Refrigerator and method for controlling same

Abstract

A refrigerator according to one aspect of the disclosed invention, may comprise: a main body forming a storage chamber; a door rotatably provided to open / close the storage chamber; a door sensor that detects an opening angle of the door; a door driving device configured to open / close the door; and a control unit that controls the door driving device to close the door on the basis of a predetermined closing condition being satisfied in an automatic mode, maintains the door open even when the predetermined closing condition is satisfied in a manual mode, and changes the automatic mode to the manual mode on the basis of a first angle condition being detected by the door sensor in a state in which the door is opened.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method

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

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

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

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

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can increase user convenience by changing whether the door is automatically closed according to the user's intention.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0007] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door sensor detecting an opening angle of the door; a door driving device configured to open and close the door; and a control unit that controls the door driving device to close the door based on the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition in an automatic mode, maintains the door open even if the predetermined closing condition is satisfied in a manual mode, and changes the automatic mode to the manual mode based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0008] A method for controlling a refrigerator according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door sensor detecting an opening angle of the door; and a door driving device configured to open and close the door. The method may include: detecting the opening of the door; detecting a change in the opening angle of the door by the door sensor; and changing an automatic mode, which controls the door driving device to close the door based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor and based on the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition, to a manual mode that maintains the opening of the door even when the predetermined closing condition is satisfied.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating automatic and manual closing modes of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing various output values ​​of a door sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a change to an automatic mode following door closing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating automatic door closing in manual mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating changing the automatic closing conditions of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the provision of a notification according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating changing the door closing mode through a user interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating changing the automatic closing conditions of a door through a user interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0021] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0022] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] When it is said that one 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.

[0029] When it is said that a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0030] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is placed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0040] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0041] 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.

[0042] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0061] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0062] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure 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).

[0066] The main body (10) may include an inner section (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer section (12) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1a). The outer section (12) may be formed to have the shape of a box with an open front. The outer section (12) may form the top surface, bottom surface, left and right sides, rear surface, etc. of the refrigerator (1a). The inner section (11) may have an open front. The inner section (11) may have a storage room (20) provided inside and may be provided on the inner side of the outer section (12). The inner wall of the inner section (11) may form the inner wall of the storage room (20).

[0067] A body insulation material may be provided between the outer (12) and inner (11) of the main body (10) so that the outer (12) and inner (11) can be insulated from each other. As the body insulation material is foamed between the inner (11) and the outer (12), the inner (11) and the outer (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). The body insulation material provided in the main body (10) may be urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and the body insulation material may be composed of various materials.

[0068] The main body (10) may further include a top table (13). The top table (13) may be provided on the upper part of the main body (10). 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). The top table (13) may cover a portion of the upper part of the outer body (12).

[0069] The top table (13) can cover various electrical components. A 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 opening device (100) described later, and the door opening device (100) can be accommodated on the inside of the top table (13).

[0070] A storage room (20) may be formed inside 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 23 to minus 17 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0071] 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 the horizontal direction (Y). Additionally, the lower storage rooms (22, 23) of the storage room (20) may be divided into a left second storage room (22) and a right third storage room (23) by a second partition (19) extending in the vertical direction (Z). 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.

[0072] 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 the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0073] A shelf (24) on which food can be placed may be provided inside the storage room (20). A storage container (26) for storing food may be provided inside the storage room (20).

[0074] The refrigerator (1a) 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. As an 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).

[0075] 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).

[0076] The outer surface of the door (30) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1a). 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 (1a). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage room (20). The inner surface of the door (30) referred to here means one side of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closing the storage room (20). The inner surface of the door (30) may be referred to as the rear side (31) of the door. Additionally, the outer surface of the door (30) referred to here may mean the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closing the storage room (20). The outer surface of the door (30) may be referred to as the front side (32) of the door.

[0077] A basket (38) for storing food can be provided on the back (31) of the door (30).

[0078] A gasket (39) may be provided on the back surface (31) 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). A detailed description of the gasket (39) will be provided later.

[0079] The refrigerator (1a) may include an upper door and a lower door arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). The refrigerator (1a) may include a left door and a right door arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y). The refrigerator (1a) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) that open and close each partitioned storage compartment (21, 22, 23).

