TW201411076A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided, including: an insulating cabinet having an opening; a door opening and closing the opening; a first operating portion disposed at the front of the door and accepting an operation for changing settings related to the functioning of the refrigerator; an operation controlling portion for switching between a normal mode and a waiting mode, wherein the normal mode receives the operation for the first operating portion, and the waiting mode does not receive the operation for the first operating portion; and a second operating portion disposed at the front of the door and accepting an operation switching from the waiting mode to the normal mode. When the second operating portion is operated during the waiting mode, the operation controlling portion is switched to the normal mode.

Description

refrigerator

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a refrigerator.

In order to change the settings related to the operation in response to the user's request, the refrigerator generally includes an operation portion such as a panel. From the viewpoint of operability and the like, the operation portion is relatively standing in front of the door of the refrigerator.

However, such an operation portion may be erroneously operated due to a user's physical collision or the like, and thus is inadvertently changed by the user to an unexpected setting.

[Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-78086

Accordingly, the present invention provides a refrigerator that can be used to change and operate The operation of the set operation unit reduces the number of misoperations.

The refrigerator of the present embodiment includes: a heat insulating box having an opening; and a door that opens and closes the opening; the first operating portion is disposed in front of the door and receives an operation for changing a setting related to operation of the refrigerator The operation control unit switches between a normal mode (mode) and an idle mode, wherein the normal mode receives an operation on the first operation unit, the standby mode does not receive an operation on the first operation unit, and the second operation unit Provided in front of the door and accepting an operation for switching from the standby mode to the normal mode. When the second operation unit is operated in the standby mode, the operation control unit switches to the normal mode.

10‧‧‧ refrigerator

11‧‧‧Insulation box

111‧‧‧Outer box

112‧‧‧ inner box

113‧‧‧Insulation

12‧‧‧Refrigerator

13‧‧ ‧ vegetable room

14‧‧‧ ice making room

15‧‧‧Upper freezer

16‧‧‧lower freezer

17‧‧‧ partition wall

18‧‧‧Refrigerator temperature sensor

19‧‧‧Insulation partition wall

20‧‧‧Freezer temperature sensor

21‧‧‧Refrigeration Circulatory System

22‧‧‧Compressor

23‧‧‧Condenser

24‧‧‧Dryer

251‧‧‧Switching valve

252‧‧‧ check valve

26‧‧‧Refrigerator for refrigeration

27‧‧‧Frozen cooler

28‧‧‧Refrigeration tube

281, 301‧‧‧ blown out

282, 302‧‧ ‧ suction inlet

29‧‧‧ Refrigerator blower

30‧‧‧Frozen tube

31‧‧‧Frozen blower

32‧‧‧Defrost heater

33‧‧‧Refrigerator door

34‧‧‧ vegetable room door

35‧‧‧Ice door

36‧‧‧Upper freezer door

37‧‧‧lower freezer door

38‧‧‧Chain section

39‧‧‧ inner board

40‧‧‧Outer board

401‧‧‧Lighting layer

402‧‧‧Operating area

403‧‧‧Display area

404‧‧‧Lighting area

405‧‧‧Printing Department for the Second Operation Department

406, 543‧‧ ‧ Window Department

41‧‧‧Insulation

42‧‧‧Main control unit

50‧‧‧Operator

51‧‧‧First Operation Department

511‧‧‧ Refrigeration Operations Department

512‧‧‧Freezing Operations Department

513‧‧‧Frozen Function Operation Department

514‧‧‧Ice Operation Department

515‧‧‧Power Saving Operations Department

52, 70, 71‧‧‧ Second Operations Department

53‧‧‧Display Department

531‧‧‧Intensity display department

532‧‧‧Frozen function display

533‧‧‧Ice Display Department

534‧‧‧Power Saving Display Department

535‧‧‧Environmental mode display

536‧‧‧Key lock display

54‧‧‧Printing components

541‧‧‧Printing Department for the First Operation Department

542‧‧‧Printing Department for Display Department

55‧‧‧Capacitive sensor

551‧‧‧Resection

56‧‧‧ device body

57‧‧‧Detection Department

571‧‧‧Detection department for the first operation department

572‧‧‧Detection section for the second operation unit

58‧‧‧ circuit board

59‧‧‧ box

591‧‧‧Lighting Department

60‧‧‧Light source department

61‧‧‧Operation Control Department

601‧‧‧Light source unit for the first operation unit

602‧‧‧Light source unit for display

72‧‧‧ Non-contact sensor

X3‧‧‧ section connection

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view showing the appearance of a refrigerator in a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of a refrigerator and the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation device taken along line X3-X3 of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a control system.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device.

