JP7485640B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to refrigerators.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator configuration that includes "a connection line drawn around the hinge section, and wireless communication means having a wireless communication section and connected to the connection line."

Japanese Patent No. 6092027

In Patent Document 1, the wireless communication unit is arranged to face the top surface of the refrigerator housing, but other arrangements are not described, leaving room for diversifying the layout.

The refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a housing having a metal outer box, an antenna, and a board on which the antenna is mounted , the board is higher in height than an upper surface of the outer box, the plate surface of the board is parallel to the upper surface of the outer box, the rear part of the board protrudes further rearward than the rear edge of the upper surface of the outer box, the outer box has an inclined surface that is inclined so that the height position becomes lower toward the rear side, the outer box is formed so that radio waves radiated from the antenna and reflected by the outer box are directed in a direction different from that of the antenna, and the inclined surface is provided directly below the antenna . Other details will be described in the embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a wireless module of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a substrate of a wireless module of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the top surface and inclined surface of a housing projected in a direction perpendicular to the surface. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a case of a wireless module included in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a board is correctly installed in a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a substrate is installed upside down with respect to a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a board is installed in an inverted front-rear direction with respect to a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a substrate is installed facing upside down and front-to-back with respect to a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a case of a wireless module included in a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a board is correctly installed in a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a board is installed upside down with respect to a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment, in which a board is installed in a reversed front-to-back direction with respect to a case of a wireless module. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a board is installed facing upside down and front-to-back with respect to a case of a wireless module in a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. 13 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing the top and back surfaces of the housing projected in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment. An oblique view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a wireless module of a refrigerator according to a third modified example.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment.
Refrigerator 100 is an appliance for cooling food and the like, and includes a housing 1, doors such as refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212, and a wireless module 3. A plurality of storage compartments are provided inside housing 1. In the example of Fig. 1, the storage compartments of refrigerator 100 include, from the top, refrigerator compartment 21, ice-making compartment 22 and upper freezer compartment 23 arranged on the left and right, as well as vegetable compartment 24 and lower freezer compartment 25.

The housing 1 comprises a metal outer box 11 and a resin inner box (not shown). The space between the outer box 11 and the inner box (not shown) is filled with a heat insulating material (not shown) such as urethane foam. Note that the outer box 11 being made of metal also includes cases where the metal outer box 11 has been subjected to a specified surface treatment.

The refrigerator 100 is equipped with French-style (double-door) refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 that form the refrigerator compartment 21 together with the housing 1. The refrigerator 100 also has pull-out doors, such as an ice-making compartment door 221, an upper freezer compartment door 231, a vegetable compartment door 241, and a lower freezer compartment door 251.

The inside of the refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 are provided with multiple door pockets (not shown) and shelves (not shown). The ice-making compartment 22 is provided with an ice-making compartment container (not shown) that is pulled out together with the ice-making compartment door 221. Similarly, the upper freezer compartment 23 is provided with an upper freezer compartment container (not shown), the vegetable compartment 24 is provided with a vegetable compartment container (not shown), and the lower freezer compartment 25 is provided with a lower freezer compartment container (not shown).

Although not shown, the refrigerator 100 also includes a compressor, a radiator (condenser), a capillary tube (throttle mechanism), and an evaporator. The refrigerant circulates through the compressor, radiator, capillary tube, and evaporator in sequence, and food and other items in the storage compartment are cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator and the air in the storage compartment. The wireless module 3 shown in FIG. 1 is installed on the top surface of the housing 1 and performs wireless communication with an external device (e.g., a router 6: see FIG. 2).

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram including the wireless module 3 of the refrigerator 100.
2, refrigerator 100 includes a control device 4 and an operation panel 5 in addition to wireless module 3. Control device 4 exchanges signals with wireless module 3 and controls a compressor (not shown) and each fan (not shown) based on signals input from operation panel 5. Operation panel 5 accepts operations by a user and is provided at a predetermined location on housing 1 (see FIG. 1).

The control device 4 is connected to the wireless module 3 via a wire 2a and to the operation panel 5 via another wire 2b. The wireless module 3 performs a predetermined wireless communication with, for example, a router 6. In the example of FIG. 2, the router 6 is connected to a server 8 via a network 7. The server 8 is a device that manages data related to the refrigerator 100. Then, predetermined data is transmitted from the wireless module 3 to the server 8 via the router 6 and the network 7 in sequence. Also, predetermined data is transmitted from the server 8 to the wireless module 3 via the network 7 and the router 6 in sequence.

