JP5773948B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

  With the diversification of eating habits, household refrigerators are mainly divided into a plurality of rooms with different temperature zones. Some refrigerators can be adjusted by lowering or raising the temperature setting of these rooms slightly depending on the user's preference. Furthermore, the refrigerator has a temperature switching room that can be freely set from the refrigeration temperature above the freezing point to the freezing temperature below the freezing point, a rapid cooling function that temporarily increases the cooling capacity, and power consumption. There was also a refrigerator equipped with a power saving function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a refrigerator that can adjust temperature and set various functions by operating an operation device installed on the surface of a door (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with an operation device including buttons for room selection, temperature adjustment, instant freezing, and ice making setting, and a display means for indicating a state in which function execution is set. When the above button is operated, various settings are switched in order and the settings are confirmed. When the setting is confirmed, the state after the setting is indicated by the lighting / extinguishing state of the display means.

JP 2011-47550 A ([0049] to [0052], FIG. 8)

  However, in the operation device of the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1, when any button is operated, the display is switched and the setting is completed, but since the completion is not notified by characters, the user sets normally. There was a problem of becoming uneasy without knowing whether it was made.

  In addition, since the setting is switched as it is by a button operation, there is a problem that an elderly person who is unfamiliar with the operation of the electronic device cannot operate the operation device because he or she is afraid to operate it.

  In addition, although various settings can be performed by operating the buttons, it is not known on the operation device what effect the settings will have on the refrigerator, so what functions do the user have to read the instruction manual? There is a problem that it is not possible to know what happens when a button is operated or not.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigerator including a user-friendly operation device that can be operated with peace of mind by a user.

The refrigerator according to the present invention includes an icon, an icon operation unit that receives an operation input, and a function display unit that displays characters that explain a function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit when the icon operation unit is operated. If the the icon operation unit is operated, in which and an row intends input receiving display unit a display to confirm whether to execute a function corresponding to the icon of the icon manipulation unit.

According to the present invention, when the icon operation unit is operated, since the function display unit that displays the characters that explain the function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit is provided, any function execution can be set by the operation, It is possible for the user to recognize what effect the device has. Further, when the icon operation unit is operated, an input reception display unit that displays whether or not to execute a function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit and receives an input as to whether or not to execute the function Therefore, the operation can be performed without fear of erroneous setting. In addition, when an input for executing a function is received on the input reception display section, a setting display section is displayed that displays that the function execution setting has been made, so whether the function execution setting has been completed successfully is used. Can recognize.
Therefore, it is possible to obtain a refrigerator including a user-friendly operation device that can be operated with peace of mind for the user.

It is a front view of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the initial state of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the lighting state of the icon of the icon operation part of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the cross-section of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the cross-section of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the light-guide plate of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and a 2nd illumination means. It is a figure which shows the image of the lighting and extinction of the icon of the icon operation part of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart which shows the operation | work which sets the function execution of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation flowchart which shows the operation | work which sets the function cancellation | release in the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flowchart which shows the cancellation work of the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the movement of a user's eyes when operating the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the movement of a user's eyes when operating the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and is a modification of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale which show the positional relationship of the setting display part and input reception display part of the refrigerator which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale which show the case where the function cancellation part for exclusive use is provided in the operating device of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerator 50 includes a refrigerator body 1, a refrigerator room 2 provided at the uppermost stage of the refrigerator body 1, an ice making room 3, and a switching room in which a set temperature can be switched from freezing to refrigeration. 4, a freezer compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6. On the front face of the refrigerating room 2, a refrigerating room door (right) 2a and a refrigerating room door (left) 2b, which are attached to the refrigerator main body 1 so as to be able to be opened and closed by a hinge, are provided. An operating device 10 is provided in front of the refrigerator compartment door (right) 2a. The ice making chamber 3 is a room that automatically performs an ice making operation when water is put in a water supply tank (not shown) provided in the refrigerator compartment 2. The ice produced in this way is stored in an ice storage case (not shown) provided in the ice making chamber 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a state in which all display elements of the controller device 10 are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 10 includes an icon block 25, a function display unit 26, an input reception display unit 27, a setting display unit 29, a storage room display unit 30, and the like.

