JP2022116465A - Storage chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in detection accuracy of a weight sensor.SOLUTION: A storage chamber includes: a case body; a load cell; a first pedestal connected to the case body side at one side in a longitudinal direction of the load cell; a second pedestal connected to a side opposite to the case body at the other side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell; a weight sensor having a weight detection part connected to a part extending from a part attached to the load cell of the second pedestal to the one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell; a storage room in which the weight sensor is disposed; and a sensor unit attaching surface for supporting the case body. A center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit attaching surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a container such as a refrigerator.

A technology has been proposed for detecting the presence/absence of stored items, storage positions, and the like based on information from sensors installed in a storage such as a refrigerator, and performing inventory management of the stored items.

As a technique for detecting the storage position of a contained object, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, pressure sensors 11 are fixed to the four corners of a shelf support bead 2a formed on the side wall of an inner box 2 forming a refrigerating chamber 3 and protruding in the front-rear direction (0012). , 0013, FIGS. 2, 3, etc.).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-010208

In Patent Document 1, the pressure sensor and the strain gauge sensor are not of the type provided with a plate-shaped load cell. It does not disclose any aspect that contributes to ensuring suitable storage space inside.

The first invention made in view of the above circumstances,
a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a second pedestal connected to the other side of the load cell in the longitudinal direction and opposite to the case body;
a weight sensor connected to a portion of the second pedestal that extends from the portion attached to the load cell to one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

The second invention made in view of the above circumstances is
a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a weight sensor connected to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell and opposite to the case body;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

The third invention made in view of the above circumstances is
case body,
Equipped with a load cell and weight detector,
a weight sensor mechanically connected from the weight detection unit to a first pedestal connected to the case body through the other side of the load cell and one side of the load cell;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

It is an external appearance perspective view of a refrigerator. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; It is a front view of a refrigerator in the state which removed the door. It is the perspective view which cut|disconnected the refrigerator of FIG. 1 to the front-back direction. It is a system block diagram of a refrigerator. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which removed the upper stage sensor unit. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a container is placed on the upper sensor unit of FIG. 6; FIG. 4 is a top view of the upper sensor unit with the cover member removed; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX (a cross-sectional view showing a fixed state of the sensor unit 220 (mounting portion main body 223 and cover member 224) to the inner box side) to which the inner box, fixing members, etc. are added to FIG. It is the perspective view which put the lower side of two sensor units in the field of view. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. 10; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 10; FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a weight sensor; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a weight sensor; FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the corner|angular part inside a box before wiring connection from the downward diagonal. It is the perspective view which looked at the corner|angular part inside a box from the downward diagonal after wiring connection. It is the perspective view which looked at the corner|angular part inside a box from the downward diagonal after mounting|wearing with a wiring cover. It is a top view of a lower stage sensor unit. FIG. 4 is a top view of the lower sensor unit with the cover member removed; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view with the right half removed of the refrigerator showing a state in which the tray and the container are placed on the lower sensor unit; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view with the right half of the refrigerator removed, showing a state in which the tray is placed on the lower sensor unit; Fig. 2 is a see-through external perspective view of the refrigerator showing the connection relationship between the lower sensor unit and the wiring; It is the cross-sectional perspective view which deleted the left half of the refrigerator. 24 is an enlarged view of the XXIV part of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the XXIV part of FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the XXIV part of FIG. 23; FIG. It is a left side view of a container. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of XXVIII part of FIG. 27; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the XXIX portion of FIG. 3 (a front view showing a state in which a container is placed on the weight sensor); FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of XXX part of FIG. 29; It is the downward perspective view which looked at the container from the downward diagonal. 5 is an enlarged view of XXXII part of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of XXXIII part of FIG. 4. FIG. It is a left view of the container which mounted the content. It is a side view through the right side of the refrigerator, 36 is a cross-sectional view along line XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. 35; FIG. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the shelf from upper direction. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the shelf from the downward direction. It is the exploded perspective view which looked at the shelf from the downward direction. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10 in another embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and similar descriptions are not repeated.

The various constituent elements of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, and one constituent element may consist of a plurality of members, a plurality of constituent elements may consist of one member, a certain constituent element may part of a component, part of one component overlaps part of another component, and so on.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, as an example of the container, a refrigerator capable of keeping cold by adjusting the temperature of the storage compartment will be described. As a storage box, it is possible to use a storage box whose surroundings are surrounded by walls and doors, and which is open at one or both of its front and rear ends.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II--II of FIG. 3 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door removed, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerator in FIG. 1 cut in the front-rear direction, and FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the refrigerator. As indicated by arrows in each drawing, directions are defined as forward, backward, left, right, up, and down from the viewpoint of the user.

[Refrigerator configuration]
Refrigerator 100 forms an outer shell with box body 101 (outer box) having an open front. A door 102 for opening and closing the opening is provided in front of the box 101 . The box 101 is composed of a top plate 101a forming an upper portion, a bottom plate 101b forming a bottom portion, side plates 101c forming left and right sides, and a rear plate 101d forming a back portion. An inner box 103 is provided inside the box 101 . A foam heat insulating material 140 is filled between the box 101 and the inner box 103 .

A plurality of shelves or containers 105 (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e) are provided in the vertical direction in a warehouse 104 (storage room) formed by the inner box 103 . In this embodiment, each container has a side wall height of, for example, several centimeters or more, and is connected to the side wall and provided with a mounting surface which is a substantially horizontal surface. The sidewall height of containers 105a and 105b is less than the sidewall height of containers 105c-105e. Foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, and beverages are placed in the container 105 as items to be stored. Each of the containers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, and 105e is detachable, and can be taken out of the refrigerator with the contents placed thereon. In addition, it is possible to remove the containers 105d and the like and place a tall object on the lowermost container 105e.

When the contained object whose weight is to be measured by the weight sensor tilts and contacts the inner box 103, the detected weight becomes lower than the true value. For this reason, it is preferable that the contents are contained in the container 105 having a side wall height. As for the specific height of the side wall, it is desirable to set it to 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm or more, depending on the height to the shelf immediately above and the items to be stored. For example, the container 105b in this embodiment can accommodate 200 ml paper pack juice or 500 ml cans, and the upper limit of the side wall height can be 9 cm or 8 cm.

Further, the positions of the containers 105a and 105b for the weight sensor unit can be exchanged, and the positions of the containers 105c and 105d not for the weight sensor unit can be exchanged. Note that the containers 105a and 105b for the weight sensor unit and the containers 105c and 105d not for the weight sensor unit may be exchanged.

The inner surface of the inner box 103 is formed with a plurality of inner box upper ribs 106a and a plurality of inner box lower ribs 106b extending in the front-rear direction. The inner box upper rib 106 a and the inner box lower rib 106 b are formed on both left and right walls of the inner box 103 . A sensor unit 220 that supports the mounting surface of the container 105 and accommodates a plurality of weight sensors 200 is provided below each of the inner box lower ribs 106b. In Example 1, three sensor units 220 are provided: an upper sensor unit 220a, a middle sensor unit 220b, and a lower sensor unit 220c. Note that FIG. 4 shows only the middle sensor unit 220b and the lower sensor unit 220c. The number of sensor units is not limited to three. For example, one or two of the upper sensor unit 220a, the middle sensor unit 220b, and the lower sensor unit 220c may be installed.

A compressor 107 for compressing the refrigerant is provided in the lower part of the box 101 . A condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator (not shown) are connected to the compressor 107 to form a refrigeration cycle, and the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant is used to cool the interior 104 . The inner box 103 is formed with a discharge port 108 for blowing out cold air, and discharges cold air blown from a cooling fan (not shown) into the compartment 104 .

A main control board 109 for controlling the compressor 107 and the like is provided at the rear of the box 101 . The main control board 109 controls the compressor 107 and the cooling fan based on the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 110 installed in the internal storage 104, for example. Further, at the rear of the box 101, a sensor board 111 for supplying power to a plurality of weight sensors 200 and acquiring the detection results of the weight sensors 200, and a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication unit 112 is provided. Inside the refrigerator 104 , an operation board 113 is provided for the user to adjust the temperature inside the refrigerator and turn on/off the switch of the WLAN communication unit 112 .

The weight sensors 200 are arranged, for example, below the mounting surfaces of the containers 105a, 105b, and 105e, respectively, and detect the weight of the contents placed on the respective mounting surfaces of the containers 105a, 105b, and 105e. By doing so, the presence or absence, the amount, and the number of objects can be detected or estimated.

