JP6626268B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

  Conventionally, some refrigerators can automatically open a door when a user touches a button with a finger.

  In the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when the user approaches the hand with the radio wave sensor, the hand is within a predetermined distance from the door, and when the moving speed of the hand enters a predetermined speed range, It is determined that the movement is in the case where the user intends to open the door of the refrigerator, and the door is opened only at that time.

JP 2007-17020A

  However, in the conventional technology of automatically opening the door by a user touching the button with a finger, the user must directly touch the button with the finger to open the door, and the user's finger becomes dirty. It is difficult to open the door without the buttons responding.

  In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user moves his hand closer to the radio wave sensor, the user's hand enters a predetermined distance from the door, and the moving speed of the hand is within a predetermined speed range. Since the door can be opened only when entering, it is difficult for the user to operate the door at the time of opening.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to reliably operate a door without touching a user, and to prevent malfunction of the door when the user does not intend. To provide a refrigerator that can be used.

  A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a main body, a door closing a front opening of the main body, a door opening / closing device for operating the door, and an operation for driving the door opening / closing device in a non-contact manner. A plurality of non-contact operation detection units, and a control unit that performs a determination to drive the door opening and closing device by a signal from the plurality of non-contact operation detection units, the control unit includes: The door opening and closing device is driven when detection is performed by a plurality of non-contact operation detection units.

It is a front view showing the whole refrigerator concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing electrical elements arranged on a main body, a left door, and a right door shown in FIG. 1. 4A is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the non-contact operation detection unit and the display unit shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a view of the non-contact operation detection unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of a non-contact operation detection part. It is a figure showing a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the modification of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the modification of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a 7th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing an 8th embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG.

  The refrigerator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a main body 1A. The main body 1A of the refrigerator 1 has a left side portion 17, a right side portion 18, an upper surface portion 19, a bottom surface portion 15, and a back surface portion 16. The main body 1A has an outer box formed of an outer side plate and an inner box formed of an inner side plate. Since a heat insulating material is arranged between the outer box and the inner box, the main body 1A has heat insulating properties. A plurality of storage chambers are formed inside the main body 1A.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as a storage room, a refrigerator room 2 and a vegetable room 3 are provided in order from the top, and an ice making room 4 and a small freezing room 5 are arranged side by side under the vegetable room 3. The main freezing compartment 6 is provided at the bottom.

  On the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, left and right doors 7 and 8 for opening and closing the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 2 are provided. The left and right doors 7 and 8 are double doors, and the left end of the left door 7 is rotatably attached by a hinge (not shown). Similarly, the right end of the right door 8 is rotatably attached by a hinge (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, drawer-type doors 9, 10, 11, which open and close respective front openings, are provided on the front surfaces of the vegetable compartment 3, the ice making compartment 4, the small freezing compartment 5, and the main freezing compartment 6. 12 are provided. The left and right doors 7, 8 and the drawer-type doors 9, 10, 11, 12 have a heat insulating property by providing a heat insulating material inside.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, front surfaces (outer surfaces) of left and right doors 7 and 8 and drawer-type doors 9, 10, 11 and 12 are preferably provided with front plates 7A, 8A, 9A and 10A, respectively. 11A and 12A are arranged. The front plates 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, and 12A are preferably a translucent glass plate or a transparent glass plate.

  An operation panel 200 is provided on the left door 7 as an example. The operation panel 200 is preferably arranged inside the front panel 7A, and has, for example, an operation area 20 and a display area 21. In the operation area 20, various operation functions of the refrigerator 1 can be input by, for example, a user touching a finger. The display area 21 displays various display items.

  Next, an example of the structure of the refrigerator compartment 2, the vegetable compartment 3, the ice making compartment 4, the small freezing compartment 5, and the main freezing compartment 6 of the refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a machine room 22 is provided at a rear position of the main freezing room 6 of the main body 1 </ b> A, and a compressor 23 and the like are arranged in the machine room 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a storage room blower 30, a storage room cooler 31, and a ventilation duct 32 are disposed at the rear position of the main body 1 </ b> A behind the vegetable room 3. In the rear position of the main body 1A, a freezing room blower 40, a freezing room cooler 41, and a blower are provided behind the ice making room (storage room) 4, the small freezing room (storage room) 5, and the main freezing room 6. A duct 42 is provided. The storage room cooler 31 and the freezing room cooler 41 are cooled by the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 23.