The mobile terminal 9 shown in FIG. 2 is a device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable terminal, and is connected to the server 8 via the network 7. Such a mobile terminal 9 is used by, for example, a user of the refrigerator 100. The user can notify the mobile terminal 9 that the door of the refrigerator 100 has been left open, and can use the mobile terminal 9 to check the operating status of the refrigerator 100 and change settings. Note that the above-mentioned uses of the wireless module 3 are merely examples and are not limited to these. In addition, wireless communication may be performed directly between the wireless module 3 and the mobile terminal 9.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the refrigerator 100.
In the example of Fig. 3, the wireless module 3 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, is installed at the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1, and is fixed with screws 51. As will be described in detail later, the rear part of the wireless module 3 protrudes further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a of the housing 1. One hinge unit 211a shown in Fig. 3 rotatably supports the left refrigerator compartment door 211. The other hinge unit 212a rotatably supports the right refrigerator compartment door 212.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless module 3 of the refrigerator 100.
In addition, in Fig. 4, the antenna 3a mounted on the underside of the board 3b of the wireless module 3 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in Fig. 4, the wireless module 3 includes the antenna 3a, the board 3b, and a housing 3c. The antenna 3a is an element that transmits or receives radio waves. The wireless module 3 including such an antenna 3a is provided on the outside of the housing 1 of the refrigerator 100. Note that, as the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna 3a, for example, radio waves with a frequency of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz are used, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, as the type of the antenna 3a, for example, an inverted F-type antenna is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The substrate 3b is a printed circuit board on which the antenna 3a is mounted. In addition to the antenna 3a, certain circuit elements and electronic components are also mounted on the substrate 3b. As shown in FIG. 4, an insertion hole 31b for a screw 51 is provided in one of the four corners of the rectangular substrate 3b. The substrate 3b also has a connection portion 32b to which the wiring 2a (see FIG. 2) is connected. In the example of FIG. 4, the connection portion 32b is provided near the end (near the front end of the substrate 3b) of the surface (upper surface) opposite the surface (lower surface) on which the antenna 3a is mounted, and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the substrate 3b.

The housing 3c contains the substrate 3b and includes a case 31c and a cover 32c. The case 31c contains the substrate 3b together with the cover 32c and is box-shaped with an open top. In the example of FIG. 4, the edge of the case 31c is rectangular frame-shaped. The substrate 3b is fitted inside the rectangular frame-shaped edge of the case 31c.

The case 31c has claws 311c, 312c, and 313c to prevent the board 3b from coming off. The claw 311c is provided on the rear edge of the case 31c. The remaining two claws 312c and 313c are provided on the inside of the right and left sides of the case 31c, respectively. The case 31c also has a rib 314c that protrudes from the bottom surface (inner wall surface) of the board 3b. The rib 314c has functions such as restricting the movement of the board 3b in the front-to-rear direction. In addition, insertion holes (not shown) for screws 51 are provided at predetermined locations on the case 31c.

The cover 32c is a lid that closes the opening of the case 31c when the substrate 3b is housed therein, and has a rectangular shape in a plan view (see also FIG. 3). A square frame-shaped side wall extends downward from the top surface of the cover 32c. When the wireless module 3 is installed in the housing 1, the bottom end of the side wall of the cover 32c abuts against the top surface 1a of the housing 1 (see FIG. 6). Additionally, the cover 32c is provided with insertion holes (not shown) for the screws 51.

The cover 32c also has an abutment portion 321c. The abutment portion 321c is a portion that abuts against the vertical surface 1c of the housing 1 (a surface perpendicular to the top surface 1a of the housing 1: see FIG. 6) when the wireless module 3 is installed in the housing 1, and extends downward from the rear of the side wall of the cover 32c. The abutment portion 321c has an insertion hole 322c (see FIG. 6) for a screw 52 at a location where it abuts against the vertical surface 1c of the housing 1 (see FIG. 6). The screw 52 inserted through the insertion hole 322c is screwed into a screw hole in the vertical surface 1c of the housing 1 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 4, near the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1, a rectangular opening 61 that is elongated in the horizontal direction is provided at the location where the wireless module 3 is installed (below the connection part 32b). This opening 61 is provided to allow the wiring 2a (see FIG. 2) that is connected to the control device 4 (see FIG. 2) of the refrigerator 100 to be drawn out to the outside of the housing 1. The wiring 2a (see FIG. 2) is connected to the connection part 32b of the board 3b, thereby electrically connecting the board 3b and the control device 4 (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 4, a screw hole 62 is provided near one end of the opening 61 (the left end in FIG. 3). A screw 51 is inserted through an insertion hole (not shown) in the cover 32c, through the insertion hole 31b in the board 3b, and through a insertion hole (not shown) in the case 31c in that order, and is screwed into the screw hole 62 in the housing 1. In addition to this screw 51, the other screw 52 mentioned above is screwed into the screw hole in the housing 1, thereby fixing the wireless module 3 to the housing 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the substrate 3b of the wireless module.
5 shows the configuration (the bottom surface of the board 3b) when viewed from below the board 3b installed in the wireless module 3 (see FIG. 4). The board 3b is provided with the insertion hole 31b described above, and also has the antenna 3a and the signal processing circuit 3d mounted thereon. As described above, the antenna 3a transmits and receives radio waves. The signal processing circuit 3d encodes and modulates radio waves when they are transmitted from the antenna 3a, and also decodes data received by the antenna 3a.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 including the wireless module 3.
6 shows a vertical cross section of refrigerator 100 cut along a predetermined plane that is parallel to the front-rear and up-down directions and includes antenna 3a. The dashed arrow in FIG. 6 shows radio waves radiated downward from antenna 3a toward inclined surface 1d of housing 1.
Generally, radio waves have the property of being reflected by the surface of a metal member. Therefore, in the first embodiment, an inclined surface 1d is provided on the outer box 11 so that the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and reflected by the surface of the metal outer box 11 do not return directly to the antenna 3a. In other words, in order to prevent the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the surface of the outer box 11 from canceling each other out, the inclined surface 1d is provided directly below the antenna 3a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the surface of the outer box 11 of the housing 1 has an upper surface 1a (first surface), a back surface 1b (second surface), a vertical surface 1c, and an inclined surface 1d (third surface). The back surface 1b (second surface) of the outer box 11 extends in a different direction from the upper surface 1a (first surface). In the example of FIG. 6, the angle between the plane including the upper surface 1a of the housing 1 and the plane including the back surface 1b of the housing 1 is approximately 90°. The vertical surface 1c is perpendicular to the upper surface 1a of the housing 1 and is parallel to the back surface 1b of the housing 1.

