Refrigerator and controlling method thereof

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment comprises: a main body; a door rotatably coupled to the main body; a door opening device opening the door; a touch sensor sensing a touch of a user; an illuminance sensor sensing illuminance of an upper portion of the door; a speaker; a memory storing an opening frequency of the door for each time period; and a processor controlling the door opening device to open the door and controlling the speaker to output an alarm related to opening of the door on the basis of an output value of the touch sensor being greater than or equal to a threshold value, wherein the processor may adjust a volume of the alarm on the basis of at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the opening frequency of the door determined according to a time period to which belongs a time point at which the output value of the illuminance sensor is obtained.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator with an automatically opening door and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device for keeping food fresh, comprising a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to minus 30 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food. The storage compartment is designed so that the front is open for the retrieval and retrieval of food.

[0003] The refrigerator includes a door provided to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatably provided relative to the main body so as to open and close the storage compartment.

[0004] The door may be provided so that a user can open and close it by grasping a handle provided on the door and rotating it relative to the main body. Alternatively, the refrigerator may include a door opening and closing structure configured so that the door can be easily opened or closed.

[0005] Traditionally, there was a problem where it was difficult to grip the handle when users attempted to use the refrigerator, as they were holding food items to be stored in both hands. Recently, to improve the user experience, automatic door opening technology is being introduced that automatically opens the necessary door without the need for the user to manually grip the handle and rotate it.

[0006] When the door opens automatically, an operation notification sound is emitted. Based on this sound, the user is notified of the door opening, or sensor sensitivity is adjusted to prevent malfunctions. However, there is a problem in that the operation notification sound occurs consistently regardless of the time, causing inconvenience to the user in specific times or environments.

[0007] The refrigerator or refrigerator door automatic opening system according to the present disclosure is intended to detect a user through a sensor and automatically open the necessary door without the user needing to directly participate in opening the refrigerator door.

[0008] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a door rotatably coupled to the main body; a door opening device for opening the door; a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch; an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance above the door; a speaker; a memory for storing the opening frequency of the door over time; and a processor for controlling the door opening device to open the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and for controlling the speaker to output an alarm regarding the opening of the door, wherein the processor can adjust the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the opening frequency of the door determined according to the time period to which the output value of the illuminance sensor is acquired.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body, a door rotatably coupled to the main body, a door opening device for opening the door, a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch, an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance, a speaker, and a memory for storing the frequency of opening the door over time, wherein the method for controlling the refrigerator comprises opening the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value and outputting an alarm regarding the opening of the door, and outputting the alarm may include adjusting the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the frequency of opening the door determined according to the time period to which the time of acquiring the output value of the illuminance sensor belongs.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, changes in the surrounding environment can be sensitively detected by changing settings related to automatic door opening according to various criteria.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor can be utilized to optimize settings related to automatic door opening in response to changes in the surrounding environment.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the user experience can be improved by eliminating the need for the user to individually change settings related to automatic door opening according to the situation.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of devices in an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a refrigerator door closed according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator open according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the closed door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment opening the door.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart regarding determining the door opening frequency according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a table regarding adjusting the volume of an alarm according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for adjusting the settings of a refrigerator according to the output value of an illuminance sensor according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for adjusting the settings of a refrigerator according to the frequency of door opening according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart for updating the frequency of door opening by time period according to one embodiment.

[0026] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0027] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0035] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0036] The “main body” may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0037] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0038] The “insulating material” can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0040] The “storage room” may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0041] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0042] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20°C to -1°C. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0043] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0045] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0047] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0049] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0051] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a cold supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0054] The “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without opening the door.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0057] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0058] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of devices in an IoT environment according to one embodiment.

[0060] An IoT environment according to one embodiment may include a user device (2), a server device (3), at least one electronic device (10), and / or a network connecting the user device (2), the server device (3), or at least one electronic device (10). In the present disclosure, the user device (2) or at least one electronic device (10) of the IoT environment may be referred to as an IoT device.

[0061] The electronic device (10) may include a communication module capable of communicating with other home appliances, a user device (2) or a server device (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the electronic device (10), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the electronic device (10) is stored.

[0062] The electronic device (10) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the electronic device (10) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), an electric range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a garment care device (16), a washing machine (17), a dryer (18), and a microwave oven (19) as illustrated, but is not limited thereto, and may include various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television not illustrated in the drawings. In addition, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, a device capable of performing the operation described below by being connected to other home appliances, a user device (2), or a server device (3) may be included in the electronic device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0063] The server device (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server device, an electronic device (10), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server device, an electronic device (10), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. This server device (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server device (3) may be implemented as one or more servers physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0064] The server device (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering electronic devices (10) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling registered electronic devices (10). For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server device (3) through a user device (2). A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server device (3) can register an electronic device (10) to a user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server device (3) can register, manage, and control the electronic device (10) by linking identification information of the electronic device (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account. The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the electronic device (10) or the server device (3), a user interface that receives user input or outputs information to the user, at least one processor that controls the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0065] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, terminal, portable telephone, smartphone, handheld device, wearable device, etc.

[0066] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling an electronic device (10) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) installed, or may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0067] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can access the server device (3) to create a user account, and register an electronic device (10) by communicating with the server device (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0068] For example, if the electronic device (10) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the electronic device (10) can be connected to the server device (3), the electronic device (10) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the electronic device (10) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the corresponding user account on the server device (3).

[0069] The user can control the electronic device (10) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the electronic device (10) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the electronic device (10) is entered, the control command can be transmitted to the electronic device (10) through the server device (3). In the present disclosure, the control command may be referred to as a control signal.

[0070] A network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, etc., and wireless networks may include all networks that transmit and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be connected to each other.

[0071] Networks may include wide area networks (WANs) such as the Internet, local area networks (LANs) formed around access points (APs), and short-range wireless networks that do not pass through access points (APs). Short-range wireless networks may include Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0072] An access point (AP) can connect an electronic device (10) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server device (3) is connected. The electronic device (10) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server device (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0073] The access point (AP) can communicate with an electronic device (10) or a user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (10) may be directly connected to a user device (2) or a server device (3) without going through an access relay (AP).

