a cover (253), and a second opening (252b) may be formed at a front position corresponding to a sensor (255) and an indicator (256). The upper surface of the guide case (252) may be open to accommodate the rotating body structure (254).

[0089] The drive motor (257) is housed in the second receiving space of the case (251), and a pinion (257a) coupled to the rack (252a) of the guide case (252) is provided on one side. The drive motor (257) rotates the pinion (257a), and the guide case (252) can be moved downward inside the third door (30) by the rack (252a) coupled to the pinion (257a).

[0090] The rotating structure (254) is housed inside the guide case (252) and descends downward together with the guide case (252) when the guide case (252) descends downward. The rotating structure (254) can rotate downward at a certain angle when the guide case (252) descends downward by a certain distance or more.

[0091] The rotating structure (254) includes a plate (254P) covering the upper part of the guide case (252), a first connecting member (254a) extending downward from one side of the plate (254P), and a second connecting member (254b) extending downward from the other side of the plate (254P).

[0092] In the rotating structure (254), a first guide hole (254c) is formed on the side of the first connecting member (254a). The first guide hole (254c) may be formed diagonally from the upper front to the lower rear. Additionally, a second guide hole (254d) may be formed on the side of the second connecting member (254b). The second guide hole (254d) may be formed diagonally from the upper front to the lower rear.

[0093] The sensor (255) may be placed within the rotating structure (254). The sensor (255) may be placed in close proximity to the first connecting member (254a) of the rotating structure (254). For example, the sensor (255) may be a PSD sensor. A PSD sensor is a light sensor used to measure the position of incident light, and can determine the position of an object by measuring the current distribution generated when light or particles strike the sensor surface.

[0094] The sensor (255) may have a first guide projection (255a) formed thereon, which protrudes from one side of the body toward the left with respect to the front and is fitted into the first guide hole (254c) of the first connecting member (254a). Additionally, the sensor (255) may have a first connecting projection (255b) formed thereon, which protrudes from one side of the body toward the left and is coupled to one side of the guide case (252).

[0095] An indicator (256) is positioned within a rotating structure (254). The indicator (256) is positioned in close proximity to a second connecting member (254b) of the rotating structure (254). The indicator (256) and the sensor (255) are positioned in the space between the first connecting member (254a) and the second connecting member (254b) of the rotating structure (254). A second guide projection (256a) is formed on the indicator (256), which protrudes from one side of the body toward the right relative to the front and is fitted into a second guide hole (254d) of the second connecting member (254b). Additionally, a second connecting projection (256b) is further formed on the indicator (256), which protrudes from one side of the body toward the right and is coupled to the other side of the guide case (252).

[0096] The cover (253) covers the front of the guide case (252), and a sensor hole (253a) and an indicator hole (253b) are formed at front positions corresponding to the sensor (255) and the indicator (256).

[0097] FIGS. 9 to 11 are drawings illustrating long-distance detection of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The rotating structure (254) descends downward together with the guide case (252) when the guide case (252) descends downward. At this time, the rotating structure (254) can face a long distance or a short distance depending on the downward movement distance of the guide case (252). For example, the rotating structure (254) can face a long distance in the forward lower direction when the guide case (252) descends by a first distance, and can face a short distance in the forward lower direction when the guide case (252) descends by a second distance greater than the first distance. That is, the rotating structure (254) can rotate at a certain angle toward a short distance in the lower direction when the guide case (252) descends by more than a certain distance.

[0099] The controller of the refrigerator (1) drives the drive motor (257) so that the second sensor module (250) moves downward when the first sensor module (240) detects that an object is within the reference distance range.

[0100] The pinion (252a) rotates by the drive of the drive motor (257), and the rack (252a) coupled to the pinion (252a) descends downward. As the rack (252a) descends, the guide case (252) and the rotating structure (254) housed in the guide case (252) descend. At this time, the sensor (255) detects an object located at a distance in the lower front. The indicator (256) displays the sensing point (SP) at a distance in the lower front. For example, the sensor (255) can detect an object close to the second reference distance (d2) in the lower front, and the indicator (256) can display the sensing point (SP) at the second reference distance (d2) so that the user can recognize it.