The inclined surface 1d (third surface) of the housing 1 is provided between the upper surface 1a (first surface) and the rear surface 1b (second surface) of the housing 1, and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface 1a (first surface). In the example of FIG. 6, the inclined surface 1d is inclined so that its height position decreases toward the rear side. The upper end of the inclined surface 1d is connected to the lower end of the vertical surface 1c. Meanwhile, the lower end of the inclined surface 1d is connected to the upper end of the rear surface 1b. Note that the configuration in which the vertical surface 1c shown in FIG. 6 is provided is also included in the matter of providing the inclined surface 1d between the upper surface 1a and the rear surface 1b of the housing 1. Also, the inclined surface 1d may be connected to the rear end of the upper surface 1a of the housing 1 without providing the vertical surface 1c.

As shown in FIG. 6, the substrate 3b of the wireless module 3 is disposed parallel to the upper surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1. In other words, the plate surfaces (upper and lower surfaces) of the substrate 3b are parallel to the upper surface 1a of the outer box 11. In addition, the height position of the substrate 3b is higher than the upper surface 1a of the housing 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rear of the wireless module 3 protrudes further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a of the housing 1. The rear of the board 3b also protrudes further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a of the housing 1. And, near the edge 41a of the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1, the board 3b is disposed parallel to the top surface 1a (first surface). To explain in more detail, the board 3b is disposed horizontally near the corner formed by the top surface 1a of the housing 1 and the vertical surface 1c.

An antenna 3a is mounted on the underside of the substrate 3b near the rear end. As described above, the substrate 3b is parallel to the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1, so the extension direction of the antenna 3a is also parallel to the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1.

A sloping surface 1d of the housing 1 is provided at a location corresponding to the antenna 3a in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when viewed from a direction perpendicular (vertical direction) to the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1, the antenna 3a is provided at a position overlapping the sloping surface 1d (third surface). Furthermore, the antenna 3a (electromagnetic radiation surface) mounted on the lower surface of the board 3b is provided so as to face the sloping surface 1d (third surface) in the vertical direction. Thus, radio waves radiated downward from the antenna 3a are directed toward the sloping surface 1d.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 including the wireless module 3, and is an explanatory diagram of the top surface 1a and the inclined surface 1d of the housing 1 projected in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces.
The configuration of refrigerator 100 shown in Fig. 7 is the same as that shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 7, antenna 3a is not provided in area 71 when inclined surface 1d of housing 1 is projected in a direction perpendicular to inclined surface 1d. In other words, antenna 3a is provided at a position that does not overlap inclined surface 1d (third surface) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to inclined surface 1d (third surface).

With this configuration, the angle of incidence of the radio waves radiated from antenna 3a when they enter inclined surface 1d is greater than 0°, and the angle of reflection when they are reflected from inclined surface 1d is also greater than 0°. As a result, after the radio waves radiated from antenna 3a are reflected from inclined surface 1d, they head in a direction different from antenna 3a, so the radio waves reflected from inclined surface 1d almost never return directly to antenna 3a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the radio waves radiated from antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected from inclined surface 1d from cancelling each other out.

Furthermore, antenna 3a is not provided in area 72 when top surface 1a of housing 1 is projected in a direction perpendicular to top surface 1a. The same can be said for other surfaces of housing 1 (back surface 1b, vertical surface 1c, etc.). In this way, antenna 3a is provided in a position that does not overlap each surface on the surface of outer box 11 of housing 1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to this surface. Incidentally, radio waves from antenna 3a are radiated in all directions, including a direction perpendicular to the surface of board 3b.

As a result, the incident angle of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a when they enter each surface of the housing 1 is greater than 0°, and the reflection angle when they are reflected by each surface is also greater than 0°. In other words, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a are almost never reflected at a reflection angle of 0° by the housing 1. In this way, the outer box 11 (inclined surface 1d, etc.) is formed so that the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and reflected by the outer box 11 of the housing 1 are directed in a direction different from that of the antenna 3a. This makes it possible to prevent the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the outer box 11 of the metal housing 1 from canceling each other out. It also becomes possible to arrange the layout in such a way that the wireless module 3 is provided at the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1.

In this way, in the first embodiment, the antenna 3a of the substrate 3b is provided so as to face the inclined surface 1d of the housing 1. This causes the radio waves emitted from the antenna 3a and reflected by the inclined surface 1d (the surface of the metal outer box 11) to travel in a direction different from that of the antenna 3a. As a result, cancellation of the radio waves reflected by the inclined surface 1d, etc. is suppressed, and the reliability of communication using the wireless module 3 can be improved. In addition, it becomes possible to provide the wireless module 3 at the rear end of the housing 1, allowing for a variety of layouts for the wireless module 3.

Next, as a modification of the first embodiment, a configuration for preventing incorrect assembly when installing the substrate 3b in the case 31Ac (see FIG. 8A) of the wireless module 3 will be described.

