JP5656782B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and particularly to operability of the operation panel.

  In recent years, refrigerators used by users are mainly divided into a plurality of rooms (storage rooms) having different temperature zones in accordance with diversification of eating habits. In addition, depending on the user's preference, each room of the refrigerator can be adjusted to a slightly lower temperature setting or a slightly higher temperature setting. Furthermore, many refrigerators are equipped with a temperature switching room or the like in which the room temperature can be freely set from a refrigeration temperature of about 3 ° C. to a freezing temperature of about −18 ° C.

  In a refrigerator equipped with a plurality of rooms (storage rooms) as described above, the temperature setting of each room can be adjusted with an operation panel installed on the surface of the refrigerator door, etc. When installed, the number of switches is increased by the number of rooms, and the operation becomes complicated, the operation panel becomes large and a large installation space is required, and the cost is further increased.

  Also, from the viewpoint of design, the operation panel and installation space are not so large, so when the number of switches or display elements increases, the size and space of letters and numbers per display element Needs to be reduced, and there is a risk of inferior visibility or erroneous operation.

  As a refrigerator provided with a temperature control switch for each room as described above, a refrigerator provided with a temperature display unit and a temperature setting switch individually for the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment on the front face of the refrigerator door is proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In such a refrigerator, only one room setting is operated with one switch, and only one temperature display unit displays one room. Normally, the temperature display unit displays the current temperature in the refrigerator. However, in the above refrigerator, if the temperature setting switch is operated, the temperature display in the refrigerator is temporarily turned off and the target setting is used instead. Display temperature. When the temperature setting switch is operated again after displaying the set temperature, the temperature setting stage is adjusted by one stage. If the adjustment by operating the temperature setting switch is completed and the temperature setting switch is not pressed for a certain period of time, the display returns to the internal temperature. By using the operation panel having such a configuration, two information, that is, the current internal temperature and the target set temperature can be displayed in one display area. As a result, the display area of the operation panel can be saved, In addition, it is assumed that the size increase can be suppressed.

  However, in the refrigerator as described above, a dedicated switch is provided for each room of the refrigerator. In this case, when the number of rooms to be set increases, the number of switches is increased, and the operation panel It is necessary to increase the size. As a refrigerator that solves such problems, a changeover switch that switches the screen for each room, such as the refrigerator temperature, the vegetable room, the switching room or the freezing room, etc. There is one that can be switched by a changeover switch and can display the setting of the selected room, the room temperature, the set temperature, the operation state, or the like (for example, see Patent Document 2). In such a refrigerator, each room has one screen, and the contents displayed at one time can be limited by switching the screen with a changeover switch, so that the size and space of one display element is increased. be able to. Also, instead of providing switches for the number of rooms, it is only necessary to prepare switches for the number of functions common to each room, such as switching the set temperature or setting the rapid cooling. The increase in size, complexity, and cost of the panel can be suppressed.

JP 2000-266454 A (page 3, FIG. 1) JP 2003-65654 A (Page 4, FIG. 2)

In the refrigerator according to Patent Document 2 above, a changeover switch that switches the screen of each room for the internal temperature, the set temperature, the operation state, and the like of a plurality of rooms such as a refrigerator room, a vegetable room, a switching room, or a freezing room, By using an operation panel that displays the room setting, room temperature, set temperature, or operating state specified by the changeover switch, the operation panel can be prevented from becoming large, complicated, and costly. It is supposed to be possible.
However, since the switch for switching the screen for each room (storage room) and the switch for changing the temperature setting are different, there is a problem that it is difficult to understand which switch can be operated in what order.

  In addition, when operating a switch that switches the screen for each room or a switch that changes the temperature setting, only the currently selected room and its setting information are displayed, so what operation is possible with which switch. There was a problem that it was difficult to understand.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and allows the user to recognize in what order the plurality of switches provided on the operation panel should be operated. The refrigerator which can improve the operativity of is obtained.
Further, it is possible to make the user recognize what operation is possible with a switch provided on the operation panel, and to obtain a refrigerator capable of improving the operability of the operation panel.

The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a plurality of storage rooms, an operation panel for setting the operation of each storage room, and a door open / close detection means for detecting opening / closing of at least one of the doors of each storage room, The operation panel includes: a selection switch for selecting a storage room for setting operation among the plurality of storage rooms; one or a plurality of setting switches for performing operation setting for the storage room; Among the storage rooms, a selection room display unit that displays information on a storage room selected by the selection switch, and a setting display unit that displays information on operation settings of the storage room, the selection switch and the setting in accordance with the operation order of the switches, a plurality of information to be displayed on the selection room display unit and the setting display unit sequentially displays at different times, instead of the operation of the selection switch, the door opening and closing detecting means The storage chamber of detecting the opening and closing of the door, and selects as a storage chamber for operation setting.