  In the vegetable compartment 3, upper and lower storage containers 3M and 3N are stored so as to be able to be taken in and out. In the small freezing room 5, a storage container 5M is housed so that it can be taken in and out. Upper and lower storage containers 6M and 6N are housed in the main freezer compartment 6 so as to be able to be taken in and out.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, door opening and closing devices 51 and 52 are provided, for example, on the upper surface 19 of the main body 1A. For both the door opening and closing devices 51 and 52, for example, an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid can be used. When the door opening / closing device 51 is driven, the left door 7 can be pushed open, and can be closed as required. Similarly, when the door opening / closing device 52 is driven, the right door 8 can be pushed open, and can be closed as required. The door opening and closing devices 51 and 52 are also referred to as door opening devices.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing electric elements arranged on the main body 1A, the left door 7, and the right door 8 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 100 is arranged in the main body 1A shown in FIG. The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the door opening / closing devices 51 and 52 described above.

  The controller 100 drives the door opening / closing device 51 by outputting the door opening control signal P1 to the door opening / closing device 51. When the door opening / closing device 51 is driven, for example, the rod protrudes and the left door 7 can be pushed and opened. Similarly, the control unit 100 drives the door opening and closing device 52 by outputting the door opening control signal P2 to the door opening and closing device 52. When the door opening / closing device 52 is driven, for example, the rod protrudes and the right door 8 can be pushed and opened. These door opening / closing devices 51 and 52 are examples of a control target controlled by the control unit 100 in the refrigerator 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 1, a non-contact operation detection unit 71, a display unit 72, and a sound generation device 73 are arranged on the left door 7. In the left door 7, preferably, the contact operation detecting unit 71, the display unit 72, and the sound generating device 73 are arranged inside the front plate 7A. Similarly, on the right door 8, a non-contact operation detecting unit 81, a display unit 82, and a sound generating device 83 are arranged. In the right door 8, preferably, the non-contact operation detecting section 81, the display section 82, and the sound generating device 83 are arranged inside the front plate 8A.

  The non-contact operation detection units 71 and 81 shown in FIG. 3 can be turned on in a non-contact manner by, for example, bringing the finger close to a predetermined detection range. OFF switch. The non-contact operation detection units 71 and 81 can preferably employ a capacitance type sensor, but are not particularly limited.

  When the non-contact operation detection unit 71 detects the user's finger in a non-contact manner within a predetermined detection range, the non-contact operation detection unit 71 outputs a non-contact operation detection signal R1 to the control unit 100 as an input signal. When the non-contact operation detection unit 81 detects the user's finger in a non-contact manner within a predetermined detection range, the non-contact operation detection unit 81 outputs a non-contact operation detection signal R2 to the control unit 100 as an input signal.

  The control unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 performs the determination by the non-contact operation detection unit 71 detecting the non-contact of the user's finger and the non-contact operation detection unit 71 sending the non-contact operation detection signal R1 to the control unit 100. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the door opening / closing device 51 can be driven. Similarly, the control unit 100 determines whether the non-contact operation detection unit 81 detects the user's finger in non-contact, and the non-contact operation detection unit 81 sends a non-contact operation detection signal R2 to the control unit 100. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the door opening / closing device 52 can be driven.

  The display units 72 and 82 shown in FIG. 3 are lighting display units that notify the user by emitting light to the user using, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes). When the control unit 100 sends the signal L1 to the display unit 72, the display unit 72 is turned on to notify the user. Similarly, when the control unit 100 sends the signal L2 to the display unit 82, the display unit 82 lights up to notify the user. By transmitting the signals L1 and L2 from the control unit 100, the display units 72 and 82 can be switched from, for example, the “off” state to the “all on” state.

  The sounding devices 73 and 83 shown in FIG. 3 are, for example, small speakers or the like, which sound according to a command from the control unit 100. When the control unit 100 sends the signal Q1, the sounding device 73 emits a sound and notifies the user with a sound. When the control unit 100 sends the signal Q2, the sounding device 83 emits a sound and emits a sound to the user. To notify.

