JP2007120907A - Switch device, and door device and refrigerator incorporating switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device provided with a switch device having a wide operation area, and capable of being operated with low operating force and preventing wrong operation. <P>SOLUTION: This switch device 25 is composed of an operation board 33, an operation detecting means 26, an elastic body 35, and a holding member 32 for holding the elastic body 35. As the operation detecting means 26 is held between the operation board 33 and the elastic body 35, the operating force added to the operation board 33 is directly transmitted to the operation detecting means 26 through the operation board 33, and further as the operation detecting means 26 is held by repulsive force of the elastic body 35, the operating force can be surely transmitted to the operation detecting means 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a switch device that detects a minute operation. Moreover, it is related with the door apparatus incorporating the switch apparatus, and the refrigerator provided with the door apparatus.

  In recent years, increasing the usability of devices used at home has been regarded as important. In particular, in refrigerators, with the recent trend of increasing size, the doors are also relatively increased in size, and the physical burden on opening and closing tends to increase. For this reason, the refrigerator which aimed at assisting opening and closing of the door in a refrigerator and reducing especially the load at the time of door opening is proposed.

  Conventionally, as this type of refrigerator, there is a refrigerator that drives a door opening device to push out a door when the door opening switch is pressed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 18 shows a front view of a refrigerator to which the conventional door opening technique described in Patent Document 1 is applied. As shown in FIG. 18, the refrigerator main body 1 formed of an outer box, an inner box, and a heat insulating box body in which a heat insulating material is foam-filled between the inner and outer boxes has a refrigerator compartment 2 at the top as a storage space inside the inner box, Below that, the vegetable compartment 3 and then the ice making storage compartment 4 and the temperature switching compartment 5 are arranged side by side through a heat insulating partition wall, and the freezing compartment 6 is arranged at the bottom to store each storage. A dedicated door is provided at each front opening of the chamber and is closed to be opened and closed. A refrigerator compartment door 7 is installed in front of the opening of the refrigerator compartment 2 having the largest storage capacity.

  A door opening unit 8 is installed on the upper surface of the refrigerator body 1, and an opening switch 9 is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 7.

  About the refrigerator comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement is demonstrated below.

  First, when the door opening switch 9 is pressed to open the refrigerator compartment door 7, a door opening signal is sent to the door opening unit 8. Next, the door opening unit 8 receives this signal and starts the operation of pushing out the refrigerator compartment door 7 from the back surface. As a specific example of the operation, an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid is used to linearly move the connected piston pins and the like, and the refrigerator compartment door 7 is opened by the pressing force.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily open the door with a slight burden of pushing the door opening switch 9 without the burden of requiring a large force at the time of the initial movement when the door is opened.
JP 2003-262456 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, although it is a simple operation of pushing the door opening switch 9, when the door opening switch (push switch) 9 is operated, a pushing stroke to the operating point of the switch 9 is required. In addition, it is necessary to apply a load of a certain amount or more by hand during the pushing operation. Further, when an operation signal is received by the switch 9 and the door opening unit 8 operates, the door opening is executed against the hand pushing operation, so that the door opening force is applied to the hand as a repulsive force.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a switch device that operates with a low operating force, has high door opening operability, and does not malfunction, and incorporates the switch device into a refrigerator to operate the door opening operation. The purpose is to improve the performance.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the switch device of the present invention, the door device incorporating the switch device, and the refrigerator operate with a low operating force and anywhere in the predetermined area on the front surface of the refrigerator body, In order to prevent malfunction, the switch device includes an operation plate for performing an operation, an operation detection unit, and an elastic body.

  The switch device of the present invention, the door device incorporating the switch device, and the refrigerator operate with a low operating force when the door is opened, and have a wide region that responds to the operation, thereby improving the door opening operability. In addition, it is possible to prevent malfunctions caused by disturbances such as user's careless operation when pressing the switch device, vibrations during door opening and closing operations, and vibrations during refrigerator operation.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes an operation plate, an operation detection unit, and an elastic body. Since the operation detection unit is sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body, the operation detection unit is added to the operation plate. Since the operating force is directly transmitted to the operation detecting means via the operation plate and the operation detecting means is held by the repulsive force of the elastic body, the operating force is more reliably transmitted to the operation detecting means. As a result, the operation can be detected even with a low operating force, and the operation can be detected with a minute operation stroke, so that the operation sensitivity can be improved and the operability can be improved. Further, by using the elastic body, the operation plate can be returned to the steady position by the repulsive force of the elastic body with a simple configuration. Furthermore, it becomes strong against external force from other than the operation plate, and malfunction can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 2 comprises an operation plate, operation detection means, and an elastic body, and the operation detection means opens the switch device sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body. Since the operation force applied to the operation plate is directly transmitted to the operation detection means via the operation plate and the operation detection means is held by the repulsive force of the elastic body, it is more reliable. The operating force is transmitted to the operation detecting means. As a result, the operation can be detected even with a low operation force, and the operation can be detected with a minute operation stroke. Therefore, the operation sensitivity of the operation input for opening the door is improved, and the operability can be improved. . Further, by using the elastic body, the operation plate can be returned to the steady position by the repulsive force of the elastic body with a simple configuration. Furthermore, it becomes strong against external force from other than the operation plate, and malfunction can be prevented.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator main body provided with at least one storage room, a door provided in an openable / closable manner at an opening of the storage room, and an operation of opening the door incorporated in the front side of the door And a door opening means for opening the door. The switch device includes an operation plate, an operation detection means, an elastic body, and a holding member for holding the elastic body. And the operation detection means is sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body, and the operation force applied to the operation plate is applied to the operation detection means via the operation plate. Since the operation detection unit is held directly by the repulsive force of the elastic body, the operation force is more reliably transmitted to the operation detection unit. As a result, the operation can be detected even with a low operation force, and the operation can be detected with a minute operation stroke. Therefore, the operation sensitivity of the operation input for opening the refrigerator door is improved, and the operability is improved. it can. Further, by using the elastic body, the operation plate can be returned to the steady position by the repulsive force of the elastic body with a simple configuration.