  According to the present invention, the user can recognize in what order the selection switch and the setting switch provided on the operation panel should be operated, and the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

2 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a display state of an operation panel according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing a selection range and change order of each setting by the operation panel according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when all lights are off: Example 1). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when all lights are off: Example 2). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when all lights are off: Example 3). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when all lights are off: Example 4). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when lighted: Example 1). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when lighting: Example 2). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to Embodiment 1 (when lighting: Example 3). It is a figure which shows operation | movement (at the time of all the light extinction) of the operation panel which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (at the time of lighting) of the operation panel which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a display state of an operation panel according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (at the time of switching room selection) of the operation panel which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (at the time of freezer compartment selection) of the operation panel which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement (no door opening / closing) of the operation panel which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement (with switching room door opening and closing) which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
(Configuration of refrigerator 1)
1 is a schematic front view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has a refrigerator compartment 2 at the top as a storage room, an ice making room 3 on the left side, a switching room 4 on the right side, a switching room 4 on the right side, a freezer room 5 below the storage room. Below that, a vegetable room 6 is provided. The refrigerator compartment 2 has two left and right hinge-type doors, and an operation panel 7 is installed on the left surface as viewed from the front.
In addition, the structure of each store room with which the above refrigerators 1 were equipped is an illustration, and it may be provided with a store room different from said structure, and may be provided with only a part of said each store room. Also, the arrangement of these storage rooms is not limited.
In the following description, each storage room may be referred to as a “room”.

(Configuration of operation panel 7)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a display state of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2A shows a state in which all display elements displayed on the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 described later on the operation panel 7 are lit.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation panel 7 includes at least a switch unit 8 for performing various setting operations, a display unit 9 for displaying setting contents, and switch operation contents (switch implications). ) Is displayed.

The switch unit 8 includes at least a room selection switch 8a, a temperature adjustment switch 8b, a quick freeze switch 8c, and an ice making changeover switch 8d.
The room selection switch 8a switches and selects a room for operation setting from among a plurality of rooms, and inputs an operation for switching a room for displaying the setting content on the display unit 9. The operation setting refers to a setting relating to a cooling operation corresponding to each room such as a temperature adjustment setting, presence / absence of a quick freezing function, and an automatic ice making function described later.
The room selection switch 8a corresponds to the “selection switch” in the present invention.

The temperature adjustment switch 8b adjusts the temperature of the room selected by the room selection switch 8a.
The instantaneous freezing switch 8 c performs setting for the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4.
The ice making changeover switch 8d sets the automatic ice making function of the ice making chamber 3.
The temperature adjustment switch 8b, the quick freeze switch 8c, and the ice making changeover switch 8d correspond to “setting switches” in the present invention.

The display unit 9 includes at least a currently selected room display 9a, a temperature setting stage display 9b, an instantaneous freezing display 9c, and an ice making setting display 9d.
The currently selected room display 9a displays information on a room selected by the room selection switch 8a among a plurality of rooms. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the name of each room is displayed in correspondence with the arrangement position of each room (storage room).
The currently selected room display 9a corresponds to the “selected room display unit” in the present invention.

The temperature setting stage display 9b displays the temperature setting stage of each room such as “weak”, “strong”, “soft refrigeration” and “freezing”.
The instantaneous freezing display 9c displays the setting status of the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4 such as “instant freezing”.
The ice making setting display 9d is a setting for whether to make normal ice, make highly transparent ice, rapidly make ice, or pause the automatic ice making function in the ice making chamber 3 having an automatic ice making function. Display status.
The temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d correspond to the “setting display section” in the present invention.

The switch display unit 10 displays information on the operation content of each switch (the meaning of the switch) corresponding to each switch of the switch unit 8.
As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the switch display unit 10 is provided in the vicinity (directly above) the switch unit 8 and includes a room selection switch display 10a, a temperature control switch display 10b, a flash freeze switch display 10c, And it is comprised by the display 10d for ice-making changeover switches.
The room selection switch display 10a displays “room selection” as the operation content of the room selection switch 8a.
The temperature adjustment switch display 10b displays “temperature adjustment” as the operation content of the temperature adjustment switch 8b.
The flash freeze switch display 10c displays “flash freeze” as the operation content of the flash freeze switch 8c.
The ice making changeover switch display 10d displays “ice making changeover” as the operation content of the ice making changeover switch 8d.
The display content of the switch display unit 10 is not limited to this, and any information indicating the operation content of each switch may be used. For example, symbols and figures may be used.