Fig. 6 is a view showing the configuration of an operation area and a display area.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the control contents of the operation control unit in the normal mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control content of the operation control unit in the standby mode.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a second operation portion of the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9 in the third embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 of the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator of a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the respective embodiments, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

(First embodiment)

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 10 has a plurality of storage compartments in a vertically long rectangular box-shaped heat insulating box 11 that is open at the front. Hereinafter, the opening side of the heat insulating box 11, that is, the left side of FIG. 2 will be described as the front side of the refrigerator 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heat insulation box 11 has an outer case 111 made of a steel plate, an inner case 112 made of synthetic resin, and a heat insulating material 113. The heat insulating material 113 is provided between the outer box 111 and the inner box 112. The heat insulating material 113 is, for example, a urethane or a vacuum heat insulating board. Inside the heat insulating box 11, a refrigerating chamber 12 and a vegetable compartment 13 are provided in this order from the upper stage, and an ice making compartment 14 and an upper freezing compartment 15 are arranged side by side, and a lower freezing compartment 16 is further provided below. An automatic ice making device (not shown) is provided in the ice making chamber 14.

Both the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are storage compartments for refrigerating temperature zones. Usually, the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are set to different temperatures. For example, the refrigerating compartment 12 Maintain the temperature set to 1~5 °C. The maintenance temperature of the vegetable compartment 13 is set to be 2 to 6 ° C which is slightly higher than the maintenance temperature of the refrigerating compartment 12. Between the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13, the partition wall 17 made of plastic is divided into upper and lower sides. A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 18 is provided in the refrigerating compartment 12, and the refrigerating compartment temperature detector 18 is a temperature in the refrigerating compartment 12 for detecting the storage compartment of the refrigerating temperature zone. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 18 includes, for example, a thermostat or the like.

The ice making compartment 14, the upper section freezing compartment 15, and the lower section freezing compartment 16 are all freezing temperature zones, for example, a storage compartment of a negative temperature of -10 to -20 °C. The refrigerator 10 includes an insulated partition wall 19. The heat insulating partition wall 19 partitions the vegetable compartment 13, the ice making compartment 14 and the upper freezing compartment 15 up and down. A freezer compartment temperature sensor 20 is provided in the lower freezer compartment 16, and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 20 is for detecting the temperature in the lower compartment freezer compartment 16 of the storage compartment. The freezing compartment temperature sensor 20 includes, for example, a temperature measuring resistor or the like.

The refrigerator 10 includes the refrigeration cycle system 21 shown in FIG. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a state in which the refrigeration cycle system 21 is taken out from the refrigerator 10. In the refrigeration cycle system 21, a compressor 22, a condenser 23, a dryer 24, a switching valve 251, a refrigerating cooler 26, and a refrigerating cooler 27 are annularly connected in accordance with the flow of the refrigerant. The switching valve 251 is driven by a control command, and supplies the refrigerant that is pressurized and transported from the compressor 22 to one of the refrigerating cooler 26 or the refrigerating cooler 27 . Further, the refrigeration cycle system 21 has a check valve 252. The check valve 252 is provided between the freezing cooler 27 and the compressor 22. Further, although not illustrated in detail, the compressor 22 is disposed at the upper rear portion of the refrigerator 10 or the machine chamber formed at the upper rear portion.

The refrigerator compartment cooler 26 is provided in a refrigerating duct 28, which is refrigerated A tube 28 is formed in the rear of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13. The refrigerating pipe 28 extends in the vertical direction along the rear wall surfaces of the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13. The refrigeration tube 28 has an air outlet 281 on the upper side and a suction port 282 on the lower side. The refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating blower 29. The refrigerating blower 29 is provided on the suction port 282 side in the refrigerating pipe 28. When the refrigerating blower 29 is driven, the air in the vegetable compartment 13 is sucked into the refrigerating pipe 28 from the suction port 282 by the air blowing action of the refrigerating blower 29. The air sucked into the refrigerating pipe 28 is cooled by the refrigerating cooler 26, and then supplied to the refrigerating compartment 12 from the air outlet 281. Then, the cold air supplied into the refrigerator compartment 12 cools the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13, and is sucked into the refrigeration pipe 28 from the suction port 282. In this way, the cold air generated by the refrigerating cooler 26 is circulated in the refrigerating compartment 12, the vegetable compartment 13, and the refrigerating pipe 28, whereby the refrigerating compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are cooled.