  In addition, in a configuration in which the switch device is incorporated in the refrigerator door, it can be used to prevent dew condensation caused by temperature differences between the inside and outside of the refrigerator, and for example, water scattering during operation in the kitchen or operation with wet hands. However, since the operation detection means is sandwiched between the elastic body and the operation plate in an almost intimate manner, moisture intrusion can be suppressed. Also, disturbances such as opening / closing operation of the refrigerator door and vibration generated during refrigerator operation are indirectly transmitted to the switch device, but the operation detection means is held by an elastic body and the operation plate is fixed directly to the door. Therefore, the generated vibration is suppressed, and the vibration other than the actual operation is suppressed or cut by the characteristics of the piezo element and the signal processing method, so that malfunction can be prevented. In addition, since an elastic body is used for the component parts of the switch device, it is possible to absorb assembly variations without tightening the mounting dimension tolerance of each component part, and further, foam insulation with large molding dimension variations such as refrigerator doors. Even if the switch device is incorporated in the body, stable operation sensitivity can be realized, and disturbances that are susceptible to changes depending on the size and weight of the door, the weight of the articles stored in the storage chamber, and the like can be suppressed, so that malfunction can be prevented. Moreover, since the margin can be given to the design, the cost can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the switch device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the door device incorporating the switch device, or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device, the operation detecting means and the elasticity are provided. The body is held by a holding member and an operation plate, and the holding member is fixed to the frame body, and the operation plate is slidably attached in a direction in which the operation detecting means is pressed with respect to an operation operation. The operation force applied to the operation part is directly transmitted to the operation detection means by moving the operation plate, and operation detection with a small operation stroke is possible, so that the operation sensitivity is improved, Operability can be improved. In addition, the operation plate is not fixed to the frame fixed to the refrigerator door and is maintained by the repulsive force of the elastic body, so that the vibration received by the refrigerator door is not directly received. Therefore, since it is indirectly suppressed with respect to disturbances such as opening / closing operation of the refrigerator door and vibration during refrigerator operation, malfunction can be prevented.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the switch device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the door device incorporating the switch device, or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device, the operation detecting means and the elasticity are provided. The body is held by a holding member and an operation plate, and the operation plate is formed in a thin plate shape and fixed to the holding member, and the operation plate is arranged in a direction to press the operation detection unit with respect to an operation operation. It is attached in a bendable state, and the operation force applied to the operation part is directly transmitted to the operation detection means by bending the operation plate, so that operation detection with a small operation stroke is possible. Operation sensitivity is improved and operability can be improved. Although the operation plate is fixed to the frame fixed to the refrigerator door, the operation plate will not be distorted even if the door is subjected to vibration. Therefore, disturbances such as opening / closing operation of the refrigerator door and vibration during refrigerator operation Therefore, malfunctions can be prevented.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a door device incorporating the switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, for incorporating the switch device provided in the door. Since an air layer is interposed around the recess, the frame, and the holding member, it is possible to increase the heat insulation effect and prevent moisture from entering the operation detecting means even if condensation occurs in the space. Moreover, since the holding member is not in direct contact with the door, the disturbance received by the door can be further reduced.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the operation plate surface in the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or the door device incorporating the switch device or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device. Is formed so that it is substantially similar to and smaller than the opening formed in the frame, and the extended surface portion of the operation plate is formed to be approximately similar and larger than the opening formed in the frame. Therefore, by providing the extended surface portion on the operation plate, the contact portion between the extended surface portion of the operation plate and the frame body is increased, and moisture intrusion from the outside can be suppressed.

  The invention according to claim 8 is formed in the frame body in the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the door device incorporating the switch device or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device. Since the operation detection means is arranged on the approximate center axis of the opening, the transmission force to the operation detection means becomes uniform regardless of the operation position of the operation plate, so that stable operation sensitivity can be obtained. Can do.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the operation detection means in the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the door device incorporating the switch device, or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device. By detecting operating force as vibration using a piezoelectric element that has a piezoelectric effect, it is possible to detect minute displacements with electrical signals, and compared to push type switches that make up contacts, contact failure and gap management between contacts etc. Since there is no consideration, it is possible to realize a light operation for reducing a user's door opening / closing load and to configure a highly reliable operation unit.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the switch device according to the ninth aspect or the door device incorporating the switch device or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device, the piezo element is formed into a cable shape to operate the switch device. The detection means can be bent and external force can be detected over a wide range, and the shape of the operation section can be given flexibility.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the door device incorporating the switch device, or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the elastic body is heat insulating. By using the material having the property, condensation can be prevented by improving the heat insulation in the switch device. Further, since it is an elastic body, it is possible to realize operation sensitivity with an original low operating force and prevent malfunction due to disturbance.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the operation plate or the operation in the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the door device incorporating the switch device, or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device. Since the surface of the plate is an insulator, even when the operation plate is sparked by static electricity or the like, the operation detection means does not detect it electrically, so that malfunction can be prevented.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the switch device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, or a door device incorporating the switch device or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device. At least one convex shape is formed, and the convex shape presses the piezo element, so that the operating force can be evenly distributed. Operation sensitivity can be obtained.

  The invention described in claim 14 is a door device incorporating the switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 13 or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the door is rotated by being pivotally supported at one end. The switch door is provided on the opposite side of the rotary shaft with respect to the vertical center axis of the rotary door, so that the door can be opened without any sense of incongruity. Sex can be obtained.

  The invention according to claim 15 is a door device incorporating the switch device according to claim 14 or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the switch device is continuously arranged with the vertical direction of the refrigerator as the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to detect the operation with the same load regardless of the height of the person who operates, and it is possible to obtain a favorable door opening operability. In addition, operation detection in a wide range is possible, and the opening operability can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 16 is a door device incorporating the switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 13 or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the door is supported by slide rails at both ends and the refrigerator. The door is movable in the front-rear direction of the door, and the switch device is provided on the opening side that forms the storage chamber with respect to the horizontal central axis of the drawer-type door, so that the door does not feel sensual and uncomfortable Opening can be realized and good door opening operability can be obtained.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the opening operation is performed by providing a handle in at least a part of the switch device or in the vicinity of the operation portion. It becomes easy to assist later door opening operation by hand, and better door opening operability can be obtained. Further, since the door opening force is not required when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art, the door can be opened smoothly and better door opening operability can be obtained.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the conventional example or the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a cross section taken along line BB of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of the refrigerator in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an operation waveform characteristic diagram of the piezo element according to the first embodiment.

  1, 2, 3, and 4, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator main body 2 having heat insulation properties and a plurality of doors 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 having heat insulation properties. The refrigerator body 2 includes a plurality of storage chambers whose front surfaces are opened, that is, a refrigeration chamber 13, an ice making chamber 15, a switching chamber 16, a vegetable chamber 14, and a freezing chamber 17 in order from the top. At this time, the ice making chamber 15 and the switching chamber 16 are arranged in parallel at the same height, and the ice making chamber 15 is arranged on the left side and the switching chamber 16 is arranged on the right side as viewed from the front. In addition, a plurality of doors corresponding to the plurality of storage rooms and capable of opening and closing the openings of the respective storage rooms, that is, the refrigerator compartment door 18, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, and the vegetable compartment A door 19 and a freezer compartment door 22 are arranged. Here, the refrigerator compartment door 18 is divided into a right door 18a and a left door 18b on the left and right sides. From the refrigerator main body 2, the hinge pin 23 facing up and down is extended | stretched, and the one end of the right door 18a and the left door 18b of a refrigerator compartment is pivotally supported. The right door 18a and the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment rotate around the hinge pin 23 and are attached so as to be opened and closed. The vegetable compartment door 19, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, and the freezer compartment door 22 are drawer type doors that are slidable in the front-rear direction (frontward direction) of the refrigerator so as to be opened and closed.

  A switch device 25 is disposed on the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment. The switch device 25 includes an operation detection means (piezo element) 26, a frame body 31, a holding member 32, an operation plate 33, and an elastic body 35. The size of the switch device 25 is preferably at least 150 mm, which is at least the size that the entire palm touches. The length of 150 mm or more is set to a length that allows the entire palm to be contacted. Therefore, there is an effect that the switch device 25 can be operated with a rough standard without aiming accurately.

  In the switch device 25, the operation detection means 26 is sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, the elastic body 35 is held by the holding member 32, and the operation plate 33 is slidably assembled to the holding member 32. Further, the frame body 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed in a state in which the convex shape 33a of the operation plate 33 is inserted into the opening 37 formed in the frame body 31. The operation detecting means 26 includes a cable-like piezoelectric element (26) having a piezoelectric effect and a sensor circuit 27, and the piezoelectric element 26 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35.

  The operation plate 33 uses a plastic material such as ABS resin. If the switch device 25 requires rigidity, an aluminum extrusion material, a stainless steel plate, or the like can be used. However, if a material having electrical conductivity is used for the operation plate 33, the surface is insulated. By performing the processing, it becomes strong against electrical noise due to static electricity and the like, and malfunction can be prevented.

  Moreover, the elastic body 35 uses the soft foam which has heat insulation, such as a polyurethane foam and a polyethylene foam, for example. When the elastic body is made of a material having a spring property such as a thermoplastic elastomer or rubber-based elastic body, the sealing property is good, so that a sealed space is easily formed and the effect of preventing the entry of moisture and the like. It is also possible to use such materials.