FIG. 2B shows a state in which all display elements displayed on the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 on the operation panel 7 are turned off. Note that the display element of the display unit 9 may be turned on only for a predetermined time only when any switch is operated on the operation panel 7 or when opening / closing of a door of each room is detected. By adopting such a mechanism, when the operation panel 7 is not used, an image as shown in FIG. 2 (B) is obtained, and the image becomes inconspicuous and is assimilated with the door of the refrigerator 1. It is possible to obtain a high design that does not stand out.
Note that the configurations of the switch unit 8, the display unit 9, and the switch display unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and may have a configuration having a switch having other functions or a display element for displaying other information. .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, a tact switch 12 and an LED 13 are mounted on the surface of the substrate 11. An elect box 14 is installed so as to surround the tact switch 12 and the LED 13.
On the surface of the elect box 14 on the opposite side of the substrate 11, a surface component 16 including a display surface 17 from which characters are removed is installed, and the surface of the operation panel 7 is formed.
Further, on the tact switch 12 (on the side opposite to the installation surface of the substrate 11), a button 15 whose operation part penetrates the surface component 16 is installed, and the user presses the button 15 in the tact switch 12 direction. By doing so, operations such as various settings are performed. The tact switch 12 and the button 15 constitute each switch of the switch unit 8 described above.

The back surface of the front surface component 16 is colored by printing or the like, and has a color and thickness that blocks light, and the display surface 17 from which characters are removed has white portions or other portions where the characters are removed. It is comprised so that it may become a lighter color than this part.
When the above-described LED 13 is lit, the light of the LED 13 is transmitted only from the display surface 17 from which characters are omitted, and characters, numbers, designs, etc. to be displayed are visualized. When the LED 13 is turned off, the character-extracted portion of the display surface 17 is not visible and only the surface component 16 is visible.
In the operation panel 7, an LED 13 is installed for each character, number, symbol, or the like that is to be displayed individually, and each LED 13 is turned on and off.

The configuration of the operation panel 7 is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 may be configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the switch unit 8 may be configured by a touch switch provided thereabove.
In the following description, when the display is turned on, the light of the LED 13 is transmitted through the display surface 17 from which characters are removed by turning on the LED 13, and when the display is turned off, the LED 13 is turned off. . When the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are composed of an LCD or other display device, displaying information on the display device corresponds to “lighting of the display unit” and displaying information on the display device. This is equivalent to “lighting off the display portion”.

(Operation procedure of the operation panel 7)
Next, the operation procedure of the operation panel 7 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a selection range and change order of each setting by the operation panel according to the first embodiment.
In addition, each setting shown in FIG. 4, the order switched, etc. are illustrations, and this invention is not limited to this.

  When the room selection switch 8a is pressed by a user operation, the rooms are selected in the order shown in FIG. Information on the selected room is displayed in the currently selected room display 9a.

  Next, when the temperature adjustment switch 8b is pressed, the temperature setting of the selected room is changed in the order shown in FIG. The temperature setting stage display 9b displays the temperature adjustment stage set for the selected room.

The instantaneous freezing switch 8 c is a switch that is effective only when the selected room is the switching room 4. When the instant freezing switch 8c is pressed when the switching room 4 is selected by operating the room selection switch 8a, the presence or absence of the instant freezing function of the switching room 4 is set in the order shown in FIG. The The instant freeze display 9c is switched on / off depending on the presence or absence of the set instant freeze function.
On the other hand, when a room other than the switching room 4 is selected by the operation of the room selection switch 8a, the operation of the instantaneous freezing switch 8c is invalid.
In addition, when the switch operation of the quick freeze switch 8c is valid, the flash freeze switch display 10c is turned on, and when the switch operation is invalid, the flash freeze switch display 10c is turned off. As a result, the user can recognize that the instantaneous freezing switch 8c is an invalid operation.

The ice making chamber 3 is a room having an automatic ice making function. Examples of the ice making method include normal ice, highly transparent ice, and a method of rapidly generating ice.
The ice making changeover switch 8d can switch the setting of the ice making function of the ice making chamber 3 regardless of the result of room selection. When the ice making switch 8d is pressed, the setting of the ice making function is changed in the order shown in FIG. The ice making setting display 9d displays the set ice making function.

Thus, each switch of the operation panel 7 needs to be operated in a predetermined order depending on the setting contents.
That is, when performing an operation of changing the temperature setting of an arbitrary room, the user first selects an arbitrary room from the currently selected room display 9a, and then operates the temperature adjustment switch 8b to select a desired temperature stage. Set to. When switching the presence or absence of the instant freezing function of the switching room 4, the user first selects the switching room 4 from the currently selected room display 9a, and then operates the instant freezing display 9c to determine whether or not the instant freezing function is present. Set.
On the other hand, some switches on the operation panel 7 can be operated at all times.
That is, when changing the setting of the ice making function of the ice making chamber 3, the user sets the desired ice making function by operating the ice making changeover switch 8d regardless of the selection of the room.