  Next, an example of the arrangement of the non-contact operation detecting unit 71 and the display unit 72 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The arrangement example of the non-contact operation detection unit 81 and the display unit 82 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the arrangement example of the non-contact operation detection unit 71 and the display unit 72. An example will be described as a representative.

  FIG. 4A is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the non-contact operation detection unit 71 and the display unit 72 shown in FIG. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the non-contact operation detection unit 71 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, the non-contact operation detecting section 71 and the display section 72 are arranged on a substrate 99.

  The plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 illustrated in FIG. 4A include, for example, a first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, a second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and a third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. Become. The first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C are preferably arranged along a straight line Y, and as shown in FIG. They are arranged at intervals D.

  The plurality of non-contact operation detection units 81 have the same configuration as the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71. The plurality of non-contact operation detection units 81 include a first non-contact operation detection unit 81A and a second It comprises a non-contact operation detection section 81B and a third non-contact operation detection section 81C, and the operation is the same.

  The first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. When the on / off state of the unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C becomes a "predetermined condition", the control unit 100 shown in FIG. The device 51 (52) is driven.

  The "predetermined condition" will be specifically described with reference to, for example, the example of FIG. The user moves the finger F along the straight line Y in a non-contact manner with respect to the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. As a result, all of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C perform non-contact detection and are turned on, as shown in FIG. When the non-contact operation detection signal R <b> 1 is output to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 can drive the door opening / closing device 51 to open the door 7.

  Similarly, the user moves the first non-contact operation detector 81A, the second non-contact operation detector 81B, and the third non-contact operation detector 81C in a non-contact manner along the straight line Y. As a result, all of the first non-contact operation detection unit 81A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 81B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 81C perform non-contact detection and are turned on, as shown in FIG. When the non-contact operation detection signal R2 is output to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 can drive the door opening and closing device 52 to open the door 8.

  As described above, the user does not touch the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C), and the control unit 100. Can drive the door opening / closing device 51 (52) to reliably open and close the door 7 (8). Moreover, if the user does not cause the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) to perform non-contact detection with a finger, Since the door 7 (8) is not opened, it is possible to prevent unintended malfunctions of the doors by a plurality of users.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the plurality of display units 72 include a first display unit 72A, a second display unit 72B, and a third display unit 72C. The first display unit 72A, the second display unit 72B, and the third display unit 72C correspond to the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C, respectively. It is provided.

  The control unit 100 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to each ON state of the non-contact detection of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. The first display section 72A, the second display section 72B, and the third display section 72C are respectively turned on.

  The plurality of display units 82 have the same configuration as the plurality of display units 72, and the plurality of display units 82 include a first display unit 82A, a second display unit 82B, and a third display unit 82C. Is the same.

  Thereby, the user is in the ON state or the OFF state in the non-contact detection of each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. This can be visually confirmed by turning on or off the first display section 72A, the second display section 72B, and the third display section 72C. In addition, the user determines whether the non-contact detection of each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 81A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 81B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 81C is in the ON state or the OFF state. Can be visually confirmed by turning on or off the first display unit 82A, the second display unit 82B, and the third display unit 82C.

  Next, an operation example of the non-contact operation detecting unit 71 (81) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the non-contact operation detecting section 71 (81).

  In FIG. 5, the predetermined time TB is a first predetermined time TB, and the predetermined time TA is a second predetermined time TA. The first predetermined time TB is a setting shorter than the second predetermined time TA. The first predetermined time TB is, for example, less than 50 msec. The range in which the second predetermined time TA can be selected is, for example, not less than 50 msec and less than 1 sec that does not overlap with the first predetermined time TB, and is preferably from 100 msec to 200 msec, but the numerical value is not particularly limited.

  In step ST1 shown in FIG. 5, when the inputs of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) are performed within the first predetermined time TB (YES), the control unit 100 sets the plurality of non-contact operation The non-contact input of the detection unit 71 (81) is performed within an extremely short detection time, and the non-contact input is determined to be an erroneous operation. Therefore, returning to step ST1, the door opening / closing device 51 (52) is not driven. In this case, the user determines that the finger or the like has unintentionally approached the non-contact operation detection unit 71 (81), performs an unintended non-contact detection operation, and erroneously performs the door 7 (8). ) Can be prevented from being opened.