  Further, the switch device 25 has the longitudinal direction as the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1, and further on the substantially opposite side from the rotation axis centering on the hinge pin 23, that is, on the counter-rotation axis side with respect to the center line of the refrigerator compartment door 18 a and the door It is arranged near the end of 18a. The arrangement height of the switch device 25 is set in a range of 900 mm to 1300 mm from the floor surface. This is set in consideration of the distance from the floor surface to the elbow of a standard Japanese woman (height 155 cm) is 970 mm and the distance from the floor surface to the shoulder is 1265 mm. . The lower limit dimension of 900 mm is a range that can be reached when a woman bends the elbow lightly, and lifting the arm above the shoulder is physically burdensome, so the upper limit dimension is set to 1300 mm and the operating range of the operation plate 33 is arranged. Therefore, the refrigerator door can be opened without feeling uncomfortable with the operation.

  A door opening means 28 is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator body 2, and a push rod 29, which is one of the components of the door opening means 28, operates according to an input signal from the control device 30. Although not shown, as the door opening means 28, a motor-driven actuator, a solenoid-type driving device, or the like is used.

  A control means 30 is provided on the rear surface of the refrigerator body 2, and electrical connection is made between the operation detection means 26 and the control means 30 disposed in the switch device 25, and between the door opening means 28 and the control apparatus 30. It is connected to the.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, in FIG. 5, the sensor circuit 27 outputs an electric signal generated by applying an operation force by a human operation from the operation plate 33 to the piezo element 26 and applying the displacement to the piezo element 26 as the vibration. The control device 30 receives the electrical signal subjected to the processing and the signal processing, and performs electrical control for driving the door opening means 28 by the signal.

  Next, a signal processing method will be described with reference to FIG. Since the piezo element 26 emits an electric signal with a minute displacement change, an electric signal of only a frequency component in a specific region when the piezo element 26 is directly displaced by the filter amplifier circuit 27a configured in the sensor circuit 27. The analog signal is output by greatly amplifying and distinguishing between an output signal by an operation that is a frequency component in a specific region and an output signal by a disturbance that is a component outside the specific frequency region. The comparator circuit 27b configured in the sensor circuit 27 outputs a rectangular pulse by providing a set threshold voltage Vs for the analog signal from the filter amplifier circuit 27a. Here, the width of the rectangular pulse varies depending on the shape of the analog waveform. When the peak values Va, Vb, and Vc of the analog waveform are higher than the threshold voltage Vs (peak voltages Va and Vb), the rectangular pulse is generated. The pulse widths of Ta and Tb are output according to the output waveform and peak voltage. Further, when the voltage is lower than the threshold voltage Vs (peak voltage Vc), no rectangular pulse is generated. Further, it is determined whether the rectangular pulse width output from the sensor circuit 27 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value T0 set by the control device 30, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value T0, it is determined that an operation has been performed.

  Since the piezo element 26 has a characteristic of detecting weak vibrations, there is a possibility that vibrations due to opening / closing operations of other doors and vibrations transmitted from the floor surface may be detected. Only the frequency specific frequency (3 Hz to 5 Hz) when directly applied to the piezo element 26 by operation is amplified, and vibrations other than those during operation are suppressed or cut, so that malfunction can be prevented. Further, in the case of a refrigerator using an inverter compressor, the rotational frequency of the compressor changes, but no malfunction occurs because the piezoelectric element is outside a specific frequency region where vibration is detected and amplified.

  Therefore, it is determined that the peak value of the electric signal obtained by amplifying the weak electric signal generated by the operation force applied by human operation and the displacement of the piezo element 26 by the operation force exceeds the set threshold voltage Vs ( Va, Vb) and the width (Ta, Tb) of the rectangular pulse output from the sensor circuit 27 exceeds the predetermined value T0 set by the control device 30 (Ta), it is determined that the operation has been performed. At this time, an operation signal is sent from the control device 30 to the door opening means 28, the motor or solenoid is driven, the push rod 29 is pushed in the direction of the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment, and the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment is opened. Here, providing a long reference count time of the rectangular pulse width set by the control device 30 is strong against the influence of disturbance, but the input determination time is 18-25 msec because the input determination of the operation becomes dull. It is appropriate to provide it. This is because the operator does not feel the waiting time until the door opening operation is started with respect to the door opening operation input, that is, the operation response speed is slow, and the switch device 25 is not pressed twice, Is also a suitable time setting. It is also a determination time that is not affected by disturbance.

  Further, the switch device 25 sandwiches the piezo element 26 between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, and the operation plate 33 is slidably assembled to the holding member 32. In addition, the frame body 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed in a state where the convex shape 33a of the operation plate 33 is inserted into the opening 37 formed in the frame body 31. Further, at least one convex shape 34 is formed on the back surface of the operation plate 33, and the convex shape 34 presses the piezo element 26. Thereby, the operation force applied to the operation plate 33 is directly and uniformly transmitted as vibration to the piezo elements 26 via the operation plate 33, and the piezo elements 26 are held by the repulsive force of the elastic body 35. Therefore, the operating force is more reliably transmitted to the piezo element 26. Therefore, no matter where the user presses the operation panel, the operation can be detected even with a low operating force, and the operation can be detected with a minute operation stroke (about 0.5 mm). Can increase the sex. Further, by using the elastic body 35, the operation plate 33 can be returned to the steady position by the repulsive force of the elastic body 35 with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the configuration in which the switch device 25 is incorporated in the refrigerator compartment right door 18a of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator compartment right door 18a is a door that normally performs an opening operation. Because it can be opened with operating force, it can be operated on parts other than the palm, such as the back of the hand, elbow, arm, etc., making it easier to open the door when holding a pan etc. Usability is improved. In addition, the piezo element 26 built in the switch device 25 operates with the elastic body 35 to prevent dew condensation caused by a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator 1 operation, or for example, water scattering during work in the kitchen. Since it is clamped between the plate 33 and the plate 33, moisture intrusion can be suppressed.

  In addition, opening / closing operation of the right door 18a of the refrigerating room, opening / closing operation of the other left door 18b of the refrigerating room, the door 19 of the vegetable room, the ice making room door 20, the switching room door 21, the freezing room door 22 and the vibration generated when the refrigerator 1 is operated. However, since the piezo element 26 is held by the elastic body 35 and the operation plate 33 is not directly fixed to the refrigerator compartment right door 18a, the generated vibration is In addition, vibrations other than actual operation are cut by the characteristics of the piezo element 26 and the signal processing method, so that malfunction can be prevented.

  In addition, since the elastic body 35 is used as a component of the switch device 25, assembly variations and the like can be absorbed without tightening the mounting dimension tolerance of each component, and further, like the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator compartment door 18a. Even if the switch device 25 is incorporated in a foam insulation having a large variation in molding dimensions, stable operation sensitivity can be realized, and vibration due to the size and weight of the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the weight of articles stored in the storage compartment, etc. Since disturbance is also suppressed, malfunction can be prevented. Further, as a characteristic of the piezo element 26, in addition to the detection of weak vibration, even when the piezo element 26 is stressed and physically bent in the initial installation state, the state is electrically set as an initial value, Since the displacement from the state is detected as vibration, the piezo element 26 can be incorporated in the switch device 25 in a bent state, and variations in assembling can be suppressed. Since the assembly variation or the like in the body 35 is absorbed, design tolerance can be given and the design cost can be reduced.

  In addition, since an air layer is interposed around the recess for assembling the switch device 25 provided in the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the frame 31, and the holding member 32, a heat insulating effect can be obtained, and condensation is formed in the space. Even if it occurs, moisture can be prevented from entering the piezo element 26 built in the switch device 25. Moreover, since the holding member 32 is not in direct contact with the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the disturbance that the refrigerator compartment door 18a receives can be further reduced.