[0080] The first storage room (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B). The refrigerator (1a) 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 the horizontal direction (Y). 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).

[0081] One of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) (e.g., the first door (30A)) may be provided with a rotating bar (50) 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).

[0082] The second storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the left lower door (30C). The refrigerator (1a) 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.

[0083] The third storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the right lower door (30D). The refrigerator (1a) 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).

[0084] 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). In other words, a user may open or close each of the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) by grasping the handle provided on each of the multiple doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). 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.

[0085] The refrigerator (1a) 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). The hinge (40) may be fixed to the main body (10). In detail, the hinge (40) may be connected to the outer body (12).

[0086] 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).

[0087] In detail, the refrigerator (1a) 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 (1a) 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 (1a) 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 (1a) may include a pair of intermediate hinges (42) that are positioned between the upper door hinge (41) and the lower door hinge (43) and are coupled to the middle part of the main body (10) (specifically, the first partition (17)) to rotatably support the first door (30A), the second door (30B), the third door (30B), and the fourth door (30D), respectively.

[0088] The refrigerator (1a) may include a rotating bar (50). The rotating bar (50) may be provided to cover the gap between the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) when the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) close the first storage compartment (21). The rotating bar (50) may be rotatably coupled to the first door (30A). The rotating bar (50) may be formed in the shape of a bar that is long along the height direction (Z) of the first door (30A).

[0089] The refrigerator (1a) may include a rotation guide (55) provided to guide the movement of a rotation bar (50). The rotation guide (55) may be provided to guide the movement of the rotation bar (50) when the first door (30A) rotates between an open position and a closed position. The rotation guide (55) may include a groove structure formed to allow a part of the rotation bar (50) to be inserted and moved. The rotation guide (55) may be mounted on the main body (10). In detail, the rotation guide (55) may be mounted on the upper part of the inner body (11).

[0090] A refrigerator (1a) may include a door driving device (100) provided to open / close a door (30). The door driving device (100) may be provided in the main body (10). The door driving device (100) may be mounted on the main body (10). The door driving device (100) may be installed on the main body (10). For example, the door driving device (100) may be provided in multiple numbers. Depending on the number and type of the door (30), the door opening device (100) may have various shapes, numbers, etc., and may be provided in various locations.

[0091] The refrigerator (1a) may include a door sensor (200). The door sensor (200) may detect the opening angle of the door (30). The door sensor (200) may detect a change in the opening angle of the door (30). A plurality of such door sensors (200) may be provided. For example, the door sensor (200) may be provided around the hinge and may output a corresponding output value according to the rotation of the door (30). In the drawing, only two door sensors (200) are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the number and type of the door (30), the door sensor (200) may have various shapes, numbers, etc., and may be provided at various locations.

[0092] Additionally, the refrigerator (1a) may include an object sensor (300). This object sensor (300) may be provided around the horizontal partition (17) to detect people around the door. Although only two object sensors (300) are shown in the drawing, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the number and type of the door (30), the object sensor (300) may have various shapes, numbers, etc., and may be provided in various locations.

[0093] Additionally, the refrigerator (1a) may include a user interface (70). The user interface (70) may include an input interface (71) for receiving user input. The user interface (70) may include an output interface (72) for displaying information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1). Depending on various embodiments, the user interface (70) may be implemented as a control panel.

[0094] The configuration of the refrigerator (1a) described above with reference to FIG. 1 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. A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage room for storing food.

[0095] The refrigerator of the type to which the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the type of refrigerator (1a) shown in the drawing, and the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may include various types of refrigerators such as side-by-side type, French door type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type, TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type, etc.

[0096] In addition, although the refrigerator (1a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as an example of the present disclosure on the premise that it is a cold-cooling refrigerator, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

[0097] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a control unit (60), a user interface (70), a communication unit (80), a door driving device (100), a door sensor (200), and an object sensor (300).

[0099] The door sensor (200) can detect the opening angle of the door (30). The door sensor (200) can detect a change in the opening angle of the door (30).

[0100] The object sensor (300) can detect people around the door (30).