[0075] The electronic device (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server device (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0076] For example, the electronic device (10) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0077] As another example, the electronic device (10) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server device (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0078] As another example, the electronic device (10) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or a server device (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0079] If the electronic device (10) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the electronic device (10) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server device (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the electronic device (10) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server device (3) is connected.

[0080] The electronic device (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or server devices (3) via a network. For example, the electronic device (10) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other electronic devices (10), user devices (2), or server devices (3) when a request is received from the server device (3), when a specific event occurs in the electronic device (10), or periodically or in real time.

[0081] When the server device (3) receives information regarding operation or state from the electronic device (10), it updates the stored information regarding operation or state of the electronic device (10) and transmits the updated information regarding operation and state of the electronic device (10) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information may include various operations that change existing information, such as adding new information to existing information or replacing existing information with new information.

[0082] The electronic device (10) can obtain various information from another electronic device (10), a user device (2), or a server device (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the electronic device (10) can obtain information related to the functions of the electronic device (10) (e.g., recipes, laundry methods, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server device (3), and can output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0083] The electronic device (10) may operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or server devices (3). For example, if the electronic device (10) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to control commands from server devices (3) even without user input, the electronic device (10) may operate according to control commands received from server devices (3). Here, the control commands received from server devices (3) may include, but are not limited to, control commands entered by the user through user devices (2) or control commands based on pre-set conditions.

[0084] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the electronic device (10) or the server device (3) through a communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server device (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server device (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0085] The electronic device (10), user device (2), or server device (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server device (3) may receive information regarding the operation or state of the electronic device (10) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process it using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the electronic device (10) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0086] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator (11) closed according to one embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator (11) open according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, a refrigerator (11) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (100), a storage room (140) provided inside the main body (100), a door (150) for opening and closing the storage room (140), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (140).

[0089] The main body (100) may include an outer casing (110) that forms the exterior of the refrigerator (11) and an inner casing (120) that forms a storage compartment (140). The outer casing (110) may be formed in the shape of a box with an open front. The outer casing (110) may form the top surface, bottom surface, left and right sides, rear surface, etc., of the refrigerator (11). The inner casing (120) may have an open front. The inner casing (120) may have a storage compartment (140) provided inside and may be provided on the inner side of the outer casing (110). The inner wall of the inner casing (120) may form the inner wall of the storage compartment (140).

[0090] Insulating material may be provided between the outer layer (110) and the inner layer (120) to insulate the space between the outer layer (110) and the inner layer (120). As the insulating material is foamed between the outer layer (110) and the inner layer (120), the outer layer (110) and the inner layer (120) can be joined together. For example, the insulating material may include insulating materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and vacuum insulation panels.

[0091] The main body (100) may further include a top table (130) provided on the upper part of the main body (100). The top table (130) may be coupled to the upper part of the outer body (110). The top table (130) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer body (110). The top table (130) may cover various electrical components. A receiving space for accommodating various electrical components may be formed on the inner side of the top table (130). For example, the top table (130) may cover a door opening device (160) described later, and the door opening device (160) may be accommodated on the inner side of the top table (130).

[0092] A storage room (140) may be formed on the inside of the main body (100). For example, the storage room (140) may include a refrigerator room maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food. For example, the storage room (140) may include a freezer room maintained at approximately minus 30 to 0 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0093] In various embodiments, the storage room (140) may be divided into multiple areas. The main body (100) may include a partition (141) that divides the storage room (140) into a first storage room (140a) and a second storage room (140b). For example, the partition (141) may extend in a vertical direction (Z), and the first storage room (140a) and the second storage room (140b) may be arranged horizontally relative to each other. For example, the storage room (140) may be divided into a first storage room (140a) positioned on the left and a second storage room (140b) positioned on the right. For example, the first storage room (140a) may be used as a freezer and the second storage room (140b) may be used as a refrigerator, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Inside the storage room (140), a storage shelf (142) on which food can be placed and a drawer (143) for storing food may be provided.

[0095] The refrigerator (11) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to a storage room (140). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. As an example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, etc.

[0096] The main body (100) may include a cold air supply duct that forms a cold air flow path through which cold air generated by a cooling system flows into a storage room (140). The cold air supply duct may be formed in the rear part of the inner body (120). The cold air supply duct may be provided at the rear of the storage room (140) and may be connected to the storage room (140).

[0097] A door (150) may be provided to open and close a storage room (140). A door (150) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of a main body (100). A door (150) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (100). A door (150) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (100) by being coupled to a hinge bracket connecting the door (150) and the main body (100).

[0098] The outer surface of the door (150) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (11). When the door (150) is closed, the outer surface of the door (150) may form at least part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (11). When the door (150) is closed, the inner surface of the door (150) may face the interior of the storage room (140). The inner surface of the door (150) referred to here means one side of the door (150) facing the storage room (140) when the door (150) is closed to the storage room (140). Additionally, the outer surface of the door (150) referred to here means the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (150) facing the storage room (140) when the door (150) is closed to the storage room (140), and refers to the front of the door (150) visible when the refrigerator (11) is viewed from the front.

[0099] For example, the door (150) may include a door frame (153) and a door cap (155) (see FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc.). The door cap (155) may include an upper door cap and / or a lower door cap. The door frame (153) may form the overall appearance of the door (150). The upper door cap (154) may form the upper surface and / or lower surface of the door (150).

[0100] A door gasket (151) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (150) to seal the gap between the door (150) and the main body (100) to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage room (140). The door gasket (151) may be provided along the perimeter of the inner surface of the door (150). The door gasket (151) may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0101] A door shelf (152) capable of storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (150). The door (150) may include a door frame (153). The door frame (153) may form the overall exterior of the door (150).

[0102] The door (150) may include a handle (154). A user may open or close the door (150) by holding the handle (154) with their hand. Alternatively, a user may open or close the storage room (140) by holding the handle (154) with their hand and rotating the door (150). For example, the handle (154) may include a groove shape formed concavely so as to be gripped. For example, the handle (154) may be provided on the door frame (153) of the door (150).

[0103] As described below, the door (150) can be opened by the door opening device (160).