  The icon block 25 includes an initial icon operation unit 25A arranged in the center so as to be visible at all times, and icon operation units 25a to 25h arranged around the initial icon operation unit 25A. The initial icon operation unit 25A has a meaning of a start button for the user to press first. The icon operation units 25a to 25h each include an icon and have a function of an input unit that receives an operation input from the user. In the icon operation units 25a to 25h, icons of graphics (designs) reminiscent of the function itself set when the button is pressed or a scene using the function are drawn.

  When any one of the icon operation units 25a to 25h is operated, the function display unit 26 displays characters that explain functions corresponding to the icons of the operated icon operation units 25a to 25h. This character is the wording 26a. The wording 26a also plays a role of asking the user whether or not to set function execution. The wording 26a is expressed by an interrogative character that combines the explanation of the function and the question to the user. For example, the wording 26a is expressed by a character "Will you cool the beer quickly?"

  Below, the correspondence of the icon operation parts 25a-25h and the wording 26a provided in the function display part 26 is demonstrated. The icon operation unit 25a corresponds to “Do you want to save bulk purchases” on the function display unit 26, the icon operation unit 25b corresponds to “Do you want to leave ecology” on the function display unit 26, and the icon operation unit 25c Corresponding to “Do you want to preserve fresh vegetables” on the function display unit 26, the icon operation unit 25d corresponds to “Do you want to make ice quickly?” On the function display unit 26, and the icon operation unit 25e The icon operation unit 25f corresponds to “Do you want to refrigerate at a low temperature” in the function display unit 26, and the icon operation unit 25g corresponds to the function display unit 26. The icon operation unit 25h corresponds to “Do you want to freeze instantly?” On the function display unit 26. Note that the symbols of the icon operation units 25 a to 25 h and the wording of the function display unit 26 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and any of them can be adopted corresponding to the function of the refrigerator 50.

  When the icon block operation units 25a to 25h are operated, the input reception display unit 27 displays whether or not to execute a function corresponding to the icon of the operated icon operation units 25a to 25h. The input of whether or not to execute is accepted. The input reception display unit 27 includes a setting button 27a for setting function execution and a release button 27b for setting the function release being executed. On the surface of the setting button 27a and the release button 27b, there are written meaningful characters that respond to the wording 26a (inquiry) displayed on the function display unit 26. For example, a character “Yes” is described on the surface of the setting button 27a, and a character “No” is described on the surface of the release button 27b.

  The setting display unit 29 displays, in characters, that the function execution setting corresponding to the icon of the operated icon operation unit 25a to 25h has been made. This character is the wording 29a. The wording 29a is expressed by, for example, characters “set”.

  The storage room display unit 30 has a pattern 30 a simulating the shape and arrangement of the refrigerator compartment 2, the ice making room 3, the switching room 4, the freezing room 5, and the vegetable room 6 provided in the refrigerator 50. The symbol 30a corresponding to each storage room is configured so that the display state can be switched individually, and when one of the icon operation units 25a to 25h is operated, the icon of the operated icon operation unit 25a to 25h is displayed. The storage room symbol 30a on which the corresponding function operates is identified and displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial state of operating device 10 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the initial state of the controller device 10, the parts other than the initial icon operation unit 25A are not displayed. The initial icon operation unit 25A is displayed so as to be visible at all times, and has the meaning of a start button for the user to press first. This is a mechanism in which the icon operation units 25a to 25h and the like emerge when the user operates the initial icon operation unit 25A.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a lighting state (display state) of icons of the icon operation units 25a to 25h of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The icon operation units 25a to 25h according to the first embodiment are identified and displayed depending on their display states. Specific examples will be described below.

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which all of the icon operation units 25a to 25h included in the icon block 25 are displayed. If all the function executions corresponding to the icons of the icon operation units 25a to 25h can be set, all the icon operation units 25a to 25h are displayed as shown in FIG. For this reason, the user can recognize the icon operation parts 25a-25h which can be operated.

FIG. 4B is a display example when there is an icon operation unit that cannot be operated.
FIG. 4B shows an example in which, among the icon operation units 25a to 25h included in the icon block 25, those that can be operated are displayed and those that cannot be operated are hidden. Depending on the operating state of the refrigerator 50, it may not be possible to set execution of all functions corresponding to the icons of the icon operation units 25a to 25h, and therefore icon operation units that cannot be set are not displayed. By hiding the inoperable icon operation unit, the operator can recognize that the function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit cannot be set.