[0101] The door driving device (100) can open / close the door (30).

[0102] The user interface (70) may include an input interface (71) for receiving user input. The user interface (70) may include an output interface (72) for displaying information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1). Depending on various embodiments, the user interface (70) may be implemented as a control panel.

[0103] The input interface (71) may include various input devices such as a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch screen, or a button.

[0104] The output interface (72) can be implemented with various types of displays known to be LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), etc., but is not limited thereto. Any device capable of displaying various information about the refrigerator (1) and displaying a user interface capable of receiving various control commands from the user can be adopted as the output interface (72) without limitation.

[0105] The refrigerator (1) can not only provide various information from the user, but also display a user interface on the output interface (72) that is implemented to receive various control commands regarding the refrigerator (1).

[0106] The refrigerator (1) may include a communication unit (80) for communicating with an external device (e.g., server, user device, and / or other home appliance) via wired and / or wireless means.

[0107] The communication unit (80) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0108] The communication unit (80) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (80) can establish communication with a server, a user device and / or other home appliances and transmit and receive various data.

[0109] To this end, the communication unit (80) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (80) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0110] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0111] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0112] The communication unit (80) can communicate with external devices through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator (1) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0113] The control unit (60) may be electrically connected to various parts and / or devices of the refrigerator (1). The control unit (60) may control various parts and / or devices of the refrigerator (1). It may control various components of the refrigerator (1) (e.g., user interface (70), communication unit (80), door driving device (100)). For example, the user interface (70), communication unit (80), and door driving device (100) may be operated based on control signals from the control unit (60).

[0114] The control unit (60) may include a processor (61) that generates control signals regarding the operation of the refrigerator (1). The control unit (60) may include a memory (62) that stores programs, applications, instructions, and / or data for the operation of the refrigerator (1). The processor (61) and the memory (62) may be implemented as separate semiconductor devices or as a single semiconductor device. Additionally, the control unit (60) may include a plurality of processors (61) or a plurality of memories (62). The control unit (60) may be provided at various locations inside the refrigerator (1). For example, the control unit (60) may be included in a printed circuit board provided inside a control panel.

[0115] The processor (61) may include an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The processor (61) may include a single chip or multiple chips. Additionally, the processor (61) may include a single core or multiple cores.

[0116] The memory (62) may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory, D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory: ROM) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EPROM). The memory (62) may include a single memory element or a plurality of memory elements.

[0117] The processor (61) can process data and / or signals using a program provided from memory (62) and can transmit control signals to each component of the refrigerator (1) based on the processing results. For example, the processor (61) can process user input received through the user interface (70), output values ​​of the door sensor (200) and object sensor (300), etc.

[0118] Below, we will describe how to change the automatic closing mode and manual closing mode of the door (30) or change the conditions for automatic closing in this refrigerator (1).

[0119] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating automatic and manual closing modes of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] The refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment can automatically close the door (30) when a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit (60) can control the door driving device (100) to close the door (30).

[0121] When certain conditions are satisfied, the door (30) is automatically closed, which is called automatic mode.

[0122] In automatic mode, when a first time elapses with the door (30) open and no person is detected by the object sensor (300), the control unit (60) can control the door (30) driving device to close the door (30). Here, the first time may be about 10 seconds, but is not limited thereto and may be set to a shorter or longer time.

[0123] That is, a predetermined closing condition may include the door (30) being open and no person being detected by the object sensor (300) for a first time or longer.

[0124] Conversely, manual mode may mean a mode in which the door (30) is not closed and the door (30) is kept open even if certain closing conditions are satisfied.

[0125] That is, in manual mode, even if a first time elapses while the door (30) is open and no person is detected by the object sensor (300), the control unit (60) may not perform control for closing the door (30).

[0126] However, as described below, in order to prevent food in the storage room (20) from spoiling due to the door (30) being left open for a long time even in manual mode, if the door (30) is open and no person is detected by the object sensor (300) for a second time longer than the first time, the control unit (60) can control the door (30) driving device to close the door (30). Here, the second time may be set to a time within approximately 1 minute to approximately 30 minutes, but is not limited thereto and may be set to a shorter or longer time.

