Refrigerator and method for controlling same

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body having a storage chamber; doors rotatably provided to open and close the storage chamber; a door driving device for opening or closing the door; a communication interface for communicating with an external device; and a control unit which receives setting information from the external device through the communication interface, the setting information including at least one received setting information element from among setting information elements for setting an opening speed of the door, a closing speed of the door, and an opening standby time from the time point at which an opening condition is satisfied or a closing standby time from the time point at which a closing condition is satisfied, and which controls, on the basis that the opening condition or the closing condition is satisfied, the door driving device so as to open or close the door according to the at least one received setting information element from among the setting information elements.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator capable of automatically opening and closing the refrigerator door and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that keeps food fresh by being equipped with 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 food storage and a freezer compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to minus 30 degrees Celsius for frozen food storage. 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.

[0005] Recently, to improve the user experience, auto door features that automatically open and close doors without the need for the user to manually open or close them are being introduced.

[0006] Refrigerators equipped with an auto door function have a touch sensor located on the front of the door to automatically open or close the door. As a result, users face the inconvenience of having to move to the front of the door and manually operate the touch sensor to automatically open or close the door.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided, which can remotely control an auto door function using a smart home appliance app, implement various auto door functions, and monitor the operating status of the door in real time.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided, which can adjust the opening speed and closing speed of the door using a smart home appliance app.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided, which can adjust the door opening waiting time and the door closing waiting time using a smart home appliance app.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided, which can adjust the volume of a door notification sound using a smart home appliance app.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator are provided, which can detect abnormal door operation when the door is automatically opened or closed using a smart home appliance app and notify the user through the smart home appliance app.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0013] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body having a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door driving device configured to open or close the door; a communication interface communicating with an external device; and a control unit that receives setting information from the external device through the communication interface, wherein the setting information includes at least one received setting information element among setting information elements for setting the opening speed of the door, the closing speed of the door, and the opening waiting time from a point in time when the opening condition is satisfied or the closing waiting time from a point in time when the closing condition is satisfied, and controls the door driving device to open or close the door according to the at least one received setting information element among the setting information elements based on satisfying the opening condition or the closing condition.

[0014] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the step of executing a process configured by a control unit of the refrigerator, wherein the process comprises the step of receiving setting information including at least one setting information element received among setting information elements for setting the opening speed of the refrigerator door, the closing speed of the door, the opening waiting time of the door from a time when an opening condition is satisfied, or the closing waiting time of the door from a time when a closing condition is satisfied; and

[0015] Based on the satisfaction of the above opening condition or the above closing condition, the method may include the step of opening or closing the door according to at least one received setting information element among the setting information elements.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the closed door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator open according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a door driving device provided in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an internal perspective view of a door driving device provided on the left door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a first gear assembly of a door driving device provided on the left door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a first gear assembly of a door driving device provided on the left door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a clutch gear provided in a first gear assembly of a refrigerator door driving device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram of a second gear assembly of a refrigerator door driving device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a second gear assembly of a refrigerator door driving device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a network of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate the operation of a door driving device when the door of a refrigerator is automatically opened according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate the operation of a door pusher and a door link provided in a door driving device when the door of a refrigerator is automatically opened according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a data flow of a refrigerator system including a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 illustrates a refrigerator control screen of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 illustrates an auto door function setting screen of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 22 illustrates a door opening notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 23 illustrates a door closing notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 24 illustrates an abnormal status notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an operation of opening and closing a door according to an auto door function in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of an operation in which a door opening abnormality is provided to a smart home appliance app during automatic opening of a door in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of an operation in which a door closing abnormality is provided to a smart home appliance app during automatic closing of a door in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 28 is a control block diagram of a server communicating with a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0042] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In the present disclosure, 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.

[0044] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0045] 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).

[0046] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0047] 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 disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048] 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.

[0049] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where a component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

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

[0051] 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.

[0052] The "inner frame" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner frame may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer frame" may form the exterior of the cabinet and may be attached to the outer side of the inner frame so that an insulating material is placed between the inner frame and the outer frame.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 rotate or slide on the front of the cabinet.

[0060] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to a cabinet, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0062] 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 cabinet 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

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

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 cabinet to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

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

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

[0074] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

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

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

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

[0078] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0079] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (AP) can connect the Local Area Network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

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

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

[0082] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the door of a refrigerator closed according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the door of a refrigerator open according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage room (20) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage room (20), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (20).

[0085] The main body (10) may include an inner part (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer part (12) forming an outer part of the refrigerator (1).

[0086] The inner box (11) can be open at the front. The inner box (11) may have a storage room (20) provided inside and may be provided on the inner side of the outer box (12). The inner wall of the inner box (11) may form the inner wall of the storage room (20).

[0087] The outer surface (12) can be formed to have the shape of a box with an open front. The outer surface (12) can form the upper surface, lower surface, left and right sides, rear surface, etc. of the refrigerator (1).

[0088] A body insulation material may be provided between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) of the main body (10) so that the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) can be insulated from each other. As the body insulation material is foamed between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) can be joined together. The body insulation material can prevent heat exchange from occurring between the inside of the storage room (20) and the outside of the main body (10), thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (20). As the body insulation material provided in the main body (10), urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. may be used. However, it is not limited thereto, and the body insulation material may be composed of various materials.

[0089] The main body (10) may further include a top table (13) provided on the upper part of the main body (10). In detail, the top table (13) may be coupled to the upper part of the outer body (12). The top table (13) may be coupled to the upper surface of the outer body (12).

[0090] The top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A receiving space for accommodating various electrical components can be formed on the inside of the top table (13). For example, the top table (13) can cover a door driving device (100) described later. In this case, the door driving device (100) can be accommodated on the inside of the top table (13).

[0091] A storage room (20) may be provided on the inside of the main body (10). For example, the storage room (20) may include a refrigerator room maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food. For example, the storage room (20) may include a freezer room maintained at approximately minus 30 to 0 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0092] For example, the storage room (20) may be divided into multiple areas by partitions (15). Specifically, the storage room (20) may be divided into an upper first storage room (21) and lower storage rooms (22, 23) by a first partition (17) extending in a horizontal direction.

[0093] Additionally, the lower storage rooms (22, 23) of the storage room (20) may be divided into a second storage room (22) on the left and a third storage room (23) on the right by a second partition (19) extending in a vertical direction. In this case, for example, the first storage room (21) may be used as a refrigerator, and both the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) may be used as freezers, or one of them may be used as a freezer and the other as a refrigerator.

[0094] The method of dividing the storage room (20) as described above and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0095] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (24) on which food can be placed and a storage container (26) for storing food may be provided.

[0096] The refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage room (20). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a blower fan. The cold air generated by the cooling system may be supplied to the storage room (20) through a cold air supply duct formed in the rear part of the inner chamber (11).

[0097] The door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door (30) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10).

[0098] The outer surface of the door (30) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the outer surface of the door (30) may form at least part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage room (20). Here, the inner surface of the door (30) refers to one side of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed. Also, the outer surface of the door (30) refers to the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed, and refers to the front of the door (30) visible when the refrigerator (1) is viewed from the front.

[0099] A door basket (38) for storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). A door gasket (39) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30) to seal the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage room (20).

[0100] The refrigerator (1) may include an upper door and a lower door arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). The refrigerator (1) may include a left door and a right door arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y). The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) that open and close each partitioned storage compartment (21, 22, 23).

[0101] The first storage room (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B). The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) that opens and closes a portion of the first storage room (21) and a second door (30B) that opens and closes another portion of the first storage room (21). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be provided to be rotatable independently of each other with respect to the main body (10). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y direction). For example, the first door (30A) may be provided to open and close the left portion of the first storage room (21), and the second door (30B) may be provided to open and close the right portion of the first storage room (22).

[0102] One of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) (e.g., the first door (30A)) may be provided with a rotating bar (80) that is rotatably provided with respect to the door and is provided to cover the gap between the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) when the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) close the first storage room (21).

[0103] The second storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the left lower door (30C). The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (30C) provided to open and close the second storage compartment (22). The third door (30C) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10). For example, the first door (30A) and the third door (30C) may be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z) relative to each other.

[0104] The third storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the right lower door (30D). The refrigerator (1) may include a fourth door (30D) provided to open and close the third storage compartment (23). The fourth door (30D) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10). For example, the second door (30B) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). Additionally, the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y).

[0105] Each of the multiple doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) may be provided with a handle. A user may open or close each of the multiple doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) by grasping the handle provided on each of the multiple doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) with their hand. For example, the handle provided on each of the multiple doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) may include a groove shape formed concavely so as to be gripped.

[0106] Handles provided on the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) are explained as examples.

[0107] A portion of the top surface of the third door (30C) may include a handle area (50).