[0104] As described below, the refrigerator (11) may include a sensor (180) provided to acquire a signal for operating a door opening device (160). For example, the sensor (180) may be provided on the door (150). For example, the sensor (180) may be placed in an area adjacent to the handle (154) of the door (150).

[0105] The refrigerator (11) may include a plurality of doors (150L, ​​150R) arranged to open and close a plurality of storage compartments (140a, 140b) that are partitioned from one another. For example, the refrigerator (11) may include a first door (150L) arranged to open and close a first storage compartment (140a) and a second door (150R) arranged to open and close a second storage compartment (140b). For example, the first door (150L) and the second door (150R) may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (Y). The first door (150L) may be placed on the left side, and the second door (150R) may be placed on the right side. The first door (150L) may be referred to as the "left door (30L)" and the second door (150R) may be referred to as the "right door (30R)". The first door (150L) and the second door (150R) can rotate independently of each other with respect to the main body (100).

[0106] For example, the first door (150L) can be opened by a first door opening device (160L) positioned on the left. For example, the second door (150R) can be opened by a second door opening device (160R) positioned on the right.

[0107] For example, the first door (150L) may include a first sensor (180a) provided to acquire a signal for operating the first door opening device (160L). For example, the second door (150R) may include a second sensor (180b) provided to acquire a signal for operating the second door opening device (160R).

[0108] The door (150) of the refrigerator (11) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the first door (150L) and second door (150R) described above.

[0109] The refrigerator (11) may include a control panel (170). The control panel (170) may be provided on the main body (100) or on the door (150). For example, the control panel (170) may be provided on the outside of the first door (150L), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0110] The control panel (170) can provide the user with a user interface for interacting with the user.

[0111] The configuration of the refrigerator (11) described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 is merely an example for explaining a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage compartment for storing food.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the closed door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the door opening device of a refrigerator according to one embodiment opening the door.

[0114] A refrigerator (11) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door opening device (160) provided to open a door (150). The door opening device (160) may be provided to rotate the door (150) relative to the main body (100) to open a storage compartment (140). The door opening device (160) may be provided to press the door (150) to open the door (150).

[0115] The door opening device (160) can be mounted on the main body (100). The door opening device (160) can be mounted on the upper part of the main body (100). For example, the door opening device (160) can be received inside the top table (130). The upper part of the door opening device (160) can be covered by the top table (130). The door opening device (160) can be placed on the upper surface of the outer body (110).

[0116] The door opening device (160) may be provided in multiple units to open each of the multiple doors (150). For example, the refrigerator (11) may include a first door opening device (160L) provided to open a first door (150L) and a second door opening device (160R) provided to open a second door (150R).

[0117] A first door opening device (160L) may be provided to open the first storage room (140a) by rotating the first door (150L). A second door opening device (160R) may be provided to open the second storage room (140b) by rotating the second door (150R).

[0118] The operation of the first door opening device (160L) opening the first door (150L) and the operation of the second door opening device (160R) opening the second door (150R) can be performed independently of each other.

[0119] The first door opening device (160L) and the second door opening device (160R) may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (Y). For example, the first door opening device (160L) may be positioned to the left of the center on the upper part of the main body (100), and the second door opening device (160R) may be positioned to the right of the center on the upper part of the main body (100). The first door opening device (160L) mounted on the upper part of the main body (100) may be provided to press the upper part of the first door (150L), and the second door opening device (160R) mounted on the upper part of the main body (100) may be provided to press the upper part of the second door (150R).

[0120] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door opening device (160) may be mounted at various locations on the main body (100) and may be configured to open the first storage room (140a) by pressing various parts other than the upper part of the first door (150L) or the second door (150R). For example, unlike as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the door opening device (160) may be mounted on the lower part of the main body (100) to press the lower part of the first door (150L) or the second door (150R).

[0121] The first door opening device (160L) and the second door opening device (160R) may have corresponding structures. FIG. 4 illustrates in detail the structure of the first door opening device (160L) provided to open the first door (150L), and the structure of the first door opening device (160L) illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may also be applied to the structure of the second door opening device (160R) in a corresponding manner. The description of the structure of the door opening device (160) described below may be applied to the structure of the first door opening device (160L) and the structure of the second door opening device (160R), respectively.

[0122] The door opening device (160) may include a door pusher (162) configured to open the door by pressing the door (150). The door pusher (161) may be configured to be movable relative to the main body (100). The door pusher (161) may be configured to press the door (150) while moving relative to the main body (100). The door pusher (161) may press the door (150) while moving forward from the side of the main body (100) toward the door (150), thereby opening the door (150) that was closed.

[0123] The door opening device (160) may include a pusher case (162) that supports a door pusher (161). The pusher case (162) may movably support the door pusher (161).

[0124] The pusher case (162) may form a receiving space for accommodating at least a portion of the door pusher (161). The door pusher (161) may be movably positioned between a position where it is fully retracted into the receiving space of the pusher case (162) and a position where it is pulled forward from the receiving space of the pusher case (162).

[0125] The pusher case (162) can be mounted on the main body (100). The pusher case (162) can be fixed to the main body (100). For example, the pusher case (162) can be attached to the top table (130). However, it is not limited thereto, and the pusher case (162) can be attached to various locations on the main body (100).

[0126] The door opening device (160) may include a driving device (not shown). The driving device may provide driving force to the door pusher (161) so that the door pusher (161) can move relative to the main body (100). The driving device may move the position of the door pusher (161) based on a door opening signal. Additionally, the driving device may include a power source (not shown) provided to generate power to open the door (150). The power source may be provided to generate power for the door pusher (161) to move. The power source may include a motor of various structures.

[0127] The door opening device (160) may be electrically connected to the processor (210) of the refrigerator (11). The door opening device (160) may be controlled by the processor (210) of the refrigerator (11). The door opening device (160) may operate based on a control signal received from the processor (210). The door opening device (160) may include a circuit comprising various electronic components for moving the door pusher (161) based on the control signal.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the door opening device (160) may include a first door pusher (161a) which is movably arranged between a first pusher position (P1) and a second pusher position (P2). For example, the first door pusher (161a) may be movably arranged between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2). The first pusher position (P1) may be the position of the first door pusher (161a) when the door (150) is in a closed position. The second pusher position (P2) may be the position to which the first door pusher (161a) has moved from the first pusher position (P1) in a direction that presses the door (150). The first door pusher (161a) can move from the first pusher position (P1) toward the second pusher position (P2) and press to open the closed door (150). The second pusher position (P2) may be the position where the first door pusher (161a) has moved forward from the first pusher position (P1).