[Refrigerator system configuration]
A system configuration of refrigerator 100 will be described with reference to FIG. An operation board 113 is connected to the main control board 109, and acquires information on the temperature control volume 113a set by the user. In addition, an in-chamber temperature sensor 110 is connected to the main control board 109 to detect the temperature in the in-chamber 104 . The main control board 109 controls the compressor 107 based on the information of the temperature control volume 113 a and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 110 .

Power is supplied to the weight sensor 200 from the main control board 109 through the sensor board 111 . When objects such as food are placed in the containers 105a, 105b, and 105e, or when objects such as food are taken out of the containers 105a, 105b, and 105e, the weight sensor 200 detects changes in weight, It is transmitted to the sensor substrate 111 as a sensor output. In the sensor substrate 111, the filter circuit/amplifier circuit 111b performs noise removal and signal amplification, and the detection signal of the weight sensor 200 is input to the sub-microcomputer 111a. The sub-microcomputer 111a stores the detected value of the weight sensor 200 before the change, and determines the presence/absence and amount of the content placed in the container 105 from the detected value before and after the change.

For example, the sub-microcomputer 111a can calculate the ratio of the currently detected weight to the pre-registered maximum weight. As for the maximum weight, for example, several predetermined products placed by the user are placed on the placement surface, and this weight can be set to 100%. Specifically, when the user places 10 bottles of beer in the container 105b, the detected value at this time is recorded as the maximum weight (100%). Then, when the user takes out eight bottles of beer from the container 105b, the sub-microcomputer 111a detects that the remaining 20% (two bottles) of the maximum weight recorded in the container 105b is present based on the detection value of the weight sensor 200. Figure out what's left. The sub-microcomputer 111a determines that the beer stock is low, and notifies the user via the WLAN communication unit 112 to place an order because the remaining amount of beer is low. In this manner, inventory management of the refrigerator 100 is performed. Information such as product names can be separately stored in the sub-microcomputer 111a according to user settings, or can be stored in an external device that can be acquired by the sub-microcomputer 111a. Registration of the product name is not essential. In this way, for example, if the user takes care that only a single type of product registered in advance is placed in each container 105 having the weight sensor 200 at the bottom, the stock amount (inventory quantity) of each container 105 can be calculated. can be calculated.

The main control board 109 is connected to the sensor board 111, and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication is performed. For example, the main control board 109 obtains information from the sensor board 111 and displays the stock quantity of beer on a display unit (not shown). Further, the main control board 109 performs failure diagnosis of the sensor board 111 .

The weight sensor 200 and the sensor substrate 111 are connected by wiring. The weight sensor 200 is installed inside the refrigerator 104, and the sensor substrate 111 is installed, for example, on the outer surface of the box 101, that is, outside the refrigerator. Wiring processing is required to connect these. It is desirable that the wiring in the refrigerator interior 104 should not be exposed in the refrigerator interior 104 from the viewpoint of suppressing disconnection and user contact and improving aesthetics. The wiring process will be described below.

[Configuration of upper sensor unit 220a and middle sensor unit 220b]
First, the configurations of the upper sensor unit 220a and the middle sensor unit 220b will be described. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view with the upper sensor unit removed. 7 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a container is placed on the upper sensor unit of FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 8 is a top view of the upper sensor unit with the cover member removed. Note that the middle sensor unit 220b has the same configuration as the upper sensor unit 220a, so description thereof will be omitted. Also, the configurations of the first attachment portion 221a side and the second attachment portion 221b side can be the same.

The sensor unit 220 (upper sensor unit 220a, middle sensor unit 220b) is formed in a U-shape with an open front when viewed from above. The sensor unit 220 includes a first mounting portion 221a (mounting portion 221) and a second mounting portion 221b (mounting portion 221) that are mounted on the left and right walls of the inner box 103 (that is, the side walls of the storage chamber), and the first mounting portion 221b (mounting portion 221). A connecting portion 222 that connects the portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b is provided. Two weight sensors 200 are provided on the first mounting portion 221a. Similarly, two weight sensors 200 are provided on the second mounting portion 221b. It is preferable that the connecting portion connects the rear end side of the first mounting portion 221a and the rear end side of the second mounting portion 221b, that is, substantially contacts the rear wall of the inner casing 103 and follows it.

In Example 1, a total of four weight sensors 200 are provided, but the number is not limited to this. If the number of weight sensors 200 is less than four, the accuracy may be somewhat inferior. A single weight sensor 200 may be arranged. At least one or more weight sensors 200 (at least two or more in total) should be arranged on each of the right wall and the left wall via the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. As shown in FIG. 7, a separate container 105 is placed on the sensor unit 220 . That is, the container 105 is not fixed to the sensor unit 220 and can be separated from the sensor unit 220 .

The container 105 is molded, for example, from a transparent resin member. This makes it easier to see the food stored in another container 105 arranged below this container 105, and illuminates a wide range of lights from an interior light (not shown) provided above the storage chamber. be able to. On the other hand, it is desirable to form the texturing portion 1051 on at least the projection area of the weight sensor 200 on the mounting surface of the container 105 . This texturing portion 1051 serves as a blindfold, and it is possible to prevent the weight sensor 200 from being visually recognized through the container 105, thereby improving the design. It is desirable that the texturing portion 1051 is applied to the lower surface side of the bottom surface of the container 105 rather than the upper surface side in consideration of cleanability.

The first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b cover the mounting portion main body 223 having a U-shaped cross section cut along the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the refrigerator, and the upper open portion having a U-shaped cross section. A cover member 224 is provided. Similarly, the connection portion 222 includes a connection portion main body 225 having a U-shaped cross section in the vertical direction when viewed from the side of the refrigerator, and a cover member 226 that covers the upper open portion having the U-shaped cross section. A space is formed inside the first attachment portion 221a, the second attachment portion 221b, and the connection portion 222, and this space electrically connects the weight sensor 200 and the sensor substrate 111 as shown in FIG. It becomes the wiring accommodating portion 228 for the wiring 227 . Also, four weight sensors 200 are arranged in the wiring housing portion 228 , and one end of a wiring 227 is connected to each weight sensor 200 . The other end of the wiring 227 is pulled out from the wiring accommodating portion 228 , drawn into the box 101 , and connected to the sensor substrate 111 . The weight sensor 200 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and is arranged such that its longitudinal direction extends along the front-rear direction of the box 101 . By arranging the weight sensor 200 in this way, the weight sensor 200 can be brought to the front, back, left, and right of the inner case 103 . In other words, the contents can be easily placed inside the weight sensor 200, and the inclination of the container 105 can be suppressed.

The connecting portion 222 is provided on the center side or the rear end side of each of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. is located behind the weight sensor 200 on the rear or rear side. By doing so, it is less likely to be an obstacle when the user removes the container 105 . Moreover, if it is on the rear end side, it is easier to arrange the wiring.

[Method of Fixing Upper Sensor Unit 220a and Middle Sensor Unit 220b]
Next, a method for fixing the sensor units 220 (the upper sensor unit 220a and the middle sensor unit 220b) to the refrigerator will be described. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX when the inner box 103 and the fixing member 229 are added to FIG. cross-sectional view). FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower side of the two sensor units. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI--XI of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 10. FIG.

A fixing member 229 extending in the front-rear direction is arranged on the side wall of the inner box 103 . The fixing member 229 is attached to the side wall of the inner box 103 by screws 231 at the portion (inner box attachment surface) extending vertically in the front cross section. The sensor unit 220 is arranged above a portion (sensor unit mounting surface) of the fixing member 229 that extends left and right in the front cross section. The sensor unit 220 is attached by a screw 230 inserted through a sensor unit attachment surface of the fixing member 229 via a washer 239, for example.

The fixing member 229 is made of rigid metal such as stainless steel, and is arranged such that its longitudinal direction extends along the front-rear direction of the inner box 103 . If the distal end portion 229a of the fixing member 229 is exposed, there is a risk that an object that touches the distal end portion 229a may be damaged. A folded portion 223 a is provided by folding back the front tip portion of the fixing member 229 to cover the front edge of the fixing member 229 . A tip portion 229a of the fixing member 229 is arranged between the lower surface of the mounting portion main body 223 and the folded portion 223a. In this way, the distal end portion 229a of the fixing member 229, which is made of metal, for example, is preferably formed with a softer folded portion 223a, for example, made of resin, so that the distal end portion 229a is formed into a rounded curved surface on the upper side. , front and underside. When placing an object such as food on the container 105, it is possible to prevent the tip portion 229a of the fixing member 229 from being accidentally touched. Moreover, even if the user accidentally pushes up the front end of the sensor unit 220 from below, since it is covered with the folded portion 223a, deformation is suppressed and the sensor unit 220 is less likely to be damaged.