[0108] A portion of the upper surface of the third door (30C) may be the right side of the upper surface of the third door (30C). The right side of the upper surface of the third door (30C) may be a surface corresponding to the central area of ​​the main body (10) of the refrigerator.

[0109] The front of the handle area (50) of the third door (30C) may include a recessed groove extending downward from the top surface of the third door for a certain length.

[0110] A user's hand can be inserted into the groove (50) of the third door (30C). The user can open the third door (30C) by pulling the third door after inserting their hand into the groove. The groove here may be a handle area.

[0111] The fourth door (30D) may include a handle area (50) on part of its upper surface.

[0112] A portion of the top surface of the fourth door (30D) may be the left side of the top surface of the fourth door (30D). The left side of the top surface of the fourth door (30D) may be a surface corresponding to the central area of ​​the main body (10) of the refrigerator.

[0113] The front of the handle area (50) of the fourth door (30D) may include a recessed groove extending downward from the upper surface of the fourth door (30D) for a certain length.

[0114] A user's hand can be inserted into the groove (50) of the fourth door (30D). After inserting the hand into the groove (50), the user can open the fourth door (30D) by pulling the fourth door (30D).

[0115] As described below, the upper door can be opened by a door driving device (100). For example, the first door (30A) can be opened by a first door driving device (100A) positioned on the left. For example, the second door (30B) can be opened by a second door driving device (100B) positioned on the left.

[0116] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (40) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge (40) may be provided so that the door (30) can rotate relative to the main body (10).

[0117] The hinge (40) can be fixed to the main body (10). In detail, the hinge (40) can be connected to the outer body (12).

[0118] The hinge (40) can rotatably support the door (30). The door (30) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) by the hinge (40).

[0119] In detail, the refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of hinges (41, 42, 43) provided to support each of a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of upper door hinges (41) coupled to the upper part of the main body (10) to rotatably support the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), respectively. Additionally, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of lower door hinges (43) coupled to the lower part of the main body (10) to rotatably support the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D), respectively. Additionally, for example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of intermediate hinges (42) positioned between the upper door hinge (41) and the lower door hinge (43) and coupled to the middle part of the main body (10) (specifically, the first partition (17)) to rotatably support each of the first door (30A), the second door (30B), the third door (30B), and the fourth door (30D).

[0120] The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above 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.

[0121] In addition, although the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment has been described above as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that it is a cold-cooling refrigerator, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0122] FIG. 3 is an example diagram of the arrangement of a door driving device provided in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerator (1) may include a door driving device (100) provided on the main body (10) and on the upper part of the main body (10).

[0124] A door driving device (100) may be configured to move at least one of a plurality of doors provided in the main body (10). For example, the door driving device (100) may be configured to be connected to each of the plurality of doors provided in the main body to move each of the plurality of doors, and may be configured to be connected to two doors provided on the upper part of the main body to move two doors. That is, the door driving device (100) may be one or more.

[0125] In one embodiment, a refrigerator is described as an example having first and second door driving devices that move two doors (30A, 30B) respectively, which are provided on the upper part of the main body (10).

[0126] The first and second door drive devices (100A, 100B) can be accommodated inside the top table (13). The first and second door drive devices (100A, 100B) can be covered from above by the top table (13). The door drive device (100) can be placed on the upper surface of the outer surface (12).

[0127] The first door drive unit (100A) and the second door drive unit (100B) can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0128] The first door driving device (100A) is positioned on the left side relative to the center at the top of the main body (10) and can move the first door (30A) in the first direction and the second direction to automatically open and close the first storage room (21).

[0129] The second door driving device (100B) is positioned to the right of the center at the top of the main body (10) and can move the second door (30B) in the first direction and the second direction to automatically open and close the first storage room (21).

[0130] For example, the first direction may be the direction of movement of the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to open the storage room, and the second direction may be the direction of movement of the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to close the storage room. Depending on the direction of the axis of the hinge to which the first and second doors (30A, 30B) are each connected, the first direction of the first door (30A) and the first direction of the second door (30B) may be different, and the second direction of the first door (30A) and the second direction of the second door (30B) may be different.

[0131] The first and second door driving devices (100A, 100B) can rotate the first and second doors (30A, 30B) relative to the main body (10) using the hinge (40) as an axis.

[0132] The first door driving device (100A) may be configured to apply repulsive or attractive force to the first door (30A), and to apply repulsive or attractive force to the upper part of the first door (30A).

[0133] The second door driving device (100B) may be configured to apply repulsive or attractive force to the second door (30B), and to apply repulsive or attractive force to the upper part of the second door (30B).

[0134] More specifically, the first and second door driving devices (100A, 100B) can apply a repulsive force to the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to cause the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to rotate about the hinge (40) as an axis, and can apply a gravitational force to the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to cause the first and second doors (30A, 30B) to rotate about the hinge (40) as an axis.

[0135] The first door drive device (100A) can move the first door (30A) to open or close a part of the first storage room (21). The second door drive device (100B) can move the second door (30B) to open or close another part of the first storage room (21).

[0136] The operation of the first door driving device (100A) moving the first door (30A) and the operation of the second door driving device (100B) moving the second door (30B) can be performed independently of each other.

[0137] Hereinafter, the movement state of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) for opening the first storage room (21) is described as the open state of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), and the movement state of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) for closing the first storage room (21) is described as the closed state of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B).

[0138] The operation of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) for opening the first storage room (21) is described as the opening of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), and the operation of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) for closing the first storage room (21) is described as the closing of the first door (30A) and the second door (30B).

[0139] In one embodiment, a door driving device (100) is provided on the main body (10) and the door is opened or closed by the door driving device (100) applying force to the door, but it is also possible for the door driving device (100) to be provided on the first and second doors (30A, 30B) and for the door to be opened or closed by the door driving device (100) applying force to the main body (10).

[0140] The first door drive unit (100A) and the second door drive unit (100B) may have structures corresponding to each other. The structure of the second door drive unit (100B) may also be applied to correspond to the structure of the first door drive unit (100A).

[0141] The structures of the first door driving device (100A) and the second door driving device (100B) will be described below by integrating them into the structure of the door driving device (100). The door that moves by the door driving device (100) will be referred to as the door (30).

[0142] FIG. 4 is an internal perspective view of a door driving device provided on the left door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 4, the door drive device (100) may include a door pusher (101), a door link (102), a motor (103), a first gear assembly (110), and a second gear assembly (120).

[0144] The door drive unit (100) may include a case provided on a top table (13). The case may accommodate a door pusher (101), a motor (103), a first gear assembly (110), and a second gear assembly (120). A door link (102) may be provided on the outside of the case.

[0145] The door pusher (101) can apply a repulsive force to the door (30) to open the door (30).

[0146] The door pusher (101) can apply a repulsive force to the door (30) while moving relative to the main body (10). Specifically, the door pusher (101) can apply force to the door (30) while moving forward from the main body (10) toward the door (30), thereby causing the door (30) in a closed state to become open.

[0147] The door pusher (101) may be configured to move linearly back and forth relative to the main body (10). The door pusher (101) may be configured to move linearly in the forward and backward direction (X) relative to the main body (10).

[0148] The door pusher (101) can apply physical force to the door (30) while moving from a first position to a second position. Here, the first position may be the position of the door pusher (101) when the door (30) is in a closed state. The first position may be the position when the door pusher (101) is located inside the main body (10). The second position may be the position of the door pusher (101) when the door (30) is in an open state. The second position may be the position when the door pusher (101) is pulled out to the outside of the main body (10).

[0149] The door pusher (101) can move from the second position to the first position when the door (30) is fully opened. That is, the door pusher (101) can return to its original position.

[0150] The door pusher (101) may include a pusher rack (101a) arranged to engage with the first gear assembly (110).

[0151] The door pusher (101) can receive power from the first gear assembly (110) through the pusher rack (101a). For example, the first gear assembly (110) and the pusher rack (101a) can form a rack-pinion gear structure.

[0152] The door link (102) can apply force to the door (30) while moving relative to the main body (10) to close the door (30). Specifically, the door link (102) can apply force to the door (30) while moving toward the main body (10), thereby causing the door (30) in an open state to become closed.

[0153] The door link (102) can be provided to move back and forth relative to the main body (10).

[0154] The door link (102) may be provided on the outside of the case and connected to the second gear assembly (120).

[0155] The door link (102) may include a first link (102a) connected to the door (30) and a second link (102b) connected to the first link (102a) and the second gear assembly (120).

[0156] The second link (102b) can be rotated by the rotation of the second gear assembly (120).

[0157] The first link (102a) of the door link (102) can be linked with the second link (102b). In this case, the first link (102a) of the door link (102) can move in response to the rotational movement of the second link (102b).

[0158] The door link (102) may shorten in length as the first link (102a) and the second link (102b) are bent in response to the rotational movement of the second link (102b), or lengthen as the bent first link (102a) and the second link (102b) are straightened.