[0129] The first door pusher (161a) can be accommodated in the space within the top table (130) when positioned at the first pusher position (P1). That is, the first door pusher (161a) can be retracted into the interior of the top table (130) when positioned at the first pusher position (P1), and can be withdrawn from the top table (130) and moved from the first pusher position (P1) to the second pusher position (P2). The top table (130) may include an opening. The first door pusher (161a) can be provided to be movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2) while passing through the opening of the top table (130).

[0130] For example, the first door pusher (161a) may be provided to be linearly movable between the first pusher position (P1) and the second pusher position (P2). The first door pusher (161a) may be provided to be linearly reciprocating with respect to the main body (100). The first door pusher (161a) may be provided to be linearly movable in the forward and backward direction (X) with respect to the main body (100). Alternatively, the first door pusher (161a) may move non-linearly with respect to the main body (100).

[0131] With such a configuration, the door opening device (160) can open the door (150). However, the present disclosure is merely an example of a refrigerator (11) including a door opening device (160) for automatically opening the door (150), and should not be interpreted as being limited by the present disclosure. In addition to the present disclosure, if the door (150) can be automatically opened without user intervention, it may be adopted as an implementation form of the refrigerator (11) of the present disclosure.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 6, the refrigerator (11) may include a light source (80), a door opening device (160), a control panel (170), a plurality of sensors (180), a speaker (173), a communication interface (190) and / or a control unit (200). The control unit (200) may include at least one processor (210) and at least one memory (220).

[0134] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (11) may implement various embodiments of the present document even if some of the illustrated configurations are omitted or substituted, and may include other configurations in addition to the configurations described above.

[0135] The light source (80) can provide light inside the main body (100). Accordingly, the user can easily see inside the main body (100) even in a dark environment. The light source (80) can be implemented as an LED light source. The light source (80) can be turned on / off by a control signal from the processor (210). The processor (210) can adjust the intensity of the light from the light source (80).

[0136] The door opening device (160) can automatically open or automatically close the door (150) under the control of the processor (210) as described above. The door opening device (160) may include a motor drive (111) and a drive motor (110). Additionally, the door opening device (160) may further include a plurality of gears that transmit the rotation of the drive motor (110) to the hinge of the refrigerator (1).

[0137] The motor drive (111) may receive a target speed command or a torque command from the processor (210) and may provide a driving current corresponding to the target speed command or the target torque command to the driving motor (110). For example, the motor drive (111) may apply a pulse width modulated driving voltage to the driving motor (110) to provide a driving current to the driving motor (110). The driving motor (110) may generate a torque to open or close the door (150). The driving motor (110) may include, for example, a brushless direct current motor (BLDC motor) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) which allows for easy control of rotational speed.

[0138] The control panel (170) can provide a user interface for interaction with the user. The control panel (170) may be provided on the main body (100) or on the door (150). For example, the control panel (170) may be provided on the outside of the first door (150L).

[0139] The control panel (170) may include an input button (171) and / or a display (172).

[0140] The input button (171) can obtain user input related to the operation of the refrigerator (11). For example, the input button (171) can obtain user input (or user command) for opening the door (150). For example, the input button (171) can obtain a refrigeration target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room (140) or a freezing target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room (140).

[0141] The input button (171) can provide an electrical signal (user input signal) corresponding to user input (e.g., a voltage signal or a current signal) to the processor (210). The processor (210) can identify the user input based on processing the user input signal.

[0142] The input button (171) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

[0143] The display (172) can obtain operation information of the refrigerator (11) from the processor (210) and can display operation information of the refrigerator (11). For example, the display (172) can display the opening or closing of the door (150). For example, the display (172) can display the measured temperature of the refrigerator compartment or the measured temperature of the freezer compartment, etc.

[0144] Additionally, the display (172) can display user input obtained in relation to the operation of the refrigerator (11). For example, the display (172) can display user input for opening the door (150). For example, the display (172) can display the refrigeration target temperature of the refrigerator compartment (20a) or the freezing target temperature of the freezer compartment (20b) obtained through the input button (111).

[0145] The display (172) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, etc.

[0146] The refrigerator may include a plurality of sensors (180). The plurality of sensors (180) may include an illuminance sensor (181), a touch sensor (182), and / or a door sensor (183).

[0147] The illuminance sensor (181) can detect the characteristics of light incident on the illuminance sensor. The illuminance sensor (181) can output a value corresponding to the brightness (i.e., illuminance) of the light incident on the illuminance sensor (181). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illuminance sensor (181) may be provided on the upper surface of the outer surface of the refrigerator (11). Specifically, the illuminance sensor (182) may be provided on the upper surface of the outer surface of the door (150) to detect the illuminance above the door (150). Accordingly, the illuminance around the refrigerator (11) can be detected even if the refrigerator (11) is installed as a unit in kitchen furniture or a cabinet and other surfaces of the refrigerator (11), excluding the outer surface of the door, are not exposed to the outside. The illuminance sensor (181) may detect illuminance in real time, may detect it periodically, or may detect it when a trigger signal is input.

[0148] The touch sensor (182) can detect physical characteristics that change through a user's touch. That is, the touch sensor (182) can output a value corresponding to whether the user touches and / or the intensity of the touch. At this time, detecting the user's touch by the touch sensor (182) may include identifying the intensity of the user's touch or the intensity of pressure applied by the user based on the changing physical characteristics. For example, the touch sensor (182) may include a pressure-sensing touch sensor that detects a change in pressure caused by a user's touch. The pressure-sensing touch sensor may detect a change in pressure applied by the user to the touch sensor (182) based on a change in resistance. For example, the touch sensor (182) may include a capacitive touch sensor that detects a change in electrical capacitance caused by a user's touch. For example, the touch sensor (182) may include a piezoelectric touch sensor that acquires an electrical signal generated in a piezoelectric material according to a change in pressure applied by a user's touch. For example, the touch sensor (182) may include an optical touch sensor that detects the degree of light blockage according to the user's touch.