The freezing cooler 27 is provided in the freezing pipe 30, and the freezing pipe 30 is formed in the rear portion of the ice making chamber 14, the upper freezing compartment 15, and the lower freezing compartment 16. The refrigerator 10 includes a defrosting heater 32. The defrosting heater 32 is provided beside the freezing cooler 27. The defrosting heater 32 defrosts the frost generated in the freezing cooler 27. The freezing pipe 30 extends in the vertical direction along the rear wall surfaces of the ice making chamber 14, the upper freezing compartment 15, and the lower freezing compartment 16, and has an air outlet 301 on the upper side and a suction port 302 on the lower side.

The refrigerator 10 includes a blower 31 for freezing. The freezing blower 31 is provided in the freezing pipe 30 on the side of the weir outlet 301. When the freezing blower 31 is driven, the air in the lower freezing compartment 16 is sucked by the air blowing action of the freezing blower 31. The inlet 302 is sucked into the freezing tube 30. The air sucked into the freezing pipe 30 is cooled by the freezing cooler 27, and then supplied from the air outlet 301 to the ice making chamber 14 and the upper freezing chamber 15. Then, the cold air supplied into the ice making chamber 14 and the upper freezing chamber 15 is supplied to the ice making chamber 14, the upper freezing chamber 15, and the lower freezing chamber 16, and is cooled by the suction port 302 and sucked into the freezing tube 30. In this way, the cold air generated by the freezing cooler 27 is circulated in the ice making chamber 14, the upper freezing chamber 15, the lower freezing chamber 16, and the freezing pipe 30, whereby the cold air is in the ice making chamber 14 and the upper freezing chamber 15 And the lower freezer compartment 16 is cooled.

As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating compartment door 33, a vegetable compartment door 34, an ice making compartment door 35, an upper freezing compartment door 36, and a lower freezing compartment door 37. The refrigerating compartment door 33 has a hinge portion 38 on the left and right sides of the heat insulating box 11 corresponding to the refrigerating compartment 12, and is provided in a split type. The refrigerating compartment door 33 opens and closes the opening of the refrigerating compartment 12.

The vegetable compartment door 34, the ice making compartment door 35, the upper section freezing compartment door 36, and the lower section freezing compartment door 37 correspond to the vegetable compartment 13, the ice making compartment 14, the upper section freezing compartment 15, and the lower section freezing compartment 16, respectively. The vegetable compartment door 34, the ice making compartment door 35, the upper freezing compartment door 36, and the lower freezing compartment door 37 are each configured as a pull-out type. The vegetable compartment door 34, the ice making compartment door 35, the upper freezing compartment door 36, and the lower freezing compartment door 37 respectively open and close the openings of the vegetable compartment 13, the ice making compartment 14, the upper freezing compartment 15, and the lower freezing compartment 16 . Further, the vegetable compartment door 34, the ice making compartment door 35, the upper freezing compartment door 36, and the lower freezing compartment door 37 are each provided with a storage case (not shown) on the back side portion thereof.

As shown in Fig. 3, which represents the refrigerating compartment door 33, the refrigerating compartment door 33 and the vegetable compartment door are shown. 34. The ice making compartment door 35, the upper freezing compartment door 36, and the lower freezing compartment door 37 have a heat insulating material 41 between the inner panel 39 and the outer panel 40. The inner panel 39 includes a synthetic resin plate, and the heat insulating material 41 includes, for example, a foamed polyurethane or a vacuum heat insulating panel.

The outer panel 40 is composed of a flat plate which is, for example, a light transmissive glass or the like. In this case, the glass constituting the outer panel 40 also contains an organic glass made of synthetic resin. A light shielding layer 401 is provided on the inner side of the outer panel 40, that is, the surface on the inner panel 39 side. The light shielding layer 401 is made of a material having light shielding properties, that is, a material that reflects or absorbs light. In this case, the light shielding layer 41 is formed on the inner side surface of the outer panel 40 by attaching a sheet-like member or coating a coating material composed of a material having light blocking properties. When the user sees the outer panel 40 from the outside of the refrigerator 10, it is possible to confirm the appearance of the outer panel 40 due to the light transmittance of the glass. Further, the heat insulating material 41 provided inside the outer panel 40 cannot be recognized from the outside by the light shielding layer 401.

As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerator 10 includes a main control unit 42 and an operation unit 50. The main control device 42 includes a micro computer (not shown), a timer, a memory device, and the like. The main control device 42 is connected to the operation device 50 as an input/output device. Further, the main control unit 42 is connected as a sensing machine to the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 18 and the freezing compartment temperature sensor 20. In addition, the main control device 42 is connected to the refrigerating blower 29, the refrigerating blower 31, the compressor 22 of the refrigerating cycle system 21, the switching valve 251, the defrosting heater 32, and the like as a control target. The main control device 42 is based on the detection signals of the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 18 and the freezing compartment temperature sensor 20 and a control program stored in advance for refrigerating. The blower 29, the cooling blower 31, the compressor 22, the switching valve 251, and the defrosting heater 32 are controlled.