  Further, the convex shape 33 a on the surface of the operation plate 33 is formed to be substantially similar and smaller than the opening 37 formed in the frame 31, and the extended surface portion 33 b of the operation plate 33 is formed in the opening 37 formed in the frame 31. Since the extended surface portion 33b of the operation plate 33 can prevent the operation plate 33 from coming off and coming off from the switch device 25, the extended surface portion 33b of the operation plate 33, the frame body 31, and the like. The contact portion can be made large, and moisture intrusion from the outside can be suppressed.

  Further, since the piezo element 26 is arranged on the substantially central axis of the opening 37 formed in the frame body 31, the transmission force to the piezo element 26 becomes uniform regardless of the operation position of the operation plate 33, Stable operation sensitivity can be obtained.

  In addition, the operation detection means 26 uses a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric effect to detect an operation force as vibration, so that a minute displacement can be detected by an electric signal, and compared with a push switch that constitutes a contact, a contact failure Therefore, it is possible to realize a light operation for reducing a user's door opening and closing load and a highly reliable operation unit.

  In addition, since the piezo element 26 is formed in a cable shape, the piezo element 26 can be bent and attached, and an external force can be detected over a wide range, so that the shape of the operation section can be given flexibility. . In the case of a push switch, the tact switch is electrically connected when a person pushes the operation plate by a certain amount.Therefore, as the operation plate becomes longer, a large operating force is required when touching a place far from the push switch. It becomes necessary and it becomes difficult to reduce the operating force. In such a case, if the piezo element 26 as in the first embodiment is used, a wide range can be operated with a uniform low operating force.

  Further, by using the elastic body 35 as a material having heat insulation properties, it is possible to prevent condensation by improving the heat insulation properties in the switch device 25. Further, since the elastic body 35 is used, it is possible to realize the operation sensitivity with the original low operation force and to prevent malfunction due to disturbance.

  Since the operation plate 33 or the surface of the operation plate 33 is made of an insulator or an insulation treatment, even if a spark is generated in the operation plate 33 due to static electricity or the like, the piezo element 26 is not electrically detected. Can be prevented.

  At least one convex shape 34 is formed on the back surface of the operation plate 33, and the convex shape 34 presses the piezo element 26 so that the operating force can be uniformly distributed. Operation is possible, and stable operation sensitivity can be obtained.

  The right door 18a of the refrigerating room is a rotating door that is pivotally supported at one end, and is provided with a switch device 25 on the substantially opposite side of the rotating shaft with respect to the vertical central axis of the rotating door. Therefore, it is possible to realize a door opening without any sense of incongruity, and to obtain a favorable door opening operability. Further, it is possible to ensure safety when the door 18a of the refrigerating chamber is opened in the forward direction in contact with the switch device 25.

  Moreover, operation is possible irrespective of the height of the person who operates because the switch apparatus 25 arrange | positions continuously by making the up-down direction of the refrigerator 1 into a longitudinal direction. An operation can be detected with an equivalent load, and a favorable door opening operability can be obtained. In addition, operation detection in a wide range is possible, and the opening operability can be improved. In addition, the operation of the switch device 25 can reduce the limitation of the operation method, and can be operated at a part other than the palm, such as the back of the hand, the elbow, the arm, etc., so the hand is held by a pan or the like. It becomes easier to open the door.

  In the first embodiment, the switch device 25 has been described as being installed on the rotary refrigerator right door 18a. However, the switch device 25 is installed on the left door 18b of the rotary refrigerator or both in the first embodiment. The same applies to the case. In particular, the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment is smaller than the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment, but includes a support arm provided at the right end and a partition body rotatably supported by the support arm (not shown). The door opening force is increasing. However, since the door can be opened even with an operation with a low operating force, the user can further improve the door opening operability, is easy to use, and does not feel a difference due to the size of the door. The partition body is used to seal each door in close contact with the partition body when the right door 18a and the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment are closed. And the sealing property of the clearance gap of 18b is improved.

(Embodiment 2)
7 is a front view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a side view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a slide rail member in the refrigerator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the slide rail member in the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  7, 8, 9, and 10, the vegetable compartment 14 is closed at the front opening by the vegetable compartment door 19, and the vegetable compartment 14 and the vegetable compartment door 19 are connected by a rail member. It can slide out in the front-rear direction. The slide rail 44 includes a fixed rail 44a, a moving rail 44b, an intermediate traveling rail 44d provided between the fixed rail 44a and the moving rail 44b, and an engagement between the intermediate traveling rail 44d, the fixed rail 44a, and the moving rail 44b. A plurality of bearings 44c, which are rotation support members that support the joint, and the fixed rails 44a are mounted on the both side walls in the vegetable compartment 14 in a state in which the fixed rails 44a, the moving rails 44b, the intermediate traveling rails 44d, and the bearings 44c are preinstalled By fixing the moving rail 44b to the vegetable compartment door 19, the vegetable compartment 14 and the vegetable compartment door 19 are connected to reduce the drawing force, and the sliding movement is possible in the front-rear direction.

  A switch device 25 is disposed on the drawer-type vegetable compartment door 19. The switch device 25 includes an operation detection means (piezo element) 26, a frame body 31, a holding member 32, an operation plate 33, and an elastic body 35. The size of the switch device 25 is preferably at least 150 mm, which is at least the size that the entire palm touches.

  Further, the switch device 25 is arranged in the vicinity of the opening of the vegetable compartment 14 and in the vicinity of the horizontal center axis of the vegetable compartment door 19 with the longitudinal direction being the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1.

  Moreover, the door opening means is provided in the location corresponded to the peripheral part of the vegetable compartment door 19 of the refrigerator main body 2 (not shown), and the push rod (not shown) which is one of the components of the door opening means. Operates by an input signal from the control device 30. Although not shown, as the door opening means, a motor-driven actuator, a solenoid-type drive device, or the like is used.

  A control means 30 is provided on the back of the refrigerator body 2, and the operation detection means 26 and the control means 30 disposed in the switch device 25 are electrically connected between the door opening means and the control device 30. It is connected. At this time, unlike the revolving door, the door is completely separated from the refrigerator main body, so there is a limit to continuous wire processing. For example, as the electrical connection means, one using a coupling type connection terminal, or a power supply means such as a non-contact power source or wireless processing can be considered.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  Other configurations and operations are the same as those described in the first embodiment except that the attachment part of the switch device 25 is the vegetable door 19 as a drawer-type door.

  By providing the switch device 25 on the opening side (upper surface side) forming the storage case (not shown) of the vegetable compartment 14 with respect to the horizontal central axis of the drawer-type vegetable compartment door 19, the storage capacity can be reduced. Because the size is large, the pullout of the vegetable compartment 14 with a heavy storage weight is good, and the drawer rail member 44 uses a slide rail with small shakiness. Thus, it is possible to provide a refrigerator with better door opening operability, which can be realized not only by hand but also by foot operation. In addition, operation detection in a wide range is possible, and the opening operability can be improved. Further, the operation to the switch device 25 can reduce the limitation of the operation method, and can be operated even in parts other than the palm, such as the back of the hand. Easy to operate.

  In addition, in this Embodiment 2, although the switch apparatus 25 was demonstrated with the content installed in the drawer-type vegetable compartment door 19, the ice-making room door 20, which is another drawer-type door in this Embodiment 2, switching The same applies to the case where it is installed in the room door 21, the freezer room door 22 or a plurality of doors. In particular, in the case of the freezer compartment door 22 located at the lowermost part, the switch device 25 is on the lower side. The door opening operation can be performed without applying. In addition, the ice making room door 20 and the switching room door 21 are pulled out at the position of the waist level, and it is difficult to operate with the palm and the belly of the finger, but the door can be opened even with a low operating force. Therefore, it is possible to operate at the joint part of the back of the hand and the base of the finger, the door opening operability is further improved for the user, it is easy to use, and there is no difference due to the installation position of the door and it is opened without a sense of incongruity Can be operated.