[0149] The door sensor (183) can detect whether the door (150) is open or closed. That is, the door sensor (183) can output the open or closed status of the door (150) as a preset judgment value. For example, the door sensor (183) can output 1 if the door (150) is open and 0 if the door (150) is closed. For example, the door sensor (183) can also be implemented as a distance sensor, and if the distance between the door (150) and the main body is greater than or equal to a reference distance, it can be determined that the door (150) is open, and if it is less than the reference distance, it can be determined that the door (150) is closed. However, the door sensor (183) is not limited to this, and as long as it can determine whether the door (150) is open and output a preset judgment value, there are no restrictions on its configuration. The processor (210) can determine whether the door (150) is automatically opened based on the output value of the door sensor (183). For example, the processor (210) can control the door opening device (160) to open the door (150) when the output value of the door sensor (183) is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (11) may include various types of sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors.

[0151] The speaker (173) can provide information related to the operation of the refrigerator (11) in the form of auditory information. The speaker (173) can output an alarm related to the automatic opening of the door (150). For example, the speaker (173) can provide information regarding whether the door (150) is open or closed and the operating status through sound effects. As another example, the speaker (173) can provide information regarding the location of the door (150) being opened and / or the time of opening of the door (150) through voice.

[0152] The communication interface (190) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module. The external device may include a user device (2), a server device (3), or another refrigerator (11).

[0153] The communication interface (190) may communicate using a network or may communicate using a short-range wireless communication method. For example, the communication module (160) of the ultrasound diagnostic device (40) and the communication module (119) of the probe (20) may communicate using any one of the wireless data communication methods including Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association), BLE (Bluetooth LowEnergy), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance), RF communication, 60 GHz millimeter wave (mm Wave) short-range communication.

[0154] The control unit (200) and the processor (210) may be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board provided inside the door (150) or on a printed circuit board provided inside the housing (10).

[0155] The processor (210) may be operatively or electrically connected to the door opening device (160), control panel (170), sensor (180), speaker (173), and communication interface (190).

[0156] The processor (210) can process the output signal of the sensor (180) and output a control signal to control the door opening device (160).

[0157] The processor (210) may include a memory (220) that stores or remembers a program (multiple instructions) or data for processing signals and providing control signals. The memory (191) may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory, D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory: ROM) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EPROM). The memory (220) may be provided integrally with the processor (210) or as a semiconductor device separate from the processor (210).

[0158] The processor (210) may further include a processing core (e.g., an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit) that processes signals and outputs control signals based on a program or data stored in memory (220). Memory (220) may store data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) by time period. In this case, the time period may correspond to a predetermined time period in which 24 hours are divided equally using a unit time as a reference interval. For example, if the unit time is 1 hour, memory (220) may store data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period, such as between 12:00 AM and 1:00 AM, between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, and between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. The opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period may be calculated by the processor (210). Additionally, the opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period may be updated by the processor (210).

[0159] The processor (210) processes user input signals from the control panel (170) and can identify user inputs. For example, the processor (210) can identify user inputs for opening the door (150) or user inputs for closing the door (150). The processor (210) can control the door opening device (160) to open or close the door (150) based on the user input signals from the control panel (170).

[0160] Additionally, the processor (210) can control the door opening device (160) to independently open or close the first door (150L) and the second door (150R) based on a user input signal from the control panel (170).

[0161] A processor according to one embodiment can control the door opening device to open the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and can control the speaker to output an alarm regarding the opening of the door.

[0162] The processor can adjust the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the frequency of opening the door determined according to the time period in which the output value of the illuminance sensor is acquired.

[0163] The processor can adjust the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

[0164] The processor can turn off the volume of the alarm based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0165] The processor can adjust the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value based on whether the output value of the light sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or whether the output value of the light sensor is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0166] The above processor can control the light source so that the illuminance inside the main body decreases based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0167] The above processor can control the light source to increase the illuminance inside the main body based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0168] The above processor; can increase the first reference value based on the fact that the output value of the light sensor is less than the first reference value and the door is opened.

[0169] The processor above can reduce the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0170] The processor above can increase the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0171] The processor can recognize the opening and closing of the door during a unit time, calculate the opening frequency during the unit time, and update the opening frequency of the door during the unit time based on the opening frequency during the unit time stored in the memory, the calculated opening frequency during the unit time, and the following Equation 1.

[0172] The above unit time may correspond to the standard time interval dividing the above time zone.

[0173] [Equation 1]

[0174] N n = λ Х O n +(1 - λ)ХC n

[0175] (At this time, N n is the updated opening frequency of the n-th time zone, O n is the open frequency stored in memory prior to the update of the n-th time period, C n is the calculated opening frequency of the n-th time period, λ is the weighting coefficient, 0 < λ < 1)

[0176] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding determining the opening frequency of a door (150) according to one embodiment.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can obtain the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) (1100). Accordingly, the processor (210) can obtain data regarding the illuminance around the refrigerator (11). At this time, as the illuminance sensor (181) is provided on the upper surface of the door (150), the illuminance around the refrigerator (11) may include data regarding the illuminance above the door (150). That is, the processor (210) can detect the illuminance above the door (150).

[0178] The processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) (1200). The processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) for a specific time period. The processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) based on data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) by time period stored in memory (220) and data regarding the time period to which a specific point in time belongs. Specifically, the processor (210) can obtain the opening frequency of the door (150) determined according to the time period to which the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is obtained. A method for determining the opening frequency of the door (150) will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0179] The processor (210) can adjust the volume of an alarm indicating automatic opening of the door (150) based on at least one of the output value of the light sensor (181) or the frequency of opening of the door (150) determined according to the time period in which the output value of the light sensor (181) is acquired (1400). At this time, adjusting the volume of the alarm indicating automatic opening of the door (150) may include adjusting the alarm volume to a value greater than 0 and less than or equal to a maximum value, and adjusting the alarm volume to 0 (i.e., turning off the alarm volume). Adjusting the volume of the alarm indicating automatic opening of the door (150) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0180] The processor (210) can determine whether the output value of the touch sensor (182) is greater than or equal to a threshold value (1400). The threshold value may be pre-set during the refrigerator (11) production process and stored in memory (220). Additionally, the threshold value may be changed directly by the user or by the processor (210) when certain conditions are satisfied.