The main control device 42 has a plurality of operation modes related to power saving, such as "power saving mode", "outgoing mode", "peak shift mode", and the like. In this case, when the power saving mode is selected, the main control unit 42 controls the compressor 22 and the like, and operates at a temperature that does not affect the temperature of the food in each storage chamber, and is set to be higher than the set temperature, for example. 2 ° C temperature. Thereby, it is possible to operate with power saving compared to the operation content set by the user.

If the outgoing mode is selected, the main control unit 42 operates in the power saving mode about 3 hours after the outgoing mode is selected, for example. This is because the door switch of the user is not performed between the user's exit, and the temperature in the storage compartment can be kept stable. By selecting the outgoing mode before the user goes out, the user can operate with power saving when compared to normal operation when the user goes out.

Further, when the peak shift mode is selected, the main control unit 42 shifts the time zone in which the power consumption of the refrigerator 10 is maximized from the time zone where the power demand is tight to the time zone of the margin. In this case, the main control device 42 circumvents the defrosting operation of the defrosting heater 32 that consumes a large electric power and the ice making operation of the automatic ice making device, for example, from 13 o'clock to 16 o'clock in the middle of the power demand spike. It operates between 1 and 4 in the middle of the night, where power demand is low. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the time zone of the peak of the power demand, and contribute to the large-scale power failure or the avoidance of the planning blackout.

The user operates the operating device 50 and executes the temperature of each storage compartment Switching of settings or operation modes, etc. The operation device 50 is assembled inside the refrigerator compartment door 33. The operation device 50 is configured as a so-called touch sensor type. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the operation device 50 has a part of the outer surface of the outer panel 40 of the refrigerating compartment door 33 as the operation region 402 and the display region 403.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of first operation portions 51 and second operation portions 52 are provided in the operation region 402. The first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 52 include characters and graphic portions for displaying the object and content of the operation. A plurality of display portions 53 are provided in the display area 403. The display unit 53 includes characters and graphic portions for displaying the current setting contents of the refrigerator 10. The first operation portion 51 and the display portion 53 are represented by means of correspondingly and emitting light so that the first operation portion 51 appears on the operation region 402 and the display portion 53 appears on the display region 403. By operating the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 52, the user sets the operation content of the refrigerator 10 and the like, and recognizes the current setting content and the like by seeing the display unit 53 displayed on the display area 403.

Specifically, the operation device 50 includes a printing member 54, a capacitance sensor 55, and a device body 56 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 3. The printing member 54 is composed of a rectangular plate-like member and is connected to the inner side of the outer panel 40. The printing member 54 has a plurality of first operation portion printing portions 541 corresponding to the first operation portion 51 and a plurality of display portion printing portions 542 corresponding to the display portion 53. The first operation unit printing unit 541 includes characters and graphics corresponding to the first operation unit 51, and the display unit printing unit 542 includes characters and graphics corresponding to the display unit 53. In the printing member 54, the first operation portion printing portion 541 and the display portion printing portion 542 are translucent, and the first operation portion is used for the first operation portion. The printing portion 541 and the portion other than the printing portion 542 for display portion have light blocking properties. In this case, the printing member 54 is made of a light-shielding paint, and the first operation portion printing portion 541 and the display portion printing portion 542 are so-called white for a plate material having a translucent glass or a transparent resin. Printed by.

The electrostatic sensor 55 is composed of a plate-like member having light transmissivity. The electrostatic sensor 55 has a detecting portion 57 as a detecting electrode for detecting a change in capacitance. The detecting unit 57 includes a plurality of first operation portion detecting portions 571 corresponding to the first operation portion 51 and one second operation portion detecting portion 572 corresponding to the second operation portion 52. The electrostatic sensor 55 detects a user's touch operation by detecting a change in capacitance between the detecting portion 57 and the user, for example, a finger. In this case, the first operation unit detecting unit 571 detects the touch operation of the first operation unit 51 via the printing member 54 and the outer panel 40. Similarly, the second operation unit detecting unit 572 detects the touch operation of the second operation unit 52 via the printing member 54 and the outer panel 40.

As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus body 56 includes a circuit board 58 housed in a case 59. The circuit board 58 has a plurality of light source units 60 and an operation control unit 61 as shown in FIG. The light source unit 60 includes a plurality of first operation unit light source units 601 corresponding to the first operation unit 51 and a plurality of display unit light source units 602 corresponding to the display unit 53. The light source unit 60 includes, for example, an LED and is mounted on the circuit board 58. The light source unit 60 is separated from the printing member 54 and the capacitance sensor 55 in the thickness direction of the case 59 by the light shielding portion 591 formed in the case 59, and is shielded from light by the other light source unit 60 provided on the circuit board 58.