<Modification of the First Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a case 31Ac of a wireless module included in a refrigerator according to a modified example of the first embodiment.
The case 31Ac shown in FIG. 8 includes claws 311Ac, 312Ac, 313Ac, a rib 314Ac, and a flange 315Ac. The claws 311Ac, 312Ac, 313Ac are for preventing the substrate 3b from coming off. The claws 311Ac are provided on the rear edge of the case 31Ac, and the other claws 312Ac, 313Ac are provided on the inside of the left and right sides of the case 31Ac, one each. The rib 314Ac is for restricting the movement of the substrate 3b in the front-rear direction, and protrudes upward from the bottom surface (inner wall surface) of the case 31Ac. The flange 315Ac is a thin plate-like portion that abuts against the upper surface 1a of the housing 1 (see FIG. 4), and extends outward from the side surface of the case 31Ac.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the substrate 3b is correctly installed in the case 31Ac of the wireless module.
9A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the right half of the substrate 3b when it is correctly installed in the case 31Ac of the wireless module. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the substrate 3b is correctly installed in the case 31Ac, the substrate 3b is pressed down by the claws 311Ac and the like, and the front end of the substrate 3b abuts against the rib 314Ac. In addition, near the front end of the substrate 3b, the connection portion 32b is exposed (protruding) above the plate surface of the substrate 3b. The worker electrically connects the substrate 3b to the control device 4 (see FIG. 2) by connecting the wiring 2a (see FIG. 2) to the connection portion 32b.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the substrate 3b is placed upside down in the case 31Ac of the wireless module.
As shown in Fig. 9B, when the board 3b is installed upside down (the antenna 3a is on the top), the connection part 32b of the board 3b is hidden by the rib 314Ac. In this state, the worker cannot connect the wiring 2a (see Fig. 2) to the connection part 32b, and can easily tell that the board 3b is not installed in the correct orientation. This makes it possible to prevent the wireless module from being used with the board 3b installed in an inappropriate orientation.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the substrate 3b is placed in a case 31Ac of the wireless module in an upside-down orientation.
9C, when the board 3b is installed in the reversed orientation, the connection portion 32b of the board 3b interferes with the claw portion 311Ac (see the board 3b shown by the dashed line). In other words, it becomes difficult to insert the board 3b under the claw portion 311Ac.
Even if a worker forcefully pushes the board 3b into the case 31Ac (see the board 3b shown by solid lines) despite the fact that the connection part 32b is interfering with the claw part 311Ac, the rear surface of the connection part 32b becomes hidden by the claw part 311Ac, and the wiring 2a (see FIG. 2) cannot be connected to the connection part 32b. This allows the worker to easily know that the board 3b is not installed in the correct orientation.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a state in which the board 3b is placed upside down and front to back in the case 31Ac of the wireless module.
As shown in Fig. 9D, if the board 3b is installed upside down and upside down, the wiring connection part 32b is hidden under the board 3b, and it is difficult to connect wiring to the wiring connection part 32b in this state. In this way, if the board 3b is installed in the case 31Ac in the wrong orientation, the wiring connection part 32b is hidden by the rib 314Ac or the claw part 311Ac (see Figs. 9B, 9C, and 9D), or the wiring connection part 32b interferes with the claw part 311Ac (see Fig. 9C). This allows the worker to easily know that the board 3b is installed in the wrong orientation.

Another Modification of the First Embodiment
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a case 31Bc of a wireless module for a refrigerator according to another modified example of the first embodiment.
In the modified example of Fig. 10, the case 31Bc is box-shaped with an open top, and its edges are rectangular. A pair of diagonally opposite corners of the four corners on the bottom surface of the case 31Bc are provided with mounting portions 316Bc that are L-shaped in a plan view for mounting the substrate 3b (see Fig. 11A). The mounting portions 316Bc extend vertically from the bottom surface of the case 31Bc to a predetermined position that is lower than the edges of the side walls of the case 31Bc. In addition, a claw portion 311Bc is provided on the rear edge of the case 31Bc to prevent the substrate 3b (see Fig. 11A) from coming off.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which a substrate 3b is correctly installed in a case 31Bc of a wireless module.
11A, the board 3b is placed on a pair of mounting portions 316Bc (see FIG. 10) so as to cover the opening of the case 31Bc. In this manner, when the board 3b is properly installed in the case 31Bc, the antenna 3a (see FIG. 6) mounted on the board 3b faces downward, while the connection portion 32b is exposed (protruding) near the side wall of the case 31Bc on the opposite side from the claw portion 311Bc.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the substrate 3b is placed upside down in the case 31Bc of the wireless module.
As shown in Fig. 11B, when the board 3b is installed upside down (with the antenna 3a on top), the connection part 32b (not visible in Fig. 11B: see Fig. 11A) protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the board 3b. As a result, the connection part 32b is hidden and the wiring cannot be connected. Also, for example, when the board 3b is installed in the case 31Bc after the wiring is connected to the connection part 32b, the wiring interferes with the edge of the case 31Bc. This allows the worker to easily know that the board 3b is not installed in the correct orientation.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the substrate 3b is placed in a case 31Bc of the wireless module in an upside-down orientation.
11C, when the board 3b is installed in the upside-down position, the connection portion 32b of the board 3b interferes with the claw portion 311Bc (see the board 3b shown by the dashed line). In other words, it becomes difficult to insert the board 3b under the claw portion 311Bc.
Even if a worker forcibly pushes the board 3b into the case 31Bc (see the board 3b in solid lines) despite the fact that the connection part 32b is interfering with the tab 311Bc, the worker cannot connect the wiring because the rear surface of the connection part 32b is hidden by the tab 311Bc. This allows the worker to easily know that the board 3b is not installed in the correct orientation.