[0181] If the output value of the touch sensor (182) is below a threshold value (e.g., 1400), the processor (210) may maintain the existing state without automatically opening the door (150). Additionally, since the door (150) is not automatically opened, the alarm related to the automatic opening of the door (150) may not be output.

[0182] When the output value of the touch sensor (182) is greater than or equal to a threshold value (e.g., 1400), the processor (210) can control the door opening device (160) to open the door (150) and control the speaker (173) to output an alarm regarding the opening of the door (150). The volume of the alarm output from the speaker (173) may correspond to a volume determined by the output value of the light sensor (181) or the frequency of opening the door (150). At this time, the automatic opening of the door (150) and the output of the alarm may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0183] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart regarding determining the opening frequency of a door (150) according to one embodiment.

[0184] The processor (210) can acquire time data at a preset time point (1201). According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can acquire time data at the time when an output value is acquired from the light sensor (181). The time data may include hour data and minute information. For example, the processor (210) can acquire time data at the time when an output value is acquired from the light sensor (181) as '3 o'clock' and '15 minutes'. The processor (210) can acquire time data corresponding to the time when an output value is acquired from the light sensor (181) from an external device through a communication interface (190). At this time, the external device may include a server device (3). The server device (3) may be installed inside the refrigerator (11). Also, the processor

[0185] The processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) based on acquired time data. The processor (210) can determine the time period to which the time of acquiring the output value from the light sensor (181) belongs according to the acquired time data. For example, if the acquired time data is '3 o'clock' and '15 minutes', the processor (210) can determine the time period to which the time of acquiring the output value from the light sensor (181) belongs to be between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock. After that, the processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) corresponding to the determined time period based on the opening frequency data of the door (150) by time period stored in the memory (220) and the determined time period. For example, if the opening frequency of the door (150) between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock is stored as 10 times in the memory (220), the processor (210) can determine the opening frequency of the door (150) as 10 times.

[0186] FIG. 9 is a table regarding adjusting the volume of an alarm according to one embodiment.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust the output of an alarm regarding the automatic opening of the door (150) based on at least one of the output value of the light sensor (181) or the frequency of opening the door (150) determined according to the time period in which the output value of the light sensor (181) is acquired.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust the volume based on whether the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is greater than or equal to a first reference value. For example, if the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the processor (210) can adjust the volume to the maximum, and if the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is less than the first reference value, the volume can be adjusted to a value smaller than the maximum value or turned off. At this time, the first reference value may be pre-set in the production process and stored in the memory (220). Additionally, the first reference value may be changed directly by the user or changed by the processor (210) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust the volume based on whether the opening frequency of the door (150) corresponds to or greater than a second reference value. For example, if the opening frequency of the door (150) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, the processor (210) can adjust the volume to the maximum, and if the opening frequency of the door (150) of the light sensor (181) is less than the second reference value, the volume can be adjusted to a value smaller than the maximum value or turned off. At this time, the second reference value may be pre-set in the production process and stored in the memory (220). Additionally, the second reference value may be changed directly by the user or changed by the processor (210) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust the volume based on the output value of the light sensor (181) and the frequency of opening the door (150).

[0191] Referring to FIG. 9, the processor (210) can adjust the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the frequency of opening the door is greater than or equal to a second reference value. When the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the frequency of opening the door (150) is greater than or equal to a second reference value, it corresponds to the time period when the user mainly uses the refrigerator (11), so the output of the alarm regarding the automatic opening of the door (150) can be increased to improve user convenience.

[0192] The processor (210) can adjust the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value when the output value of the light sensor (181) is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door (150) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or when the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door (150) is less than the second reference value.

[0193] When the output value of the light sensor (181) is less than the first reference value and the frequency of opening the door (150) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or when the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value, it may correspond to a time period in which the user uses the refrigerator (11) less frequently compared to the case where the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the frequency of opening the door (150) is greater than or equal to the second reference value. Since the time period in which the refrigerator (11) is used relatively less frequently is when the user is resting or engaging in activities other than cooking or preparing food, the volume can be reduced so as not to disturb the user.

[0194] The processor (210) can turn off the volume when the output value of the light sensor (181) is less than a first reference value and the opening frequency of the door (150) is less than a second reference value. In other words, the processor (210) can adjust the volume to 0 when the output value of the light sensor (181) is less than a first reference value and the opening frequency of the door (150) is less than a second reference value. When the output value of the light sensor (181) is less than a first reference value and the opening frequency of the door (150) is less than a second reference value, it corresponds to a time when the user does not mainly use the refrigerator (11), such as during bedtime or time to go out. Therefore, the alarm sound can be turned off so as not to disturb the user's sleep and to prevent unnecessary alarm output, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

[0195] Recently, there is a problem in that the refrigerator (11) is installed as a unit in kitchen furniture or cabinets, making it difficult for the light sensor (181) to clearly detect the ambient light level of the refrigerator (11). Accordingly, it was difficult to determine the time period when the refrigerator (11) is frequently used based solely on the output value of the light sensor (181). According to one embodiment, by considering both the output value of the light sensor (181) and the frequency of opening the door (150) determined by the time period in which the output value of the light sensor is acquired, the volume of the alarm and other settings can be adjusted to sensitively detect the surrounding environment and optimize the settings related to automatic door opening.

[0196] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for adjusting the settings of a refrigerator (11) according to the output value of an illuminance sensor (181) according to one embodiment.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust other settings regarding the refrigerator (11) other than the volume control of the alarm based on the output value of the light sensor (181).

[0198] When the output value of the illuminance sensor (191) is less than the first reference value (No in 2001), the processor (210) can control the light source (80) so that the illuminance inside the main body (100) decreases (2002). At this time, since light emitted from the light source inside the main body (100) is delivered to the user only when the door (150) is opened, the processor (210) can control the light source (80) so that the illuminance inside the main body (100) decreases based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is less than the first reference value and the door (150) is opened. The processor (210) can determine whether the door (150) is opened based on the output value of the door sensor (183). According to one embodiment, when the surroundings of the refrigerator (11) are dark (i.e., when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor (181) is less than a first reference value), the illuminance inside the refrigerator (11) is also reduced, thereby reducing glare or visual fatigue felt by the user due to the difference in illuminance.