FIG. 4C is another display example when there is an icon operation unit that cannot be operated.
In FIG. 4C, all of the icon operation units 25a to 25h included in the icon block 25 are displayed, but those that cannot be operated are displayed lighter than those that can be operated. Specifically, the icon operation units 25c and 25f corresponding to the functions that cannot be executed even if operated are turned on lighter than the icon operation units 25a, 25b, 25d, 25e, 25g, and 25h corresponding to the executable functions. Is. In other words, the icon operation unit that can be operated is clearly displayed with high visibility, and the icon operation unit that cannot be operated can be confirmed, but the user can be recognized that the operation is impossible. it's shown. By doing in this way, the user can distinguish the icon operation part which can be operated, and the icon operation part which cannot be operated. If the inoperable icon operation unit is hidden as in the example of FIG. 4B described above, some users may erroneously recognize that the icon of the icon operation unit is not displayed due to a failure. However, such misrecognition is less likely to occur as shown in FIG. In addition, the display mode of the icon operation unit that cannot be operated may be any of FIGS. 4B and 4C.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of operating device 10 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of operating device 10 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, a housing 11 is provided on the user side of the operating device 10. The housing 11 includes a first printing layer 11a located on the user side of the housing 11 and a second printing layer 11b located closer to the inside of the refrigerator 50 than the first printing layer 11a. The first print layer 11 a is for expressing the basic color and pattern of the operation device 10. The second print layer 11b is for expressing icon operation units 25a to 25h, various buttons, words, and symbols. These two printed layers are integrally formed with a transparent resin having transparency, and form a part of the housing 11. Since the material of the housing | casing 11 should just have transparency, it is realizable even if it replaces with glass, an acryl, etc. A first LED 12a, a printed circuit board 13, an electrode 14, a shielding wall 15, a light guide plate 16, and the like are provided on the back side of the housing 11 (the inside of the refrigerator 50, the lower side in FIG. 5).

  Initial icon operation unit 25A and icon operation units 25a to 25h of icon block 25, wording 26a of function display unit 26, setting button 27a and release button 27b of input reception display unit 27, wording 29a of setting display unit 29, storage room display One set of first illumination means 12 is provided for each of the symbols 30a of the portion 30. When the first illumination means 12 is turned off, the icons and characters printed on the second print layer 11b are hidden by the first print layer 11a for expressing the basic color and pattern. Although it is not visible, when the first illumination means 12 is turned on, the symbol is irradiated and emerges. Moreover, since the shielding wall 15 is provided between the 1st illumination means 12, it is possible to turn on and off each of an icon and a button separately. In this way, the display / non-display state of the icon is switched depending on the lighting state of the first illumination unit 12. Since the 1st illumination means 12 which illuminates various buttons and a display element is prepared for each element separately, it can determine lighting and extinction of a button and a display element separately.

  In FIG. 5, the first LED 12 a is used as the first illumination unit 12. The first LED 12a is a side-emitting type that emits light in the lateral direction. The light enters from the side of the light guide plate 16 and bends 90 ° light by the reflection action, so that the first printed layer 11a and the second printed layer 11b are oriented. Guide the light to. The thickness of the housing 11 is required to be 2 mm or more due to molding restrictions, has a certain thickness, and forms the light guide layer together with the light guide plate 16 installed below. A part of the light passing through the light guide layer of the housing 11 reaches the adjacent icon or character, but the portion of the second print layer 11b where the icon or character is not printed is colored black. Shields light and suppresses light leakage to adjacent icons and characters.

  The initial icon operation unit 25 </ b> A and the icon operation units 25 a to 25 h include a capacitance type touch sensor that detects a change in capacitance value when the user touches the surface of the operation device 10. Electrodes 14 for detecting capacitance formed on the surface of the printed circuit board 13 are installed on the back side of the icon operation units 25a to 25h. When the user presses this surface, the change in capacitance is transmitted to the capacitance detection electrode 14 via the housing 11 and the light guide plate 16, and it is recognized that the user has pressed the surface. .