[0101] FIGS. 12 to 14 are drawings illustrating the near-field detection of a second sensor module in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The controller of the refrigerator (1) drives the drive motor (257) so that when the first sensor module (240) detects that an object is within a reference distance range and the first sensor module (240) detects that an object is only on the left or right side, the second sensor module (250) can detect an object located at a close distance to the lower side.

[0103] The pinion (252a) rotates by the drive of the drive motor (257), and the rack (252a) coupled to the pinion (252a) descends toward the lower side. As the rack (252a) descends, the guide case (252) and the rotating structure (254) housed in the guide case (252) descend. At this time, the sensor (255) detects an object located at a short distance to the lower side in front. The indicator (256) displays the sensing point (SP) at a short distance to the lower side in front. For example, the sensor (255) can detect an object close to the first reference distance (d1) to the lower side in front, and the indicator (256) can display the sensing point (SP) at the first reference distance (d1) so that the user can recognize it.

[0104] In this way, the second sensor module (250) can be directed toward a second reference distance (d2) in the front lower direction according to the driving of the driving motor (257), and can also be directed toward a first reference distance (d1) that is shorter than the second reference distance (d2) in the front lower direction. That is, when the second sensor module (250) descends more than a certain distance, it can rotate at a certain angle toward a short distance in the lower direction.

[0105] [Refrigerator Door Control]

[0106] Hereinafter, a refrigerator and a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a control device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the refrigerator includes an input unit (220), a first sensor module (240), a door actuator (230), a second sensor module (250), a third sensor module (260), and a controller (210).

[0108] The controller (210) can receive an input signal from the input unit (220). Additionally, the controller (210) can receive a detection signal from at least one of the first sensor module (240), the second sensor module (250), and the third sensor module (260).

[0109] The controller (210) can lower the second sensor module (250) downward when an object is detected by the first sensor module (240) and can activate the sensor (255) and indicator (256) of the second sensor module (250). The controller (210) can control the door actuator (230) according to the detection signal of the first sensor module (240) and the detection signal of the second sensor module (250) to control the automatic opening operation of the left door (10a) or right door (10b) of the first door, or both doors (10a, 10b).

[0110] The controller (210) can activate the third sensor module (260) when at least one of the left door (10a) and the right door (10b) is opened. The controller (210) can control the door actuator (230) according to the detection signal of the third sensor module (260) to control the automatic closing operation of the left door (10a) and the right door (10b).

[0111] The controller (210) lowers the second sensor module (250) when an object is detected within a reference distance range from the first sensor module (240). Additionally, the controller (210) further lowers the second sensor module (250) so that its angle is tilted downward when an object is detected only from the left or right side of the first sensor module (240). Additionally, the controller (210) opens the left door (10a) or the right door (10b) of the first door depending on the object detection position of the first sensor module (240) and when an object is detected by the second sensor module (250).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 16, a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (S11) of checking whether an object is detected within a reference distance range (d1~d2) from a first sensor module (240).

[0113] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S12) of lowering the second sensor module when an object is detected within a reference distance range (d1~d2). Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S13) of checking whether an object is detected only from the left or right side by the first sensor module (240).

[0114] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S14) of driving the second sensor module (250) so that the angle of the second sensor module is tilted downward when an object is detected only from the left or right side by the first sensor module (240). For example, when an object is detected only from the left or right side by the first sensor module (240), the present invention determines that the object is located at a short distance, for example, that the object is located within a first reference distance (d1), and drives the driving motor (257) so that the second sensor module (250) is directed toward the first reference distance (d1) in the front lower direction.

[0115] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S15) of checking whether an object is detected by the second sensor module (250). Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S16) of opening the left or right side of the first door depending on the object detection location of the first sensor module (240) when an object is detected by the second sensor module (250). For example, the present invention opens the right door (10b) of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module (250) and the object is detected on the left side of the first sensor module (240). Additionally, the present invention opens the left door (10a) of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module (250) and the object is detected on the right side of the first sensor module (240).