  In addition, although the slide rail with small shakiness was demonstrated as a drawer rail, the movable roller attached to the rear end of the frame previously fixed to the back side right and left of the vegetable compartment door 19 is provided in the vegetable compartment 14 on the refrigerator 1 main body side. It is also possible to use a simple structure in which the bottom surface of the frame and the fixed roller are slid in contact with each other by being inserted into the groove portions of the fixed rails attached in advance to the both side wall surfaces. With this configuration, the rattling is larger than that of the slide rail, and the vibration due to the opening and closing of the door is increased.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a front view of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a main part sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line CC of FIG. 11 in the third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is the same embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view of main parts showing a cross section along line DD of FIG.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  11, 12, and 13, the refrigerator compartment right door 18 a is provided with a recess 38, and the frame 31 is provided with a handle 39 formed integrally with the frame 31. The vegetable compartment door 19 is provided with a recess 40, and the frame body 31 is provided with a handle 41 formed integrally with the frame body 31.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  Other configurations and operations other than the attachment of the switch device 25 to the vegetable door 19 as a drawer-type door are the same as those described in the first or second embodiment.

  By providing a handle in the vicinity of the switch device 25, the door opening assistance by hand after the automatic door opening operation, without requiring the door opening force when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art The door opening is smooth and better door opening operability can be obtained.

  In the third embodiment, the recess 38 or 40 is provided in the refrigerator door right door 18a or the vegetable compartment door 19 in the vicinity of the switch device 25, and a part of the switch device 25 is used as a handle. Instead of providing a recess, the switch device 25 may be provided with a recess or the like to form a handle.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment 3, although the switch apparatus 25 was provided in the rotation-type refrigerator compartment right door 18a and the drawer-type vegetable compartment door 19, and the handle was comprised, the refrigerator compartment right door 18a or the vegetable compartment door 19 of FIG. Either one of the doors may be used, and the same applies to the case where it is installed in the ice making room door 20, the switching room door 21, and the freezing room door 22, which are the rotary refrigerator left door 18b and the other drawer doors.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another embodiment showing a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 1 and 2 are the same as the front view and the side view of the refrigerator of the first embodiment.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIGS. 1, 2, and 14, the switch device 25 sandwiches the operation detection means 26 between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, and the operation plate 33 is The frame 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed in a state in which the convex shape 33a of the operation plate 33 is inserted into the opening 37 formed in the frame 31 so as to be slidably assembled to the holding member 32. ing. The operation detecting means 26 includes a cable-like piezoelectric element (26) having a piezoelectric effect and a sensor circuit 27, and the piezoelectric element 26 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35. Further, the holding member 32 is thermally insulated and foamed integrally with the refrigerator compartment door 18a.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  Other configurations and operations other than the mounting configuration of the switch device 25 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  The holding member 32 constituting the switch device 25 and the refrigerator compartment right door 18a are integrally heat-insulated and foamed. Thereby, the recessed part 36 provided in order to install the switch apparatus 25 can be comprised with the holding member 32, and since the thickness of heat insulation can be increased by that much, heat insulation performance improves. Therefore, dew condensation inside the switch device 25 can be suppressed.

  In addition, in this Embodiment 4, although the switch apparatus 25 was demonstrated by the content installed in the rotary refrigerator compartment right door 18a, it installed in the rotary refrigerator compartment left door 18b in this Embodiment 1, or both. The same applies to the case. In particular, the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment is smaller than the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment, but includes a support arm provided at the right end and a partition body rotatably supported by the support arm (not shown). The door opening force is increasing. However, since the door can be opened even with an operation with a low operating force, the user can further improve the door opening operability, is easy to use, and does not feel a difference due to the size of the door. The partition body is used to seal each door in close contact with the partition body when the right door 18a and the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment are closed. And the sealing property of the clearance gap of 18b is improved.

  Further, the same applies to the case where the vegetable compartment door 19, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, the freezing compartment door 22 or a plurality of them are installed as in the drawer type door as in the second embodiment. In particular, in the case of the freezer compartment door 22 located at the lowermost part, the switch device 25 is on the lower side. The door opening operation can be performed without applying. In addition, the ice making room door 20 and the switching room door 21 are pulled out at the position of the waist level, and it is difficult to operate with the palm and the belly of the finger, but the door can be opened even with a low operating force. Therefore, it is possible to operate at the joint part of the back of the hand and the base of the finger, the door opening operability is further improved for the user, it is easy to use, and there is no difference due to the installation position of the door and it is opened without a sense of incongruity Can be operated.

  In addition, when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art by providing a handle in the vicinity of the switch device 25 as in the third embodiment, and assisting the opening by hand after the automatic door opening operation. The door opening is smooth and better door opening operability can be obtained without the need for the door opening force.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of another embodiment showing a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2 are the same as the front view and the side view of the refrigerator of the first embodiment.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 15, a switch device 25 is disposed on the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment. The switch device 25 includes an operation detection means (piezo element) 26, a frame body 31, a holding member 32, an operation plate 33, and an elastic body 35. The size of the switch device 25 is preferably at least 150 mm, which is at least the size that the entire palm touches.

  The switch device 25 sandwiches an operation detection means (piezo element) 26 between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, and the operation plate 33 is fixed to the holding member 32. In addition, the frame 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed. The operation detecting means 26 includes a cable-like piezoelectric element (26) having a piezoelectric effect and a sensor circuit 27, and the piezoelectric element 26 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35.

  The operation plate 33 is a thin plate made of ABS resin, PET resin, or the like, and is fixed to the frame 31 with an adhesive or high frequency welding.

  The elastic body 35 uses a soft foam such as polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam. Note that the elastic body may be composed of a rubber-based elastic body or a material having a spring property.

  Further, the switch device 25 has the longitudinal direction as the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1, and further on the substantially opposite side from the rotation axis centering on the hinge pin 23, that is, on the counter-rotation axis side with respect to the center line of the refrigerator compartment door 18 a and the door It is arranged near the end of 18a. The arrangement height of the switch device 25 is set in a range of 900 mm to 1300 mm from the floor surface. This is set in consideration of the distance from the floor surface to the elbow of a standard Japanese woman (height 155 cm) is 970 mm and the distance from the floor surface to the shoulder is 1265 mm. . The lower limit dimension of 900 mm is a range that can be reached when a woman bends the elbow lightly, and lifting the arm above the shoulder is physically burdensome, so the upper limit dimension is set to 1300 mm and the operating range of the operation plate 33 is arranged. It was determined.

  A door opening means 28 is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator body 2, and a push rod 29, which is one of the components of the door opening means 28, operates according to an input signal from the control device 30. Although not shown, as the door opening means 28, a motor-driven actuator, a solenoid-type driving device, or the like is used.

  A control means 30 is provided on the rear surface of the refrigerator body 2, and electrical connection is made between the operation detection means 26 and the control means 30 disposed in the switch device 25, and between the door opening means 28 and the control apparatus 30. It is connected to the.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, an operation force by a human operation is applied from the operation plate 33 to the piezo element 26, and the sensor circuit 27 performs signal processing on an electric signal generated by the displacement of the operation force as vibration to the piezo element 26. The control device 30 receives the electrical signal subjected to the signal processing, and performs electrical control for driving the door opening means 28 based on the signal.