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional perspective view of a state in which the board 3b is placed upside down and front to back in the case 31Bc of the wireless module.
As shown in Fig. 11D, if the board 3b is installed upside down and backwards, the connection part 32b (not visible in Fig. 11D: see Fig. 11A) will be hidden under the board 3b, making it difficult to connect wiring to the connection part 32b in this state. This allows the worker to easily know that the board 3b is not installed in the correct orientation.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the wireless module 3C in the housing 1C of the refrigerator 100C (see FIG. 12), but is otherwise similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a wireless module 3C of a refrigerator 100C according to the second embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 12, a rectangular opening 61 that is elongated in the horizontal direction is provided near the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1C at the installation location of the wireless module 3C. The wireless module 3C includes an antenna 3a, a substrate 3b, and a housing 3Cc. The wireless module 3C is installed at the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1C. The housing 3Cc includes a case 31Cc and a cover 32Cc. The cover 32Cc is installed so as to cover the substrate 3b from the rear side while it is installed at the rear side of the case 31Cc.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100C including the wireless module 3C.
13 illustrates a vertical cross section of refrigerator 100C taken along a plane that is parallel to the front-rear and up-down directions and includes antenna 3a. The dashed arrow in FIG. 13 indicates radio waves radiated forward from antenna 3a.
As shown in Fig. 13, the surface of the outer box 11C of the housing 1C has an upper surface 1a (first surface), a rear surface 1b (second surface), a vertical surface 1c, and an inclined surface 1Cd (third surface). The board 3b of the wireless module 3C is provided parallel to the rear surface 1b (second surface) of the housing 1C. In other words, the wireless module 3C is arranged so that the plate surface of the board 3b is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and parallel to the up-down and left-right directions. A wiring connection part 32b to which wiring is connected is provided at the lower end of the board 3b. The height position of the wiring connection part 32b is lower than the upper surface 1a of the housing 1C.

As described above, the upper surface 1a of the housing 1C has an opening 61. Wiring is drawn out from inside the housing 1C through this opening 61 and connected to the wiring portion 32b of the board 3b. The inclined surface 1Cd of the housing 1C is curved in vertical cross section. Specifically, the inclined surface 1Cd is curved so that its height position decreases from the lower end of the vertical surface 1c of the housing 1C toward the rear, and smoothly connects to the upper end of the back surface 1b.

The substrate 3b is disposed parallel to the rear surface 1b (second surface) near the rear edge 41a of the upper surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1C. Explaining in more detail, the substrate 3b is provided vertically near the corner formed by the upper surface 1a and the vertical surface 1c of the housing 1C. Explaining from another perspective, the cover 32Cc, which is inverted L-shaped in vertical cross section, is disposed so as to be hung on the corner (the corner between the upper surface 1a and the vertical surface 1c) and is fixed to the housing 1C in a state of abutment against the upper surface 1a and the vertical surface 1c.

The substrate 3b of the wireless module 3C is arranged so as to be perpendicular to a plane (not shown) including the top surface 1a of the housing 1C, and is arranged further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a. The substrate 3b is also arranged so that a plane (not shown) including its plate surface (e.g., the rear surface of the substrate 3b) passes through the inclined surface 1Cd. With this configuration, for example, the length of the refrigerator 100C in the front-to-rear direction can be shortened and made more compact than when the substrate 3b is arranged further rearward than the inclined surface 1Cd. The antenna 3a of the wireless module 3C is mounted near the upper end of the front surface of the substrate 3b, and is arranged at a position higher than the position of the top surface 1a of the housing 1C.

In this configuration in which the board 3b is provided vertically on the back side of the housing 1C, the housing 1C is not provided in front of the antenna 3a (see dashed arrow). In other words, the metal outer box 11C is not provided on a straight line that is perpendicular to the board 3b and passes through the antenna 3a (see dashed arrow). This prevents the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the outer box 11C from cancelling each other out, ensuring the reliability of communication using the wireless module 3C.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100C including a wireless module 3C, and is an explanatory diagram of a case 1C in which a top surface 1a and a back surface 1b are projected in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces.
The configuration of the refrigerator 100C shown in FIG. 14 is the same as that shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 14, antenna 3a is not provided in area 73 obtained by projecting top surface 1a of housing 1C in a direction perpendicular to top surface 1a. Antenna 3a is also not provided in area 74 obtained by projecting back surface 1b of housing 1C in a direction perpendicular to back surface 1b. The same can be said for other surfaces of refrigerator 100C (vertical surface 1c, inclined surface 1Cd, etc.). In other words, antenna 3a does not face any of the surfaces of housing 1C.

Note that for inclined surface 1Cd, which is curved in vertical cross section, at each point included in inclined surface 1Cd, a straight line (not shown) that passes through this point and is perpendicular to the tangent plane (not shown) of that point does not pass through antenna 3a. In such a case, it is said that antenna 3a is not provided in an area projected in a direction perpendicular to inclined surface 1Cd. In this way, when each face on the surface of outer box 11C of housing 1C is viewed from a direction perpendicular to this face, antenna 3a is provided in a position that does not overlap this face.

As a result, the incident angle of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a when they hit each surface of the housing 1C is greater than 0°, and the reflection angle when they are reflected from each surface is also greater than 0°. In other words, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a are almost never reflected at a reflection angle of 0° by the housing 1C. In this way, the outer box 11C is formed so that the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and reflected by the outer box 11C are directed in a direction different from that of the antenna 3a. This makes it possible to prevent the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the surface of the metal outer box 11C from canceling each other out. In addition, in the refrigerator 100C, it is possible to provide the board 3b of the wireless module 3C vertically on the back side of the housing 1C, which allows for a more diverse layout for the wireless module 3C.