  Next, in step ST1 of FIG. 5, when the input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) is performed within the first predetermined time TB shorter than the second predetermined time TA (NO), The process proceeds to step ST2.

  In step ST2, the non-contact input of each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C is set to a predetermined ON time within the second predetermined time TA. If the non-contact input is detected in the / non-off state (also referred to as an on / off pattern), the control unit 100 determines that the non-contact input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) is extremely short within the first predetermined time TB. Since there is no such operation, it is determined that the input operation is correct, and the process proceeds to step ST3.

  In step ST3, the control unit 100 can drive the door opening / closing device 51 (52). This allows the user to open the door 7 (8) automatically without contact simply by bringing the finger or the like close. The operation of the door can be reliably performed without touching by the user, and malfunction of the door can be prevented when the user does not intend.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4 (B), the interval at which the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C are arranged on the substrate 99 D will be described.

  The detection range DW of each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C is a semicircular shape as indicated by a broken line, and the detection ranges DW, The DWs partially overlap.

  As described above, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C are preferably arranged along a straight line Y. The distance D between the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A and the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B and the distance D between the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C are equal to the first non-contact operation detection. It is equal to or greater than a predetermined detection distance DR when the unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C perform non-contact detection.

  Therefore, when the finger F approaches each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C, two adjacent non-contact operation detection units 71A, 71A, This prevents the non-contact operation detection units 71B and 71C from reacting at the same time and detecting non-contact. Thus, the user can correctly perform the non-contact detection operation by the non-contact operation detection unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the distance DS between the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C is equal to the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A and the second non-contact operation detection unit. It is at least twice the detection distance DR at which the non-contact detection is performed by the non-contact operation detection unit 71B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. Thus, the finger F approaches each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C, so that the three adjacent non-contact operation detection units 71A, 71A, 71B and 71C are prevented from reacting simultaneously to perform a non-contact detection operation. Thereby, the user can correctly perform the non-contact detection operation of the non-contact operation detection unit.

  What has been described above is not limited to the non-contact operation detecting section 71, but the same applies to the non-contact operation detecting section 81.

  Next, an operation control example of the refrigerator 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 performs a normal refrigeration operation and a freezing operation.

  In step ST1 shown in FIG. 5, the user approaches the door 7 on the left side of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1, for example, and the non-contact input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 is performed in the first predetermined period in a short time. When the operation is performed within the time TB (YES), the control unit 100 determines that the non-contact input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 is performed within an extremely short detection time, and that the operation is erroneous. to decide. Therefore, returning to step ST1, the control unit 100 does not drive the door opening / closing device 51. This is the same for the right door 8.

  Thereby, the control unit 100 determines that the user has unintentionally brought the finger F or the like illustrated in FIG. 4B toward the non-contact operation detection unit 71 (81). It is possible to prevent the door 7 (8) from being accidentally opened by performing a detection operation.

  By doing so, for example, when the user moves the finger on the plurality of non-contact operation detecting sections 71 (81) in a non-contact manner faster than a predetermined speed, or when the child simply brings the finger closer by play. Can be prevented.

  When the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) perform non-contact detection, the control unit 100 transmits the non-contact operation detection signals R1 (R2) in FIG. 3 from the non-contact operation detection unit 71 (81). ), The difference value is monitored based on the reference voltage value. In this state, the control unit 100 erroneously opens the door 7 (8) because the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) are affected by noise such as power supply noise generated from the main body 1A of the refrigerator 1. Can be prevented.

  Next, in step ST1, if the input of the plurality of non-contact operation detecting units 71 (81) is performed within the first predetermined time TB (NO), the process proceeds to step ST2.

  In step ST2, the non-contact input of each of the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C is applied to the second predetermined time TA (the second predetermined time TA If the detection is performed in the predetermined on / off state within a period longer than the first predetermined time TB), the control unit 100 determines that the non-contact input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units 71 (81) is extremely low. It is determined that it is not within the short operation detection time but within the correct operation detection time, and the process proceeds to step ST3.