[0116] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S17) of checking whether an object is detected on the left and right sides of the first sensor module (240). For example, when an object is detected on the left and right sides of the first sensor module (240), the present invention determines that the object is located at a distance, for example, that the object is located within a reference distance range (d1 to d21), and drives a driving motor (257) so that the second sensor module (250) is directed toward the reference distance range (d1 to d21) on the front lower side.

[0117] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S18) of driving the second sensor module (250) so that when an object is detected from both sides by the first sensor module (240), the angle of the second sensor module (250) is tilted toward a distant direction.

[0118] Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S19) of checking whether an object is detected in the second sensor module (250). Additionally, the present invention includes a step (S20) of opening both doors (10a, 10b) of the first door when an object is detected on both sides of the first sensor module (250) and an object is detected in the second sensor module.

[0119] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet forming an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment; a first door including left and right doors that open and close the front of the upper storage compartment to both sides; a second door that opens and closes the front of the lower storage compartment in the front-rear direction; a first sensor module installed on each of the left and right doors and detecting an object located on the front of the left and right doors; and a second sensor module installed inside the second door, driven to move downward within the second door, and detecting an object located on the lower front of the second door.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the second sensor module can be driven to move downward when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the second sensor module includes a sensor for object detection and an indicator for indicating a sensing point, and the sensor and the indicator can be activated when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the second sensor module may include: a case; a guide case that is housed inside the case and has a rack for vertical movement on one side; a drive motor that rotates the pinion, which is coupled to the rack of the guide case and has a pinion on one side; a rotating structure that is housed inside the guide case and rotates at a certain angle toward the lower side when the guide case moves downward by a certain distance or more; a sensor disposed within the rotating structure; an indicator disposed adjacent to the sensor within the rotating structure; and a cover that covers the front of the guide case and has a sensor hole and an indicator hole formed at a front position corresponding to the sensor and the indicator.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the case may have a first receiving space formed on one side for accommodating a guide case, a second receiving space formed on the other side for accommodating a driving motor and a rack, and the front may be open and the bottom may have a first opening formed so that the guide case moves up and down.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the guide case has a receiving space formed inside for accommodating a rotating structure, a side wall formed along the perimeter of the front for attaching the cover, and an opening formed at a front position corresponding to a sensor and an indicator.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the rotating structure includes a plate covering the upper part of a guide case; a first connecting member extending downward from one side of the plate; and a second connecting member extending downward from the other side of the plate, wherein a first guide hole may be formed on the side of the first connecting member and a second guide hole may be formed on the side of the second connecting member.

[0126] According to one embodiment, a sensor may have a first guide projection formed thereon that protrudes toward the left from one side of the body and is fitted into a first guide hole of a first connecting member, and an indicator may have a second guide projection formed thereon that protrudes toward the right from one side of the body and is fitted into a second guide hole of a second connecting member.

[0127] According to one embodiment, a sensor may further have a first connecting projection formed that protrudes toward the left from one side of the body and is coupled to one side of the guide case, and an indicator may further have a second connecting projection formed that protrudes toward the right from one side of the body and is coupled to the other side of the guide case.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a controller may be further included to control a driving motor so that a second sensor module moves downward when an object is detected by the first sensor module to be within a reference distance range.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the controller can automatically control the opening of the left, right, or both sides of the first door based on the detection signal of the first sensor module and the detection signal of the second sensor module.

[0130] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of checking whether an object is detected within a reference distance range from a first sensor module; a step of lowering a second sensor module when an object is detected within the reference distance range; a step of checking whether an object is detected only on the left or right side from the first sensor module; a step of driving a second sensor module so that the angle of the second sensor module is tilted downward when an object is detected only on the left or right side from the first sensor module; a step of checking whether an object is detected in the second sensor module; and a step of opening the left or right side of a first door according to the object detection position of the first sensor module when an object is detected in the second sensor module.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the step of opening the left or right side of the first door involves opening the right side of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module and an object is detected on the left side of the first sensor module, and opening the left side of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module and an object is detected on the right side of the first sensor module.