(Display operation of operation panel 7)
Next, a display operation for allowing the user to recognize in which order the switches provided on the operation panel 7 should be operated in the operation panel 7 having such a configuration will be described.

[When all lights are off]
First, the operation when the switch unit 8 is operated when all the displays are turned off (when no display is displayed) and the display is turned on will be described.
Note that when all the displays are turned off, for example, when there is no operation for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds) after the previous operation of the switch unit 8, for power saving or design. In order to enhance, all the displays are turned off.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when all lights are off: Example 1).
If any one of the switches 8 is operated when all the displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 5A, first, as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 9, only the currently selected room display 9 a and the room selection switch display 10 a of the switch display unit 10 are displayed (lighted).
After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are displayed, as shown by a dotted line c in FIG. Display (temperature setting stage display 9b, instantaneous freezing display 9c, ice making setting display 9d), and remaining display on switch display unit 10 (temperature control switch display 10b, instantaneous freezing switch display 10c, ice making changeover switch display) 10d) is displayed (lighted).

  Thus, by displaying (lighting) the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a first, it is possible to visually notify the user that the room selection operation is performed first.

Another display operation example when all lights are off will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when all lights are off: Example 2).
If any one of the switches 8 is operated when all the displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 6A, first, as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 9, only the currently selected room display 9 a is displayed (lighted). Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the currently selected room display 9a was displayed, as indicated by a dotted line c in FIG. Only the display 10a is displayed (lighted).
After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the room selection switch display 10a was displayed, the remaining display (temperature setting stage display) as shown by the dotted line d in FIG. 9b, instantaneous freezing display 9c, ice making setting display 9d) are displayed (lighted).
After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the remaining display on the display unit 9, the remaining display (temperature adjustment) on the switch display unit 10, as indicated by the dotted line e in FIG. The switch display 10b, the quick freeze switch display 10c, and the ice making changeover switch display 10d) are displayed (lighted).

  As described above, the switch display unit 10 may be displayed (lighted) with a delay of a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) with respect to the display unit 9. It can be clearly distinguished from the switch display 10 representing the meaning).

Another display operation example when all lights are off will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when all lights are off: Example 3).
If any one of the switches 8 is operated when all the displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 7A, first, as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 9, only the currently selected room display 9 a and the room selection switch display 10 a of the switch display unit 10 are displayed (lighted).
After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are displayed, the temperature of the display unit 9 is indicated by a dotted line c in FIG. Of the setting stage display 9b and the switch display section 10, the temperature control switch display 10b is displayed (lighted).
Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b were displayed, as indicated by the dotted line d in FIG. The remaining display (instant freezing display 9c, ice making setting display 9d) and the remaining display on the switch display unit 10 (instant freezing switch display 10c, ice making changeover switch display 10d) are displayed (lighted).

  Thus, first, the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are turned on. After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds), the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are turned on. Further, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds), the quick freeze display 9c, the quick freeze switch display 10c, the ice making setting display 9d, and the ice making changeover switch display 10d may be turned on.

Another display operation example when all lights are off will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when all lights are off: Example 4).
When all the displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 8A, if any one of the switches of the switch unit 8 is operated, as shown by the dotted lines b1 and b2 in FIG. Only the currently selected room display 9a and the ice making setting display 9d in the unit 9 and the room selecting switch display 10a and the ice making changeover switch display 10d in the switch display unit 10 are displayed (lighted).
Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds), as indicated by a dotted line c in FIG. 8C, the temperature setting stage display 9b in the display unit 9 and the temperature adjustment in the switch display unit 10 are adjusted. The switch display 10b is displayed (lighted).
After a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature control switch display 10b are displayed, the instantaneous freezing of the display unit 9 is performed as indicated by the dotted line d in FIG. The display 9c and the flash freeze switch display 10c of the switch display unit 10 are displayed (lighted).

  As described above, since the ice making setting can be switched regardless of the room selection result, as shown in FIG. 8, when the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are turned on as shown in FIG. At the same time, the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making changeover switch display 10d may be turned on. Thereby, it can be visually notified to the user that the ice making changeover switch 8d can be operated.

  In the above description, the predetermined time for transitioning the display (lighting) is about 0.5 seconds, but this time may be arbitrary. If the time is too short, it may be impossible to recognize the sequential display due to the illusion of human eyes, or it may be missed. On the other hand, if it is too long, the user feels uncomfortable and may mistakenly recognize a failure.