  In FIG. 5, the first LED 12a, which is a side-emitting LED, is used as the first illumination unit 12 such as the initial icon operation unit 25A and the icon operation units 25a to 25h. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for display elements that are not input means, instead of the first LED 12a as shown in FIG. 6, a top-emitting type first LED 12b may be used, and the light guide plate 16 may be installed above this. When the display area is small, the light guide plate 16 may not be provided because the light guide and diffusion can be sufficiently performed only by the transparent resin portion of the housing 11.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the light guide plate 16 and the second illumination means 40 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, second illumination means 40 that emits light in a color different from that of the first illumination means 12 that irradiates the icon operation parts 25 a to 25 h is provided on the left shoulders of the icon operation parts 25 a to 25 h. ing. The second illumination means 40 has a role of indicating whether the function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit is being executed or has been released (not executed) depending on the lighting state. Hereinafter, an example in which the second LED 40a is used as the second illumination unit 40 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image of turning on and off the icons of the icon operation units 25a to 25h of the operation device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 8A shows a state in which the icon is turned off, and the first LED 12a and the second LED 40a are turned off. FIG. 8B shows an icon lighting state, where the first LED 12a is turned on and the second LED 40a is turned off. FIG. 8C shows an icon setting state in which the first LED 12a and the second LED 40a are lit.

  In addition, although not shown in figure, the 3rd illumination means is provided also in the symbol 30a of the storeroom display part 30, respectively. A 3rd illumination means is LED, for example, and lighting control is carried out separately for every design 30a. When any one of the icon operation units 25a to 25h of the icon block 25 is operated, the third illumination means corresponding to the design 30a of the storage room on which the function of the operated icon operation units 25a to 25h operates is turned on. . The third illuminating means indicates whether or not the symbol 30a corresponding to itself is that of the storage room in which the function corresponding to the icon of the operated icon operation unit acts, by the lighting state.

[Function settings]
FIG. 9 is an operation flow diagram showing an operation for setting the function execution of the operation device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the function execution setting procedure of the controller device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

(initial state)
In the initial state before operating the operating device 10, only the first illumination means 12 corresponding to the initial icon operation unit 25A is turned on, and all other first illumination means 12 are turned off. That is, in the initial state, the display units other than the initial icon operation unit 25A that is always visible are not visible. Step 000 in FIG. 9 shows an initial state.

(Step 000 to Step 010)
First, when the initial icon operation unit 25A is pressed in step 000, the process proceeds to step 010 and the icon operation units 25a to 25h in the icon block 25 are turned on.

(Step 010 to Step 020)
Next, when the icon operation unit 25e is pressed in step 010, for example, the process proceeds to step 020, and (i) the word 26a of the function display unit 26 corresponding to the icon operation unit 25e, (ii) the setting button 27a and the release button 27b. And (iii) The symbol 30a of the storage room display unit 30 is turned on. In this way, the function is explained to the user by displaying the word 26a and the symbol 30a. Further, the display of the setting button 27a and the release button 27b confirms the intention to set the function execution corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e, and prompts the disclosure of the intention.

(Step 020 to Step 030)
Next, when “Yes” of the setting button 27 a is pressed in Step 020, the process proceeds to Step 030 and the setting display unit 29 is lit. The setting display unit 29 displays a word indicating that the function has been executed, for example, “set”, and the second LED 40a indicating that the function execution of the icon operation unit 25e has been set is turned on and the setting is performed. The operation is complete.

(Step 030 to Step 011)
Next, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses in step 030, the process proceeds to step 011 and the icon operation units 25a to 25h are turned on. Thereby, the user can prepare for the next setting operation.

(Step 011 to Step 000)
Next, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses without any operation of the icon operation units 25a to 25h in step 011, the process proceeds to step 000 and the first corresponding to the display unit other than the initial icon operation unit 25A. The illumination means 12 is turned off and stands by, and power consumption is suppressed.

[Settings for canceling functions]
FIG. 10 is an operation flow diagram showing an operation for setting function release in the operation device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the setting procedure for canceling the function of the controller device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 100 to Step 110)
First, when the initial icon operation unit 25A is pressed in step 100, the process proceeds to step 110 and the icon operation units 25a to 25h are turned on. At this time, since the function execution setting corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e has already been performed, the second LED 40a is also lit. Step 100 is the same as the state in the case of transitioning to Step 000 through Step 011 described above.