Third Embodiment
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the housing 1D (see FIG. 15) does not have an inclined surface. Other points (such as the configuration of the wireless module 3) are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view including the wireless module 3 of a refrigerator 100D according to the third embodiment.
In the example of Fig. 15, the upper end of the rear surface 1b is continuous with the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1D of the refrigerator 100D. Furthermore, the top surface 1a and the rear surface 1b of the housing 1D are approximately perpendicular. The board 3b of the wireless module 3 is provided so as to be parallel to the top surface 1a of the housing 1D, and extends further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a of the housing 1D. Furthermore, the antenna 3a is mounted on the lower surface of a portion of the board 3b that extends further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the top surface 1a of the housing 1D.

In this configuration, in which the board 3b is arranged horizontally above the housing 1D, the housing 1D is not arranged below the antenna 3a (see the dashed arrow). In other words, the metal outer box 11D is not arranged on a line that is perpendicular to the board 3b and passes through the antenna 3a. This prevents the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the outer box 11D from cancelling each other out, ensuring the reliability of communication using the wireless module 3.

In addition, antenna 3a is provided at a position that does not overlap each face (e.g., top face 1a or back face 1b) on the surface of outer box 11D when viewed from a direction perpendicular to this face. This configuration makes it possible to prevent radio waves radiated from antenna 3a and reflected by housing 1D from returning directly to antenna 3a. This makes it possible to prevent radio waves radiated from antenna 3a and radio waves reflected by the surface of housing 1D from canceling each other out.

Fourth Embodiment
The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a horizontal surface 1e is provided on a housing 1E (see FIG. 16) instead of the inclined surface 1d (see FIG. 6) described in the first embodiment. Other points (such as the configuration of the wireless module 3) are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view including the wireless module 3 of a refrigerator 100E according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 16, the refrigerator 100E includes a housing 1E and a wireless module 3. The surface of the outer box 11E of the housing 1E includes an upper surface 1a (first surface), a rear surface 1b (second surface), a vertical surface 1c, and a horizontal surface 1e (fourth surface). The rear surface 1b (second surface) of the housing 1C extends in a direction different from the upper surface 1a (first surface). The horizontal surface 1e (fourth surface) of the housing 1C is a surface parallel to the upper surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1C, and is provided between the upper surface 1a (first surface) and the rear surface 1b (second surface). In the example of FIG. 16, the horizontal surface 1e is continuous with the lower end of the vertical surface 1c and with the upper end of the rear surface 1b. In other words, a step is provided between the upper surface 1a and the horizontal surface 1e of the housing 1E.

The arrangement of the wireless module 3 is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). That is, the substrate 3b is arranged parallel to the upper surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1C. The antenna 3a is mounted on the underside of a portion of the substrate 3b that extends further rearward than the rear edge 41a of the upper surface 1a of the housing 1C. Therefore, the antenna 3a faces the horizontal surface 1e (fourth surface) of the housing 1C.

As shown in FIG. 16, when viewed from a direction parallel to the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1C (front-to-back direction in FIG. 16), the antenna 3a is provided on the opposite side (upper side) of the horizontal surface 1e (fourth surface) across the top surface 1a (first surface). When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 1a (first surface) of the housing 1C (top-bottom direction in FIG. 16), the antenna 3a is provided at a position overlapping the horizontal surface 1e (fourth surface). With this configuration, by ensuring a certain degree of vertical distance (e.g., 5 cm or more) between the wireless module 3 and the horizontal surface 1e, it is possible to prevent radio waves reflected by the horizontal surface 1e from returning to the antenna 3a with little attenuation.

Fifth embodiment
The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a wireless module 3F is provided on the upper side of the refrigerator compartment door 211 (see Figs. 17 and 18). The rest of the fifth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a refrigerator 100F according to a fifth embodiment.
17, a pair of left and right hinge units 211a, 212a are provided on the top surface 1a of the housing 1 of the refrigerator 100F. A wireless module 3F is installed between the left hinge unit 211a and the right hinge unit 212a. Specifically, the wireless module 3F is provided above the left refrigerator compartment door 211, near the front end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1.

As described above, the refrigerator compartment door 211 is a door that closes the opening (not shown) at the front of the housing 1, and is configured, for example, with a resin exterior filled with a heat insulating material such as urethane foam (not shown in FIG. 17). The other doors, such as the ice-making compartment door 221, upper freezer compartment door 231, vegetable compartment door 241, and lower freezer compartment door 251, are configured in a similar manner. A door pocket 91 (see FIG. 18) is provided on the inside of the refrigerator compartment door 211.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100F including a wireless module 3F.
Note that Fig. 18 illustrates the front and upper parts of the refrigerator 100F, and does not illustrate the remaining parts. As shown in Fig. 18, the wireless module 3F is installed near the front edge 42a on the top surface 1a of the housing 1. The board 3b of the wireless module 3F is provided parallel to the top surface 1a of the housing 1. In other words, the board 3b is perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the front-rear and left-right directions.

As shown in FIG. 18, the substrate 3b of the wireless module 3F extends further forward than the front edge 42a on the top surface 1a of the housing 1. In addition, the antenna 3a is mounted on the underside of the portion of the substrate 3b that extends further forward than the front edge 42a on the top surface 1a of the housing 1.

When the refrigerator door 211 (door) is closed, the antenna 3a of the wireless module 3F faces the wall 211c of the refrigerator door 211. The wall 211c of the refrigerator door 211 (door), including the surface facing the antenna 3a, is made of resin. This allows the radio waves emitted from the antenna 3a to propagate through the wall 211c of the refrigerator door 211. In other words, the radio waves emitted from the antenna 3a are almost never reflected by the surface of the wall 211c. In addition, since the heat insulating material (not shown) inside the refrigerator door 211 is made of resin, there is almost no risk of the propagation of the radio waves from the antenna 3a being hindered. Even if a metal surface (not shown) exists below the refrigerator door 211, the vertical distance from the antenna 3a to the metal surface is relatively long, so that it is possible to suppress the high-intensity reflected wave from returning directly to the antenna 3a.