The operation control unit 61 includes a micro-electric device (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 58. Brain and so on. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation control unit 61 is connected to the main control unit 42, and is connected to the light source unit 60 and the detecting unit 57 of the capacitance sensor 55. The operation control unit 61 detects and processes the touch operation input to the capacitance sensor 55 and transmits it to the main control device 42, and controls lighting and turning off of the light source unit 60 based on an instruction from the main control device 42. In this case, the detecting unit 57 detects the touch operation of the user who executes the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 52 via the printing member 54 and the outer panel 40.

In the outer panel 40 of the refrigerating compartment door 33 in which the operating device 50 is assembled, a light transmitting region 404 is formed in a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The light transmitting region 404 is a region having a shape slightly smaller than the outer shape of the printing member 54. Since the light-transmitting region 404 is not provided with the light-shielding layer 401, the light-transmitting region 404 has light transmittance. The operation area 402 and the display area 403 are disposed in the light transmission area 404. Further, a second operation portion printing portion 405 for displaying the second operation portion 52 is provided in the light transmitting region 404. The second operation portion printing portion 405 is formed by printing a paint or the like having a light blocking property on the inner side of the outer panel 40. In this case, the light-transmitting region 404 has translucency in a portion other than the printing portion 405 for the second operation portion.

In this configuration, when the first operation unit is turned on by the light source unit 601, the light of the first operation unit light source unit 601 that is turned on passes through the detection unit 57 of the capacitance sensor 55 and the printing member 54. The first operation portion uses the printing portion 541 and the light transmitting region 404 of the outer panel 40. Thereby, the content of the first operation unit 51 corresponding to the light source unit 601 for the first operation unit (that is, the content of the first operation unit print unit 541) is displayed so as to appear on the outer panel 40. . Similarly, if the light source unit is used for the display unit When the light is turned on at 602, the light from the light source unit 602 of the display unit of the light is transmitted through the printing portion 542 for the display portion of the printing member 54 and the light transmitting region 404 of the outer panel 40. Thereby, the content of the display unit 53 of the display unit light source unit 602 (that is, the content of the display unit printing unit 542) corresponding to the lighted portion is displayed so as to appear on the outer panel 40. On the other hand, the content of the second operation unit 42 (that is, the content of the second operation unit printing unit 405) is always displayed on the outer panel 40.

Next, a specific configuration of the first operation unit 51, the second operation unit 52, and the display unit 53 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 . The plurality of first operation units 51 include a refrigerating operation unit 511 , a freezing operation unit 512 , a freezing function operation unit 513 , an ice making operation unit 514 , and a power saving operation unit 515 . When the first operation unit 51 is simply referred to, the refrigeration operation unit 511, the freezing operation unit 512, the freezing function operation unit 513, the ice making operation unit 514, and the power saving operation unit 515 are collectively referred to. Each of the first operation units 51 includes a character corresponding to the operation content and a circle surrounding the characters. The plurality of first operation portions 51 are arranged side by side on a straight line, that is, arranged in a vertical direction in the vertical direction.

The refrigerating operation unit 511 is configured to set the degree of cooling of the storage compartments 12 and 13 of the refrigerating temperature zone, and is configured to surround the “refrigerated” characters in a circular shape. The freezing operation unit 512 is configured to set the degree of cooling of the storage compartments 14 , 15 , and 16 of the freezing temperature zone, and is configured to surround the “frozen” character in a circular shape. The freezing function operation unit 513 is for setting the operation content of the upper freezing compartment 15 and is configured to surround the character of the "freezing function" in a circular shape. The ice making operation unit 514 is for setting the operation content of the ice making chamber 14, and is configured to surround the characters of "ice making" in a circular shape. The power saving operation unit 515 is used for the operation related to power saving The mode is set and is configured to surround the text of "power saving" in a circle.

Further, the second operation unit 52 is referred to as a home button, and is configured to be different from the type of the first operation unit 51, for example, a pattern portion in which the shape of the home is patterned. Also, the so-called type refers to a shape, a pattern or a color, or a combination of these. The second operation unit 52 is a determination of an operation content set by the operation of the first operation unit 51, and an invalidation (a so-called key lock) of the first operation unit 51, and the first operation unit 51. Start (so-called key lock release). The second operation portion 52 is provided at a position different from the upper side on the lead line of each of the first operation portions 51 arranged in a vertical line. In this case, the second operation portion 52 is arranged side by side in the vertical row on the lower side of the first operation portion 51 and each of the first operation portions 51.