  As the predetermined on / off state (on / off pattern), for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A and the second non-contact operation detection This is a form in which all the non-contact detection operations can be turned on by moving horizontally in a straight line Y along the unit 71B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C. In this case, in step ST3, the control unit 100 can drive the door opening / closing device 51 (52) to open the door 7 (8). Thereby, the user can automatically open the door 7 (8) by a non-contact operation only by bringing the finger F or the like close.

  Conventionally, the user has to directly touch the button with a finger to open the door, and if the user's finger is dirty, it is difficult to open the door without the button reacting. In the embodiment, the user can operate without contact, so that such a problem can be solved. Conventionally, the user opens the door only when the user approaches the radio wave sensor, the user's hand is within a predetermined distance from the door, and the moving speed of the hand is within the predetermined speed range. Although it is difficult for a user to operate the door at the time of opening, in the embodiment of the present invention, the operation at the time of opening the door can be easily performed.

  Next, a second embodiment and the like of the present invention will be described. When the portions of the second embodiment and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description will be used. .

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C, which constitute the non-contact operation detection unit 71, perform further erroneous detection. A non-contact operation detecting unit 90 for preventing erroneous detection is provided. The non-contact operation detecting unit 90 for erroneous detection has an upper side 91, a left side 92, and a right side 93.

  The upper side portion 91, the left side portion 92, and the right side portion 93 are connected to the upper portion around the first non-contact operation detection portion 71A, the second non-contact operation detection portion 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection portion 71C, and to the left. The portion and the right portion are arranged on the substrate 99 so as to surround and separate from each other.

  When a finger or the like approaches the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90 and there is a non-contact input to the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90, the control unit 100 sets the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A Even if a finger or the like approaches the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C and there is a non-contact input, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A and the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B The non-contact input of the third non-contact operation detecting unit 71C is set to “invalid”.

  Accordingly, even if a child or the like accidentally brings a finger or the like close to the non-contact operation detecting unit 90 for erroneous detection, the first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detecting unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation By setting the non-contact input of the detection unit 71C to “invalid”, the door opening / closing device 51 is not driven, so that it is possible to prevent the door 7 from being opened unintentionally.

  The same applies to the non-contact operation detection unit 81. Even if a child or the like accidentally brings a finger or the like close to the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90, the first non-contact operation detection unit 81A and the By setting the non-contact input of the non-contact operation detection unit 81B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 81C to "invalid", the door opening and closing device 52 is not driven, so that the door 8 is unintentionally opened. Can be prevented.

  6B, a first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, a second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and a third non-contact operation detection unit 71C that constitute the non-contact operation detection unit 71. Has an erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90A for erroneous detection prevention. The non-contact operation detecting unit for erroneous detection 90A has an upper side 91A, a left side 92A, a right side 93A, and a lower side 94A. These upper side portion 91A, left side portion 92A, right side portion 93A, and lower side portion 94A are four-sided portions of a first non-contact operation detection portion 71A, a second non-contact operation detection portion 71B, and a third non-contact operation detection portion 71C. It is arranged so that it surrounds.

  When a finger or the like approaches the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90 and there is a non-contact input to the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90, the control unit 100 sets the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A Even if a finger or the like approaches the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C and there is a non-contact input, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A and the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B The non-contact input of the third non-contact operation detecting unit 71C is set to “invalid”.

  Accordingly, even if a child or the like accidentally brings a finger or the like close to the non-contact operation detecting unit 90 for erroneous detection, the first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detecting unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation By setting the non-contact input of the detection unit 71C to “invalid”, the door opening / closing device 51 is not driven, so that it is possible to prevent the door 7 from being opened unintentionally.

  The same applies to the non-contact operation detection unit 81. Even if a child or the like accidentally brings a finger or the like close to the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit 90, the first non-contact operation detection unit 81A and the By setting the non-contact input of the non-contact operation detection unit 81B and the third non-contact operation detection unit 81C to "invalid", the door opening and closing device 52 is not driven, so that the door 8 is unintentionally opened. Can be prevented.