[0159] The door link (102) can cause the door (30) to move toward the main body (10) by bending. The door link (102) can be extended when the door (30) is opened.

[0160] The motor (103) can generate power for the movement of the door pusher (101) and the door link (102).

[0161] The door drive device (100) may further include a motor driver connected to a motor (103). The motor (103) can generate power by receiving a driving current from the motor driver. The motor driver may be electrically connected to the processor of the refrigerator (1) and may operate based on a control signal received from the processor.

[0162] The motor (103) can transmit power to the door pusher (101) using the first gear assembly (110) and can transmit power to the door link (102) using the second gear assembly (120).

[0163] The first gear assembly (110) can adjust the rotational force received from the motor (103) to the magnitude of the force for moving the door pusher (101). The magnitude of the force for moving the door pusher (101) is the force that must be applied to the door (30) to open the door (30), and may be a force greater than or equal to the first reference size.

[0164] This first gear assembly (110) may include one or more gears capable of converting the rotational force of the motor (103) into a force of a first reference size.

[0165] FIGS. 5 and 6 are exemplary diagrams of a first gear assembly of a door driving device provided on the left door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first gear assembly (110) may include a first gear (111) connected to the shaft of the motor (103), a second gear (112) connected to the first gear (111), a third gear (113) connected to the second gear (112), a fourth gear (114) connected to the third gear (113), a fifth gear (115) connected to the fourth gear (114), and a sixth gear (116) connected to the fifth gear (115).

[0167] The first gear (111) may include a first helical gear. The type of the first gear (111) is not limited to this.

[0168] The first gear (111) can rotate by the rotational force received from the motor (10).

[0169] The second gear (112) may include a first double gear. The first double gear may include a second helical gear (112a) and a first spur gear (112b).

[0170] The second helical gear (112a) and the first spur gear (112b) of the second gear (112) may have different diameters.

[0171] The second helical gear (112a) of the second gear (112) can mesh with the first gear (111) and can rotate by the rotational force transmitted from the first gear (111).

[0172] The first spur gear (112b) of the second gear (112) can rotate in conjunction with the second helical gear (112a) of the second gear (112).

[0173] The first spur gear (112b) of the second gear (112) can mesh with the third gear (113).

[0174] The third gear (113) may include a second double gear. The second double gear may include second and third spur gears (113a, 113b). The second and third spur gears (113a, 113b) may have different diameters.

[0175] The second spur gear (113a) of the third gear (113) can be engaged with the first spur gear (112b) of the second gear (112) and can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the second gear (112).

[0176] The third spur gear (113b) of the third gear (113) can mesh with the fourth gear (114).

[0177] The third spur gear (113b) of the third gear (113) can rotate in conjunction with the second spur gear (113a) of the third gear (113).

[0178] The fourth gear (114) may include a third double gear. The third double gear may include fourth and fifth spur gears (114a, 114b). The fourth and fifth spur gears (114a, 114b) may have different diameters.

[0179] The fourth spur gear (114a) of the fourth gear (114) can be engaged with the third spur gear (113b) of the third gear (113) and can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the third gear (113).

[0180] The fifth spur gear (114b) of the fourth gear (114) can mesh with the fifth gear (115).

[0181] The fifth spur gear (114b) of the fourth gear (114) can rotate in conjunction with the fourth spur gear (114a) of the fourth gear (114).

[0182] The types of the second, third, and fourth gears (112, 113, 114) are not limited to the examples above.

[0183] The fifth gear (115) may include a sixth spur gear. The type of the fifth gear (115) is not limited to this.

[0184] The fifth gear (115) may include a clutch gear.

[0185] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a clutch gear provided in a first gear assembly of a refrigerator door driving device according to one embodiment.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 7, the first gear assembly (110) may further include a moving plate (117) for moving the fifth gear (115).

[0187] A fifth gear (115) may be provided on the moving plate (117).

[0188] The moving plate (117) can move the fifth gear (115) based on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the motor (103). That is, the fifth gear (115) can be moved toward the sixth gear (116) or toward the second gear assembly (120) by the moving plate (117).

[0189] The fifth gear (115) can be connected to the sixth gear (116) when the door (30) is opened, and can be connected to the second gear assembly (120) when the door (30) is closed.

[0190] The fifth gear (115) can be connected to the sixth gear (116) even when the door (30) is fully opened.

[0191] When the fifth gear (115) is connected to the sixth gear (116), it can transmit the rotational force transmitted from the fourth gear (114) to the sixth gear (116).

[0192] When the fifth gear (115) is connected to the second gear assembly (120), it can transmit the rotational force transmitted from the fourth gear (114) to the second gear assembly (120).

[0193] The sixth gear (116) may include a seventh spur gear. The type of the sixth gear (116) is not limited to this.

[0194] The sixth gear (116) can be connected to the fifth gear (115) and to the pusher rack (101a) of the door pusher (101). The sixth gear (116) can form a rack-pinion gear structure with the rack of the door pusher (101).

[0195] The sixth gear (116) can rotate by the rotational force transmitted from the fifth gear (116) and can transmit the rotational force to the pusher rack (101a) of the door pusher (101).

[0196] The rotational force transmitted from the sixth gear (116) can be converted into linear movement force in the pusher rack (101a) of the door pusher (101).

[0197] The first to sixth gears (111-116) can adjust the rotational force received from the motor (103) to the magnitude of the force for moving the door pusher (101).

[0198] The first gear assembly (110) can adjust the magnitude of the force transmitted to the door pusher (101) by the gear ratios of the first to sixth gears (111-116).

[0199] The second gear assembly (120) can adjust the rotational force received from the motor (103) to the magnitude of the force for moving the door link (102). The magnitude of the force for moving the door link (102) is the force that must be applied to the door (30) to close the door (30), and may be a force greater than or equal to the second reference size.

[0200] This second gear assembly (120) may include one or more gears capable of converting the rotational force of the motor (103) into a force of a second reference size.

[0201] FIGS. 8 and 9 are exemplary diagrams of a second gear assembly of a door driving device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second gear assembly (120) may include a seventh gear (121) connected to the fifth gear (115) of the first gear assembly (110), an eighth gear (122) connected to the seventh gear (121), and a ninth gear (123) connected to the eighth gear (122).

[0203] The seventh gear (121) may include a fourth double gear. The fourth double gear may include eighth and ninth spur gears (121a, 121b). The diameters of the eighth and ninth spur gears (121a, 121b) may be different.

[0204] The eighth spur gear (121a) of the seventh gear (121) can be engaged with the fifth gear (115) of the first gear assembly (120) and can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the fifth gear (115) of the first gear assembly (120).

[0205] The ninth spur gear (121b) of the seventh gear (121) can rotate in conjunction with the eighth spur gear (121a) of the seventh gear (121).

[0206] The ninth spur gear (121b) of the seventh gear (121) can be connected to the eighth gear (122).

[0207] The eighth gear (122) may include a fifth double gear. The fifth double gear may include tenth and eleventh spur gears (122a, 122b). The diameters of the tenth and eleventh spur gears (122a, 122b) may differ.

[0208] The 10th spur gear (122a) of the 8th gear (122) can be engaged with the 9th spur gear (121b) of the 7th gear (121) and can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the 9th spur gear (121b) of the 7th gear (121).

[0209] The 11th spur gear (122b) of the 8th gear (122) can rotate in conjunction with the 10th spur gear (122a) of the 8th gear (122).

[0210] The 11th spur gear (122b) of the 8th gear (122) can be connected to the 9th gear (123) and can transmit rotational force to the 9th gear (123).

[0211] The ninth gear (123) may include a twelfth spur gear. The ninth gear (123) may be a link gear.

[0212] The ninth gear (123) can be connected to the eleventh spur gear (122b) of the eighth gear (122) and can receive rotational force from the eleventh spur gear (122b) of the eighth gear (122).

[0213] The ninth gear (123) can be connected to the door link (102). The rotation axis of the ninth gear (123) can be connected to the second link (102b) of the door link (102).

[0214] The rotational force of the ninth gear (123) can be transmitted to the second link (102b) of the door link (102). That is, the second link (102b) of the door link (102) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the ninth gear (123).

[0215] As the second link (102b) of the door link (102) rotates, the position of the first link (102a) connected to the second link (102b) can be changed, and as a result, the position of the second link (102b) and the first link (102a) can be changed.

[0216] For example, the second link (102b) and the first link (102a) may be in a bent or unbent position in correspondence with the rotation angle of the second link (102b) of the door link (102). As a result, the overall length of the door link (102) may be increased or decreased.

[0217] When the door link (102) is in an unbending position, the door (30) may be in an open state. When the door link (102) is in a bending position, the door (30) may be in a closed state.

[0218] The 7th, 8th, and 9th gears (121, 122, 123) can adjust the rotational force received from the motor (103) through the 5th gear (115) to the magnitude of the force for moving the door link (102).