As the fixing member 229 (fixing part), the inner box 103 may be protruded toward the inside of the refrigerator, and the protruding part may be formed solidly with a heat insulating material or the like, such as a rib. It is only necessary to form a strong base that supports the load applied to the weight sensor.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a screw 230 is inserted through the through hole 229b of the sensor unit mounting surface and the through hole portion 223b of the sensor unit 220. As shown in FIG. The insertion hole portion 223b is loosely fitted into the through hole 229b with a gap S2, and is positioned substantially radially with this loose fit. The sensor unit 220 is vertically positioned by inserting the screw 230 into the through hole 229b and the insertion hole portion 223b and screwing them together. The size of through hole 229b is smaller than the outer diameter of washer 239 arranged between the screw head and through hole 229b.

A fixing member 229 (inner box mounting surface) is screwed to the inner box 103, and the outer side of the inner box 103 is filled with, for example, a foam insulation material. In addition, the storage room, which is the space inside the inner box 103, can be at a temperature of 10° C. or more lower than the room temperature environment in which the mounting process of the fixing member 229 and the sensor unit 220 is performed. Therefore, the relative positions of the fixing member 229 and the sensor unit 220 change due to the foaming accuracy of the foamed heat insulating material and the deformation of the inner box 103 and the sensor unit 220 due to thermal contraction even without the foamed heat insulating material. For this reason, if the sensor unit 220 and the fixing member 229 are rigidly fixed, stress due to thermal deformation may be applied, and there is a risk of damage or the like. In the first embodiment, by providing the gap S2, it is possible to absorb the influence of dimensional change due to thermal deformation or the like. The preferred dimensions of S2 will vary depending on the refrigerator construction. If the effect of deformation due to heat shrinkage is sufficiently small, the mounting portion main body 223 and the sensor unit mounting surface may be directly fixed with screws 230 .

[Configuration of weight sensor]
Next, the configuration of the weight sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the weight sensor, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the weight sensor.

The weight sensor 200 includes a plate-shaped load cell 201, a first pedestal 202 arranged below one longitudinal direction side of the load cell 201, and a case body 203 arranged below the first pedestal 202 and on which the load cell 201 is mounted. , a second pedestal 204 having an L-shaped vertical cross section, which is arranged on the other side of the load cell 201 in the longitudinal direction, and the load cell 201, the first pedestal 202, and the second pedestal, which are arranged on the upper part of the case body 203. 204 and a weight detection unit 206 arranged on the upper part of the sensor cover 205 . The weight detection unit 206 can be slightly displaced in the axial direction when a force is applied in the axial direction, and can detect the weight according to the force. Before and after the weight detection unit 206 is displaced, the upper end of the weight detection unit 206 is above the sensor cover 205 . Therefore, even if a shelf or a container is placed on the weight detection unit 206, the sensor cover 205 can be prevented from rubbing against the shelf or the container.

A surface of the sensor cover 205 facing the case body 203 is provided between the second pedestal 204 and the weight detection unit 206 . Further, the sensor cover 205 is made of flexible silicon rubber or the like. Two strain sensors 201a and 201b are attached to the plate-like load cell 201. FIG. The strain sensors 201a and 201b detect the strain of the load cell 201 caused by the load applied to the load cell 201, and the weight is detected from the difference between the strain amounts of the two strain sensors 201a and 201b. The load cell 201 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction extends along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

A washer 207 is provided on one longitudinal side (rear direction) of the load cell 201, and a screw 208 is inserted from above. A screw 208 is inserted into a through hole formed in each of the washer 207, the load cell 201, the first pedestal 202, and the case body 203. As shown in FIG. The load cell 201 is fixed to the case body 203 by screwing a screw 208 into a nut 209 arranged on the opposite side of the first pedestal 202 with the case body 203 interposed therebetween.

A washer 210 is provided at the lower portion of the load cell 201 on the other (forward) side in the longitudinal direction, and a screw 211 is inserted from the lower portion. A screw 211 is inserted into a through hole formed in each of the washer 210 and load cell 201 . A screw 211 is screwed into the second pedestal 204 to fix the second pedestal 204 to the upper part of the load cell 201 on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The second pedestal 204 has a larger vertical dimension on the other longitudinal side of the load cell 201 than on the one longitudinal side.

A washer 212 is provided on the lower side of the second pedestal 204 with a smaller vertical dimension, and a screw 213 is inserted from the lower side. A screw 213 is inserted into a through hole formed in each of the washer 212 , the second pedestal 204 , the sensor cover 205 , and the washer 214 arranged on the upper part of the sensor cover 205 . A screw 213 is screwed into the lower portion of the weight detection portion 206 to fix the second pedestal 204 and the weight detection portion 206 .

In Example 1, a washer 214 is arranged between the weight detection unit 206 and the surface of the sensor cover 205 facing the case body 203 . A washer 212, a second pedestal 204, a sensor cover 205, a washer 214, and a weight detector 206 are inserted through the screw 213 in order from the screw head side. This can prevent the sensor cover 205 from being twisted when the screw 213 is screwed into the weight detection unit 206 .

As the load cell 201 of Example 1, for example, a strain gauge type load cell made of metal is used. The weight sensor 200 of Example 1 is installed in the refrigerator 100 . When the door of the refrigerator 100 is opened, outside air is introduced into the inside of the refrigerator 100, and the outside air is cooled inside the refrigerator, causing condensation inside the refrigerator. However, since the load cell 201 is covered with the sensor cover 205 and does not come into direct contact with the outside air, the structure is such that dew condensation is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be maintained.

The load cell 201 has a cantilever structure in which one longitudinal side thereof is supported by the case body 203 via the first pedestal 202 and the other longitudinal side is not supported. A second pedestal 204 fixed to the upper portion on the other longitudinal side of the load cell 201 is arranged to extend toward the one longitudinal side of the load cell 201, and a weight detection section 206 is connected thereto.

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 11, the center line C1 of the weight detection unit 206 extending in the vertical direction and the center position of the load cell 201 in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) are arranged so as to substantially coincide with each other. With this configuration, tension and compression strains are generated in the two strain sensors 201a and 201b, respectively. For the second base 204, a hard metal such as stainless steel is more likely to transmit the load to the load cell 201 and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 is improved.

In this embodiment, the arrangement structure is such that the vertical center line C1 of the weight detection unit 206 and the center position of the load cell 201 in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction in FIG. 11) are substantially aligned. As shown in FIG. 40, by screwing the weight detection unit 206 directly onto the screw 211 without providing the second pedestal 204 and the screw 213, the center line C1 in the vertical direction is moved away from the longitudinal center of the load cell 201. A non-central load configuration may also be used. In this case, parts such as the second pedestal 204 and the screw 208 are not required, and not only the number of parts is reduced and the cost is reduced, but also the height of the weight sensor 200 is reduced, enabling a compact structure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dead space that may occur when shelves and containers with weight sensors 200 are provided on the floor of the storage room.

However, in this case, both of the two strain sensors 201a and 201b are subject to compression strain, and the difference in the amount of strain tends to be small. However, it is preferable for a small container (for example, an internal volume of 201 L or less), which is particularly effective when dead space reduction is emphasized.

Further, in the weight sensor 200 of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the center line C2 of the lateral dimension of the weight detection portion 206 extending in the vertical direction passes through the fixing member 229 . Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the screw hole center line C3 of the first base 202 is also placed on the fixing member 229. As shown in FIG. Since the fixing member 229 firmly supports the load applied to the weight sensor 200 due to the positional relationship regarding the center lines C2 and C3, particularly the positional relationship regarding the center line C3, detection accuracy can be ensured.

Load cell 201 , first pedestal 202 , and second pedestal 204 are covered with sensor cover 205 and case body 203 . The sensor cover 205 is made of flexible silicone rubber or the like, and has a structure in which an end portion 205 a is sandwiched between the case body 203 and the cover member 224 . A member such as a screw 215 is arranged across the cover member 224 and the case body 203, and both are fastened. By this fastening, the end portion 205a is also pressed to the case body 203 side and is crushed, and the infiltration of water can be suppressed by being in close contact. Therefore, even if liquid such as water spills around the weight detection unit 206, the end 205a is in close contact with the case body 203, so even if the liquid tries to enter the sensor unit 220, it can be blocked. It is possible to prevent liquid from entering the inside of the sensor cover 205 .