  By the way, in the examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the non-contact operation detecting units 90 and 90A for erroneous detection have upper sides 91 and 91A, respectively. Therefore, even if a liquid such as a water drop drips from above, the liquid is blocked by the non-contact operation detecting units 90 and 90A for erroneous detection. Accordingly, the first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detecting unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detecting unit 71B (81B) are arranged on the substrate 99. The liquid does not adhere to the non-contact operation detecting section 71C (81C), the first display section 72A (82A), the second display section 72B (82B), and the third display section 72C (82C). The performance of the contact operation detection unit and the display unit does not decrease.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The display unit 72 shown in FIG. 7 includes a first display unit 72A, a second display unit 72B, and a third display unit 72C. The display unit 82 includes a first display unit 82A, a second display unit 82B, and a third display unit 82C. Although an operation example of the first display unit 72A, the second display unit 72B, and the third display unit 72C will be described, the same operation is performed for the first display unit 82A, the second display unit 82B, and the third display unit 82C. .

  As described above, the control unit 100 determines whether the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A, the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B, and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C are in the on / off state (both on / off patterns). ), The first display section 72A, the second display section 72B, and the third display section 72C are turned on / off.

  As described above, when lighting the first display unit 72A, the second display unit 72B, and the third display unit 72C, the control unit 100 performs a specific on / off operation for driving the door opening / closing device 51 (52). According to the state, it is possible to “change the lighting display state”. For example, “changing the lighting display state” means, for example, changing the emission wavelength of the first display section 72A, the second display section 72B, and the third display section 72C, changing the color tone, or changing the brightness, for example. That is.

  When changing the emission wavelength, for example, the first display unit 72A is “red”, the second display unit 72B is “yellow”, and the third display unit 72C is “blue”. change.

  When changing the color tone, for example, the first display section 72A is “red light red”, the second display section 72B is “normal red light”, and the third display section 72C is “dark red”. It is a point like "dark red".

  When the brightness is changed, for example, the first display unit 72A is “dark red of brightness”, the second display unit 72B is “normal red of brightness”, and the third display unit 72C is “red of normal brightness”. Bright red ".

  Accordingly, the user can detect the first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A (81A) and the second non-contact operation detecting along with the change of the display on the first display unit 72A, the second display unit 72B, and the third display unit 72C. The direction in which a finger or the like moves with respect to the unit 71B (71B) and the third non-contact operation detecting unit 71C (81C) can be indicated, and the usability is improved.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the sound generating device 73 includes a first sound generating device 73A, a second sound generating device 73B, and a third sound generating device 73C. The first sounding device 73A, the second sounding device 73B, and the third sounding device 73C include a first non-contact operation detecting unit 71A, a second non-contact operation detecting unit 71B, and a third non-contact operation detecting unit 71C, respectively. In accordance with a non-contact input, a sound is generated at a constant rhythm, for example, according to a command from the control unit 100. Similarly, the sound generator 83 includes a first sound generator 83A, a second sound generator 83B, and a third sound generator 83C. The first sounding device 83A, the second sounding device 83B, and the third sounding device 83C include a first non-contact operation detecting unit 81A, a second non-contact operation detecting unit 81B, and a third non-contact operation detecting unit 81C, respectively. In accordance with a non-contact input, a sound is generated at a constant rhythm, for example, according to a command from the control unit 100.

  Thus, the sound generation device 73 (83) determines whether or not not only the healthy user but also the visually impaired user can operate the non-contact operation detection unit 71 (81) without contact and input correctly without contact. Can be confirmed by the sound generated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the sound generating device 73 (83), when all of the specific on / off states for driving the door opening / closing device 51 (52) are input, the control unit 100 issues a command. For example, the first first sound generator 73A (83A) sounds "pi", the second second sound generator 73B (83B) sounds "pi", and the third third sound generator 73B (83B). 73C (83C) pronounces "pipipi".

  In this way, not only the healthy user but also the visually impaired user inputs all of the specific on / off states, the first and second times are pronounced as "pi", and only the last is "pipipi". Can be confirmed by sound that the non-contact input has been performed correctly with the correct slide pattern.

  Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 9, in the sound generating device 73 (83), for example, one of the sound generating devices 73 (83) is controlled by a command from the control unit 100 in accordance with a specific on / off state for driving the door opening / closing device 51 (52). The first first sounding device 73A (83A) sounds once as "pi", the second second sounding device 73B (83B) sounds twice as "pipi", and the third third sounding. The device 73C (83C) sounds “beep” three times.