The display unit 53 is arranged side by side on the left side of the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 52 and arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The plurality of display units 53 include, for example, an intensity display unit 531, a freezing function display unit 532, an ice making display unit 533, a power saving display unit 534, an eco mode display unit 535, and a key lock display unit 536. The intensity display portion 531 includes a circular portion that is equally divided into five in the circumferential direction, and a character portion that is "strong" or "weak". The intensity display unit 531 is located in the middle of the vertical direction of the refrigerating operation unit 511 and the freezing operation unit 512. The intensity display unit 531 corresponds to the refrigerating operation unit 511 and the freezing operation unit 512, and displays the degree of cooling of the storage compartments 12 and 13 of the refrigerating temperature zone or the storage compartments 14, 15, and 16 of the refrigerating temperature zone in five stages.

When the user performs a touch operation on the refrigerating operation unit 511, the intensity display unit 531 displays the strength of the cooling set by the storage compartments 12 and 13 of the refrigerating temperature zone. Thereafter, if the cold operation unit 511 is further touched, the intensity is marked. The number of displays of the circular portion of the display portion 531 is changed, and the cooling intensity of the storage compartments 12, 13 of the refrigerating temperature zone is changed. On the other hand, when the user performs a touch operation on the freezing operation unit 512, the intensity display unit 531 displays the strength of the cooling set by the storage compartments 14, 15, and 16 of the freezing temperature zone. When the freezing operation unit 512 is further touched, the number of the circular portions of the intensity display unit 531 is changed, and the cooling intensity of the storage chambers 14, 15, and 16 of the freezing temperature zone is changed.

The freezing function display unit 532 includes four types of characters: "immediate freezing", "hot food freezing", "vegetable freezing", and "drying". The freezing function display unit 532 is provided at a position at almost the same height as the freezing function operation unit 513 corresponding to the freezing function operation unit 513. When the user repeatedly performs the touch operation of the freezing function operation unit 513, the user switches to the state of "immediately freezing", the state of "hot food freezing", the state of "vegetable freezing", and the display of "drying". The state and the above-mentioned "immediate freezing", "hot food freezing", "vegetable freezing", and "drying" are not displayed. Thereby, the user selects the operation content of the upper freezing compartment 15 while performing the touch operation on the freezing function operation unit 513 while looking at the freezing function display unit 532. In this case, the operation contents displayed on the freezing function display unit 532 indicate an operation suitable for the case where "immediate freezing" is a case where the food is frozen faster than usual, and "hot food freezing" is heat. When the food is frozen, the "vegetable freezing" is a case where the raw vegetables are frozen, and the "drying" is a freezing to remove the moisture of the vegetables.

The ice making display unit 533 includes two types of "immediate ice making" and "closed ice making". section of writing. The ice making display unit 533 is provided at a position at almost the same height as the ice making operation unit 514 corresponding to the ice making operation unit 514. When the user repeatedly performs the touch operation of the ice making operation unit 514, the user switches to the state of "immediately making ice", the state of "closing ice making", and the "immediate ice making" and "closing system". The ice is not displayed. Thereby, the user selects the operation content of the ice making chamber 14 by performing a touch operation on the ice making operation unit 514 while looking at the ice making display unit 533. In this case, the operation contents displayed on the ice making display unit 533 are displayed in an operation suitable for the case where "immediate ice making" is performed by making ice faster than usual, and "closing ice making" is not Making ice.

The power saving display unit 534 includes three types of character portions of "power saving", "out of the room", and "shifting peak". The power-saving display unit 534 is provided at a position at almost the same height as the power-saving operation unit 515 corresponding to the power-saving operation unit 515. When the user repeats the touch operation of the power-saving operation unit 515, the state of "power saving" is displayed, the state of "outgoing ice making" is displayed, the state of "shifting peak" is displayed, and the "power saving", The status of "out of town" and "shifting peak" are not displayed. Thereby, the user performs a touch operation on the power-saving operation unit 515 while looking at the power-saving display unit 534, and sets the operation content related to the power-saving. In this case, the main control unit 42 shifts to the power saving mode if "power saving" is selected, and shifts to the outgoing mode if "out" is selected, and shifts to the peak shift mode when "shifting peak" is selected.

The eco mode display unit 535 is composed of a character portion of the "eco mode". The eco mode display unit 535 displays when the door is closed less and the cooling operation is stably performed. The key lock display portion 536 is composed of a graphic portion that patterns the shape of the button. The key lock display unit 536 is displayed when the first operation unit 51 is disabled and is in the key lock state.