[0219] The second gear assembly (120) can adjust the magnitude of the force transmitted to the door link (102) by the gear ratios of the 7th, 8th, and 9th gears (121, 122, 123).

[0220] FIG. 10 illustrates a network of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 10, the refrigerator (1) can communicate with other home appliances (not shown), user devices (2), or servers (3).

[0222] Other appliances may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, other appliances may include, but are not limited to, at least one of a clothes processor, a dishwasher, an electric range, an electric oven, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dryer, and a microwave oven, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances not shown in the drawings, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television. Furthermore, the aforementioned home appliances are merely examples.

[0223] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, refrigerator (1), or user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, refrigerator (1), or user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. This server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, cloud, data drive, or data station. The server (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.

[0224] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering refrigerators (1) associated with user accounts, and managing or controlling registered refrigerators (1). For example, a user can create a user account by accessing the server (3) through a user device (2). A user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register refrigerators (1) to user accounts according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can register, manage, and control refrigerators (1) by linking identification information of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account.

[0225] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a refrigerator (1) or a server (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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] A program, i.e., an application, for controlling the refrigerator (1) can be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold with the user device (2) already installed, or it may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0228] By running an application installed on the user device (2), the user can connect to the server (3) to create a user account and register the refrigerator (1) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0229] For example, if the refrigerator (1) is operated in accordance with the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2) so that the refrigerator (1) can be connected to the server (3), the refrigerator (1) can be registered to the user account by registering the identification information of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) to the user account on the server (3).

[0230] The user can control the refrigerator (1) using an application installed on the user device (2). For example, when the user logs into the user account using an application installed on the user device (2), the refrigerator (1) registered to the user account appears, and when the user inputs a control command for the refrigerator (1), the control command can be transmitted to the refrigerator (1) through the server (3).

[0231] 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.

[0232] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an AP. A short-range wireless network is Bluetooth TMIt may include, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication), Z-Wave, etc.

[0233] The access point (AP) can connect the refrigerator (1) or user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. The refrigerator (1) or user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0234] Access Points (APs) are Wi-Fi TM , IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth TM It is possible to communicate with the refrigerator (1) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as IEEE 802.15.1) and Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and to connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0235] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (1) may be directly connected to a user device (2) or server (3) without going through an access relay (AP).

[0236] The refrigerator (1) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0237] For example, the refrigerator (1) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0238] As another example, the refrigerator (1) can be connected to a user device (2) or server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0239] As another example, the refrigerator (1) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0240] If the refrigerator (1) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may operate as a connection relay. Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Additionally, other home appliances can connect the refrigerator (1) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0241] The refrigerator (1) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) via a network. For example, the refrigerator (1) can transmit information regarding operation or status to other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the refrigerator (1), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information regarding operation or status from the refrigerator (1), it can update the stored information regarding operation or status of the refrigerator (1) and transmit the updated information regarding operation and status of the refrigerator (1) to the user devices (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.

[0242] The refrigerator (1) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the refrigerator (1) can obtain information related to the functions of the refrigerator (1) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3) and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0243] The refrigerator (1) can operate according to control commands received from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3). For example, if prior approval from a user is obtained so that the refrigerator (1) can operate according to control commands from servers (3) even without user input, the refrigerator (1) can operate according to control commands received from servers (3). Here, the control commands received from servers (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.

[0244] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the refrigerator (1) or server (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 (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) upon the user's prior approval.

[0245] The refrigerator (1), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the refrigerator (1) 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 refrigerator (1) or user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0246] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 11, the refrigerator (1) may include a door driving device (100), a plurality of sensors (140), a control panel (150), a communication interface (160), and a control unit (170).

[0248] A plurality of sensors (140) may include a touch sensor (141), a door sensor (142), a torque sensor (143), etc.

[0249] A touch sensor (141) is provided on the door (30) to detect a user's touch operation. The touch sensor (141) can detect a user's touch operation to automatically open or close the door (30). For example, the touch sensor (141) may include a capacitive touch sensor or an optical touch sensor. The control unit (170) can identify whether the user has performed an operation to automatically open the door (30) or an operation to automatically close it based on the output value of the touch sensor (141).

[0250] The door sensor (142) can detect whether the door (30) is open or closed. For example, the door sensor (142) can output 1 if the door (30) is open and 0 if the door (30) is closed. For example, the door sensor (142) can also be implemented as a distance sensor. In this case, the door sensor (142) can output different output values ​​depending on the distance between the door (30) and the main body (10). The control unit (170) can determine whether the door (30) is open or closed based on the output value of the door sensor (142).

[0251] The torque sensor (143) can detect the torque of the motor (103) of the door drive device (100). The torque sensor (143) can output an output value corresponding to the rotational axis torque of the motor (103). The control unit (170) can identify whether a repulsive force is generated upon contact with an obstacle based on the output value of the torque sensor (143) when the door (30) is automatically opened or closed. In various embodiments, instead of the torque sensor (143), an infrared sensor, radar, etc., may be used to detect a person or obstacle that interferes with the automatic opening or closing of the door (30).

[0252] According to various embodiments, the refrigerator (1) may include various types of sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensor.

[0253] The control panel (150) can receive various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1). The control panel (150) may include an input interface (151) and an output interface (152).

[0254] The input interface (151) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. For example, the input interface (151) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0255] The output interface (152) can visually or audibly convey information regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. Information regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1) can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. The output interface (15b) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0256] The communication interface (160) may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device. For example, the communication interface (160) may include 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) or a server (3).

[0257] The door driving device (100) can automatically open or automatically close the door (30).

[0258] The control unit (170) may include hardware such as a CPU, a Micom (e.g., MCU, MPU), at least one processor (171), and at least one memory (172), and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (170) may include at least one memory (172) that stores data in the form of information, algorithms, and / or programs for controlling the operation of components within the refrigerator, and at least one processor (171) that performs the aforementioned operation and the operation to be described later using the data and / or information stored in the at least one memory (172). The processor (171) and the memory (172) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (171) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (172) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the processor (171) and memory (172) may be implemented as a single chip or as multiple chips.

[0259] The memory (172) 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), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EPROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EEPROM).

[0260] The control unit (170) can automatically open or automatically close the door (30) by driving the motor (103) of the door driving device (100) to rotate the first gear assembly (110) and the second gear assembly (120). For example, the control unit (170) can automatically open the door (30) by rotating the motor (103) in a first rotation direction, and can automatically close the door (30) by rotating the motor (103) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions. For example, if the first rotation direction is clockwise, the second rotation direction may be counterclockwise. As another example, if the first rotation direction is counterclockwise, the second rotation direction may be clockwise.

[0261] The operation configuration of the first assembly (110) of the door driving device (100) for automatic opening of the door (30) is explained with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0262] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate the operation of a door driving device when the door of a refrigerator is automatically opened according to one embodiment.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 12, the fifth gear (115) of the first gear assembly (110) can be engaged with the sixth gear (116) by the motor (103) rotating in the first rotational direction.

[0264] The power generated by the motor (103) can be transmitted to the sixth gear (116) through the first to fifth gears (111-115).

[0265] The sixth gear (116) can rotate by power transmitted through the fifth gear (115). The rotational force generated by the rotation of the sixth gear (116) can be transmitted to the pusher rack (101b) of the door pusher (101). The rotational force of the sixth gear (116) can be converted into linear movement force in the first direction of movement at the pusher rack (101b) of the door pusher (101).

[0266] The door pusher (101) can move from a first position to a second position by the linear movement force of the first movement direction generated. By moving the door pusher (101) in the first movement direction, the door pusher (101) can protrude forward of the main body (10) and apply a repulsive force to the door (30).

[0267] The door (30) can be separated from the main body (10) by an applied repulsive force, allowing the storage room to be opened.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 13, when the opening of the door (30) is completed, the fifth gear (115) can be maintained in a state of being engaged with the sixth gear (116) by the elastic force of the elastic member (102b) provided in the door pusher (101).

[0269] Power generated by the motor (103) can be transmitted to the first to fifth gears (111-115) and the sixth gear (116) by the motor (103) rotating in the second rotational direction. However, the rotational direction of the first to fifth gears (111-115) and the sixth gear (116) can also be changed by the motor (103) changing to the second rotational direction.

[0270] The rotational force generated by the rotation of the sixth gear (116) can be transmitted to the pusher rack (101b) of the door pusher (101). The pusher rack (101b) of the door pusher (101) can convert the rotational force transmitted from the sixth gear (116) into linear movement force. In this case, the pusher rack (101b) of the door pusher (101) can generate linear movement force in a second movement direction by changing the rotational direction of the sixth gear (116). The second movement direction may be opposite to the first movement direction.

[0271] The door pusher (101) can move from a second position to a first position by means of a moving force in a second moving direction. By moving the door pusher (101) in the second moving direction, the door pusher (101) can be inserted into the interior of the main body (10).