The sensor cover 205, which is made of flexible silicone rubber or the like, bends according to the movement of the weight detection unit 206, so that the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be suppressed. If the hardness (Shore A hardness) or thickness of the sensor cover 205 is too small, the sensor cover 205 is likely to be deformed under the influence of its own weight. Therefore, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of strength. On the other hand, if the hardness or thickness is too large, it becomes difficult to follow the movement of the weight detection unit 206, which affects the detection accuracy, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of flexibility. Therefore, the lower limit of hardness is preferably 20 or more, and the upper limit is preferably 70 or less. Moreover, the lower limit of the thickness is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and the upper limit is preferably 2.5 mm or less. It should be noted that the thickness of the entire sensor cover does not need to be uniform, and the deformed portion may be at least within the above range. Of course, the material, hardness, and thickness of the sensor cover 205 are not limited as long as strength and flexibility can be secured.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the weight detection portion 206 of the weight sensor 200 is provided so as to be exposed or protrude upward from the cover member 224 . A protruding portion 224a protruding upward is formed in the cover member 224 around the weight detecting portion 206 with a gap S1 interposed therebetween. The size of the gap S1 is preferably a distance that can prevent the weight detection unit 206 from being restrained by the cover member 224 even if foreign matter such as sticky liquid, dust, and frost enters the gap S1, for example, 4 mm. , or 5 mm or more. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 33 , the projecting portion 224 a surrounds the weight detecting portion 206 to prevent water from flowing into the sensor unit 220 . Moreover, the projecting portion 224a does not cover the entire 360° circumference of the weight detecting portion 206, but is partially cut out to form a drainage portion 224b. The drainage portion 224b is positioned in the notch portion 250 of the guide rail 249. As shown in FIG. With this configuration, even if the liquid drips onto the sensor unit 220, it can be drained from the drain section 224b. A portion of the liquid that could not be completely drained may reach the periphery of the end portion 205a as described above, but is blocked before the sensor unit 220 and evaporates over time.

[Method of Leading Wires to Upper Sensor Unit 220a and Middle Sensor Unit 220b]
Next, a method of drawing the wires 227 arranged in the sensor units 220 (upper sensor unit 220a, middle sensor unit 220b) to the box 101 side will be described.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a corner inside the box before the wiring is connected, as seen from below, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the corner inside the box after the wiring is connected, as seen from below, and FIG. [FIG. 3] is a perspective view of a corner portion inside the box after the wiring cover is attached, as seen obliquely from below;

The sensor unit 220 is fixed to the inner box 103 of the refrigerator as described above. A connecting portion opening 232 that opens downward is formed at one of the left and right ends of the connecting portion 222, which is the right end in this embodiment. The other end of the wire 227 accommodated in the wire accommodation portion 228 of the connection portion 222 is pulled out from the connection portion opening 232 and exposed to the outside. A male connector 233 is provided at the other end of the wiring 227 .

On the other hand, one end of a wiring 234 is connected to the sensor substrate 111, and the wiring 234 from the sensor substrate 111 passes between the box body 101 (outer box) and the inner box 103, and passes through a cutout formed on the wall surface of the inner box 103. It is pulled out from the notch opening 114 and exposed to the outside. A female connector 235 is provided at the other end of the wiring 234 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the male connector 233 and the female connector 235 are connected, and the connected connectors are pushed into the wiring accommodating portion 228 of the connecting portion 222 . In this state, the wiring 234 is exposed from the connection opening 232 and the notch opening 114 . Therefore, a wiring cover 236 is arranged below the sensor unit 220 so as to cover the wiring 234 . The wiring cover 236 is arranged to connect the connecting portion opening 232 and the notch opening 114 to form a space for accommodating the wiring 234 . A flange portion 236 a is formed on a portion of the wiring cover 236 located on the side of the inner box 103 . The wiring cover 236 may be composed of two or more members.

In the first embodiment, the sensor unit 220 is provided with a wiring housing portion 228 that houses wiring 227, and a wiring cover 236 that covers wiring 234 extending from the wiring housing portion 228 to the box 101 (wiring on the sensor substrate 111 side). Therefore, the wirings 227 and 234 are not exposed, and breakage of the wirings 227 and 234 can be suppressed.

The connected connectors 233 and 235 may be accommodated in the wiring cover 236 instead of the wiring accommodating portion 228, or between the inner box 103 and the box body 101 (outer box). If it is inside the wiring housing part 228 or the wiring cover 236, it is preferable in that the connection work of the connector can be easily performed.

[Configuration of lower sensor unit 220c]
The configuration of the lower unit will be described. 18 is a top view of the lower sensor unit, FIG. 19 is a top view of the lower sensor unit with the cover member removed, and FIG. 20 is the right half of the refrigerator showing a state in which a tray and a container are placed on the lower sensor unit. 21 is a sectional perspective view with the right half removed of the refrigerator showing a state in which the tray is placed on the lower sensor unit.

The sensor unit 220 (lower sensor unit 220c) is formed in a donut shape with a central portion being hollowed out when viewed from above. The lower sensor unit 220c includes a first attachment portion 241a (attachment portion 241) and a second attachment portion 241b (attachment portion 241) attached to the left and right bottom portions of the inner box 103, and a first attachment portion 241a and a second attachment portion 241b. A connecting portion 242 for connecting is provided. Two weight sensors 200 are provided on the first mounting portion 241a. Similarly, two weight sensors 200 are provided on the second mounting portion 241b. In Example 1, a total of four weight sensors 200 are provided, but the number is not limited to this. For example, one weight sensor 200 may be arranged in each of the first mounting portion 241a and the second mounting portion 241b. At least one or more weight sensors 200 (at least two or more in total) may be arranged on each of the first mounting portion 241a and the second mounting portion 241b. The lower sensor unit 220c is fixed to the bottom of the inner box 103 with screws (not shown) or the like.

A plurality of inner box upper ribs 106a and a plurality of inner box lower ribs 106b extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the inner surface of the inner box 103 .

The first attachment portion 241a, the second attachment portion 241b, and the connection portion 242 are composed of an attachment portion main body 243 and a connection portion main body 245, which are open at the top, and a cover member 244 that covers the upper open portions of the attachment portion main body 243 and the connection portion main body 245. It has A space is formed in the first attachment portion 241a, the second attachment portion 241b, and the connection portion 242. As shown in FIG. becomes the wiring accommodating portion 248 of the . Also, four weight sensors 200 are arranged in the wiring housing portion 248 , and one of the wirings 247 is connected to each weight sensor 200 . The other end of the wiring 247 is pulled out from the wiring accommodating portion 248 , drawn into the box 101 , and electrically connected to the sensor substrate 111 .

The lower sensor unit 220 c includes a tray 251 and a container 105 e placed above the tray 251 . The container 105e accommodates a content, and the weight sensor 200 detects the weight of the content. Also, in the first embodiment, the container 105 e is placed on the tray 251 , but the container 105 e may be removed and the contents may be placed on the tray 251 . When the tray 251 or the container 105e receives and places a content, and a load is applied to the tray 251 or the container 105e, the central portion of the tray 251 or the container 105e deforms so as to protrude downward. If the deformed central portion contacts the lower sensor unit 220c, the load will not be transmitted to the weight sensor 200, and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 may decrease. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the lower sensor unit 220c has a ring shape when viewed from the top, and the central portion is a gap. In this way, the donut shape is formed to prevent the deformed central portion of the tray 251 or the container 105e from coming into contact with the lower sensor unit 220c. With this configuration, even if the central portion of the tray 251 or container 105e is deformed so as to protrude downward, the deformed central portion does not come into contact with the lower sensor unit 220c, and the weight sensor can be detected. 200 detection accuracy can be ensured.

The weight sensor 200 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and is arranged such that its longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction of the box 101 . By arranging the weight sensors 200 in this manner, the weight sensors 200 are brought to the front, back, left, and right of the inner case 103 .

[Method of Leading Wiring to Lower Sensor Unit 220c]
Next, a method of drawing the wiring 247 arranged in the lower sensor unit 220c to the box 101 side will be described.

FIG. 22 is a see-through external perspective view of the refrigerator showing the connection relationship between the lower sensor unit and wiring. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view with the left half of the refrigerator removed, and FIGS. 24 to 26 are enlarged views of the XXIV section of FIG.