[0132] According to one embodiment, a control method for a refrigerator may further include the steps of: driving the second sensor module so that the angle of the second sensor module is tilted upward when an object is detected from both sides by the first sensor module; checking whether an object is detected by the second sensor module; and opening both sides of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention were not explicitly described while explaining the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A cabinet forming an upper storage room and a lower storage room; A first door comprising left and right doors that open and close the front of the upper storage room on both sides; A second door that opens and closes the front of the lower storage room in the forward and backward directions; A first sensor module installed on each of the left and right doors and detecting an object located on the front of the left and right doors; and It includes a second sensor module installed inside the second door, driven to move downward inside the second door, and detecting an object located at the front lower part of the second door. The refrigerator is driven so that the second sensor module moves downward when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

2. In Paragraph 1, The second sensor module includes a sensor for object detection and an indicator for displaying a sensing point, and the sensor and the indicator are activated when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above second sensor module is case; A guide case housed inside the above case and equipped with a rack on one side for vertical movement; A pinion coupled to the rack of the guide case is provided on one side, and a drive motor that rotates the pinion; A rotating structure housed inside the guide case and rotating downward at a certain angle when the guide case moves downward by a certain distance or more; A sensor disposed within the above-mentioned rotating structure; An indicator disposed adjacent to the sensor within the above-mentioned rotating structure; and A refrigerator comprising a cover that covers the front of the guide case and has a sensor hole and an indicator hole formed at a front position corresponding to the sensor and the indicator.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above case is A first receiving space for accommodating the above guide case is formed on one side of the interior, and A second receiving space accommodating the above-mentioned drive motor and the above-mentioned rack is formed inside the other side, and A refrigerator in which the front is open and a first opening is formed on the bottom surface to allow the guide case to move up and down.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above guide case is A receiving space for accommodating the above-mentioned rotating structure is formed internally, and A side wall for attaching the above cover is formed along the perimeter of the front, and A refrigerator having an opening formed at a front position corresponding to the sensor and the indicator.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above rotating structure is A plate covering the upper part of the above guide case; A first connecting member extending downward from one side of the above plate; and It includes a second connecting member extending downward from the other side of the above plate, and The first connecting member has a first guide hole formed on its side, and The above second connecting member is a refrigerator having a second guide hole formed on its side.

7. In Paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the sensor above is formed with a first guide projection that protrudes toward the left from one side of the body and is fitted into the first guide hole of the first connecting member.

8. In Paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the indicator above protrudes toward the right from one side of the body and a second guide projection is formed to be fitted into the second guide hole of the second connecting member.

9. In Paragraph 8, The sensor has a first connecting projection further formed thereon that protrudes toward the left from one side of the body and is coupled to one side of the guide case, and A refrigerator in which the above indicator protrudes toward the right from one side of the body and a second connecting projection is further formed to be coupled to the other side of the guide case.

10. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator further comprising a controller that controls the drive motor so that the second sensor module moves downward when the first sensor module detects that an object is within a reference distance range.

11. In Paragraph 10, A refrigerator in which the controller automatically controls the opening of the left, right, or both sides of the first door based on the detection signal of the first sensor module and the detection signal of the second sensor module.

12. In a method for controlling a refrigerator according to paragraph 1, A step of checking whether an object is detected within a reference distance range from the first sensor module; A step of lowering the second sensor module when an object is detected within the above reference distance range; A step of checking whether an object is detected only on the left or right side from the first sensor module; A step of driving the second sensor module so that its angle is tilted downward when an object is detected only on the left or right side by the first sensor module; A step of checking whether an object is detected in the second sensor module; and A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising the step of detecting an object in the second sensor module and opening the left or right side of the first door according to the object detection position of the first sensor module.

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of opening the left or right side of the first door is When an object is detected by the second sensor module and an object is detected on the left side of the first sensor module, the right side of the first door is opened, and A method for controlling a refrigerator that opens the left side of the first door when an object is detected in the second sensor module and an object is detected on the right side of the first sensor module.

14. In Paragraph 12, When an object is detected from both sides by the first sensor module, the step of driving the second sensor module so that the angle of the second sensor module is tilted upward; A step of checking whether an object is detected in the second sensor module; and A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising the step of opening both sides of the first door when an object is detected by the second sensor module.

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