[0272] Referring to FIG. 14, when the insertion of the door pusher (101) is completed, the elastic force of the elastic member (102b) provided in the door pusher (101) is released, and the fifth gear (115) can be separated from the sixth gear (116).

[0273] In addition, the operation configuration of the door link (102) of the door driving device (100) when the door (30) is automatically opened is explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0274] FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate the operation of a door pusher and a door link provided in a door driving device when the door of a refrigerator is automatically opened according to one embodiment.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 15, when the door (30) is closed, the first link (102a) and the second link (102b) of the door link (102) may be in an overlapping position. That is, the first link (102a) and the second link (102b) of the door link (102) may be in a bending position. As a result, the length of the door link (102) may become the first length.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 16, when the door (30) begins to open, the door pusher (101) can be extended from the main body (10), and the door (30) can move as a repulsive force is applied to the door (30) by the extended door pusher (101).

[0277] The moving force of the door (30) moving by the door pusher (101) is transmitted to the door link (102), and the ninth gear (123) of the second gear assembly (120) rotates in the first rotational direction by the moving force transmitted to the door link (102). That is, the second link (102b) also rotates in the first rotational direction by the moving force transmitted to the first link (102a) of the door link (102).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 17, when the door (30) is fully opened, the door pusher (101) can be inserted into the interior of the main body (10).

[0279] When the door (30) is fully opened, the first link (102a) and the second link (102b) of the door link (102) may be in an extended position. That is, the first link (102a) and the second link (102b) of the door link (102) may be in an unbending position. As a result, the length of the door link (102) may become a second length. The second length may be longer than the first length.

[0280] The door link (102) can become a second length by opening the door (30) or a first length by closing the door (30).

[0281] Referring again to FIG. 11, when a touch operation to automatically open the door (30) is detected by the touch sensor (141) of the control unit (170), the door (30) can be automatically opened by the door driving device (100). When a touch operation to automatically close the door (30) is detected by the touch sensor (141) of the control unit (170), the door (30) can be automatically closed by the door driving device (100).

[0282] When a user command to automatically open the door (30) is input through the control panel (150), the control unit (170) can automatically open the door (30) through the door driving device (100). When a user command to automatically close the door (30) is input through the control panel (150), the control unit (170) can automatically close the door (30) through the door driving device (100).

[0283] The control unit (170) detects whether the door (30) is opened or closed through the door sensor (142) when the door (30) is automatically opened or closed, and can notify the user of the open or closed status of the door (30) through the control panel (150).

[0284] The control unit (170) detects the torque of the motor (103) through the torque sensor (143) when the door (30) is automatically opened or closed, and if the torque of the motor (103) is greater than a preset value, it identifies that a repulsive force has been generated due to contact with an obstacle and can notify the user through the control panel (150) that an abnormality has occurred in the door opening or closing operation.

[0285] The control unit (170) can receive setting information regarding the auto door function and auto door commands from an external device through the communication interface (160).

[0286] The control unit (170) can automatically open or automatically close the door (30) according to the set information regarding the received auto door function and the auto door command, such as the door opening speed value, door closing speed value, door opening waiting time value, door closing waiting time value, and door notification sound volume size.

[0287] The control unit (170) can transmit the open / closed status of the door (30) to an external device via a communication interface (160) so that the user can check the open / closed status of the door (30) through a smart home appliance app linked to the refrigerator (1) while the door (30) is automatically opened / closed according to setting information regarding the auto door function.

[0288] The control unit (170) can transmit abnormal operation of the door (30) to an external device via a communication interface (160) so that the user can check the abnormal operation of the door (30) through a smart home appliance app linked to the refrigerator (1) while the door (30) is automatically opened and closed according to setting information regarding the auto door function.

[0289] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 18, the refrigerator (1) is connected to the server (3) for communication. The server (3) is connected to the user device (2) for communication. The refrigerator (1) may also communicate directly with the user device (2).

[0291] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (200) in which a user device (2) can provide a user interface for setting at least one of the opening speed or closing speed of a door (30).

[0292] A smart home appliance app may be installed on the user device (2) to remotely control the refrigerator (1) or to check the status of the refrigerator (1). The user device (2) may provide a user interface for setting the opening speed, closing speed, etc. of the door (30) using the smart home appliance app. The smart home appliance app may receive user input for setting the opening speed, closing speed, etc. of the door (30). The smart home appliance app may set the opening speed, closing speed, etc. of the door (30) according to the user's input. In addition, the smart home appliance app may provide a user interface for setting additional auto door functions, such as door opening waiting time, door closing waiting time, and door notification sound volume, in addition to the door opening speed and door closing speed.

[0293] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (202) in which a user device (2) stores setting information including at least one of an opening speed or a closing speed set by the user.

[0294] The smart home appliance app of the user device (2) can store setting information including the opening speed, closing speed, etc., set by the user. In addition, the smart home appliance app can store additional setting information regarding the auto door function, such as the door opening waiting time, door closing waiting time, and door notification sound volume, set by the user.

[0295] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (204) in which a server (3) receives setting information from a user device (2).

[0296] The user device (2) can transmit setting information, including the opening speed, closing speed, etc., set by the user, to the server (3).

[0297] The server (3) can receive setting information from the user device (2), including the opening speed, closing speed, etc., set by the user.

[0298] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (206) in which a server (3) transmits setting information received to the refrigerator (1).

[0299] The server (3) can transmit setting information, including the opening speed, closing speed, etc., set by the user to the refrigerator (1).

[0300] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (208) in which the refrigerator (1) receives setting information from a server (3).

[0301] The refrigerator (1) can receive setting information from the server (3), including the opening speed, closing speed, etc., set by the user.

[0302] The refrigerator (1) can store configuration information received from the server (3).

[0303] The refrigerator (1) can change or update the existing setting information set in the refrigerator (1) according to the setting information received from the server (3). For example, the existing opening speed or closing speed can be changed to the received opening speed or closing speed.

[0304] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may include an operation (210) of opening or closing a door (30) according to received setting information based on the refrigerator (1) satisfying a defined opening condition or a defined closing condition.

[0305] The defined opening conditions may include conditions for opening the door (30) of the refrigerator (1).

[0306] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of detecting a touch operation to automatically open the door (30) through the touch sensor (141), it can be determined that the defined opening condition is satisfied.

[0307] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of receiving a user command to automatically open the door (30) through the control panel (150), it can be determined that the defined opening condition is satisfied.

[0308] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of receiving a door opening command from the server (3) through the communication interface (160), it can be determined that the defined opening condition is satisfied.

[0309] The defined closing conditions may include conditions for closing the door (30) of the refrigerator (1).

[0310] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of detecting a touch operation to automatically close the door (30) through the touch sensor (141), it can be determined that the defined closing condition is satisfied.

[0311] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of receiving a user command to automatically close the door (30) through the control panel (150), it can be determined that the defined closing condition is satisfied.

[0312] If the refrigerator (1) satisfies the condition of receiving a door closing command from the server (3) through the communication interface (160), it can be determined that the defined closing condition is satisfied.

[0313] The refrigerator (1) can open or close the door (30) according to received setting information based on satisfying a defined opening condition or a defined closing condition. For example, if the defined opening condition is satisfied, the door (30) can be opened according to the received opening speed. Also, if the defined closing condition is satisfied, the door (30) can be closed according to the received closing speed. Additionally, if the setting information includes a door opening waiting time, the door (30) can be opened in response to the elapsed door opening waiting time received from the time the defined opening condition is satisfied. Also, if the setting information includes a door closing waiting time, the door (30) can be closed in response to the elapsed door closing waiting time received from the time the defined closing condition is satisfied. Additionally, if the setting information includes a door notification sound volume level, if the defined opening condition or a defined closing condition is satisfied, a door notification sound of the received door notification sound volume level can be output when opening or closing the door (30).

[0314] Additionally, a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include an operation of transmitting status information regarding the operation status of the door (30) to a user device (2) via a server (3) while the refrigerator (1) is opening or closing the door (30) according to received setting information.

[0315] State information regarding the operating state of the door (30) may include at least one of the open state, opening progress, closed state, or closing progress of the door (30).

[0316] The refrigerator (1) can transmit at least one of an open state, an open progress, a closed state, or a closed progress to the server (3) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0317] In addition, a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include an operation of providing a user interface for notifying status information based on the fact that the user device (2) has received status information from the server (3).

[0318] The user device (2) can provide a notification window to inform the user of at least one of the open state, open progress, closed state, or close progress through a smart home appliance app.

[0319] In addition, a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include an operation of transmitting abnormal operation information regarding the abnormal operation of the door (30) to a server (3) based on identifying an abnormal operation of the door (30) while the refrigerator (1) is opening or closing the door (30) according to received setting information.

[0320] Additionally, a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment may further include an operation of providing a user interface for notifying abnormal operation information based on the fact that the user device (2) receives abnormal operation information from the server (3).