  Since the piezo element 26 has a feature of detecting weak vibrations, there is a possibility of detecting vibrations caused by opening and closing operations of other doors and vibrations transmitted from the floor surface. Indirectly, it is fixed to a frame fixed to the refrigerator compartment right door 18a. However, since the operation plate is not distorted even if the refrigerator compartment door 18a is subjected to vibration, it is not affected by disturbances such as door opening / closing operation or vibration during refrigerator operation, so that malfunction can be prevented. In addition, since only a specific frequency (3 Hz to 5 Hz) when applied to the piezo element 26 by operation in the filter circuit is amplified and vibrations other than during operation are amplified or suppressed, malfunction can be prevented. Further, in the case of a refrigerator using an inverter compressor, the rotation frequency of the compressor changes, but the malfunction does not occur because it is outside the specific frequency range where the piezo element detects and amplifies vibration.

  Therefore, it is determined that the peak value of the electric signal obtained by amplifying the weak electric signal generated by the operation force applied by human operation and the displacement of the piezoelectric element 26 by the operation force exceeds the set threshold voltage, and When the width of the rectangular pulse output from the sensor circuit 27 exceeds a predetermined value set by the control device 30, it is determined that an operation has been performed. At this time, an operation signal is sent from the control device 30 to the door opening means 28, the motor or solenoid is driven, the push rod 29 is pushed in the direction of the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment, and the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment is opened. Here, providing a long reference count time of the rectangular pulse width set by the control device 30 is strong against the influence of disturbance, but the input determination time is 18-25 msec because the input determination of the operation becomes dull. It is appropriate to provide it.

  Further, the switch device 25 sandwiches the piezo element 26 between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, the operation plate 33 is fixed to the holding member 32, and the frame body 31. The holding member 32 is fixed. As a result, the operation plate 33 is bent by the operation force applied to the operation plate 33 and presses the piezo element 26, which is directly transmitted to the piezo element 26 as vibration, and the elastic body 35 is repelled. Since the piezo element 26 is held by force, the operating force is more reliably transmitted to the piezo element 26. The operation plate 33 made of a thin plate of ABS resin or PET resin is set so as to bend about 0.5 mm when a static load of 1 to 2 N is applied. Thereby, even a minute vibration can be reliably transmitted to the piezoelectric element 29. Therefore, the operation can be detected even with a low operation force, and the operation can be detected with a minute operation stroke (about 0.5 mm), so that the operation sensitivity can be improved and the operability can be improved. Further, by using the elastic body 35, the operation plate 33 can be returned to the steady position by the repulsive force of the elastic body 35 with a simple configuration.

  Also, in the configuration in which the switch device 25 is incorporated in the refrigerator compartment right door 18a of the refrigerator 1, condensation generated due to a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator 1 operation, for example, water scattering during work in the kitchen, etc. Even so, since the switch device 25 is closely fixed by the operation plate 33, moisture intrusion can be prevented.

  In addition, opening / closing operation of the right door 18a of the refrigerating room, opening / closing operation of the other left door 18b of the refrigerating room, the door 19 of the vegetable room, the ice making room door 20, the switching room door 21, the freezing room door 22 and the vibration generated when the refrigerator 1 is operated. Although the disturbance is also transmitted to the switch device 25 indirectly, the piezo element 26 is held by the elastic body 35, and the operation plate 33 directly fixed to the refrigerator compartment right door 18a does not bend. Since it is not affected by disturbances such as vibration during opening and closing operations and refrigerator operation, malfunctions can be prevented. In addition, since only a specific frequency (3 Hz to 5 Hz) when applied to the piezo element 26 by operation in the filter circuit is amplified and vibrations other than during operation are amplified or suppressed, malfunction can be prevented. Further, in the case of a refrigerator using an inverter compressor, the rotation frequency of the compressor changes, but the malfunction does not occur because it is outside the specific frequency range where the piezo element detects and amplifies vibration.

  In addition, since the elastic body 35 is used as a component of the switch device 25, assembly variations and the like can be absorbed without tightening the mounting dimension tolerance of each component, and further, like the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator compartment door 18a. Even if the switch device 25 is incorporated in a foam insulation having a large variation in molding dimensions, stable operation sensitivity can be realized, and vibration due to the size and weight of the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the weight of articles stored in the storage compartment, etc. Since disturbance is also suppressed, malfunction can be prevented. Further, as a characteristic of the piezo element 26, in addition to the detection of weak vibration, even when the piezo element 26 is stressed and physically bent in the initial installation state, the displacement from that state is detected. Therefore, it is possible to incorporate the piezo element 26 in a bent state in the switch device 25, to suppress variation in assembly, and to absorb assembly variation in the elastic body 35. Therefore, it can have a margin in design.

  In addition, since an air layer is interposed around the recess for assembling the switch device 25 provided in the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the frame 31, and the holding member 32, a heat insulating effect can be obtained, and condensation is formed in the space. Even if it occurs, moisture can be prevented from entering the piezo element 26 built in the switch device 25. Moreover, since the holding member 32 is not in direct contact with the refrigerator compartment door 18a, the disturbance that the refrigerator compartment door 18a receives can be further reduced.

  Further, since the piezo element 26 is arranged on the substantially central axis of the frame 31, the transmission force to the piezo element 26 becomes uniform regardless of the operation position of the operation plate 33, and stable operation sensitivity can be obtained. Can do.

  In addition, the operation detection means 26 uses a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric effect to detect an operation force as vibration, so that a minute displacement can be detected by an electric signal, and compared with a push switch that constitutes a contact, a contact failure Therefore, it is possible to realize a light operation for reducing a user's door opening and closing load and a highly reliable operation unit.

  In addition, since the piezo element 26 is formed in a cable shape, the piezo element 26 can be bent and attached, and an external force can be detected over a wide range, so that the shape of the operation section can be given flexibility. . In the case of a push switch, the tact switch is electrically connected when a person pushes the operation plate by a certain amount.Therefore, as the operation plate becomes longer, a large operating force is required when touching a place far from the push switch. It becomes necessary and it becomes difficult to reduce the operating force. In such a case, if the piezo element 26 as in the first embodiment is used, a wide range can be operated with a uniform low operating force.

  Further, by using the elastic body 35 as a material having heat insulation properties, it is possible to prevent condensation by improving the heat insulation properties in the switch device 25. Further, since the elastic body 35 is used, it is possible to realize the operation sensitivity with the original low operation force and to prevent malfunction due to disturbance.

  Since the operation plate 33 or the surface of the operation plate 33 is made of an insulator or an insulation treatment, even if a spark is generated in the operation plate 33 due to static electricity or the like, the piezo element 26 is not electrically detected. Can be prevented.

  The right door of the refrigerating room is a rotary door that is pivotally supported at one end and rotates, and the switch device 25 is provided on the substantially opposite side of the rotary shaft with respect to the vertical center axis of the rotary door. Opening the door without a sense of incongruity can be realized, and good opening operability can be obtained. Further, it is possible to ensure the safety when the refrigerator compartment door 18a is opened in the forward direction in contact with the switch device 25.

  Moreover, operation is possible irrespective of the height of the person who operates because the switch apparatus 25 arrange | positions continuously by making the up-down direction of the refrigerator 1 into a longitudinal direction. An operation can be detected with an equivalent load, and a favorable door opening operability can be obtained. In addition, operation detection in a wide range is possible, and the opening operability can be improved. In addition, the operation of the switch device 25 can reduce the limitation of the operation method, and can be operated at a part other than the palm, such as the back of the hand, the elbow, the arm, etc., so the hand is held by a pan or the like. It becomes easier to open the door.