  In this way, not only the healthy person, but also the visually impaired user hears the specific on / off state that the number of times of the “pi” increases, and thus makes a correct non-contact with the correct slide pattern. You can confirm that the input was successful by sound.

  Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 10, in the sound generation device 73 (83), for example, one of the sound generation devices 73 (83) is controlled by a command from the control unit 100 in accordance with a specific on / off state for driving the door opening / closing device 51 (52). The first sounding device 73A (83A) of the first tone sounds "do" of the scale once, the second sounding device 73B (83B) of the second sounds once "re" of the scale, and the third sounding device. The third sounding device 73C (83C) sounds once for the musical scale "mi".

  In this way, not only the healthy person, but also the visually impaired user can change the specific on / off state by changing the sound frequency, such as changing the scale, so that non-contact input can be performed correctly with the correct slide pattern. This can be confirmed by sound.

<Fifth embodiment>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) Along, at equal intervals.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) are curved lines. Above, for example, along the arc V, are arranged at the same interval. In addition, the first display unit 72A (82A), the second display unit 72B (82B), and the third display unit 72C (82C) also include the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A) and the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B. (81B) and the third non-contact operation detecting section 71C (81C), for example, are respectively arranged on a circular arc.

  This arc V corresponds to the movement of the finger F when rotating the wrist in the R direction with the elbow of the user as a fulcrum, for example. Other relations between the interval D and the detection distance DR, the relation between the interval DS and the detection distance DR shown in FIG. 4, and the like are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG.

<Sixth embodiment>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the adjacent first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) Are partially overlapped with each other.

  On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the adjacent first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and third non-contact operation detection unit 71C ( 81C), the detection ranges DW and DW do not overlap each other, as indicated by the dashed semicircle.

<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) are “predetermined arrangement shapes”. Are arranged at equal intervals on the substrate 99 along a horizontal straight line Y.

  On the other hand, in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) Are arranged at equal intervals on the substrate 99 along the vertical straight line Z as another example of the “predetermined arrangement shape”. As another example of the “predetermined arrangement shape” of the non-contact detection section, the non-contact detection section may be arranged not only on the horizontal straight line Y but also on the vertical straight line Z, and also along the diagonal straight line. it can.

<Eighth embodiment>
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the eighth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, an example in which four or more non-contact operation detection units are arranged on a substrate 99 as yet another example of “predetermined arrangement shape”. The first non-contact operation detection unit 71A (81A), the second non-contact operation detection unit 71B (81B), and the third non-contact operation detection unit 71C (81C) are arranged at intervals along the straight line Y. And at intervals along the straight line X. That is, for example, nine non-contact operation detection units are arranged in a matrix (vertical and horizontal) having a predetermined arrangement shape (two-dimensional shape).

  Thereby, for example, the user moves the finger along the straight line Y1, the obliquely downward direction X, and the straight line Y2, thereby inputting a total of seven non-contact operation detection units in a non-contact manner. You can enter in the input pattern. Therefore, the control unit 100 can open the door 7 (8) by driving the door opening / closing device 51 (52) according to the input pattern. The “Z-type” input pattern is not limited to the illustrated example, and other input patterns can be set. Further, the plurality of non-contact operation detection units are not limited to the arrangement shape shown in FIG. 14 and can be arranged in any arrangement shape.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in other various aspects, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact operation detection units 71 and 81 employ a capacitance-type sensor that can be turned on in a non-contact manner by, for example, bringing the finger close to the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of non-contact sensors may be used.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, as the display units 72 and 82, for example, a lighting display unit that notifies the user with light using an LED (light emitting diode) or the like can be used. May be used.

  The structure of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and any structure can be adopted. For example, the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a double-sided door structure, but the refrigerator compartment may have a single-door type single-door structure. The arrangement structure of each storage room of the refrigerator can be arbitrarily selected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control object controlled by the control unit 100 is used in the case of a door opening / closing device for opening or closing the door of the refrigerator 1 as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control target controlled by the control unit 100 can be applied to a malfunction prevention device (so-called child lock mechanism) that prevents a child from accidentally opening and closing the door of the refrigerator 1.