In addition, in each door such as the refrigerator door 211, the area where the antenna 3a is projected in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the substrate 3b (i.e., the up-down direction) is preferably made of resin. The resin mentioned above includes the resin material that constitutes the exterior of each door such as the refrigerator door 211, as well as the heat insulating material inside each door. With this configuration, there is no metal surface directly below the antenna 3a, and radio waves pass through the resin material, so that it is possible to prevent the reflected wave of the radio wave radiated from the antenna 3a from returning directly to the antenna 3a (causing radio wave cancellation). In addition, a layout in which the wireless module 3F is provided at the front of the top surface of the refrigerator 100F (above the refrigerator door 211) can also be used.

<<Variations>>
Although the refrigerator 100 and the like according to the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the respective embodiments, the refrigerator 100 and the like according to the present disclosure are not limited to these descriptions and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the wireless module 3 is provided near the rear end of the top surface of the housing 1 has been described, and in the fifth embodiment, a configuration in which the wireless module 3F (see FIGS. 17 and 18) is provided near the front end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1 has been described, but this is not limiting. That is, as will be described in the following FIG. 19, a recess 81 may be provided in the top surface 1a of the housing 1G, and a wireless module 3G may be installed in this recess 81.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100G according to a first modified example including a wireless module 3G.
In the example of Fig. 19, a recess 81 is formed on the top surface 1a of the housing 1G of the refrigerator 100G. The housing 3Gc of the board 3b is fitted into the recess 81. When the wireless module 3G is installed in the housing 1G, the plate surface of the board 3b is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the board 3b is arranged so as to be parallel to the up-down and left-right directions.

An antenna 3a is mounted on the front surface of the substrate 3b. In the example of FIG. 19, a part (lower part) of the substrate 3b is located below the plane including the upper surface 1a of the housing 1G. On the other hand, the antenna 3a is provided above the plane including the upper surface 1a of the housing 1G. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and reflected by the inner side surface of the recess 81 from returning directly to the antenna 3a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the wall surface of the recess 81 from canceling each other out. Note that, although FIG. 19 shows an example in which the antenna 3a is mounted on the front surface of the substrate 3b, the antenna 3a may be mounted on the rear surface of the substrate 3b.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100H according to a second modified example including a wireless module 3H.
In the example of Fig. 20, a recess 82 is formed in the top surface 1a of the housing 1H of the refrigerator 100H. The housing 3Hc of the board 3b is fitted into the recess 82. When the wireless module 3H is installed in the housing 1H, the plate surface of the board 3b is perpendicular to the left-right direction. In other words, the board 3b is arranged so as to be parallel to the up-down and front-back directions. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the first modified example (see Fig. 19) described above can be achieved.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 100K according to a third modified example, including a wireless module 3K.
The housing 1K shown in Fig. 21 has an inclined surface 1d that is continuous with the rear end of the top surface 1a and with the upper end of the back surface 1b. A board 4a of the control device 4 (see Fig. 2) is installed on the inclined surface 1d. A metal cover 92 (metal member) is installed on the inclined surface 1d so as to cover the board 4a. In the example of Fig. 21, the cover 92 has an inverted L-shape in vertical cross section and is fixed to the top surface 1a and back surface 1b of the housing 1K.

The wireless module 3K has a configuration similar to that of the second modified example (see FIG. 20), for example. The board 3b of the wireless module 3K and the board 4a of the control device 4 (see FIG. 2) are electrically connected via wiring. The antenna 3a mounted on the board 3b is arranged as follows. That is, when the metal surfaces 92a, 92b (the upper and rear surfaces of the cover 92) of the cover 92 (metal member) are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the metal surfaces 92a, 92b, the antenna 3a is provided at a position that does not overlap the metal surfaces 92a, 92b. With this configuration, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and reflected by the metal cover 92 almost never return to the antenna 3a as they are. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the cover 92 from canceling each other out.

Instead of the configuration of FIG. 21, for example, the wireless module 3F may be arranged as in the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18), and a metal cover 92 may be provided near the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1. Alternatively, for example, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the wireless module 3 and the metal cover 92 may be provided side-by-side near the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1. Furthermore, the metal cover 92 is not limited to being used to cover the board 4a of the control device 4 (see FIG. 21), and may be used for other purposes. Furthermore, the cover 92 (metal member) may be provided at a location other than near the rear end of the top surface 1a of the housing 1.

In the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), the antenna 3a is mounted on the lower surface of the substrate 3b in the wireless module 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the configuration of the first embodiment, the antenna 3a may be mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 3b. The same can be said for the third embodiment (see FIG. 15) and the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 16), etc.
In the second embodiment (see FIG. 12), the antenna 3a is mounted on the front surface of the substrate 3b in the wireless module 3C, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the configuration of the second embodiment, the antenna 3a may be mounted on the rear surface of the substrate 3b.

In the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 17), the antenna 3a of the wireless module 3F is provided on the upper side of the refrigerator compartment door 211, and the plate surface of the substrate 3b is perpendicular to the up-down direction. However, this is not limited to the above. For example, the substrate 3b may be arranged so that the plate surface of the substrate 3b is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3a and the radio waves reflected by the housing 1 from cancelling each other out.