The lower sensor unit 220c is fixed to the bottom of the inner box 103 of the refrigerator as described above.

A mounting portion opening 252 that opens upward is formed in the front-rear direction central portion of the first mounting portion 241a. The other end of the wiring 247 housed in the wiring housing portion 248 of the first mounting portion 241a is pulled out from the mounting portion opening 252 and exposed to the outside. A male connector 253 is provided at the other end of the wiring 247 .

On the other hand, one end of the wiring 254 is electrically connected to the sensor substrate 111, and the wiring 254 from the sensor substrate 111 passes between the box body 101 and the inner box 103 (FIG. 22) and is formed on the wall surface of the inner box 103. It is pulled out from the notched opening 115 and exposed to the outside. A female connector 255 is provided at the other end of the wiring 254 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the male connector 253 and the female connector 255 are connected, and the connected connectors are pushed into the mounting portion opening 252 of the first mounting portion 241a. In this state, the connectors 253 and 255 and the wiring 254 are exposed from the mounting portion opening 252 and the notch opening 115. As shown in FIG. Therefore, a wiring cover 256 is arranged above the lower sensor unit 220c so as to cover the connectors 253 and 255 and the wiring 254. As shown in FIG. The wiring cover 256 is arranged to connect the mounting portion opening 252 and the notch opening 115 to form a space for accommodating the wiring 254 . Then, the portion of the wiring cover 256 located at the first mounting portion 241a is fixed with the screw 257 . The wiring cover 256 may be composed of two or more members.

In the first embodiment, the lower sensor unit 220c is formed with a wiring housing portion 248 for housing the wiring 247, and a wiring cover 256 is provided to cover the wiring 254 extending from the wiring housing portion 248 to the box body 101 (the wiring on the sensor substrate 111 side). Since the wirings 247 and 254 are provided, the wirings 247 and 254 are not exposed, and disconnection of the wirings 247 and 254 can be suppressed.

[Method of placing container on weight sensor]
Next, a method of placing the container 105 on the weight sensor 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 27 to 33. FIG. 27 is a left side view of the container, FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the XXVIII portion of FIG. 27, and FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the XXIX portion of FIG. FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the XXX part of FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the container as seen obliquely from below. 32 is an enlarged view of the XXXII portion of FIG. 4, and FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the XXXIII portion of FIG. The following description is for the upper sensor unit 220a and the middle sensor unit 220b. The same can be done for the lower sensor unit 220c.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 27, 28, 32, and 33, guides protruding upward are provided on the upper portions of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b (the left and right upper portions of the sensor unit 220). A rail 249 is provided. This guide rail 249 extends along the front-rear direction and guides the container 105 . The guide rail 249 is provided with a notch portion 250 partially notched. At the position of the notch 250, the weight sensor 200 is arranged in front of each of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. Behind the rear end portion 249a of the guide rail 249, a weight sensor 200 is arranged behind each of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b.

As shown in FIG. 31, the bottom surface (lower surface of the mounting surface) of the container 105 is provided with sensor contact portions 120 (front sensor contact portion 120a, rear sensor contact portion 120b) exposed or projecting downward. . The lengths in the front-back direction and the left-right direction of the rear sensor contact portion 120b are longer than those of the front sensor contact portion 120a. Further, bottom guide ribs 121 are formed along the front-rear direction on the bottom of the container 105 . The bottom guide rib 121 is formed inside the front sensor contact portion 120a and the rear sensor contact portion 120b in the left-right direction. The bottom guide rib 121 extends, for example, over a length equal to or longer than the front-rear distance from the front sensor contact portion 120a to the rear sensor contact portion 120b.

A sliding portion 122 that slides in contact with the guide rail 249 is provided between the front sensor contact portion 120 a and the bottom guide rib 121 . The container 105 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction from the inner box 103 of the refrigerator. At that time, the container 105 slides on the guide rail 249 with the sliding portion 122 and the rear sensor contact portion 120b. When attaching the container 105 to the place where the sensor unit 220 is located, first, the rear sensor contact portion 120 b is placed on the front end portion of the guide rail 249 . Then, when the container 105 is pushed along the guide rail 249 , the rear sensor contact portion 120 b drops from the guide rail 249 behind the guide rail 249 and is placed on the weight detection portion 206 of the weight sensor 200 . Also, the sliding portion 122 drops from the guide rail 249 at the notch portion 250 of the guide rail 249 and is placed on the weight detection portion 206 of the weight sensor 200 . In this manner, the container 105 is installed on the weight sensor 200 . The rear sensor contact portion 120b passes through the notch portion 250 when moving on the guide rail 249, but the length of the rear sensor contact portion 120b in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the notch portion 250 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the rear sensor contact portion 120b does not fall off the guide rail 249 at the notch portion 250. As shown in FIG.

Further, side ribs 123 are formed on both side surfaces of the container 105 so as to protrude in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction. The side rib 123 is inserted into the space formed between the inner box upper rib 106a and the inner box lower rib 106b formed in the inner box 103 when the container 105 is attached to a place where the sensor unit 220 is located. At this time, the side rib 123 does not contact the inner box upper rib 106a and the inner box lower rib 106b. Also, even if the sliding portion 122 and the rear sensor contact portion 120b fall off the guide rail 249, the side rib 123 does not contact the inner box upper rib 106a and the inner box lower rib 106b. For this reason, even when an object is placed on the container 105, the load of the object is not transmitted to the inner box upper rib 106a and the inner box lower rib 106b, and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be maintained. can. Since the container 105 is only placed on the weight sensor 200 without being fixed to the inner box 103 , for example, if a load exceeding the allowable amount is applied to the front end or rear end of the container 105 , the rear or front of the container 105 moves upward and tilts, and the container 105 may fall out of the inner box 103 . In the first embodiment, when the container 105 is tilted, the side ribs 123 come into contact with the inner box upper rib 106a and the inner box lower rib 106b, and the upward movement of the rear or front of the container 105 is restricted. Inclination of the container 105 can be suppressed, and dropping of the container 105 from the inner box 103 can be suppressed.

[Positional relationship between discharge port 108 and weight sensor 200]
As shown in FIG. 32, the inner box 103 is formed with a discharge port 108 for blowing cold air into the refrigerator. The discharge port 108 is installed so that the cold air 125 blown out is directed toward the center of the inner box 103 . That is, in the first embodiment, direct contact with the weight sensor 200 by the cold air 125 blown out from the outlet 108 is suppressed. With this configuration, in the first embodiment, the weight sensor 200 is less likely to be affected by the temperature, and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be ensured. The direction in which cool air is blown from the outlet 108 can be considered, for example, as the direction in which the wind velocity from the outlet 108 is substantially highest.

Also, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be arranged near the weight sensor 200 . This is because the detection value of the weight sensor 200 also depends on the temperature, and the temperature detected by the inside temperature sensor 110 and the temperature near the weight sensor 200 may not match. The detection value of the weight sensor 200 can be corrected using the detection value of this temperature sensor. Of course, the value detected by the internal temperature sensor 110 may also be used.

In this regard, both the weight sensors 200 and the temperature sensor used for correcting the detection value of the weight sensors 200 can be placed at positions that directly receive the cold air from the discharge port 108 or at positions that do not directly receive it. can. When the internal temperature sensor 110 is used as the temperature sensor, it is preferable that both of them are positioned so as not to receive cold air directly from the viewpoint of securing the detection accuracy of the internal temperature. When a temperature sensor different from the internal temperature sensor 110 is arranged near the weight sensor 200 as the temperature sensor, it may be located at a position where the cold air is directly received or not.

[Relationship between contents and container]
FIG. 34 is a side view of the container 105 on which the contents are placed. Here, it is a left side view. Contents are placed on the front side of the container 105 . Since the weight detection part 206 of the weight sensor 200 is a support point of the container 105, it is preferable to position it outside the space where the contents are placed when viewed from the top in order to suppress the inclination of the container 105. . However, there is a possibility that a contained object may be placed outside the weight detection unit 206 depending on the usage conditions of the user. Therefore, it is preferable to design the container 105 so that it does not tilt even when an object is placed outside the weight detection unit 206 .

In FIG. 34 , X1 is the distance from the weight detection unit 206 to the center of gravity of the contained object, and X2 is the distance from the weight detection unit 206 to the center of gravity of the container 105 . W1 is the weight of the contents, and W2 is the weight of the container 105 .

When an object is placed on the container 105, the container 105 does not tilt if the following conditions are satisfied.