[When lit]
Next, an operation when the room selection switch 8a is operated while the display is on will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when lit: Example 1).
As shown in FIG. 9 (A), when the room selection switch 8a is operated while the selection state of the switching room 4 is displayed on the currently selected room display 9a, it is indicated by a dotted line b1 in FIG. 9 (B). Thus, the currently selected room display 9a shifts to the display “freezing” of the freezing room 5 which is the next room of the switching room 4. At this time, as indicated by a dotted line b2 in FIG. 9B, the displays other than the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are temporarily turned off.
Then, when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) elapses after the light is turned off, as shown by dotted lines c1 and c2 in FIG. 9C, the lighted display is turned off again (temperature setting stage display 9b and temperature adjustment switch). Display 10b, ice making setting display 9d and ice making changeover switch display 10d) are resumed.

  In this way, after the room selection switch 8a is operated, the display is turned off, and the display corresponding to the switch to be operated next is displayed, so that the user can be visually notified of the operation to be performed next to the room selection operation. can do.

  At this time, the selected room is the freezing room 5 and, as described above, the instant freezing switch 8c is effective only when the switching room 4 is used, so the instant freezing display 9c and the instant freezing switch display 10c are lit. By not doing so, when the freezer compartment 5 is selected, it is notified that the operation of the quick freeze switch display 10c is invalid.

Another display operation example at the time of lighting will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when lighting: Example 2).
As shown in FIG. 10A, when the selection state of the switching room 4 is displayed on the currently selected room display 9a, when the room selection switch 8a is operated, it is indicated by a dotted line b1 in FIG. 10B. Thus, the currently selected room display 9a shifts to the display “freezing” of the freezing room 5 which is the next room of the switching room 4. At this time, as indicated by a dotted line b2 in FIG. 10B, the displays other than the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are temporarily turned off.
When a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) elapses after the light is turned off, only the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b among the turned-off displays are displayed as indicated by a dotted line c in FIG. Resumes lighting.
Then, when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) elapses, as shown by a dotted line d in FIG. 10D, among the displays that have been turned off, the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making changeover switch display 10d are turned on again. .

  In this way, when restarting lighting of the display that has been turned off, first, the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b corresponding to the next operation of the room selection switch 8a are turned on for a predetermined time. Other displays (ice making setting display 9d and ice making changeover switch display 10d) may be turned on after (0.5 seconds).

Another display operation example at the time of lighting will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the first embodiment (when lighting: Example 3).
As shown in FIG. 11A, when the selection state of the switching room 4 is displayed on the currently selected room display 9a, when the room selection switch 8a is operated, it is indicated by a dotted line b1 in FIG. Thus, the currently selected room display 9a shifts to the display “freezing” of the freezing room 5 which is the next room of the switching room 4. At this time, the display of the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a and the display other than the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making changeover switch display 10d (dotted line b2) shown by dotted lines b1 and b3 in FIG. ) Is temporarily turned off.
Then, when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) elapses after the light is turned off, as shown by a dotted line c in FIG. 11C, among the turned-off displays, the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are displayed. Resume lighting.
Here, since the freezer compartment 5 is selected, the flash freeze display 9c and the flash freeze switch display 10c are not lit as described above.

  Since the ice making setting can be operated regardless of the room display, as shown in FIG. 11, when the room selection switch 8a is operated, the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making changeover switch display 10d are not turned off but are turned on. It may be left as it is. Thereby, it can be visually notified to the user that the ice making changeover switch 8d can be operated.

(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, information to be displayed on the display unit 9 is sequentially displayed in accordance with the operation order of each switch of the switch unit 8.
For this reason, it is possible to make the user recognize what kind of operation is possible for each switch of the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7 and to improve the operability of the operation panel.

Further, in the present embodiment, corresponding to each switch of the switch unit 8, the switch display unit 10 that displays information on the operation content of each switch is provided. Accordingly, information to be displayed on the switch display unit 10 is sequentially displayed.
For this reason, it is possible to make the user recognize what kind of operation is possible for each switch of the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7 and to improve the operability of the operation panel.

Further, in the present embodiment, out of the operation content information of each switch displayed on the switch display unit 10, the operation content information corresponding to the switch in which the operation is invalid is not displayed.
For this reason, when there is an invalid operation, the user can be made aware that the operation cannot be performed, and the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the case where the switch display unit 10 for displaying the operation content of each switch is provided corresponding to each switch of the switch unit 8 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the switch display unit 10 may be omitted. For example, the operation content may be printed in the vicinity of the switch unit 8.
Even in such a configuration, by sequentially displaying information to be displayed on the display unit 9, the user can recognize what operation is possible for each switch of the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7. The operability of the operation panel can be improved.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the second embodiment, a description will be given of a mode in which information that can be selected and set by the switch unit 8 is displayed for a predetermined time at the time of display transition.
In addition, the structure of the refrigerator 1 and the operation panel 7 in this Embodiment 2 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

[When all lights are off]
First, the operation when the switch unit 8 is operated when all the displays are turned off (when no display is displayed) and the display is turned on will be described.