Next, the control content related to the operation device 50 of the operation control unit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The operation control unit 61 has the normal mode shown in FIG. 7 and the standby mode shown in FIG. The normal mode is a state in which the operation control unit 61 receives a touch operation on the first operation unit 51, that is, the user can change the setting related to the operation of the refrigerator 10 by performing a touch operation on the first operation unit 51. The so-called key lock release state. The standby mode is a state in which the operation control unit 61 does not accept the touch operation on the first operation unit 51, that is, the so-called key lock state in which the user cannot change the setting related to the operation of the refrigerator 10. In the normal mode, when the second operation unit 52 is executed in the predetermined operation, or when the first operation unit 51 is not operated for a predetermined period, the operation control unit 61 switches to the standby mode. Further, in the standby mode, when the second operation unit 52 is executed in the predetermined operation, the operation control unit 61 switches to the normal mode.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the operation control unit 61 shifts to the normal mode, the first operation unit 51 is started in step S11 , and the operation control unit 61 receives the touch operation on the first operation unit 51 . Status (so-called key lock release status). At this time, the operation control unit 61 lights the first operation unit light source unit 601 and displays it on the first operation unit 51, and lights up the display unit light source unit 602 corresponding to the current setting content and displays it on the present The display unit 53 that displays the content of the setting.

Thereafter, in step 12, the presence or absence of the operation of the first operation unit 51 is detected. When the operation of the first operation portion 51 is not detected (in step S12, "No"), the process moves to step S14. On the other hand, when the operation of the first operation unit 51 is detected (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13 and the setting change process is performed. In the setting change processing, the operation control unit 61 performs lighting control on the display unit light source unit 602 in accordance with the operation input to the first operation unit 51, and displays the content of the selected display unit 53. In the setting change processing in step S13, the content selected by the operation of the first operation unit 51, that is, the content displayed on the display unit 53, is not reflected in the actual operation.

Thereafter, the operation control unit 61 determines the key lock operation and the determination of the setting change in steps S14 and S15. When the second operation unit 52 continues to operate for a predetermined period of time, for example, three seconds or more (YES in step S14), the operation control unit 61 changes the determination key lock and the setting change operation to step S16. On the other hand, when there is no continuous operation for 3 seconds or more in the second operation unit 52 in step S14 (NO in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15.

When the operation control unit 61 does not have a predetermined period of time for the second operation unit 52 (NO in step S14), and does not elapse a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds or longer, after the last operation of the first operation unit 51 (in In step S15, the operation control unit 61 determines that the operation of the first operation unit 51 has not been completed, and proceeds to step S12, and repeats steps S12 to S15. On the other hand, when the operation control unit 61 has performed the predetermined operation for the predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds or longer, that is, when the first operation unit 51 is not operated for 10 seconds or more (in step S15, it is YES). The operation control unit 61 determines that the operation of the first operation unit 51 has been completed, and shifts to step S16.

In step S16, the operation control unit 61 determines the content of the display unit 53 displayed on the display area 403 as the content after the setting change, and transmits the content after the setting change to the main control device 42. Thereby, the main control device 42 performs the operation by reflecting the operation contents after the setting change. Thereafter, the operation control unit 61 shifts to the standby mode shown in FIG.

When the operation control unit 61 shifts to the standby mode, first, the first operation unit 51 is deactivated in step S21, and the touch operation on the first operation unit 51 is not received (so-called key lock state). At this time, the operation control unit 61 controls the light source unit 60 to be displayed on the key lock display unit 536, and eliminates the display of the display unit 53 other than the first operation unit 51 and the key lock display unit 536. That is, in the key lock state, only the second operation portion 52 and the key lock display portion 536 are displayed in principle, and the eco mode display portion 535 is also displayed corresponding to the operation state of the refrigerator 10.

Thereafter, the operation control unit 61 detects in step S22 whether or not a predetermined operation is performed on the second operation unit 52. When the second operation unit 52 is not operated (NO in step S22), the operation control unit 61 repeats step S22 and maintains the key lock state by continuing the standby mode. On the other hand, when the second operation portion 52 is executed in the predetermined operation (YES in step S22), the operation control portion 61 shifts to the operation of the first operation portion 51 in order to release the key lock state and to the operation of the first operation portion 51. Normal mode. In this case, the predetermined operation for determining the key lock release in step S22 may be an instantaneous touch operation (so-called single-press operation) to the second operation unit 52, or may be a regulation of the second operation unit 52. During this period, for example, continuous operation of more than 3 seconds (so-called long press operation).