[0321] The user device (2) can provide a notification window to inform the user of abnormal operation information through a smart home appliance app.

[0322] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a data flow of a refrigerator system including a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0323] Referring to FIG. 19, the refrigerator system may include a refrigerator (1), a server (3), and a user device (2) that are connected to each other through communication.

[0324] The user can set an auto door function to automatically open and close the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) using a smart home appliance app installed on the user device (2).

[0325] The auto door function may include door opening speed, door closing speed, door opening waiting time, door closing waiting time, door notification sound volume, etc.

[0326] The user device (2) can set the auto door function of the refrigerator (1) according to the user's input (300).

[0327] The user device (2) can store setting information regarding the auto door function set by the user (302). The setting information regarding the auto door function may include a door opening speed value, a door closing speed value, a door opening waiting time value, a door closing waiting time value, a door notification sound volume level, etc.

[0328] The user device (2) can receive an auto door command from the user (304). The auto door command may be a command to automatically open or automatically close the door (30) of the refrigerator (1). For example, the auto door command may include a door opening command or a door closing command. The door opening command may be a user command to automatically open the door of the refrigerator (1). The door closing command may be a user command to automatically close the door of the refrigerator (1).

[0329] The user device (2) can transmit setting information regarding the auto door function and auto door commands to the server (3) (306).

[0330] The server (3) can receive setting information regarding the auto door function and auto door commands from the user device (2) to the refrigerator (1). The server (3) can transmit the received setting information regarding the auto door function and auto door commands (308).

[0331] The refrigerator (1) can receive setting information regarding the auto door function and an auto door command from the server (3). The refrigerator (1) can change the existing setting information with the received setting information regarding the auto door function. The refrigerator (1) can perform opening or closing of the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) according to the auto door command based on the setting information regarding the auto door function (310). For example, the refrigerator (1) can automatically open the door (30) according to the door opening command based on the door opening speed value, the door opening waiting time value, and the door notification sound volume size. In addition, the refrigerator (1) can automatically close the door (30) according to the door closing command based on the door closing speed value, the door closing waiting time value, and the door notification sound volume size.

[0332] The refrigerator (1) can collect status information regarding the door operation status while performing door opening or door closing and transmit it to the server (3) (312). The door operation status may include an open state, opening progress, a closed state, closing progress, door abnormal operation, etc.

[0333] The server (3) can receive status information regarding the door operation status of the refrigerator (1) from the refrigerator (1). The server (3) can transmit the received status information regarding the door operation status to the user device (2) (314).

[0334] The user device (2) can receive status information regarding the door operation status of the refrigerator (1) from the server (3). The user device (2) can provide the status information regarding the door operation status of the refrigerator (1) to the smart home appliance app.

[0335] The user device (2) can notify the user of status information regarding the door operation status of the refrigerator (1) (316).

[0336] The user device (2) can display status information regarding the door operation status, such as the door (30)'s open state, opening progress, closed state, closing progress, and door malfunction, through a smart home appliance app.

[0337] FIG. 20 illustrates a refrigerator control screen of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0338] Referring to FIG. 20, the user device (2) can provide a user interface (UI) for setting the auto door function using a smart home appliance app.

[0339] When a user taps "Our Home Refrigerator" among the controllable home appliances on the home screen of the smart home appliance app, a refrigerator control screen (400) for controlling the refrigerator (1) named Our Home Refrigerator can be displayed.

[0340] The refrigerator control screen (400) may include an auto door menu item (410) for controlling the auto door menu of the refrigerator (1).

[0341] The auto door menu item (410) may include a setting button (411) for displaying a setting screen for setting the auto door function, along with displaying the current open or current closed state of the door (30) of the refrigerator (1). The setting button (411) may be in the form of an icon representing the refrigerator or a text-based button.

[0342] Additionally, the auto door menu item (410) may include a quick open / close button (412) for quickly opening or closing the door (30) of the refrigerator (1).

[0343] Additionally, the refrigerator control screen (400) can display the current refrigerator compartment temperature value, the current freezer compartment temperature value, and the current setting information of the multi-pantry on the refrigerator (1). The refrigerator control screen (400) may include buttons for controlling rapid cooling, rapid freezing, etc.

[0344] FIG. 21 illustrates an auto door function setting screen in a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0345] Referring to FIG. 21, the smart home appliance app can display an auto door function setting screen (500) when the user taps the setting button (411) of the auto door menu item (410) on the refrigerator control screen (400).

[0346] The auto door function setting screen (500) may include a door opening button (510), a door closing button (520), a door opening speed element (530), a door closing speed element (531), a door opening delay element (532), a door closing delay element (533), a door alarm volume or auto door volume element (534), etc.

[0347] The door opening button (510) may be a button for receiving a door opening command to automatically open the door (30) of the refrigerator (1).

[0348] The door closing button (520) may be a button for receiving a door closing command to automatically close the door (30).

[0349] The door opening speed element (530) may be a graphic element for receiving input of the speed at which the door (30) opens automatically. The user can adjust the desired opening speed by moving the slider of the door opening speed element (530). The speed at which the door (30) opens needs to be set differently depending on the situation. For example, for children or the elderly, a slow opening speed may be required for safety to prevent them from bumping into something during automatic opening. Also, for adults, a fast opening speed may be required for rapid automatic opening rather than safety. Therefore, the user can select a door opening speed suitable for their environment, thereby improving safety and convenience.

[0350] The door closing speed element (531) may be a graphic element for receiving input of the speed at which the door (30) closes automatically when the door (30) closes. The user can adjust the desired closing speed by moving the slider of the door closing speed element (531). The closing speed of the door (30) needs to be set differently depending on the situation. For example, for children or the elderly, a slow closing speed may be required to ensure safety and prevent them from bumping into the door (30) during automatic closing. Also, for adults, a fast closing speed may be required for rapid automatic closing rather than safety. Therefore, the user can select a door closing speed suitable for their environment, thereby improving safety and convenience.

[0351] The door opening waiting time element (532) may be a graphic element for receiving input of the waiting time before the door (30) opens automatically. The user can adjust the desired door opening waiting time by moving the slider of the door opening waiting time element (532). A short waiting time may be required before the door (30) opens automatically. For example, when the door (30) opens automatically, a person may be standing in front of the door (30) or there may be an obstacle. Therefore, the door (30) may not open immediately but may open after a short waiting time. This prevents unnecessary additional door opening, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing safety accidents.

[0352] The door closing waiting time element (533) may be a graphic element for receiving input of the waiting time before the door (30) closes automatically. The user can adjust the desired door closing waiting time by moving the slider of the door closing waiting time element (533). A short waiting time may be required before the door (30) closes automatically. For example, when the door (30) closes automatically, a person may be standing in the closing path of the door (30) or there may be an obstacle. Therefore, the door (30) may not close immediately but may close after a short closing waiting time. This prevents unnecessary additional door closing, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing safety accidents.

[0353] The door notification sound volume element (534) may be a graphic element for receiving input of the volume of a notification sound indicating that the door (30) is in operation when the door (30) is automatically opened or closed. The user can adjust the desired door notification sound volume by moving the slider of the door notification sound volume element (534). The door notification sound may include at least one of a door opening sound and a door closing sound. The volume of the door notification sound may vary depending on the surrounding environment and the user's preference. For example, there may be users who prefer a quiet sound in a quiet environment and a loud sound in a noisy environment. Therefore, the user can select a sound volume suitable for their environment and provide a customized experience to increase satisfaction.

[0354] The user device (2) can store setting information regarding the auto door function, including the door opening speed value, door closing speed value, door opening waiting time value, door closing waiting time value, door notification sound volume size, etc., set by the user on the auto door function setting screen (500) of the smart home appliance app.

[0355] When an auto door command for opening the door or closing the door is entered by the user on the auto door function setting screen (500) of the smart home appliance app, the user device (2) can transmit setting information regarding the auto door function along with the auto door command to the refrigerator (1) through the server (3).

[0356] FIG. 22 illustrates a door opening notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0357] Referring to FIG. 22, the user device (2) receives a door opening status from the refrigerator (1) when the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) is automatically opened, and can display a door opening notification window (600) on the refrigerator control screen (400) that indicates the door opening status.

[0358] The door opening notification window (600) may include a notification text (610) indicating that the door (30) is opening and a progress bar (620).

[0359] For example, the guidance text (610) may include the phrase "The Door is Opening".

[0360] The progress bar (620) can display the opening rate of the door (30) in the form of a bar.

[0361] The progress status bar (620) can be filled with a bar-shaped status bar according to the opening speed and opening waiting time of the door (30).

[0362] The user device (2) displays a door opening notification window (600) on the refrigerator control screen (400) of the smart home appliance app, so that the user can check the automatic opening status of the door (30) even when the door (30) is automatically opened using the smart home appliance app from the outside, and can intuitively check the opening speed, opening waiting time, etc.