In addition, in each embodiment, the configuration in which the antenna 3a is mounted on the substrate 3b has been described, but depending on the type of antenna 3a, there may be cases in which it is not particularly necessary to mount it on the substrate 3b.
In addition, in each embodiment, the substrate 3b is disposed vertically or horizontally, but this is not limiting. For example, the substrate 3b may be disposed in a predetermined oblique direction.
In addition, in each embodiment, the case where the housing 1 of the refrigerator 100 (see FIG. 1 ) is a rectangular parallelepiped has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each embodiment can be applied to a refrigerator including a housing (not shown) that is a polyhedron other than a rectangular parallelepiped, or a housing (not shown) that includes a curved surface.

The embodiments can also be combined as appropriate. For example, a modified version of the first embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment, and in a configuration in which the board 3b of the wireless module 3 is vertically oriented (second embodiment), if the board 3b is installed in an incorrect orientation relative to the case 31Ac, the connection portion 32b of the board 3b can be hidden (modified version of the first embodiment). Note that the modified version of the first embodiment (configuration to prevent incorrect installation of the board 3b) can also be combined with any of the third to fifth embodiments.

Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 etc. described in each embodiment is merely an example, and can be applied to other types of refrigerators. For example, each embodiment can be applied to a refrigerator with a single-wing refrigerator compartment door (not shown) or a portable refrigerator (not shown). Furthermore, each embodiment can be applied to various devices other than refrigerators.

In addition, each embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with other configurations.
Furthermore, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all mechanisms and configurations of the product.

100, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100K Refrigerator 1, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 1K Housing 1a Top surface (first surface)
1b Back side (second side)
1d, 1Cd Inclined surface (third surface)
1e Horizontal surface (surface)
11, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11G, 11H Outer box 211 Refrigerator door (door)
2a Wiring 3, 3C, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3K Wireless module 3b Board 32b Wiring section 3a Antenna 31c, 31Ac, 31Bc, 31Cc Case 311c, 312c, 313c, 311Ac, 312Ac, 313Ac, 311Bc Claw section 314c, 314Ac Rib 41a Edge (edge of first surface)
211c Wall portion 92 Cover (metal member)
92a Metal surface 92b Metal surface

Claims (8)

A housing having a metal outer box;
The antenna,
a substrate on which the antenna is mounted;
The substrate is located higher than the top surface of the outer box,
The plate surface of the substrate is parallel to the upper surface of the outer box,
a rear portion of the substrate protrudes rearward beyond a rear edge of an upper surface of the outer box;
The outer box has an inclined surface that is inclined so that the height position becomes lower toward the rear side,
The outer box is formed so that radio waves radiated from the antenna and reflected by the outer box are directed in a direction different from that of the antenna,
The inclined surface is provided directly below the antenna. A housing having a metal outer box;
The antenna,
a substrate on which the antenna is mounted;
The substrate is located higher than the top surface of the outer box,
The plate surface of the substrate is parallel to the upper surface of the outer box,
a rear portion of the substrate protrudes rearward beyond a rear edge of an upper surface of the outer box;
The outer box has an inclined surface that is inclined so that the height position becomes lower toward the rear side,
the antenna is provided at a position that does not overlap the upper surface of the outer box when the upper surface of the outer box is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface,
the antenna is provided at a position that does not overlap the inclined surface of the outer box when the inclined surface is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface,
The inclined surface is provided directly below the antenna. A metal member is provided in the housing,
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the antenna is provided at a position that does not overlap with each metal surface of the metal members when the metal surface is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the metal surface. The surface of the outer box has a first surface which is a top surface of the outer box, and a second surface which extends in a direction different from the first surface and is a back surface of the outer box,
The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein the substrate is disposed parallel to the first surface near an edge of the first surface. A housing having a metal outer box;
The antenna,
a substrate on which the antenna is mounted;
The surface of the outer box has a first surface which is an upper surface of the outer box, a second surface which extends in a direction different from the first surface and is a back surface of the outer box, and a third surface which is an inclined surface provided between the first surface and the second surface,
The third surface is inclined with respect to the first surface so that a height position of the third surface becomes lower toward a rear side,
the antenna is provided at a position not overlapping the third surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the third surface,
The antenna is provided at a position overlapping the third surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface,
The substrate is higher in height than the first surface,
a plate surface of the substrate is parallel to the first surface,
a rear portion of the substrate protrudes rearward beyond a rear edge of the first surface,
The third surface is provided directly below the antenna. The refrigerator according to claim 5 , wherein the antenna faces the third surface. A housing having a metal outer box;
The antenna,
a substrate on which the antenna is mounted;
The surface of the outer box has a first surface which is an upper surface of the outer box, and a second surface which extends in a direction different from the first surface and is a back surface of the outer box, and also has a fourth surface which is a horizontal plane provided between the first surface and the second surface and is lower in height than the upper surface of the outer box,
the fourth surface is parallel to the first surface;
When viewed from a direction parallel to the first surface, the antenna is provided on the opposite side of the fourth surface across the first surface,
The antenna is provided at a position overlapping the fourth surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface,
The substrate is higher in height than the first surface,
a plate surface of the substrate is parallel to the first surface,
a rear portion of the substrate protrudes rearward beyond a rear edge of the first surface,
The fourth surface is provided directly below the antenna,
A refrigerator, wherein a vertical distance between the antenna and the fourth surface is 5 cm or more. The refrigerator according to claim 7 , wherein the antenna faces the fourth surface.

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