(Step 110 to Step 120)
Next, when the icon operation unit 25e that has been set in step 110 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 120, where (i) the word 26a of the function display unit 26, (ii) the setting button 27a and the release button 27b, and (iii) storage. The symbol 30a of the room display unit 30 is lit. In this way, the function is explained to the user by displaying the word 26a and the symbol 30a. Further, the display of the setting button 27a and the release button 27b confirms the intention to set the function execution corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e, and prompts the disclosure of the intention. When the user selects “Yes” on the setting button 27a, the user's intention to continuously set this function execution is reflected, and the setting for executing the rapid cooling of beer is performed. When the user selects “NO” on the release button 27b, the user's intention to release this function is reflected, and the rapid cooling of beer is stopped.

(Step 120 to Step 130)
Next, when “NO” of the cancel button 27b is pressed in step 120, the process proceeds to step 130, and the function execution setting corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e is cancelled. The cancellation of the setting is indicated to the user by turning off the second LED 40a indicating that the function cancellation of the icon operation unit 25e is set, and the cancellation operation is completed. At this time, the wording 29a displayed when the function execution is set is not displayed.

(Step 130 to Step 111)
Next, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses in step 130, the process proceeds to step 111, and the icon operation units 25a to 25h are turned on. Thereby, the user prepares for the next setting operation.

(Step 111 to Step 100)
Next, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed without any operation of any of the icon operation units 25a to 25h in step 111, the process proceeds to step 100, and the first corresponding to the display unit other than the initial icon operation unit 25A. The illumination means 12 is turned off and stands by, and power consumption is suppressed.

[Settings for canceling function execution or function cancellation]
FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart showing the canceling operation of operating device 10 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the setting procedure when the operation is canceled halfway will be described with reference to FIG.

(Step 200 to Step 210)
First, when the initial icon operation unit 25A is pressed in step 200, the process proceeds to step 210 and the icon operation units 25a to 25h are lit. At this time, since the function execution setting corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e has already been performed, the second LED 40a is also lit. Note that step 200 is the same as the state in the case of transitioning to step 000 through step 011 described above.

(Step 210 to Step 220)
Next, when the icon operation unit 25e that has been set in step 210 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 220, where (i) the word 26a of the function display unit 26, (ii) the setting button 27a and the release button 27b, and (iii) storage. The symbol 30a of the room display unit 30 is lit. In this way, the function is explained to the user by displaying the word 26a and the symbol 30a. Further, the display of the setting button 27a and the release button 27b confirms the intention to set the function execution corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit 25e, and prompts the disclosure of the intention. In step 220, the initial icon operation unit 25A functions as a cancel button. Therefore, if the user has read the description of the function and notices that it is performing a setting operation for a function that is different from the desired function, or if the user wants to stop the setting, the initial icon operation The part 25A is pushed.

(Step 220 to Step 210)
Next, when the initial icon operation unit 25A is pressed in step 220, the process proceeds to step 210 and returns to the state before the function display unit 26 and the input reception display unit 27 are displayed. That is, the second LED 40a remains lit, and the function execution setting is not canceled, and the screen returns to the original screen (the screen in which the icon operation units 25a to 25h are lit).

(Step 210 to Step 200)
Next, in step 210, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses without any operation of the icon operation units 25a to 25h, the process proceeds to step 200 and the first display unit corresponding to the display unit other than the initial icon operation unit 25A. The illumination means 12 is turned off and stands by, and power consumption is suppressed.

  As described above, the refrigerator 50 according to the first embodiment includes icons, and when the icon operation units 25a to 25h that receive operation inputs and the icon operation units 25a to 25h are operated, the icon operation units 25a to 25h. And a function display unit 26 for displaying functions corresponding to the icons. For this reason, it is possible for the user to recognize what function execution can be set by the operation and what kind of action is brought about on the device without reading the instruction manual.

  In addition, when the icon operation units 25a to 25h are operated, the refrigerator 50 according to the first embodiment performs a display for confirming whether or not to execute a function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation units 25a to 25h, An input reception display unit 27 that receives an input as to whether or not to execute the function is provided. Therefore, the operation can be performed without fear of erroneous setting.