[0363] FIG. 23 illustrates a door closing notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0364] Referring to FIG. 23, the user device (2) receives a door closing status from the refrigerator (1) when the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) is automatically closing, and can display a door closing notification window (600) on the refrigerator control screen (400) to indicate the door closing status.

[0365] The door closing notification window (700) may include a notification text (710) indicating that the door (30) is closing and a progress bar (720).

[0366] For example, the guidance text (710) may include the phrase "The Door is Closing".

[0367] The progress bar (720) can display the closing rate of the door (30) in the form of a bar.

[0368] The progress status bar (620) can be filled with a bar-shaped status bar according to the closing speed and closing waiting time of the door (30).

[0369] The user device (2) displays a door closing notification window (700) on the refrigerator control screen (400) of the smart home appliance app, so that even when the user automatically closes the door (30) using the smart home appliance app from the outside, the user can check the automatic closing status of the door (30) and intuitively check the closing speed, closing waiting time, etc.

[0370] FIG. 24 illustrates an abnormal status notification window of a smart home appliance app linked to a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 24, the user device (2) receives a door abnormality status from the refrigerator (1) via the server (2) when the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) is automatically opened or automatically closed, such as when the door (30) collides with a person or an obstacle, and can display a door abnormality status notification window (800) on the refrigerator control screen (400) to notify the door abnormality status.

[0372] The door abnormal state notification window (800) may include guidance text (810) indicating that the door (30) is in an abnormal state.

[0373] For example, the guidance text (810) may include the phrase "An abnormal operation was detected during automatic door opening." Additionally, the guidance text (810) may include the phrase "An abnormal operation was detected during automatic door closing."

[0374] The user device (2) displays a door abnormality status notification window (800) on the refrigerator control screen (400) of the smart home appliance app, so that even when the user automatically closes the door (30) using the smart home appliance app from the outside, the abnormality status of the door (30) can be checked, and the closing speed, closing waiting time, etc. can be checked intuitively.

[0375] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an operation of opening and closing a door according to an auto door function in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0376] Referring to FIG. 25, the refrigerator (1) can determine whether it satisfies the defined opening conditions (900).

[0377] When the refrigerator (1) satisfies the defined opening conditions (900, e.g.), the door opening speed, door opening waiting time, and door notification sound volume are set based on the setting information regarding the auto door function, and the door (30) can be opened according to the door opening speed, door opening waiting time, and door notification sound volume (902).

[0378] When the refrigerator (1) opens the door (30), it can transmit the door open state to the server (3) to provide the door open state to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2) (904). Accordingly, the server (3) can receive the door open state and transmit it to the user device (2) to provide it to the smart home appliance app.

[0379] In addition, the refrigerator (1) can determine whether it satisfies the defined closing conditions (906).

[0380] When the refrigerator (1) satisfies the defined closing conditions (906, e.g.), it can set the door closing speed, door closing waiting time and door notification sound volume based on the setting information regarding the auto door function, and close the door (30) according to the door opening speed, door opening waiting time and door notification sound volume (908).

[0381] When the refrigerator (1) closes the door (30), it can transmit the door closed state to the server (3) to provide the door closed state to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2) (910). Accordingly, the server (3) can receive the door closed state and transmit it to the user device (2) to provide it to the smart home appliance app.

[0382] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of an operation in which a door opening abnormality is provided to a smart home appliance app during automatic opening of a door in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0383] Referring to FIG. 26, when the refrigerator (1) is in automatic door opening mode (1000), the torque of the motor (103) of the door driving device (100) can be detected through the torque sensor (143) (1002).

[0384] If the torque of the motor (103) of the refrigerator (1) is greater than or equal to a preset value (1004, e.g.), it can identify that a door opening abnormality has occurred when the door (30) is opened and the door (30) comes into contact with a person or an obstacle (1006). At this time, the refrigerator (1) can stop the motor (103) to temporarily stop or completely stop the door opening.

[0385] The refrigerator (1) can transmit a door opening abnormality to the server (3) (1008) to provide the door opening abnormality to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2). Accordingly, the server (3) can receive the door opening abnormality and transmit it to the user device (2) so that it can provide it to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2).

[0386] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of an operation in which a door closing abnormality is provided to a smart home appliance app during automatic closing of a door in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0387] Referring to FIG. 27, when the refrigerator (1) is in automatic door closing mode (2000), the torque of the motor (103) of the door driving device (100) can be detected through the torque sensor (143) (2002).

[0388] If the torque of the motor (103) of the refrigerator (1) is greater than or equal to a preset value (2004, e.g.), it can identify that a door closing malfunction has occurred when the door (30) is closed and the door (30) comes into contact with a person or an obstacle (2006). At this time, the refrigerator (1) can stop the motor (103) to temporarily stop or completely stop the door closing.

[0389] The refrigerator (1) can transmit a door open abnormality to the server (3) to provide a door closed abnormality to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2) (2008). Accordingly, the server (3) can receive the door closed abnormality and transmit it to the user device (2) so as to provide it to the smart home appliance app of the user device (2).

[0390] FIG. 28 is a control block diagram of a server communicating with a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0391] Referring to FIG. 28, the server (3) may include a control unit (3000) and a communication interface (3100).

[0392] The communication interface (3100) may include one or more components that enable communication with the refrigerator (1) or user device (2). For example, the communication interface (3100) may include at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0393] The control unit (3000) may include hardware such as a CPU, a Micom (e.g., MCU, MPU), at least one processor (3001), and at least one memory (3002), and software such as a control program.

[0394] The control unit (3000) can receive setting information regarding the auto door function and an auto door command from a user device (2) linked to the server (3) through a communication interface (3100). Accordingly, the refrigerator (1) can perform door opening or door closing of the refrigerator (1) according to the auto door command based on the setting information regarding the auto door function. For example, the refrigerator (1) can automatically open the door (30) according to the door opening command based on the door opening speed value, the door opening waiting time value, and the door notification sound volume. In addition, the refrigerator (1) can automatically close the door (30) according to the door closing command based on the door closing speed value, the door closing waiting time value, and the door notification sound volume.

[0395] The control unit (3000) can transmit setting information regarding the auto door function and auto door commands to the refrigerator (1) connected to the server (3).

[0396] The control unit (3000) can receive the door operation status from the refrigerator (1).

[0397] The control unit (3000) can transmit door operation statuses of the refrigerator (1), such as door opening status, door opening progress, door closing status, door closing progress, door opening abnormality, and door closing abnormality, to the user device (2). Accordingly, the smart home appliance app of the user device (2) can notify the user of the door operation status of the refrigerator (1).

[0398] The present disclosure allows for remote control of the auto door function using a smart home appliance app, implementation of various auto door functions, and real-time monitoring of the door's operating status.

[0399] The present disclosure allows adjusting the door opening speed, closing speed, door opening waiting time and door closing waiting time, and the volume of the door notification sound using a smart home appliance app.

[0400] The present disclosure can detect abnormal door operation when automatically opening or closing a door using a smart home appliance app and notify the user through the smart home appliance app.

[0401] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body (10) having a storage room (20); a door (30) rotatably provided to open and close the storage room (10); a door driving device (100) configured to open or close the door (20); a communication interface (160) communicating with an external device (2, 3); and a control unit (170) receiving setting information from the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160), the opening speed of the door (30), the closing speed, and at least one of an opening waiting time from a point in time when a defined opening condition is satisfied or a closing waiting time from a point in time when a defined closing condition is satisfied, and controlling the door driving device (100) to open or close the door (30) according to the received setting information based on satisfying the defined opening condition or the defined closing condition.

[0402] The control unit (170) can control the door driving device (100) to open the door (30) in response to the elapsed opening waiting time from the point in time when the defined opening condition is satisfied, and control the door driving device (100) to close the door (30) in response to the elapsed closing waiting time from the point in time when the defined closing condition is satisfied.

[0403] The above setting information further includes the volume level of the notification sound, and the control unit (170) can output the notification sound of the said volume level while controlling the door driving device (100) to open or close the door (30).