X1*W1<X2*W2
Therefore, in designing the position of the weight sensor 200 and the container 105, the maximum weight of the contents placed in the container 105 should be taken into consideration and X1, X2, and W2 should be set so as to satisfy the above formula.

[Positional relationship between hot gas pipe and weight sensor]
35 is a transparent side view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view along line XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. FIG. 35 depicts the right side. A hot gas pipe 130 through which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor in the refrigerating cycle flows is arranged on the side surface of the refrigerator 100 in order to suppress condensation on the box 101 . A foam heat insulating material 140 such as urethane foam is filled between the box 101 and the inner box 103 . The hot gas pipe 130 is arranged close to the box 101 side. Since high-temperature refrigerant flows through the hot gas pipe 130 , the weight sensor 200 may be affected by heat from the hot gas pipe 130 . Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the hot gas pipe 130 is brought closer to the box body 101 side, and the foam heat insulating material 140 is arranged between the hot gas pipe 130 and the inner box 103 (weight sensor 200). Therefore, the heat from the hot gas pipe 130 is mitigated by the foamed heat insulating material 140, so that the influence of the heat on the weight sensor 200 is suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be maintained.

Moreover, it is preferable not to place the weight sensor 200 on the projection of the hot gas pipe 130 in a side view. As shown in FIG. 35, hot gas pipe 130 is folded back at the upper and lower end sides of refrigerator 100 and arranged along the vertical direction. Weight sensors 200 (preferably strain sensors 201a and 201b) are positioned between hot gas pipes 130 adjacent in the front-rear direction when refrigerator 100 is viewed from the side. By configuring in this way, the influence of heat received by the weight sensor 200 can be suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 can be maintained.

In this regard, the weight sensor 200 and the temperature sensor used for correcting the detection value of the weight sensor may not be arranged on the projection of the hot gas pipe 130, or may be arranged together. Similar to the relationship with the discharge port described above, when using the internal temperature sensor 110 as the temperature sensor, it is preferable not to place both of them on the projection. If a temperature sensor different from the internal temperature sensor 110 is used as the temperature sensor, either one may be used.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 39. FIG. In the first embodiment, the weight sensor 200 is arranged on the sensor unit 220 , but in the second embodiment, the weight sensor 200 is arranged on the shelf 260 .

37 is an external perspective view of the shelf viewed from above, FIG. 38 is an external perspective view of the shelf viewed from below, and FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the shelf viewed from below.

The shelf 260 includes a mounting portion 260a and a weir portion 260b higher than the mounting portion 260a.

Below the dam 260b, there are provided an attachment main body 223 which is open at the top and attached to the left and right sides of the inner box 103, and a connection main body 225 which connects the attachment main body 223. As shown in FIG. A plurality of downwardly opening sensor openings 271 are formed in the mounting portion main body 223 . The weight sensor 200 is arranged at the position of the sensor opening 271 so that the weight detection part 206 of the weight sensor 200 protrudes downward from the sensor opening 271 . The upper portions of the mounting portion main body 223 and the connecting portion main body 225 are covered with a dam portion 260b to form a first mounting portion 221a, a second mounting portion 221b, and a connecting portion 222 that connects the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. ing. A space is formed inside the first attachment portion 221a, the second attachment portion 221b, and the connection portion 222, and this space serves as a wiring accommodation portion 228 for the wiring 227 electrically connecting the weight sensor 200 and the sensor substrate 111. .

That is, in the second embodiment, a sensor unit that accommodates the weight sensor 200 is configured by the first attachment portion 221a, the second attachment portion 221b, the connection portion 222, and the weir portion 260b.

In Example 2, a total of four weight sensors 200 are provided, but the number is not limited to this. For example, one weight sensor 200 may be arranged in each of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. At least one weight sensor 200 is preferably arranged on each of the first mounting portion 221a and the second mounting portion 221b. The shelf 260 may be formed in a triangular shape with one or more weight sensors 200 on each side.

Four weight sensors 200 are arranged in the wiring housing portion 228 , and one end of a wiring 227 is connected to each weight sensor 200 . The other end of the wiring 227 is pulled out from a connecting portion opening 232 formed below the wiring accommodating portion 228 . A male connector 233 is provided at the other end of the wiring 227 and is connected to a female connector 235 (wiring 234) from the sensor board 111 (not shown). As for the wiring drawing method, the same structure as that shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 of the first embodiment can be used. On the other hand, at this time, from the viewpoint of weight detection accuracy, it is preferable to separate the wiring cover 236 and the shelf 260 so that the wiring cover 236 (illustrated in FIG. 17) does not come into contact with the mounting portion main body 223 . This is to prevent the load applied to the shelf 260 from being transmitted to the wiring cover 236 and lowering the detection accuracy of the weight sensor 200 .

Now, when the weight sensor 200 is installed on the shelf 260 , it is preferable to fix the shelf 260 to the inner box 103 side so as not to affect the weight detection of the weight sensor 200 .

For example, the mounting portion main body 223 is fixed to a fixing member 229 (FIG. 9) with a predetermined gap. The weight sensor 200 is fixed downward to the weir portion 260 b so that the weight detection portion 206 faces downward, and the weight detection portion 206 protrudes from the sensor opening 271 . When the weight detection portion 206 of the weight sensor 200 contacts the sensor unit mounting surface of the fixing member 229, the strain of the load cell 201 changes according to the weight of the content placed on the placement portion 260a. to detect

In the second embodiment, the wiring accommodating portion 228 for accommodating the wiring 227 is formed in the shelf 260, and the wiring from the wiring accommodating portion 228 to the box 101 is covered. disconnection can be suppressed.

The sensor unit 220 is connected to the box 101 side by wiring 227, but a battery, a WLAN board, etc. may be mounted in the sensor unit 220 and connected to the main control board 109 wirelessly. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the wiring cover 236 unlike the first and second embodiments. In addition, it is possible to use the shelf 260 as in the second embodiment not only at a designated location inside the storage, but also at a desired location inside the storage, or outside the storage as long as it is within a wireless range.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. The above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Each screw used in the embodiments is an example of other inserting member or screwing member such as a bolt.

[Technical ideas included in this specification]
The present application includes the following ideas.

<About Appendix 1>
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-010208, pressure sensors 11 are fixed to the four corners of a shelf support bead 2a formed on the side wall of an inner box 2 forming a refrigerating chamber 3 so as to protrude in the front-rear direction. (0012, 0013, Figures 2, 3, etc.).
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-124798, an upper shelf 54, a lower shelf 55, and a strain gauge sensor 56 and electrical wiring provided in a gap space between them form a single shelf. The electrical wiring is fitted into a sensor-side waterproof connector 58 provided on the rear side of the shelf and connected to a body-side waterproof connector 59 of the refrigerator 51 (0026, 0027, 0031, 0032, FIG. 2, etc.). It is a structure in which the upper shelf 54, the lower shelf 55, and the clearance space are pulled out together (0032). It is assumed that weight detection is performed by a single strain gauge sensor 56 (0012, 0036, etc.).
In order to install the sensors in all or part of the four corners of the shelf support or in the vicinity thereof, it is necessary to electrically connect the sensors and the control circuit unit. did not take into account how the sensors are housed or how the wires are connected.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2013-124798 discloses a housing structure for improving detection accuracy by arranging a single strain gauge sensor 56 in the center of the upper shelf 54, and is based on the premise of using a plurality of sensors. It does not describe or suggest any method.

[Appendix 1-1]
an inner box forming a frontally open storage compartment;
a shelf or container arranged in the storage room;
a plurality of weight sensors that receive the weight of the contents placed on the shelf or the container;
a sensor unit;
The sensor unit is
a first mounting portion that accommodates at least one of the weight sensors and at least a portion of wiring connected to the weight sensor and extends in a direction along the wall surface of the storage chamber;
a second mounting portion connected to the first mounting portion and housing at least one of the weight sensors and at least part of the wiring connected to the weight sensor;
The storage warehouse, wherein the sensor unit is provided below the shelf or the container and is separate from the shelf or the container.

[Appendix 1-2]
In Appendix 1-1,
The sensor unit includes a cover,
A container in which a weight detection portion of the weight sensor is exposed or protrudes above the cover portion, and at least a portion of the other portion is accommodated in a space below the cover portion of the sensor unit.

[Appendix 1-3]
In Appendix 1-1,
the sensor unit includes a connecting portion connecting the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and extending in a direction different from the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion;
The connection portion is a container housing at least part of the wiring.