  In addition, the refrigerator 50 according to the first embodiment includes a setting display unit 29 that, when receiving an input for executing the function in the input reception display unit 27, displays that the function execution setting has been made in characters. Yes. For this reason, it becomes possible for the user to recognize whether the function execution setting has been normally completed.

  Moreover, the refrigerator 50 according to the first embodiment uses a touch sensor as an operation means. Unlike a mechanical switch, the touch sensor does not have a movable part, so that deterioration due to wear and wear of the touch sensor is suppressed, and the touch sensor can be used for a long time. Further, since the touch sensor does not have a movable part, there is no groove for operating the switch like a mechanical switch. For this reason, since there is no path for moisture to enter the touch sensor, the water resistance of the touch sensor is improved. In addition, since the touch sensor has no groove as described above, entry of static electricity into the touch sensor is suppressed.

  Thus, the refrigerator 50 provided with the user-friendly operation device 10 that can be operated with confidence for the user can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, the illumination by the first illuminating unit 12, the second illuminating unit 40, and the third illuminating unit is identified by turning on one display unit and turning off the other display units. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the state may be identified by changing the lighting color, switching between lighting / flashing, changing the brightness at the time of lighting, or the like.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 1, although it was set as the structure which illuminates the figure and design drawn on the surface of the operating device 10 with LED, it is not limited to this. A liquid crystal may be adopted for the operation device 10 so that these figures and symbols are displayed.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the second embodiment, an optimal arrangement of icons, buttons, and display elements will be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing movement of the user's line of sight when operating the operation device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing movement of the user's line of sight when operating operating device 10 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, which is a modification of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the “icon block 25”, “function display unit 26”, “storage room display unit 30”, “input reception display unit” are arranged on the surface of the operating device 10 in order from the top to the bottom. 27 "is arranged. When the operation device 10 is configured as described above, the user aligns the line of sight with the icon block 25 and selects and operates a desired icon from the icon operation units 25a to 25h. Next, the user moves the line of sight downward, confirms the function corresponding to the operated icon on the function display unit 26, and the user further moves the line of sight downward, and the storage room where this function operates is stored in the storage room display unit. Confirm with 30. Then, the user further moves his eyes downward, confirms whether or not the function to be executed is a desired function, and operates the setting button 27a or the release button 27b displayed on the input reception display unit 27. Thus, the operation unit operated when the user uses the operation device 10 and the display unit to be confirmed by the user are displayed side by side.

  As shown in FIG. 13, “icon block 25”, “storage room display unit 30”, “function display unit 26”, “input reception display unit 27” are arranged on the surface of the operating device 10 in order from the top to the bottom. May be arranged. With this arrangement, the relationship between the icon and the room where the function set by the icon acts is emphasized.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the positional relationship between setting display unit 29 and input acceptance display unit 27 of refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, when the setting button 27a is pressed, the wording on the setting display section 29 notifying that the function execution has been set lights up.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, if the input reception display unit 27 is arranged below the setting display unit 29, the setting display unit 29 is not hidden by the operator's hand operating the input reception display unit 27. . Therefore, the user can easily recognize whether or not the desired function execution has been set on the setting display unit 29.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, if the input reception display unit 27 is arranged above the setting display unit 29, the wording 29a notifying that the function has been set is turned on after the setting button 27a is pressed. However, it is hidden by the hand that operated the button and cannot be recognized by the user. For this reason, it is more preferable to arrange as shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view showing a case where a dedicated function canceling unit 31 is provided in the operating device 10 of the refrigerator 50 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
In the above description, the initial icon operation unit 25A is described as having a cancel operation function. However, as shown in FIG. 15, “return” having the meaning of canceling the function execution is printed and the function cancel unit 31 is printed. The (cancel button 31a) may be separately arranged separately. Further, the character printed on the cancel button 31a may be a character such as “cancel” in addition to “return”. When the dedicated cancel button 31a is provided, the operation by pressing the cancel button 31a becomes explicit, and further operability can be expected.