FIG. 12 shows the operation of the operation panel according to the second embodiment (when all the lights are off).
If any one of the switches 8 is operated while all the displays are turned off as shown in FIG. 12A, first, as shown by the dotted line b in FIG. 9, only the currently selected room display 9 a and the room selection switch display 10 a are lit. At this time, regarding the currently selected room display 9a, not only the room selected at that time but also all the rooms that can be selected by the room selection switch 8a ("refrigeration""switching""freezing""vegetable") are displayed. Light.
When a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) elapses, as indicated by a dotted line c1 in FIG. 12C, the currently selected room display 9a is displayed with the display of the room “switching” selected by the room selection switch 8a. Turns on and turns off otherwise.
At the same time, as indicated by a dotted line c2, the remaining display on the display unit 9 (temperature setting stage display 9b, instantaneous freezing display 9c, ice making setting display 9d) and the remaining display on the switch display unit 10 (temperature adjustment switch) Display 10b, flash freeze switch display 10c, and ice making switch display 10d). When the remaining displays of the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are lit, not only the display selected at that time but all the settable displays are lit.
Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, as shown by dotted lines d1 and d2 in FIG. 12D, the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 other than the display corresponding to the set state are turned off. .

  In the examples of FIGS. 12C and 12D, the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d are turned on at the same time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as in the first embodiment. Each display may be turned on in order based on the operation procedure.

[When lit]
Next, an operation when the room selection switch 8a is operated while the display is on will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation (when lighting) of the operation panel according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13 (A), when the room selection switch 8a is operated while the selection state of the switching room 4 is displayed on the currently selected room display 9a, it is indicated by a dotted line b1 in FIG. 13 (B). Thus, the currently selected room display 9a shifts to the display “freezing” of the freezing room 5 which is the next room of the switching room 4. At this time, as indicated by a dotted line b2 in FIG. 13B, the displays other than the currently selected room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are temporarily turned off.
When a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) elapses after the light is turned off, as shown by a dotted line c in FIG. 13C, the lighted display is turned on again (temperature setting stage display 9b and temperature adjustment switch display). 10b, and the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making changeover switch display 10d) are resumed. At this time, not only the selected display but all the display that can be set are turned on.
And after predetermined time (about 0.5 second) progress, as shown to the dotted line d of FIG.13 (D), except display corresponding to a setting state among the display parts 9 and the switch display parts 10 is light-extinguished.

  In the example of FIGS. 13C and 13D, the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d are turned on at the same time, but not limited to this, as in the first embodiment. Each display may be turned on in order based on the operation procedure.

(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, when displaying on the display unit 9 according to the operation order of each switch of the switch unit 8, all information that can be selected or set by the switch of the switch unit 8 is stored for a predetermined time. After the display, the selected or set information is displayed on the switch unit 8.
For this reason, it is possible to make the user recognize what kind of operation is possible with each switch of the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel 7 can be improved.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of operation setting operations are performed with one switch will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a display state of the operation panel according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 14 shows a state in which all display elements displayed on the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 on the operation panel 7 are lit.
As shown in FIG. 14, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the operation panel 7 in the third embodiment includes a rapid cooling display 9e in the vicinity of the instantaneous freezing display 9c of the display unit 9. ing.
Further, a rapid cooling switch display 10e is provided in the vicinity of the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c of the switch display unit 10.
The rapid cooling display 9e displays the setting status of the cooling function of the freezer compartment 5.
The rapid cooling switch display 10e displays “rapid cooling” as the operation content of the quick freeze switch 8c.

In addition, when the switching chamber 4 is selected, the instantaneous freezing switch 8c in the present embodiment operates as a switch for switching the presence or absence of the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4, and other than the switching chamber 4 is selected. In some cases, it operates as a switch for switching the presence or absence of the rapid cooling function.
Thus, the quick freeze switch 8c performs a plurality of operation setting operations in accordance with the room selected by the room selection switch 8a.