[0127] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing various output values ​​of a door sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] When the door (30) is open (401), the control unit (60) can change the automatic mode to the manual mode based on the first angle condition detected by the door sensor (200) (e.g., 403) (405). Additionally, if the first angle condition is not detected by the door sensor (200) (e.g., 403) the automatic mode can be maintained (407).

[0129] Here, the first angle condition may include the number of times the opening angle of the door (30) has changed by more than the first reference angle being greater than the reference number.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the door sensor (200) outputs various values ​​as the opening angle of the door (30) changes.

[0131] For example, when the door (30) is closed, the door sensor (200) outputs 0, and when the door (30) is fully open (about 100 degrees), the door sensor (200) can output 31. That is, for every 1° increase in the opening angle of the door (30), the output value of the door sensor (200) can increase by about 3.2.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5(b), it can be seen that the number of times the door (30) changes by more than a certain angle is 2. That is, it may be an output value when the door (30) is shaken 2 times.

[0133] The case where the output value of Fig. 5 (b) appears can be set as the first angle condition, and when two shakings of the door (30) are detected, the control unit (60) can change the automatic mode to a manual mode.

[0134] Accordingly, the user can easily switch between automatic and manual modes by simply shaking the door (30) while using the refrigerator, thereby increasing convenience of use.

[0135] The first angle condition is not limited thereto and can be set in various ways according to the various opening angle changes of the doors (30) shown in FIG. 5. Of course, various changes in the opening angle of the doors (30) not shown in FIG. 5 may also be included.

[0136] Which of the various changes in the opening angle of the door (30) is set as the first angle condition may be pre-set and stored in memory (62), or may be set or changed by a user or others through separate input. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the opening angle of the door (30) is changed twice or more than the reference angle as the first angle condition, but the user or others can change the opening angle of the door (30) to change once with a larger amount of change as shown in FIG. 5 (e) through separate input to the first angle condition.

[0137] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a change to an automatic mode following door closing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] As described above, the automatic mode can be changed to a manual mode as a certain condition is satisfied (601).

[0139] At this time, the control unit (60) can switch back to the manual mode when the closure of the door (30) is detected (603), such as when the user directly closes the door (30) (605).

[0140] Accordingly, the user's convenience can be increased by ensuring that the door (30) is automatically closed when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the door (30) is opened again.

[0141] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating automatic door closing in manual mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] As described above, the automatic mode can be changed to a manual mode as long as certain conditions are satisfied (701).

[0143] At this time, there may be cases where the user leaves the area around the door (30) without changing from manual mode back to automatic mode.

[0144] In such cases, the door (30) can be automatically closed after a certain period of time has elapsed to prevent spoilage of food in the storage room (20). That is, when user departure is detected by the object sensor (300) (703) and the aforementioned second time has elapsed (e.g., 705), the control unit (60) can control the door (30) driving device to close the door (30) (707).

[0145] As described above, the second time may be set longer than the first time that elapses until the door (30) is automatically closed in automatic mode, and may be set to about 1 minute to about 30 minutes.

[0146] Even in manual mode, the food storage performance can be improved by automatically closing the door (30) when a second time longer than the first time has elapsed, so as not to keep the door (30) open for an excessively long time.

[0147] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating changing the automatic closing conditions of a door according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] Users, etc., may change the automatic closing mode of the door (30) to a manual closing mode by changing the opening angle of the door (30), but in addition, they may change the time required for the door (30) to automatically close in the automatic mode.

[0149] When the door (30) is open (801), the control unit (60) can change a predetermined closing condition in automatic mode based on the second angle condition being detected by the door sensor (200) (e.g., 803) (805). Additionally, if the second angle condition is not detected (e.g., 803) the predetermined closing condition can be maintained in automatic mode (807).

[0150] In the description of the automatic mode described above, when a first time elapses without the user being detected by the object sensor (300), the control unit (60) could control the door (30) driving device to close the door (30). The user may further extend or shorten this first time by moving the door (30) to satisfy a second angle condition.

[0151] For example, the second angle condition may include detecting that the opening angle of the door (30) changes by more than a second reference angle, which is greater than the first reference angle, as shown in (e) of FIG. 5.