[0404] The control unit (170) can transmit status information regarding the operating status of the door (30) to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0405] The above status information further includes at least one of an open state, an opening progress rate, a closed state, and a closing progress rate, and the control unit (170) can transmit at least one of the open state and the opening progress rate to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) while opening the door (30) according to the received setting information, and can transmit at least one of the closed state and the closing progress rate to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) while closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0406] The control unit (170) can transmit abnormal operation information regarding the abnormal operation of the door (30) to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) based on identifying the abnormal operation of the door (30) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0407] The above abnormal operation information further includes at least one of an opening abnormality and a closing abnormality, and the control unit (170) can transmit the opening abnormality to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) when it identifies the opening abnormality while opening the door (30) according to the received setting information, and can transmit the closing abnormality to the external device (2, 3) through the communication interface (160) when it identifies the closing abnormality while closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0408] The door driving device (100) comprises a motor (103), a door pusher (101) that moves to open the door (30) by the motor (103), and a door link (102) that moves to close the door (30) by the motor (103). The refrigerator (1) further comprises a torque sensor (143) that detects the torque of the motor (103). The control unit (170) can identify that an opening abnormality of the door (30) has occurred based on the fact that the motor torque detected by the torque sensor (143) is greater than or equal to a preset value while opening the door (30) according to the received setting information, and can identify that an closing abnormality of the door (30) has occurred based on the fact that the motor torque detected by the torque sensor (143) is greater than or equal to the preset value while closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0409] The control unit (170) can control the door driving device (100) to stop the door (30) based on identifying an abnormal operation of the door (30) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0410] The control unit (170) may determine that the defined opening condition is satisfied if it satisfies the condition of detecting a touch operation to open the door (30) through a touch sensor (141) provided on the door (30), the condition of receiving a user command to open the door (30) through a control panel (150), or the condition of receiving a door opening command to open the door (30) from an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (160), and may determine that the defined closing condition is satisfied if it satisfies the condition of detecting a touch operation to close the door (30) through a touch sensor (141) provided on the door (30), the condition of receiving a user command to close the door (30) through a control panel (150), or the condition of receiving a door closing command to close the door (30) from an external device (2, 3) through a communication interface (160).

[0411] A control method for a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a user device (2) providing a user interface (160) for setting at least one of an opening speed, a closing speed, and an opening waiting time from a point in time when a defined opening condition is satisfied or a closing waiting time from a point in time when a defined closing condition is satisfied; the user device (2) storing setting information including at least one of the opening speed, closing speed, opening waiting time, or closing waiting time set by the user; a server (3) receiving the stored setting information from the user device (2); the server (3) transmitting the received setting information to the refrigerator (1); the refrigerator (1) receiving the transmitted setting information from the server (3); and the refrigerator (1) opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information based on satisfying the defined opening condition or the defined closing condition.

[0412] Providing the above user interface (UI) includes providing a setting screen (500) for setting the above setting information through a smart home appliance app installed on the user device (2), and the setting screen (500) may include at least one of an opening speed element (530) or a closing speed element (531) that can be operated by the user.

[0413] The above setting screen (500) may further include at least one of an open waiting time element (532) or a close waiting time element (533) operable by the user.

[0414] The above setting information further includes a notification sound volume level, and the setting screen (500) may further include a notification sound volume element (534) operable by the user.

[0415] Opening or closing the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) may include determining that the defined opening condition is satisfied when the conditions are satisfied, such as detecting a touch operation to open the door (30) through a touch sensor (141) provided on the door (30), receiving a user command to open the door (30) through a control panel (150), or receiving a door opening command to open the door (30) from the server (3) through a communication interface (160); or determining that the defined closing condition is satisfied when the conditions are satisfied, such as detecting a touch operation to close the door (30) through a touch sensor (141) provided on the door (30), receiving a user command to close the door (30) through a control panel (150), or receiving a door closing command to close the door (30) from the server (3) through a communication interface (160).

[0416] The refrigerator (1) may further include transmitting status information regarding the operating status of the door (30) to the server (3) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0417] The above status information includes at least one of the open state, open progress, closed state, or closed progress of the door (30), and transmitting the status information may include transmitting at least one of the open state, open progress, closed state, or closed progress to the server (3) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0418] The above user device (2) further includes providing a user interface (UI) for notifying the status information based on receiving the status information from the server (3), and providing the user interface (UI) may include providing a notification window (600, 700) for notifying the user of at least one of the open state, open progress, closed state, or close progress through a smart home appliance app installed on the user device (2).

[0419] The above refrigerator (1) may further include transmitting abnormal operation information regarding the abnormal operation of the door (30) to the server (3) based on identifying the abnormal operation of the door (30) while opening or closing the door (30) according to the received setting information.

[0420] The above user device (2) further includes providing a user interface (UI) for notifying the abnormal operation information based on receiving the abnormal operation information from the server (3), and providing the user interface (UI) may include providing a notification window (800) for notifying the user of the abnormal operation information through a smart home appliance app installed on the user device (2).

[0421] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage 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, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0422] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0423] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being 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 storage 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 storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0424] 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.

Claims

1. Main body equipped with a storage room; A door rotatably provided to open and close the above storage room; A door driving device configured to open or close the above door; A communication interface that communicates with an external device; and Receives setting information from the external device through the communication interface, and the setting information includes at least one received setting information element among setting information elements for setting the opening speed of the door, the closing speed of the door, and the opening waiting time from the time when the opening condition is satisfied or the closing waiting time from the time when the closing condition is satisfied. A refrigerator comprising: a control unit that controls the door driving device to open or close the door according to at least one received setting information element among the setting information elements, based on satisfying the opening condition or the closing condition.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, The door driving device is controlled to open the door in response to the elapsed opening waiting time from the point in time when the above opening condition is satisfied, and A refrigerator that controls the door driving device to close the door in response to the elapsed closing waiting time from the point in time when the above closing condition is satisfied.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above setting information is, It further includes information elements for setting the volume of the notification sound, and The above control unit is, A refrigerator that outputs the notification sound of the volume level while controlling the door driving device to open or close the door.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that transmits status information regarding the operating status of the door to an external device via the communication interface while opening or closing the door according to the received setting information.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above status information is, It further includes at least one state among states including an open state, an opening progress, a closed state, or a closing progress, and The above control unit is, While opening the door according to the received setting information, at least one of the opening state and the opening progress rate is transmitted to the external device through the communication interface, and A refrigerator that transmits at least one of the closed state and the closing progress rate to the external device through the communication interface while closing the door according to the received setting information.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that transmits abnormal operation information regarding the abnormal operation of the door to an external device through the communication interface, based on identifying the abnormal operation of the door while opening or closing the door according to the received setting information.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above abnormal operation information is, It further includes at least one of an open abnormality and a closed abnormality, and The above control unit is, If an opening abnormality is identified while opening the door according to the received setting information, the opening abnormality is transmitted to the external device through the communication interface, and A refrigerator that, when identifying a closing abnormality while closing the door according to the received setting information, transmits the closing abnormality to the external device through the communication interface.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above door driving device is, It includes a motor, a door pusher that moves to open the door by the motor, and a door link that moves to close the door by the motor. The above refrigerator is, It further includes a torque sensor that detects the torque of the above motor, The above control unit is, Identifying that an abnormality in the opening of the door has occurred based on the fact that the motor torque detected by the torque sensor while opening the door according to the received setting information is greater than or equal to a preset value, A refrigerator that identifies that a door closing abnormality has occurred based on the fact that the motor torque detected by the torque sensor while closing the door according to the received setting information is greater than or equal to the preset value.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that controls the door driving device to stop the door based on identifying abnormal operation of the door while opening or closing the door according to the received setting information.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, If the condition of detecting a touch operation to open the door through a touch sensor provided on the door, the condition of receiving a user command to open the door through a control panel, or the condition of receiving a door opening command to open the door from an external device through the communication interface is satisfied, it is determined that the defined opening condition is satisfied. A refrigerator that determines that the defined closing condition is satisfied if the condition of detecting a touch operation to close the door through a touch sensor provided on the door, the condition of receiving a user command to close the door through a control panel, or the condition of receiving a door closing command to close the door from an external device through a communication interface is satisfied.

11. A step of executing a process configured by a control unit of a refrigerator, wherein the process comprises: A step of receiving setting information including at least one received setting information element among setting information elements for setting the opening speed of the refrigerator door, the closing speed of the door, the opening waiting time of the door from the time when the opening condition is satisfied, or the closing waiting time of the door from the time when the closing condition is satisfied; and A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising the step of opening or closing the door according to at least one received setting information element among the setting information elements, based on the satisfaction of the opening condition or the closing condition.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned received setting information is provided from a setting screen of a user interface for setting the above-mentioned received setting information through a smart home appliance app installed on a user device, and The above settings screen is, A method for controlling a refrigerator comprising at least one setting of the opening speed of a door information element or the closing speed of a door information element.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above settings screen is, A method for controlling a refrigerator further comprising at least one setting of the above-mentioned opening waiting time element or closing waiting time element.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above-mentioned received configuration information is, Includes additional settings for notification sound volume, The above settings screen is, A method for controlling a refrigerator that further includes the volume of an alert sound information element.

15. In Paragraph 11, Opening or closing the door of the above refrigerator is, If the condition of detecting a touch operation to open the door through the touch sensor of the door, the condition of receiving a user command to open the door through the control panel, or the condition of receiving a door opening command to open the door from the server through the communication interface is satisfied, it is determined that the opening condition is satisfied, or A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising determining that the closing condition is satisfied when the conditions are satisfied: a condition of detecting a touch operation to close the door through a touch sensor of the door, a condition of receiving a user command to close the door through a control panel, or a condition of receiving a door closing command to close the door from a server through a communication interface.

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