  In the fifth embodiment, the switch device 25 is described as being installed on the rotary refrigerator right door 18a. However, the switch device 25 is installed on the rotary refrigerator left door 18b or both in the fifth embodiment. The same applies to the case. In particular, the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment is smaller than the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment, but includes a support arm provided at the right end and a partition body rotatably supported by the support arm (not shown). The door opening force is increasing. However, since the door can be opened even with an operation with a low operating force, the user can further improve the door opening operability, is easy to use, and does not feel a difference due to the size of the door. The partition body is used to seal each door in close contact with the partition body when the right door 18a and the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment are closed. And the sealing property of the clearance gap of 18b is improved.

  Further, the same applies to the case where the vegetable compartment door 19, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, the freezing compartment door 22 or a plurality of them are installed as in the drawer type door as in the second embodiment. In particular, in the case of the freezer compartment door 22 located at the lowermost part, the switch device 25 is on the lower side. The door opening operation can be performed without applying. In addition, the ice making room door 20 and the switching room door 21 are pulled out at the position of the waist level, and it is difficult to operate with the palm and the belly of the finger, but the door can be opened even with a low operating force. Therefore, it is possible to operate at the joint part of the back of the hand and the base of the finger, the door opening operability is further improved for the user, it is easy to use, and there is no difference due to the installation position of the door and it is opened without a sense of incongruity Can be operated.

  In addition, when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art by providing a handle in the vicinity of the switch device 25 as in the third embodiment, and assisting the opening by hand after the automatic door opening operation. The door opening is smooth and better door opening operability can be obtained without the need for the door opening force.

  Further, as in the fourth embodiment, the holding member 32 constituting the switch device 25 and the refrigerator compartment right door 18a are integrally heat-insulated and foamed so that the recess 27 provided for installing the switch device 25 is provided. Since it can be comprised with the holding member 32 and the thickness of heat insulation can be increased by that much, heat insulation performance improves. Therefore, dew condensation inside the switch device 25 can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 16 is a front view of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  1, 2, and 16, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator body 2 having heat insulation properties and a plurality of doors 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 having heat insulation properties. The refrigerator body 2 includes a plurality of storage chambers whose front surfaces are opened, that is, a refrigeration chamber 13, an ice making chamber 15, a switching chamber 16, a vegetable chamber 14, and a freezing chamber 17 in order from the top. At this time, the ice making chamber 15 and the switching chamber 16 are arranged in parallel at the same height, and the ice making chamber 15 is arranged on the left side and the switching chamber 16 is arranged on the right side as viewed from the front. In addition, a plurality of doors corresponding to the plurality of storage rooms and capable of opening and closing the openings of the respective storage rooms, that is, the refrigerator compartment door 18, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, and the vegetable compartment A door 19 and a freezer compartment door 22 are arranged. From the refrigerator main body 2, the hinge pin 23 facing up and down is extended | stretched, and the one end of the right door 18a and the left door 18b of a refrigerator compartment is pivotally supported. The right door 18a and the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment rotate around the hinge pin 23 and are attached so as to be opened and closed. The vegetable compartment door 19, the ice making compartment door 20, the switching compartment door 21, and the freezer compartment door 22 are drawer type doors that are slidable in the front-rear direction (frontward direction) of the refrigerator so as to be opened and closed.

  A switch device 25 is disposed on the refrigerator compartment door 18.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  In the layout of the refrigerator 1, other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment except that the refrigerator compartment door 18 is one.

  Since the number of the refrigerator compartment door 18 is one, the door is larger than the divided door of the refrigerator compartment 18 of the first embodiment. The larger the door, the larger the storage capacity and the heavier the weight, but the door can be opened even when operated with the same low operating force, so that the user can further improve the door opening operability. In addition, if the door is large and the door is a single door, the turning radius of the door opening increases, so that the standing position to be operated is separated from the refrigerator. However, since the door can be opened even when operated with a low operating force, it is easy to use and there is no difference due to the size or weight of the door.

  In the sixth embodiment, the switch device 25 is a rotary refrigerator compartment door 18a. However, as in the second embodiment, the vegetable compartment door 19 and the ice making compartment door 20, which are drawer-type doors, are switched. The same applies to the case where it is installed in the room door 21, the freezer room door 22 or a plurality of them. In particular, in the case of the freezer compartment door 22 located at the lowermost part, the switch device 25 is on the lower side. The door opening operation can be performed without applying. In addition, the ice making room door 20 and the switching room door 21 are pulled out at the position of the waist level, and it is difficult to operate with the palm and the belly of the finger, but the door can be opened even with a low operating force. Therefore, it is possible to operate at the joint part of the back of the hand and the base of the finger, the door opening operability is further improved for the user, it is easy to use, and there is no difference due to the installation position of the door and it is opened without a sense of incongruity Can be operated.

  In addition, when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art by providing a handle in the vicinity of the switch device 25 as in the third embodiment, and assisting the opening by hand after the automatic door opening operation. The door opening is smooth and better door opening operability can be obtained without the need for the door opening force.

  Further, as in the fourth embodiment, the holding member 32 constituting the switch device 25 and the refrigerator compartment right door 18a are integrally heat-insulated and foamed so that the recess 27 provided for installing the switch device 25 is provided. Since it can be comprised with the holding member 32 and the thickness of heat insulation can be increased by that much, heat insulation performance improves. Therefore, dew condensation inside the switch device 25 can be suppressed.

  Further, as in the fifth embodiment, the switch device 25 has the piezo element 26 sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, and holds the operation plate 33. In the configuration in which the member 32 is fixed and the frame 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed, the operation plate 33 is an operation plate 33 made of a thin plate of ABS resin or PET resin, and when a static load of 1 to 2 N is applied, 0. By setting the thickness to bend about 5 mm, the same operations and effects as those described in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 17 is a front view of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  About the same structure as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  1, 2, and 17, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator main body 2 having heat insulation properties and a plurality of doors 18, 19, 20, 22, and 42 having heat insulation properties. The refrigerator body 2 includes a plurality of storage chambers whose front surfaces are opened, that is, a refrigerator compartment 13, a vegetable compartment 14, an ice making compartment 15, a freezer compartment 17, and a freezer compartment 43 in order from the top. At this time, the upper surfaces of the ice making room 15 and the vegetable room 14 are arranged at the same height, and the ice making room 15 is arranged on the left side and the vegetable room 14 is arranged on the right side as viewed from the front. A freezing room 43 is installed under the ice making room 15. In addition, a plurality of doors corresponding to the plurality of storage rooms and capable of opening and closing the openings of the respective storage rooms, that is, the refrigerator compartment door 18, the ice making compartment door 20, the vegetable compartment door 19, and the freezer compartment A door 22 and a freezer compartment door 42 are arranged. A hinge pin 23 extending vertically is extended from the refrigerator body 2 and pivotally supports one end of the right door 18a of the refrigerator compartment. The right door 18a of the refrigerating room rotates about the hinge pin 23 and is attached so that it can be opened and closed. Further, the refrigerator compartment left door 18b, the vegetable compartment door 19, the ice making compartment door 20, the freezer compartment door 22, and the freezer compartment door 42 are drawer type doors that can be opened and closed by sliding in the front-rear direction (front side) of the refrigerator. It is attached.

  A switch device 25 is disposed on the refrigerator compartment door 18.

  About the refrigerator 1 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment except that the layout configuration of the refrigerator 1 is changed and the refrigerator compartment left door 18b is a drawer-type door.

  Since the left door 18b of the refrigerator compartment is a drawer-type door, the shakiness at the time of pulling out becomes large, and the operation becomes a pulling operation at a position higher than the waist, but the operation is low even if the storage weight is heavy. Since the door can be opened with force, the opening operation can be performed without a sense of incongruity even if the drawer height is increased.