The rapid cooling display 9e corresponds to the “setting display unit” in the present invention.
In addition, the structure of the refrigerator 1 in this Embodiment 3 and the other structure of the operation panel 7 are the same as that of Embodiment 1, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

The operation of the operation panel 7 having the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the operation panel according to the third embodiment (when switching room is selected).
As shown in FIG. 15A, when the switching room 4 is selected by the room selection switch 8a, the operation of the instantaneous freezing function of the switching room 4 is effective, and the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c is turned on. The quenching switch display 10e is turned off. At this time, every time the flash freeze switch 8c is operated, the flash freeze display 9c is switched on / off as indicated by a dotted line a in FIG. 15A and a dotted line b in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the third embodiment (when the freezer is selected).
As shown in FIG. 16A, when a room other than the switching room 4 (for example, the freezing room 5) is selected by the room selection switch 8a, the instantaneous freezing function is disabled and the rapid cooling function is enabled. The refrigeration switch display 10c is turned off, and the rapid cooling switch display 10e is turned on. At this time, every time the instantaneous freezing switch 8c is operated, as shown by the dotted line a in FIG. 16A and the dotted line b in FIG.

  In the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16, the two functions of the quick freeze display 9c and the rapid cooling display 9e are distinguished by the result of the currently selected room display 9a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more functions are switched. Also good. Moreover, you may assign another function, not only a quick freezing function and a rapid cooling function.

(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of setting switches performs a plurality of operation setting operations according to the room selected by the room selection switch 8a. Then, the switch display unit 10 displays information on the operation content of the setting switch for performing a plurality of operation setting operations according to the room selected by the room selection switch 8a.
For this reason, one switch of the switch unit 8 can have a plurality of operation contents (meanings), and there is no need to newly increase the number of switches for each function. In addition, the user can be notified of a function that can be performed by a switch capable of setting a plurality of operations depending on the selection state of the room.
Therefore, the user can be made aware of what kind of operation is possible with the switch provided on the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel 7 can be improved.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, a mode will be described in which a room to be set for operation is selected by opening and closing a door of each room (storage room) instead of operating the room selection switch 8a.

FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 17, the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes door opening / closing detection means 18 that detects opening / closing of the door for each room.
The refrigerator compartment door opening / closing detection means 18a detects opening / closing of the door of the refrigerator compartment 2.
The ice making room door open / close detecting means 18b detects opening / closing of the door of the ice making room 3.
The switching chamber door opening / closing detection means 18 c detects opening / closing of the door of the switching chamber 4.
The freezer compartment door opening / closing detection means 18d detects opening / closing of the freezer compartment 5 door.
The vegetable room door open / close detection means 18e detects opening / closing of the door of the vegetable room 6.

  In addition, the other structure of the refrigerator 1 in this Embodiment 4 and the structure of the operation panel 7 are the same as any of Embodiment 1-3, and attach the same code | symbol to the same part.

  Next, the operation of the operation panel 7 in the refrigerator having the above configuration will be described.

[No door opening and closing]
First, the display operation when the door is not opened and closed will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the fourth embodiment (no door opening / closing).
After operating the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7 (FIG. 18A), if there is no operation of the switch unit 8 for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), In order to improve the design, all the displays on the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are turned off (FIG. 18B).
At this time, information on the room (for example, the refrigerator compartment 2) selected by the currently selected room display 9a is stored in a storage device (memory or the like) (not shown), and then any switch of the switch unit 8 is operated. Then, lighting of the currently selected room display 9a starts from the display of the previously selected room (refrigerated room 2) (FIG. 18C).

[With door open / closed]
Next, an operation when the door is opened and closed when all the displays on the operation panel 7 are turned off will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the operation panel according to the fourth embodiment (with switching door opening / closing).
After operating the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7 (FIG. 19A), if there is no operation of the switch unit 8 for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), In order to improve the design, all the displays on the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are turned off (FIG. 19B). At this time, information on the room (for example, the refrigerator compartment 2) selected by the currently selected room display 9a is stored in a storage device (memory or the like) (not shown).
Here, for example, when the door of the switching chamber 4 is opened and closed, the switching chamber door open / close detection means 18 c detects the opening and closing of the door of the switching chamber 4. When the opening / closing of the door of the switching chamber 4 is detected by the switching chamber door opening / closing detection means 18c, the operation panel 7 changes the stored room from the refrigerator compartment 2 to the switching chamber 4 (FIG. 19C).
Thereafter, when any one of the switches of the switch unit 8 is operated, lighting of the currently selected room display 9a is started from the display of the stored room (switching room 4) (FIG. 19D). The display operation is the same as in any of the first to third embodiments.
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the door is opened and closed, the operation panel 7 replaces the operation of the room selection switch 8a with the room in which the door opening and closing detection means 18 detects the opening and closing of the door. Select the room to set the operation.

  In addition, although the operation | movement by the opening / closing of the door of the switching chamber 4 is shown in the example of FIG. 19, not only this but the opening / closing of each door is detected, Change to a room that has been opened and closed.