[0199] Additionally, the processor (210) can increase the first reference value based on the fact that the output value is less than the first reference value and the door (150) is opened (2003). When the door (150) is opened, the illuminance sensor (181) may perceive the light as bright even though the illuminance around the refrigerator (11) is low due to light emitted from a light source inside the main body (100). Therefore, by adjusting the first reference value, the malfunction of volume control according to the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) can be prevented.

[0200] When the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value (e.g. 2001), the processor (210) can control the light source (80) to increase the illuminance inside the main body (100) (2004). At this time, since light emitted from the light source inside the main body (100) is delivered to the user only when the door (150) is opened, the processor (210) can control the light source (80) to increase the illuminance inside the main body (100) based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the door (150) is opened. The processor (210) can determine whether the door (150) is opened based on the output value of the door sensor (183). According to one embodiment, when the surroundings of the refrigerator (11) are bright (i.e., when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor (181) is greater than or equal to a first reference value), the illuminance inside the refrigerator (11) is also increased, thereby reducing glare or visual fatigue felt by the user due to the difference in illuminance.

[0201] Additionally, the processor (210) can maintain the first reference value based on the fact that the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the door (150) is opened (2005). If the output value of the light sensor (181) is greater than or equal to the first reference value (i.e., if it is already a bright environment), even if the door (150) is opened, the light sensor (181) does not have the problem of recognizing the light as bright even though the light around the refrigerator (11) is low due to the light emitted from the light source inside the main body (100). Therefore, the first reference value can be maintained without adjusting the first reference value.

[0202] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for adjusting the settings of a refrigerator (11) according to the opening frequency of a door (150) according to one embodiment.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can adjust other settings regarding the refrigerator (11) other than the volume control of the alarm based on the opening frequency of the door (150).

[0204] The processor (210) can determine whether the opening frequency of the door (150) is greater than or equal to a second reference value (2003).

[0205] When the opening frequency of the door (150) is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the processor (210) may reduce the threshold value associated with the touch sensor (182) (3002). Since the threshold value is a criterion for whether to automatically open the door (150) based on the user's touch, the lower the threshold value, the greater the sensitivity of the touch sensor (182). That is, reducing the threshold value associated with the touch sensor (182) may correspond to increasing the sensitivity of the touch sensor (182).

[0206] If the frequency of opening the door (150) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, it corresponds to the time period when the user mainly uses the refrigerator (11). Therefore, the sensitivity of the touch sensor (182) is increased so that the door (150) does not open automatically even when the user touches it, thereby preventing the inconvenience of the user having to manually open the door by gripping the handle (154).

[0207] On the other hand, if the frequency of opening the door (150) is less than the second threshold value, the processor (210) can increase the threshold value associated with the touch sensor (182) (3003). If the frequency of opening the door (150) is less than the second threshold value, it does not correspond to the time period when the user mainly uses the refrigerator (11), so the sensitivity of the touch sensor (182) can be reduced to prevent the door (150) from being left open even when the user does not touch it.

[0208] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart for updating the opening frequency of the door (11) by time period according to one embodiment.

[0209] The memory (220) can store data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) by time period. At this time, the time period may correspond to a predetermined time period in which 24 hours are divided equally using unit time as a reference interval. For example, if the unit time is 1 hour, the memory (220) can store data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period, such as between 12:00 AM and 1:00 AM, between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, and between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. The opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period can be calculated by the processor (210). Additionally, the opening frequency of the door (150) for each time period can be updated by the processor (210).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can recognize the closure of the door (150) during a unit of time (4001). For example, the processor (210) can recognize that the door (150) is opened 7 times and closed 7 times during the 1 hour from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

[0211] After that, the processor (210) can calculate the frequency of opening during a unit of time (2004). For example, the processor (210) can calculate the frequency of opening the door (150) as 7 times during the 1 hour from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

[0212] The processor (210) can apply a Low Pass Filter corresponding to the following Equation 1 to the data regarding the opening frequency of the door (150) by time period previously stored in memory (220) and the calculated opening frequency of the door during a unit time. The processor (210) can adjust the weight of the opening frequency stored in memory (220) and the calculated opening frequency by varying the weighting coefficient.

[0213] [Equation 1]

[0214] Nn= λ Х On +(1 - λ)ХCn

[0215] (Here, Nn is the updated open frequency of the n-th time period, On is the open frequency stored in memory before the update of the n-th time period, Cn is the calculated open frequency of the n-th time period, and λ is the weighting coefficient 0<λ<1)

[0216] Accordingly, the processor (210) can update the opening frequency of the door (150) by time period to a set of Nn. Additionally, the processor (210) can store the updated opening frequency of the door (150) by time period in memory (220).

[0217] According to one embodiment, a Low Pass Filter can be used to combine existing data (On) and new data (Cn) to reduce the impact of sudden data changes (noise) and increase the reliability of the overall data.

[0218] A refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a main body; a door rotatably coupled to the main body; a door opening device for opening the door; a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch; an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance above the door; a speaker; a memory for storing the opening frequency of the door by time period; and a processor for controlling the door opening device to open the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and controlling the speaker to output an alarm regarding the opening of the door; wherein the processor can adjust the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the opening frequency of the door determined according to the time period to which the output value of the illuminance sensor is acquired.

[0219] The above processor can adjust the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the light sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

[0220] The processor above can turn off the volume of the alarm based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0221] The processor can adjust the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value based on whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0222] The above processor can control the light source so that the illuminance inside the main body decreases based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0223] The above processor can control the light source to increase the illuminance inside the main body based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0224] The above processor; can increase the first reference value based on the fact that the output value of the light sensor is less than the first reference value and the door is opened.

[0225] The processor above can reduce the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0226] The processor above can increase the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0227] The processor can recognize the opening and closing of the door during a unit time, calculate the opening frequency during the unit time, and update the opening frequency of the door during the unit time based on the opening frequency during the unit time stored in the memory, the calculated opening frequency during the unit time, and the following Equation 1.