[Appendix 1-4]
In Appendix 1-1,
A fixing member provided along the wall surface of the storage chamber,
A container in which the sensor unit is fixed to the fixing member.

[Appendix 1-5]
In Appendix 1-4,
The fixing member is a metal member provided along the front-rear direction,
Below the sensor unit, a folded portion is provided by folding the front tip portion toward the rear,
A container in which a tip portion of the fixing member is arranged between the lower surface of the sensor unit and the folded portion.

[Appendix 1-6]
In Appendix 1-1,
The sensor unit is formed with a connection opening for drawing out the wiring,
The wall surface of the container is formed with a notch opening for drawing out another wiring,
One or more wiring covers connecting the connection opening and the notch opening,
A container in which a connector attached to the wiring and/or the another wiring is housed in the sensor unit or the wiring cover.

[Appendix 1-7]
In Appendix 1-1,
An inner box upper rib and an inner box lower rib extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the left and right sides of the wall surface of the storage chamber,
comprising the container;
The left side and/or right side of the container is provided with side ribs projecting from the left side and/or right side in the left-right direction and formed along the front-rear direction,
The side rib is positioned between the inner box upper rib and the inner box lower rib.

[Appendix 1-8]
In Appendix 1-1,
Guide rails extending in the front-rear direction and protruding upward are provided on upper portions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion provided on the left and right sides of the sensor unit, respectively,
The guide rail is provided with a notch portion that is partially notched,
The storage box in which the weight sensor is arranged at the position of the notch.

[Appendix 1-9]
In Appendix 1-1,
The weight sensor is provided on each of the front and rear sides of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion provided on the left and right sides of the sensor unit,
A guide rail extending in the front-rear direction and protruding upward is provided on the upper portions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion,
The guide rail is provided with a notch portion that is partially notched,
The storage box in which the weight sensor is arranged at a position on the rear end side of the guide rail.

[Appendix 1-10]
In Appendix 1-2,
The weight detection unit is movable,
A protruding portion that protrudes upward is formed in a portion of the sensor unit located around the weight detection portion,
A container in which a gap is formed between the outer peripheral portion of the weight detection portion and the protrusion.

[Appendix 1-11]
In Appendix 1-10,
A guide rail extending in the front-rear direction and protruding upward is provided on the upper portions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion,
A storage container in which a drainage part is formed in the projecting part by notching a part thereof, and the drainage part is positioned in the notch part of the guide rail.

[Appendix 1-12]
an inner box forming a frontally open storage compartment;
a shelf or container arranged in the storage room;
a plurality of weight sensors that receive the weight of the contents placed on the shelf or the container;
a sensor unit;
As the sensor unit,
a first mounting portion that accommodates at least one of the weight sensors and at least part of the wiring connected to the weight sensor;
a second mounting portion connected to the first mounting portion and housing at least one of the weight sensors and at least part of the wiring connected to the weight sensor;
The sensor unit is attached to the shelf or the container,
A fixing member that supports the shelf or the container,
A container in which a weight detection part of the weight sensor faces downward and can come into contact with the fixed member.

[Appendix 1-13]
In Appendix 1-12,
The sensor unit is formed with a connection opening for drawing out the wiring,
A notch opening is formed on the wall of the container to pull out another wiring,
One or more wiring covers connecting the connection opening and the notch opening,
The storage box in which the sensor unit and the wiring cover are separated from each other.

[Appendix 1-14]
In Appendix 1-12,
The sensor unit includes a mounting body,
The weight detection portion of the weight sensor is exposed or protrudes downward from the mounting portion main body.

[Appendix 1-15]
In Appendix 1-1 or 1-12,
A container comprising the above-mentioned container, wherein the height of the side wall of the container is 3 cm or more and 9 cm or less.

<About Appendix 2>
The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-010208 does not consider the type of pressure sensor or strain gauge sensor provided with a plate-shaped load cell. It does not disclose any aspect that contributes to the weight detection accuracy or the suitable securing of the storage space in the container.

[Appendix 2-1]
a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a second pedestal connected to the other side of the load cell in the longitudinal direction and opposite to the case body;
a weight sensor connected to a portion of the second pedestal that extends from the portion attached to the load cell to one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

[Appendix 2-2]
a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a weight sensor connected to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell and opposite to the case body;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

[Appendix 2-3]
case body,
Equipped with a load cell and weight detector,
a weight sensor mechanically connected from the weight detection unit to a first pedestal connected to the case body through the other side of the load cell and one side of the load cell;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface.

[Appendix 2-4]
In any one of Appendix 2-1 to 2-3,
The weight sensor is provided on the left wall side or the right wall side of the storage chamber,
The front of the storage chamber is open,
The storage chamber in which the longitudinal direction of the load cell is arranged along the left wall or the right wall of the storage chamber.

[Appendix 2-5]
In any one of Appendix 2-1 to Appendix 2-3,
The weight sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the shelf or container arranged at the bottom of the storage room,
The front of the storage chamber is open,
A container in which the longitudinal direction of the load cell is arranged along the horizontal direction of the storage chamber.

<About Appendix 3>
A temperature sensor is usually arranged in the storage compartment of the refrigerator to detect the temperature in the storage compartment. Moreover, since the detection value of the weight sensor also depends on the ambient temperature, it is desirable to correct the detection value using a temperature sensor in the storage compartment where the weight sensor is arranged.
However, the storage compartment is provided with an outlet for supplying cool air, and the wall surface of the refrigerator is provided with a hot gas pipe or the like for suppressing dew condensation due to the temperature difference between the refrigerator and the outside. If the temperature influences given by these are greatly different between the weight sensor and the temperature sensor, the correction cannot be performed accurately. The aforementioned Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-010208 does not consider such a point.

[Appendix 3-1]
a storage room;
a weight sensor disposed in the storage chamber;
an internal temperature sensor arranged in the storage compartment;
and a discharge port that supplies cold air to the storage chamber,
A refrigerator in which the cold air is discharged from the outlet in a direction that avoids the weight sensor and the internal temperature sensor.

[Appendix 3-2]
a storage room;
a weight sensor disposed in the storage chamber;
an internal temperature sensor arranged in the storage compartment;
a surface on which a hot gas pipe through which the compressed refrigerant flows is laid,
A refrigerator in which part or all of the weight sensor and the internal temperature sensor are arranged so as not to overlap the hot gas pipe in a front view of the surface.

[Appendix 3-3]
In Appendix 3-1 or 3-2,
The refrigerator interior temperature sensor is used for correcting the detection value of the weight sensor and for controlling a cooling fan and/or a compressor for compressing a refrigerant used for blowing air to the storage compartment.

[Appendix 3-4]
a storage room;
a weight sensor disposed in the storage chamber;
an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage compartment and is used to control a cooling fan used to blow air into the storage compartment and/or a compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
an outlet for supplying cool air to the storage chamber;
a temperature sensor that is used to correct the detection value of the weight sensor and is different from the internal temperature sensor,
The refrigerator, wherein the weight sensor and the temperature sensor are arranged at positions avoiding or not avoiding the cool air discharge direction of the discharge port.

[Appendix 3-5]
a storage room;
a weight sensor disposed in the storage chamber;
a surface on which a hot gas pipe through which the compressed refrigerant flows is laid;
an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage compartment and is used to control a cooling fan used to blow air into the storage compartment and/or a compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
a temperature sensor that is used to correct the detection value of the weight sensor and is different from the internal temperature sensor,
The refrigerator, wherein the weight sensor and the temperature sensor are both arranged at positions overlapping with or not overlapping with the hot gas pipe in a front view of the surface.

<About Appendix 4>
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-010208 mentioned above does not disclose any mounting structure of the sensor unit when the weight sensor is housed in the sensor unit which is separate from the shelf or the container.

[Appendix 4-1]
an inner box forming a frontally open storage compartment;
a fixing member arranged on the wall surface side of the inner box and extending back and forth;
a sensor unit provided on the fixed member,
The sensor unit is a container provided with a folded portion covering a front end portion of the fixing member.

[Appendix 4-2]
In Appendix 4-1,
The folding part extends over the upper side, the front side, and the lower side of the tip part.

[Appendix 4-3]
In Appendix 4-1,
The storage container, wherein the folded portion is made of a material softer than the tip portion.