  In addition, not only when all displays are off, but also when the display is on, when opening / closing of each door is detected, the selected room is changed to a room with the door open / closed. However, in this case, even if the switch unit 8 is not operated, the display is switched every time the door is opened and closed, which may cause confusion for the user. .

  In the present embodiment, the case where the door opening / closing detection means 18 is provided for all the rooms has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening / closing of at least one of the doors in each room may be detected. Good. In this case, you may implement said operation | movement only in the room which can detect opening and closing of a door.

  Further, the room provided with the door opening / closing detection means 18 does not have to be implemented in all rooms, and only when a specific room (for example, the switching room 4) is opened / closed, the stored room is changed. May be performed.

(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the door opening / closing detection means 18 for detecting the opening / closing of the door of each room is provided, and the operation panel 7 is replaced by the door opening / closing detection means 18 instead of the operation of the room selection switch 8a. The room in which the opening / closing of the door is detected is selected as the room in which the operation setting is performed.
For this reason, it is not necessary to select a room by the switch unit 8 when operating the operation panel 7 after opening the door and performing operations such as taking in and out food, and therefore, one step of the operation procedure can be omitted. it can. Therefore, the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

  1 refrigerator, 2 refrigerator compartment, 3 ice making room, 4 switching room, 5 freezing room, 6 vegetable room, 7 operation panel, 8 switch section, 8a room selection switch, 8b temperature control switch, 8c instant freezing switch, 8d ice making switch , 9 Display section, 9a Current selection room display, 9b Temperature setting stage display, 9c Instantaneous freezing display, 9d Ice making setting display, 9e Rapid cooling display, 10 switch display section, 10a Room selection switch display, 10b Temperature control switch display 10c Quick freeze switch display, 10d Ice making changeover switch display, 10e Rapid cooling switch display, 11 Board, 12 Tact switch, 13 LED, 14 Elect box, 15 button, 16 Surface parts, 17 Display surface, 18 Door open / closed detection Means 18a refrigeration room door opening / closing detection means 18b ice making room door opening / closing detection means, 8c switching compartment door opening and closing detection means, 18d freezer compartment door opening and closing detection means, 18e vegetables compartment door opening and closing detection means.

Claims (7)

Multiple storage rooms;
An operation panel for setting the operation of each storage room ;
Door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of at least one of the doors of each of the storage rooms;
With
The operation panel is
A selection switch for selecting a storage room for setting operation among the plurality of storage rooms;
One or more setting switches for operating the operation settings of the storage room;
A selected room display unit for displaying information on the storage room selected by the selection switch among the plurality of storage rooms;
A setting display unit for displaying operation setting information of the storage room;
According to the operation order of the selection switch and the setting switch, a plurality of information to be displayed on the selection room display unit and the setting display unit are sequentially displayed with a time shift ,
The refrigerator characterized in that, instead of operating the selection switch, a storage room in which the opening / closing detection of the door is detected by the door opening / closing detection means is selected as a storage room for setting operation . The operation panel is
Corresponding to each of the selection switch and the setting switch, a switch display unit that displays information on the operation content of each switch,
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein information to be displayed on the switch display unit is sequentially displayed in accordance with an operation order of the selection switch and the setting switch. The operation panel is
According to the operation order of the selection switch and the setting switch, when displaying the selected room display unit,
3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information on all storage rooms that can be selected by the selection switch is displayed for a predetermined time, and then information on the storage rooms selected by the selection switch is displayed. The operation panel is
According to the operation order of the selection switch and the setting switch, when displaying the setting display unit,
The information of the operation setting set by the setting switch is displayed after displaying the information of all the operation settings operable by the setting switch for a predetermined time. The refrigerator described. The operation panel is
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein information on an operation content corresponding to a switch in which the operation is invalid is not displayed among the information on the operation content of each switch displayed on the switch display unit. At least one of the plurality of setting switches is
A plurality of operation setting operations are performed according to the storage room selected by the selection switch,
The switch display section
6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein information on operation contents of the setting switch for performing a plurality of operation setting operations is displayed according to a storage room selected by the selection switch. Multiple storage rooms;
An operation panel for setting the operation of each storage room;
Door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of at least one of the doors of each of the storage rooms;
With
The operation panel is
A selection switch for selecting a storage room for setting operation among the plurality of storage rooms;
One or more setting switches for operating the operation settings of the storage room;
A selected room display unit for displaying information on the storage room selected by the selection switch among the plurality of storage rooms;
A setting display unit for displaying operation setting information of the storage room;
According to the operation order of the selection switch and the setting switch, information to be displayed on the selection room display unit and the setting display unit is sequentially displayed,
Instead of operating the selection switch, the refrigerator that selects the storage room in which the opening / closing detection of the door has been detected by the door opening / closing detection means is selected as a storage room for setting operation.

Images