  The number of arrangements of the non-contact operation detection unit and the number of arrangements of the display unit are not limited to the illustrated example, and can be set arbitrarily.

  In the illustrated example, the non-contact operation is performed with one finger of the user, but may be performed with two or more fingers, elbows, or the like. The door opening and closing device may be driven when the door is closed as well as opened. Each embodiment of the present invention can be arbitrarily combined as needed.

1 Refrigerator 1A Main body 7 Door 8 Door 51 Door opening and closing device 52 Door opening and closing device 71 Non-contact operation detecting unit 71A First non-contact operation detecting unit 71B Second non-contact operation detecting unit 71C Third non-contact operation detecting unit 72 Display unit 72A First display unit 72B Second display unit 72C Third display unit 73 Sound generating device 81 Non-contact operation detection unit 81A First non-contact operation detection unit 81B Second non-contact operation detection unit 81C Third non-contact operation detection unit 82 Display unit 82A first display unit 82B second display unit 82C third display unit 83 sounding device 100 control unit

Claims (10)

Body and
A door closing a front opening of the main body,
A door opening and closing device for operating the door,
A plurality of non-contact operation detection units arranged to detect an operation for driving the door opening and closing device in a non-contact manner,
A control unit that determines whether to drive the door opening and closing device by a signal from the plurality of non-contact operation detection units,
The control unit includes:
If the input of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units is an on / off pattern indicated in a predetermined on / off state and is performed within a first predetermined time, the plurality of non-contact operation detection units Judging that the input of the operation detection unit is an erroneous operation, without driving the door opening and closing device,
The input of the plurality of non-contact operation detecting units has exceeded the first predetermined time and has an on / off pattern indicated by the predetermined on / off state within a second predetermined time. In such a case, a refrigerator that drives the door opening and closing device . The plurality of non-contact operation detection units,
A first non-contact operation detection unit, a second non-contact operation detection unit, and a third non-contact operation detection unit;
The first non-contact operation detection unit, the second non-contact operation detection unit, and the third non-contact operation detection unit are arranged on a straight line or on a curve,
The distance between the first non-contact operation detection unit and the second non-contact operation detection unit, and the distance between the second non-contact operation detection unit and the third non-contact operation detection unit is the first non-contact operation detection unit. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a detection distance at which the non-contact operation is detected by the second non-contact operation detection unit and the third non-contact operation detection unit at the time of operation is equal to or greater than the detection distance. The plurality of non-contact operation detection units,
A first non-contact operation detection unit, a second non-contact operation detection unit, and a third non-contact operation detection unit;
The first non-contact operation detection unit, the second non-contact operation detection unit, and the third non-contact operation detection unit are arranged on a straight line or on a curve,
The interval between the first non-contact operation detection unit and the third non-contact operation detection unit is set such that the first non-contact operation detection unit, the second non-contact operation detection unit, and the third non-contact operation detection unit operate when 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the distance is at least twice the detection distance for non-contact detection. The plurality of non-contact operation detection units have an erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit for erroneous detection prevention, and the erroneous detection non-contact operation detection unit surrounds the plurality of non-contact operation detection units. Placed,
4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when an input is made by the non-contact operation detection unit for erroneous detection, the control unit invalidates an input by the plurality of non-contact operation detection units. 5. Refrigerator. It has a plurality of display units,
Each of the display units is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit turns on / off each of the display units according to an on / off state of each of the plurality of non-contact operation detection units. The refrigerator according to claim 5 , wherein the display unit changes a lighting display state in accordance with a specific on / off state of a plurality of non-contact operation detection units for driving the door opening / closing device. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a sound generating device, wherein the sound generating device sounds in accordance with each input of the plurality of non-contact operation detecting units. The refrigerator according to claim 7 , wherein the sound generator increases the number of times of sound generation when all of the specific on / off states for driving the door opening and closing device are input. The refrigerator according to claim 7 , wherein the sound generator increases the number of times of sounding each time the number of times of input increases in accordance with a specific on / off state for driving the door opening / closing device. 9. The refrigerator according to claim 7 , wherein the sounding device changes a sounding frequency every time the number of inputs increases, in accordance with a specific on / off state for driving the door opening / closing device. 10.

Images