<Regarding Supplementary Note 5>
In JP-A-2007-010208 mentioned above, since the pressure sensor 11 protrudes from the bead 2a by the height dimension, in order to place the shelf 10 on the pressure sensor 11, the pressure sensor 11 should be positioned approximately right above the pressure sensor 11. It is presumed that the user moves the shelf 10 while lifting it. It is considered easy for the user to move the shelf 10 by sliding it on the bead 2a. There is a risk, and after all, it is necessary to once lift the shelf 10 before the pressure sensor 11 .

[Appendix 5-1]
a chamber with an open front;
a shelf or container arranged in the chamber;
a weight sensor including a weight detection unit;
a sensor contact portion provided on the shelf or the container and capable of contacting the weight detection portion;
a guide rail;
When the shelf or the container slides on the guide rail and moves backward from a position in front of the weight sensor, the sensor contact portion moves backward at a height higher than the weight sensor to move the weight detection portion. and comes into contact with the weight detection unit from above.

[Appendix 5-2]
In Appendix 5-1,
When the shelf or the container slides on the guide rail and moves backward from a position in front of the weight sensor, the sensor contact portion moves backward from a height higher than the weight sensor to move the weight detection portion. and moves further downward to contact the weight detection unit from above.

[Appendix 5-3]
In Appendix 5-2,
A plurality of the weight sensors are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction,
The sensor contact portion includes a front sensor contact portion that can contact the weight detection portion of the weight sensor on the front side and a rear sensor contact portion that can contact the weight detection portion of the weight sensor on the rear side,
When the shelf or container slides on the guide rail and the rear sensor contact portion moves rearward from a position forward of the front weight sensor, the front and rear sensor contact portions move toward the front weight sensor. A container that passes above and moves downward on the weight sensor on the rear side and contacts the weight detection part of the weight sensor on the rear side from above.

[Appendix 5-4]
In Appendix 5-1,
the shelf or the container has side ribs protruding laterally on the sides,
a side wall of the chamber includes a lower rib protruding below the side rib;
When the shelf or the container slides on the guide rail and when the sensor contact portion is in contact with the weight detection portion, the side rib is spaced apart from the lower rib,
When the shelf or the container is tilted when the shelf or the container is sliding on the guide rail, or when the sensor contact portion is in contact with the weight detection portion , a container disposed at a position in contact with the side ribs.

[Appendix 5-5]
In Appendix 5-1,
the shelf or the container has side ribs protruding laterally on the sides,
a side wall of the chamber includes a lower rib protruding below the side rib;
When the shelf or the container slides on the guide rail and when the sensor contact portion is in contact with the weight detection portion, the side rib is spaced apart from the lower rib,
Separately from the guide rail, a structure capable of supporting another shelf or another container above the guide rail,
The lower rib is disposed between the guide rail and the structure in the vertical direction.

[Appendix 5-6]
In Appendix 5-1,
the shelf or the container has side ribs protruding laterally on the sides,
a side wall of the chamber includes an upper rib projecting above the side rib;
When the shelf or the container slides on the guide rail and when the sensor contact portion is in contact with the weight detection portion, the side rib is spaced apart from the lower rib,
Separately from the guide rail, a structure capable of supporting another shelf or another container above the guide rail,
The upper rib is arranged vertically between the guide rail and the structure.

<About appendix 6>
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-139148, which relates to a pressure-sensitive sensor used in a device that detects and controls changes in pressure due to manual operation, discloses an elastic pressing body 13 for pressing a pressure-sensitive rubber 12 against a conductor pattern. (0001, 0010, FIG. 1).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-139148 is a structure on the premise that a force of the level of human manual operation is applied. On the other hand, assuming a weight sensor that is used to detect the weight of stored foodstuffs in a container such as a refrigerator, it is necessary to assume a higher level of food load than that in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-139148.
The inventors proposed a structure for detecting a load, which tends to be larger than that in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-139148. The study was conducted including a structure different from that in the publication. As a result, when a shelf or container containing food rubs against the sensor cover, if the sensor cover is made of a hard material, the sensor cover receives part of the load, which is transmitted to other parts in contact with the sensor cover to the sensor side. The inventors have found the problems that the load is dispersed and the detection accuracy is lowered, and that if the sensor cover is made of a soft material, the risk of breakage of the sensor cover increases.

[Appendix 6-1]
a case body;
a sensor cover;
a sensor arranged in a space surrounded by the case body and the sensor cover;
A weight sensor that transmits a load to the sensor and that partially protrudes from the sensor cover.

[Appendix 6-2]
In Appendix 6-1,
The weight sensor, wherein the sensor cover has a hardness of 70 or less and/or a thickness of 2.5 mm or less.

[Appendix 6-3]
A sensor unit containing the weight sensor according to Appendix 6-1 or 6-2,
A cover member located on the opposite side of the case body with respect to the end portion of the sensor cover that is in contact with the case body,
The cover member presses the end portion toward the case body.

[Appendix 6-4]
In Appendix 6-1 or 6-2,
The weight sensor, wherein an edge of the sensor cover facing the side surface of the weight detection section has a gap with respect to the weight detection section.

[Appendix 6-5]
In Appendix 6-1 or 6-4,
A weight sensor in which the rim does not extend 360° around the weight sensing part and thus partially functions as a drain hole.

[Appendix 6-6]
In Appendix 6-1 or 6-2,
A weight sensor having a washer interposed between the sensor cover and the weight detection unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Refrigerator 101 Box 101a Top plate 101b Bottom plate 101c Side plate 101d Rear plate 102 Door 103 Inner box 104 Interior 105, 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d , 105e... container, 106a... inner box upper rib, 106b... inner box lower rib, 107... compressor, 108... outlet, 109... main control board, 110... internal temperature sensor, 111... sensor board, 111a... sub Microcomputer 111b Filter circuit/amplifier circuit 112 Communication unit 113 Operation board 113a Temperature control volume 114 Notch opening 115 Notch opening 120 Sensor contact portion 120a Front sensor contact portion , 120b rear sensor contact portion 121 bottom guide rib 122 sliding portion 123 side rib 125 cold air 130 hot gas pipe 140 foam insulation material 200 weight sensor 201 load cell 201a, 201b...strain sensor 202...first base 203...case body 204...second base 205...sensor cover 205a...end part 206...weight detection unit 207...washer 208...screw 209...nut 210 Washer 211 Screw 212 Washer 213 Screw 214 Washer 220 Sensor unit 220a Upper sensor unit 220b Middle sensor unit 220c Lower sensor unit 221 Mounting portion 221a First mounting portion 221b Second mounting portion 222 Connecting portion 223 Mounting portion main body 223a Folding portion 223b Insertion hole portion of sensor unit 220 224 Cover member 224a Projecting portion 224b Drainage part 225 Connection part main body 226 Cover member 227 Wiring 228 Wiring housing part 229 Fixing member 229a Tip part 229b Through hole 230 Screw 230a Screw part 231 Screws 232 Connection opening 233 Male connector 234 Wiring 235 Female connector 236 Wiring cover 236a Flange 237 Screw 239 Washer 241 Mounting portion 241a First mounting Part 241b Second mounting part 242 Connecting part 243 Mounting part main body 244 Cover member 245 Connecting part main body 247 Wiring 248 Wiring accommodating part 249 Guide rail 249a Rear end Portion 250 Notch 251 Tray 252 Mounting opening 253 Male connector 254 Wiring 255 Female connector 256 Wiring cover 257 Screw 260 Shelf 260a Mounting portion 260b Dam portion 271 Sensor opening

Claims (5)

a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a second pedestal connected to the other side of the load cell in the longitudinal direction and opposite to the case body;
a weight sensor connected to a portion of the second pedestal that extends from the portion attached to the load cell to one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface. a case body;
a load cell;
a first pedestal connected to the case body on one side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell;
a weight sensor connected to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the load cell and opposite to the case body;
a storage room in which the weight sensor is arranged;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface. case body,
Equipped with a load cell and weight detector,
a weight sensor mechanically connected from the weight detection unit to a first pedestal connected to the case body through the other side of the load cell and one side of the load cell;
a sensor unit mounting surface that supports the case body,
A container in which a center line of the first pedestal extending in a vertical direction passes through the sensor unit mounting surface. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The weight sensor is provided on the left wall side or the right wall side of the storage chamber,
The front of the storage chamber is open,
The storage chamber in which the longitudinal direction of the load cell is arranged along the left wall or the right wall of the storage chamber. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The weight sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to the shelf or container arranged at the bottom of the storage room,
The front of the storage chamber is open,
A container in which the longitudinal direction of the load cell is arranged along the horizontal direction of the storage chamber.

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