  As described above, the refrigerator 50 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the icon block 25, the function display unit 26, the storage room display unit 30, and the input reception display unit 27 are arranged in this order from the top to the bottom. Adopted. In this way, by arranging in a permutation from the top in accordance with the eye movement and operation procedures, it is possible to operate while recognizing the contents in a natural flow. Therefore, the user does not hesitate which button to press next, and can check in which room the function corresponding to the icon of the operated icon operation unit will operate, so it can be operated with peace of mind. It becomes possible to do. In addition, it is possible to provide the operating device 10 that can suppress the occurrence of misidentification and recognition omission, suppress the stress applied to the user, and consider more important buttons and display element arrangement positions.

  The refrigerator 50 according to the second embodiment employs a configuration in which the setting display unit 29 is disposed above the input reception display unit 27. For this reason, even if the wording 29a lights up, it can suppress that it becomes hidden by the hand which operated the setting button 27a, and a user cannot recognize the wording 29a.

  In the second embodiment, an example in which a display unit or the like is arranged as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and consideration is given to the wording to be displayed and the relationship that is emphasized. Thus, it is desirable to arrange them in order along a specific direction.

  In the second embodiment, the operation device 10 is assumed to be vertically long. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the operating device 10 is horizontally long, it is desirable to arrange the operating device 10 in order from one end side in the longitudinal direction to the other end side.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator main body, 2 Refrigeration room, 2a Refrigeration room door (right), 2b Refrigeration room door (left), 3 Ice making room, 4 Switching room, 5 Freezing room, 6 Vegetable room, 10 Operating device, 11 Case, 11a 1st 1 printing layer, 11b 2nd printing layer, 12 1st illumination means, 12a 1st LED, 12b 1st LED, 13 printed circuit board, 14 electrode, 15 shielding wall, 16 light guide plate, 25 icon block, 25A initial icon operation Part, 25a-25h Icon operation part, 26 function display part, 26a wording, 27 input acceptance display part, 27a setting button, 27b release button, 29 setting display part, 29a wording, 30 storage room display part, 30a design, 31 function Cancellation part, 31a Cancel button, 40 2nd illumination means, 40a 2nd LED, 50 Refrigerator.

Claims (12)

An icon operation unit having icons and receiving operation inputs;
When the icon operation unit is operated, a function display unit that displays characters describing a function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit;
Wherein the icon operation unit is operated, a refrigerator, characterized by comprising a row intends input receiving display unit a display to confirm whether to execute a function corresponding to the icon of the icon manipulation unit. The input reception display unit further receives an input as to whether or not to execute the function,
When an input for executing the function is received by the input reception display unit, a setting display unit is provided for displaying that the function execution setting has been made in characters.
The refrigerator according to claim 1. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a plurality of the icon operation units are provided. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein when the icon operation unit is operated, a storage room in which a function corresponding to the icon acts is displayed with characters or symbols. With a function cancellation part,
If the function canceling unit is operated during the period from when the icon operating unit is operated to when the input is received and displayed, the function corresponding to the icon of the icon operating unit is not executed, and the function The display part and the said input reception display part return to the state before being displayed. The refrigerator as described in any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. It provided for each of the icon manipulation unit, in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with a first illuminating means for indicating by lighting state whether the icon manipulation unit is operational The refrigerator described. 2. A second illumination unit that is provided for each icon operation unit and that indicates whether a function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit is being executed is indicated by a lighting state. Item 7. The refrigerator according to any one of Items 6 . The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the icon operation unit includes a capacitive touch sensor. A storage room display section for displaying a symbol corresponding to each storage room inside the refrigerator body,
A third illumination means provided for each symbol of the storage room display unit,
When the icon operation unit is operated, the third lighting unit lights whether or not the symbol corresponding to itself is that of the storage room in which the function corresponding to the icon of the icon operation unit acts. It shows by a state. The refrigerator as described in any one of Claims 1-8 characterized by the above-mentioned. The icon operation unit, the function display unit, the storage room display unit, and the input reception display unit are
It is arrange | positioned in order along a specific direction. The refrigerator of Claim 9 characterized by the above-mentioned. From top to bottom,
The refrigerator according to claim 10 , wherein the icon operation unit, the function display unit, the storage room display unit, and the input reception display unit are arranged in this order. The setting display section
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is arranged above the input receiving display unit.