[0228] The above unit time may correspond to the standard time interval dividing the above time zone.

[0229] [Equation 1]

[0230] N n = λХ O n +(1 - λ)ХC n

[0231] (At this time, N n is the updated opening frequency of the n-th time zone, O n is the open frequency stored in memory prior to the update of the n-th time period, C n is the calculated opening frequency of the n-th time period, λ is the weighting coefficient, 0<λ<1)

[0232] According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body, a door rotatably coupled to the main body, a door opening device for opening the door, a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch, an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance, a speaker, and a memory for storing the frequency of opening the door over time, wherein the method for controlling the refrigerator comprises opening the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value and outputting an alarm regarding the opening of the door, and outputting the alarm may include adjusting the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the illuminance sensor or the frequency of opening the door determined according to the time period to which the time of acquiring the output value of the illuminance sensor belongs.

[0233] Adjusting the volume of the above alarm may include adjusting the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the above light sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the opening frequency of the above door is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

[0234] Adjusting the volume of the above alarm may include turning off the volume of the alarm based on the fact that the output value of the above light sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the above door is less than the second reference value.

[0235] Adjusting the volume of the above alarm may include adjusting the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value based on whether the output value of the light sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or whether the output value of the light sensor is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0236] The control method of the refrigerator described above may further include controlling a light source that irradiates light into the main body so as to reduce the illuminance inside the main body based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0237] The control method of the refrigerator described above may further include controlling the light source to increase the illuminance inside the main body based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the door is opened.

[0238] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include increasing the first reference value based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the door is opened.

[0239] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include reducing the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0240] The control method of the refrigerator above may further include increasing the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

[0241] The control method of the refrigerator described above further includes recognizing the opening and closing of the door during a unit time period by means of a door sensor that detects whether the door is opened or closed, calculating the opening frequency during the unit time period, and updating the opening frequency of the door during the unit time period based on the opening frequency during the unit time period stored in the memory, the calculated opening frequency during the unit time period, and the following Equation 1, wherein the unit time period may correspond to a reference time interval that divides the time period.

[0242] [Equation 1]

[0243] N n = λХ O n +(1 - λ)ХC n

[0244] (At this time, N n is the updated opening frequency of the n-th time zone, O n is the open frequency stored in memory prior to the update of the n-th time period, C n is the calculated opening frequency of the n-th time period, λ is the weighting coefficient, 0 < λ < 1)

[0245] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, changes in the surrounding environment can be sensitively detected by changing settings related to automatic door opening according to various criteria.

[0246] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor can be utilized to optimize settings related to automatic door opening in response to changes in the surrounding environment.

[0247] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the user experience can be improved by eliminating the need for the user to individually change settings related to automatic door opening according to the situation.

[0248] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0249] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0250] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0251] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. Main body; A door rotatably coupled to the above main body; A door opening device for opening the above door; A touch sensor that detects user touch; An illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the upper part of the door; speaker; A memory for storing the opening frequency of the above door by time period; and A processor that controls the door opening device to open the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and controls the speaker to output an alarm regarding the opening of the door; The above processor; is, A refrigerator that adjusts the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the light sensor, or the frequency of opening the door determined according to the time period in which the output value of the light sensor is acquired.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that adjusts the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the above-mentioned illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the opening frequency of the above-mentioned door is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that turns off the volume of the alarm based on the fact that the output value of the above-mentioned illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the above-mentioned door is less than the second reference value.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that adjusts the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value based on whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above refrigerator is, A light source that irradiates light into the interior of the above-mentioned main body; and It further includes a door sensor that detects whether the above door is open or closed, and The above processor; is, A refrigerator that controls the light source so that the illuminance inside the main body decreases based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than a first reference value and the door is opened.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that controls the light source to increase the illuminance inside the main body based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the door is opened.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that increases the first reference value based on the fact that the output value of the above-mentioned illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the door is opened.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that reduces the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the above door is greater than or equal to the second reference value.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above processor; is, A refrigerator that increases the threshold value based on the fact that the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above refrigerator is, It further includes a door sensor that detects whether the above door is open or closed. The above processor; is, Recognizing the opening and closing of the above door during a unit of time, Calculate the opening frequency during the above unit time, and Update the time-series opening frequency of the door based on the time-series opening frequency stored in the memory, the calculated opening frequency during the unit time, and the following Equation 1, and The above unit time is a refrigerator corresponding to the standard time interval dividing the above time zone. [Equation 1] N n = λ Х O n +(1 - λ)ХC n (At this time, N n is the updated opening frequency of the n-th time zone, O n is the open frequency stored in memory prior to the update of the n-th time period, C n is the calculated opening frequency of the n-th time period, λ is the weighting coefficient, 0 < λ < 1) 11. A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body, a door rotatably coupled to the main body, a door opening device for opening the door, a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch, an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance, a speaker, and a memory for storing the frequency of opening the door over time, The control method of the above refrigerator is, Open the door based on the fact that the output value of the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and It includes outputting an alarm regarding the opening of the above door, Outputting the above alarm is, A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising adjusting the volume of the alarm based on at least one of the output value of the light sensor or the frequency of opening the door determined according to the time period in which the output value of the light sensor is acquired.

12. In Paragraph 11, Adjusting the volume of the above alarm is, A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising adjusting the volume of the alarm to a maximum value based on the fact that the output value of the above-mentioned illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first reference value and the opening frequency of the above-mentioned door is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

13. In Paragraph 12, Adjusting the volume of the above alarm is, A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising turning off the volume of the alarm based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

14. In Paragraph 13, Adjusting the volume of the above alarm is, A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising adjusting the volume of the alarm to a value smaller than the maximum value based on whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is greater than or equal to the second reference value, or whether the output value of the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to the first reference value and the opening frequency of the door is less than the second reference value.

15. In Paragraph 14, The control method of the above refrigerator is, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising controlling a light source that irradiates light into the main body so that the illuminance inside the main body is reduced based on the fact that the output value of the illuminance sensor is less than a first reference value and the door is opened.

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