  In the seventh embodiment, the switch device 25 is a rotary refrigerating room door 18a. However, as in the second embodiment, the refrigerating room left door 18b, the vegetable room door 19, which are drawer-type doors, The same applies to the ice making room door 20, the freezing room door 22, the freezing room door 42, or a plurality of them. In particular, in the case of the freezer compartment door 22 located at the lowermost part, the switch device 25 is on the lower side. The door opening operation can be performed without applying. In addition, the ice making room door 20 and the switching room door 21 are pulled out at the position of the waist level, and it is difficult to operate with the palm and the belly of the finger, but the door can be opened even with a low operating force. Therefore, it is possible to operate at the joint part of the back of the hand and the base of the finger, the door opening operability is further improved for the user, it is easy to use, and there is no difference due to the installation position of the door and it is opened without a sense of incongruity Can be operated.

  In addition, when the door is opened only by hand as in the prior art by providing a handle in the vicinity of the switch device 25 as in the third embodiment, and assisting the opening by hand after the automatic door opening operation. The door opening is smooth and better door opening operability can be obtained without the need for the door opening force.

  Further, as in the fourth embodiment, the holding member 32 constituting the switch device 25 and the refrigerator compartment right door 18a are integrally heat-insulated and foamed so that the recess 27 provided for installing the switch device 25 is provided. Since it can be comprised with the holding member 32 and the thickness of heat insulation can be increased by that much, heat insulation performance improves. Therefore, dew condensation inside the switch device 25 can be suppressed.

  Further, as in the fifth embodiment, the switch device 25 has the piezo element 26 sandwiched between the operation plate 33 and the elastic body 35, holds the elastic body 35 with the holding member 32, and holds the operation plate 33. In the configuration in which the member 32 is fixed and the frame 31 and the holding member 32 are fixed, the operation plate 33 is an operation plate 33 made of a thin plate of ABS resin or PET resin, and when a static load of 1 to 2 N is applied, 0. By setting the thickness to bend about 5 mm, the same operations and effects as those described in the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, in the first to seventh embodiments, the operation detection means 26 has been described with the cable-shaped piezo element having a piezoelectric effect. However, not only the cable shape but also the sheet shape can be used. In addition, it is also possible to use a device that generates a potential difference according to the displacement caused by the operation or a device that changes the resistance value of the resistor as the operation detecting means. As a result, only direct operations are detected, so that they are not affected by external vibration or the like.

  Moreover, although it demonstrated with the refrigerator which comprised the switch apparatus comprised from the operation board, the operation detection means, and the elastic body, and the operation detection means was pinched | interposed between the operation board and the elastic body, it is such a minute. In applications where fluctuations and movements are detected and other disturbance movements are not detected, it can be used as a stand-alone device installed separately from the main unit, or in a device attached to a movable member such as a refrigerator. It is a possible device.

  As described above, the switch device according to the present invention and the refrigerator incorporating the switch device have a structure capable of preventing a door operation unintentionally while obtaining a good operation feeling using a high-precision sensor, and a fixed object. It can be used without restrictions on moving objects, so that it can be used not only for home use but also for commercial use refrigerators, applications that can detect minute fluctuations and movements and not other disturbance movements, such as medical equipment and analytical equipment. It can also be applied to mobile bodies (vehicles, airplanes, ships, etc.), precision control equipment, and the like.

Front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Side view of refrigerator in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part which shows the AA line cross section of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the BB line cross section of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Control configuration diagram of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Operation waveform characteristic diagram of piezoelectric element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Side view of refrigerator in embodiment 2 of the present invention. The disassembled perspective view of the slide rail member in the refrigerator of Embodiment 2 of this invention Sectional drawing of the slide rail member in the refrigerator of Embodiment 2 of this invention Front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Sectional drawing which shows the CC line cross section of FIG. 11 in Embodiment 3 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the DD line cross section of FIG. 11 in Embodiment 3 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the principal part of another form which shows the AA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 4 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the principal part of another form which shows the AA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 1 in Embodiment 5 of this invention. Front view of the refrigerator in the sixth embodiment of the present invention Front view of the refrigerator in the seventh embodiment of the present invention Front view of a conventional refrigerator

Explanation of symbols

1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigerator body 13 Storage room (refrigerated room)
14 Storage room (vegetable room)
15 Storage room (ice making room)
16 Storage room (switching room)
17 Storage room (freezer room)
18 Door (Refrigerator door)
18a door (refrigerator right door)
18b door (refrigerator left door)
19 Door (vegetable room door)
20 doors (ice chamber doors)
21 Door (switching room door)
22 Door (freezer compartment door)
25 Switch device 26 Operation detection means (piezo element)
27 sensor circuit 28 door opening means 30 control means 31 frame 32 holding member 33 operation plate 33a convex shape 33b extended surface portion of operation plate 34 convex shape 35 elastic body 36 concave portion 37 opening 39 handle (handle) of refrigerator compartment
41 Toride (handle) in the vegetable room
42 Freezer room 43 Storage room (freezer room)

Claims (17)

  A switch device comprising an operation plate, operation detection means, and an elastic body, wherein the operation detection means is sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body.   An operation plate, an operation detection means, and an elastic body, wherein the operation detection means incorporates a switch device sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body into a door that opens. Door device to do.   Refrigerator main body provided with at least one storage room, a door provided openably and closably at the opening of the storage room, and a switch device for detecting an operation input for opening the door incorporated in the front side of the door; A door opening means for opening the door, and the switch device includes an operation plate, an operation detection means, an elastic body, a holding member for holding the elastic body, and a frame body. The operation detecting means is sandwiched between the operation plate and the elastic body.   The operation detection means and the elastic body are held by a holding member and an operation plate, and the operation plate slides in a direction in which the operation detection means is pressed against an operation operation in a configuration in which the holding member is fixed to the frame. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or a door device incorporating the switch device, or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the switch device is mounted movably.   The operation detection means and the elastic body are held by a holding member and an operation plate, and the operation plate is formed in a thin plate shape and fixed to the holding member. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or the door device incorporating the switch device or the switch device is incorporated. refrigerator.   The switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein an air layer is interposed around the recess for assembling the switch device provided in the door, the frame, and the holding member. Refrigerator with built-in door device or switch device.   The convex shape of the operation plate surface is formed to be substantially similar and smaller than the opening formed in the frame, and the extended surface portion of the operation plate is formed to be substantially similar and larger than the opening formed in the frame. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a door device incorporating the switch device, or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device.   The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a door device incorporating the switch device or the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an operation detection means is arranged on a substantially central axis of an opening formed in the frame. A refrigerator incorporating the switch device.   The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or a door device incorporating the switch device, wherein an operation force is detected as vibration using a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric effect as the operation detection means. Or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device.   The piezo element is formed in a cable shape, and the switch device according to claim 9 or a door device incorporating the switch device or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device.   11. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or a door device incorporating the switch device or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the elastic body is a material having a heat insulation property.   The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or a door device incorporating the switch device or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device, wherein the operation plate or the surface of the operation plate is an insulator. .   The switch device or the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one convex shape is formed on a back surface of the operation plate, and the convex shape presses the piezo element. Refrigerator with built-in door device or switch device.   14. The door is a rotary door that is pivotally supported at one end and rotates, and a switch device is provided on a substantially opposite side of the rotary shaft with respect to a vertical central axis of the rotary door. A door device incorporating the switch device according to any one of the above or a refrigerator incorporating the switch device.   15. The door device incorporating the switch device or the refrigerator incorporating the switch device according to claim 14, wherein the switch device is continuously arranged with a vertical direction of the refrigerator as a longitudinal direction.   The door is a drawer-type door supported at both ends by slide rails and movable in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, and a switch device is provided on the opening side that forms the storage chamber with respect to the horizontal central axis of the drawer-type door. A refrigerator incorporating a door device or a switch device incorporating the switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 13.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a handle is provided in at least a part of the switch device or in the vicinity of the operation plate.

Images