[0152] That is, if the user rotates the door (30) significantly to change the opening angle relatively more, the first time required for the door (30) to automatically close can be extended.

[0153] For example, if the control unit (60) detects that the opening angle of the door (30) changes by more than a second reference angle which is greater than the first reference angle, the control unit (60) can extend the first time by 5 seconds. This extended time is merely an example, and various times can be extended or shortened.

[0154] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the provision of a notification according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] As described above, if certain conditions are satisfied, the automatic mode can be changed to a manual mode (901), or the predetermined closing conditions for closing the door (30) in the automatic mode can be changed.

[0156] The control unit (60) can control the user interface (70) to provide a notification regarding a change in mode in such cases (903). It can also control the user interface (70) to provide a notification regarding a change in a predetermined closing condition for closing the door (30).

[0157] For example, when the mode is changed, the output interface (72) can be controlled to display a phrase such as "Changed from automatic mode to manual mode."

[0158] In addition, the communication unit (80) may transmit information regarding a change in mode or a change in a predetermined closing condition to an external device such as a user terminal.

[0159] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating changing a door closing mode through a user interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating changing an automatic closing condition of a door through a user interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] As described above, the refrigerator may include a user interface (70), and the user interface (70) may include an input interface that receives input from the user.

[0161] In addition to moving the door (30), the user may also change the automatic mode to a manual mode (1005) by entering a command regarding the mode change through the user interface (70) while the door (30) is open (1001) (1003). This mode change can be performed not only when the door (30) is open but also when it is closed.

[0162] For example, the input interface (71) can be implemented in the form of a button, and the user can input a command to change the automatic mode to manual mode by pressing this button once. This form of input is merely an example, and the automatic mode can be changed to manual mode through various forms of input.

[0163] Additionally, while the door (30) is open (1101), a command regarding a change to a predetermined closing condition can be entered through the user interface (70) (1103) to change the predetermined closing condition in automatic mode (1105). This change to the closing condition can be performed not only when the door (30) is open but also when it is closed.

[0164] For example, the input interface (71) can be implemented in the form of a button, and the user can input a command to extend the first time required to automatically close the door (30) in automatic mode by pressing this button twice by 5 seconds.

[0165] These input forms are merely examples, and specific closure conditions in automatic mode can be changed through various input forms.

[0166] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door sensor detecting the opening angle of the door; a door driving device configured to open and close the door; and a control unit that controls the door driving device to close the door based on the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition in an automatic mode, maintains the door open even if the predetermined closing condition is satisfied in a manual mode, and changes the automatic mode to the manual mode based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0167] According to the present disclosure, whether the door is automatically closed can be changed according to the user's intention, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0168] The above first angle condition may include the fact that the number of times the opening angle of the door has changed by more than the first reference angle is greater than or equal to the reference number.

[0169] The control unit above can change the manual mode to the automatic mode based on whether the door is closed.

[0170] The system further includes an object sensor that detects a person around the door; and the predetermined closing condition may include that a person is not detected by the object sensor for a first time or longer while the door is open in the automatic mode.

[0171] The device further includes an object sensor that detects a person around the door; and the control unit can control the door driving device to close the door if no person is detected by the object sensor for more than a second time in the manual mode.

[0172] The control unit can change the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode based on the detection of a second angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0173] The second angle condition above includes the opening angle of the door changing by more than the second reference angle, and the control unit may extend the first time based on the second angle condition being detected by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0174] The control unit may further include a user interface, and the control unit may control the user interface to provide a notification regarding a change in the mode.

[0175] The control unit further includes a user interface, and the control unit can change the automatic mode to the manual mode based on a command regarding a mode change entered through the user interface.

[0176] The control unit can change the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode based on a command regarding the change of the predetermined closing condition being entered through the user interface.

[0177] A control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises: a main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door sensor detecting the opening angle of the door; and a door driving device configured to open and close the door. The control method may include: detecting the opening of the door; detecting a change in the opening angle of the door by the door sensor; and changing an automatic mode, which controls the door driving device to close the door based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor and based on the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition, to a manual mode that maintains the opening of the door even when the predetermined closing condition is satisfied.

[0178] The above first angle condition may include the fact that the number of times the opening angle of the door has changed by more than the first reference angle is greater than or equal to the reference number.

[0179] It may further include changing the manual mode to the automatic mode based on the fact that the door is closed.

[0180] The refrigerator further includes an object sensor that detects a person around the door, and the predetermined closing condition may include that a person is not detected by the object sensor for a first time or longer while the door is open in the automatic mode.

[0181] The refrigerator may further include an object sensor that detects a person around the door, and control the door drive device to close the door if no person is detected by the object sensor for more than a second time in the manual mode.

[0182] It may further include changing the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode based on the detection of a second angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0183] The second angle condition above includes the opening angle of the door changing by more than the second reference angle, and changing the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode may include extending the first time based on the second angle condition being detected by the door sensor while the door is open.

[0184] The above refrigerator may further include a user interface and control the user interface to provide a notification regarding a change in the mode.

[0185] The above refrigerator further includes a user interface, and changing the automatic mode to the manual mode may include changing the automatic mode to the manual mode based on a command regarding mode change entered through the user interface.

[0186] It may further include changing the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode based on a command regarding the change of the predetermined closing condition entered through the user interface.

[0187] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, whether the door is automatically closed can be changed according to the user's intention, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0188] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0189] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0190] 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. A main body forming a storage chamber; A door rotatably provided to open and close the storage room; A door sensor that detects the opening angle of the above door; A door driving device configured to open and close the above door; and In automatic mode, the door driving device is controlled to close the door based on the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition, and In manual mode, the door is kept open even if the above predetermined closing condition is satisfied, and A refrigerator comprising: a control unit that changes the automatic mode to the manual mode based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first angle condition is, A refrigerator comprising a door opening angle that has changed by more than a first reference angle more than a reference number.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that changes the manual mode to the automatic mode based on the door being closed.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an object sensor that detects people around the door; The above predetermined closing conditions are, A refrigerator comprising a state in which a person is not detected by the object sensor for a first time or longer while the door is open in the above automatic mode.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an object sensor that detects people around the door; The above control unit is, A refrigerator that controls the door drive device to close the door if no person is detected by the object sensor for more than two hours in the above manual mode.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that changes the predetermined closing condition in the automatic mode based on the detection of a second angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above second angle condition is, It includes the fact that the opening angle of the above door has changed by more than the second reference angle, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that extends the first time based on the detection of a second angle condition by the door sensor while the door is open.

8. In Paragraph 1, Including a user interface; further The above control unit is, A refrigerator that controls the user interface to provide a notification regarding a change in the above mode.

9. In Paragraph 1, Including a user interface; further The above control unit is, A refrigerator that changes the automatic mode to the manual mode based on a command regarding a mode change entered through the user interface.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is, A refrigerator that changes the predetermined closing conditions in the automatic mode based on a command regarding the change of the predetermined closing conditions entered through the user interface.

11. A main body forming a storage compartment; a door rotatably provided to open and close the storage compartment; a door sensor detecting the opening angle of the door; and a door driving device configured to open and close the door; wherein a control method for a refrigerator Detecting the opening of the above door; Detecting a change in the opening angle of the door by the door sensor above; A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: changing an automatic mode, which controls the door driving device to close the door based on the detection of a first angle condition by the door sensor and the satisfaction of a predetermined closing condition, to a manual mode, which maintains the door open even when the predetermined closing condition is satisfied.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above first angle condition is, A method for controlling a refrigerator that includes the fact that the number of times the opening angle of the door changes by more than a first reference angle is greater than or equal to a reference number.

13. In Paragraph 11, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising changing the manual mode to the automatic mode based on the fact that the door is closed.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above refrigerator further includes an object sensor that detects a person around the door, and The above predetermined closing conditions are, A method for controlling a refrigerator including not detecting a person by the object sensor for a first time or longer while the door is open in the above automatic mode.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above refrigerator further includes an object sensor that detects a person around the door, and A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising: controlling the door driving device to close the door if no person is detected by the object sensor for more than two hours in the above manual mode.

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