As such, the refrigerator 10 includes accepting settings for operating the refrigerator 10. The first operation unit 51 and the operation control unit 61 that controls switching between the normal mode and the standby mode, and the second operation unit 52 that receives an operation for switching from the standby mode to the normal mode. The operation control unit 61 does not receive the operation of the first operation unit 51 in the standby mode, and when the second operation unit 52 is operated in the standby mode, the operation control unit 61 switches to the reception of the first operation unit 51. The normal mode of operation. Therefore, even if a part of the user's body inadvertently contacts the first operation portion 51, the operation of the first operation portion 51 is not received in the standby mode, so that the erroneous operation on the first operation portion 51 can be reduced.

Further, the shift from the standby mode to the normal mode, that is, the operation of releasing the key lock, is performed on the second operation unit. That is, the operation of releasing the key lock does not restrict the second operation portion 52 to the plurality of first operation portions 51. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of accidentally performing the operation of releasing the key lock, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation.

Further, the second operation portion 52 for releasing the key lock is subjected to a predetermined operation, so that the so-called single-press operation can reduce the trouble of the unlocking operation as much as possible, and the so-called long-press operation can effectively reduce the cause. The key lock generated by the erroneous operation of the second operation unit 52 is released.

Further, the detection of the operations of the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 52 is performed using the capacitance sensor 55. In this way, the surface of the outer panel 40 of the refrigerating compartment door 33 provided with the operation device 50 can be made flat, and the design feeling of the door can be improved.

Further, the plurality of first operation portions 51 are arranged side by side in a vertical line on the lead line. In this way, the design of the arrangement of the plurality of first operation portions 51 can be made good. Here, in the case of the present embodiment, capacitance sensing is used for the detection of the first operation portion 51. Since the device 55 is attached to the first operation portion 51 due to the liquid, an erroneous operation may occur. Further, since the plurality of first operation portions 51 are arranged side by side in the vertical line on the lead line, the liquid may adhere to the upper side of the first operation portion 51, and the liquid may drip downward in the vertical direction along the surface of the outer panel 40. The first operation detecting unit 571 corresponding to the plurality of first operation units 51 arranged side by side in the vertical order is sequentially reacted to cause an erroneous operation. In this case, since the erroneous operation is caused to the plurality of first operation units 51, the setting contents that are completely different from the setting contents required by the user are arbitrarily changed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second operation portion 52 is provided at a position different from the upper side on the lead line of the plurality of first operation portions 51 arranged side by side in the vertical row. That is, the second operation portion 52 is not provided on the upper side of the lead line of the first operation portion 51. In this manner, even if the liquid adheres to the upper side of the first operation portion 51 and the liquid drops in the vertical downward direction along the surface of the outer panel 40, if the liquid does not drip to the second operation portion 52, the key lock state is not released. And the first operation portion 51 is not erroneously operated. Therefore, even if the first operation portion 51 is erroneously operated due to liquid adhesion, that is, the first operation portion 51 is configured to be disposed in the vertical direction using the capacitance sensor, it is possible to effectively reduce the erroneous operation due to the adhesion of the liquid. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the second operation portion 52 is arranged side by side in the vertical row on the lower side of the first operation portion 51 and the first operation portion 51. Therefore, when the liquid is dropped on the upper side of the first operation portion 51, the liquid does not drip until the second operation portion 52 is disposed in the relationship between the arrangement of the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 52. An operation unit 51. That is, the liquid does not contact the second operation portion 52 and is released from the first operation portion 51 after the key lock state is released. Therefore, the first operation portion 51 and the second portion can be The operation unit 52 is arranged in a vertical row and has a good design, and erroneous operation due to adhesion of liquid when the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 52 are arranged in a vertical row is effectively suppressed.

Further, the first operation portion 51 is a setting for operation related to power saving. In this case, the power-saving operation unit 515 functions as a power-saving mode, an outgoing mode, and a peak shift mode. In this way, the user can easily perform power saving by performing the touch operation on the power saving operation unit 515, and as a result, it is possible to contribute to the avoidance of large-scale power failure or planned power failure.

Further, the second operation unit 52 is configured to be clearly different from the type of the first operation unit 51. In the case of the present embodiment, the first operation portion 51 is in a shape in which the character portion is surrounded by a circle, and the second operation portion 52 is a pattern portion configured to pattern the shape of the home. In this way, the difference between the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 52 can be notified to the user's vision, so that the user can clearly distinguish the first operation portion 51 from the second operation portion 52. Thereby, the erroneous operation of the second operation unit 52 of the user can be more effectively reduced, and as a result, the erroneous operation of the first operation unit 51 can be more effectively reduced.

(Second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 .

In the second embodiment, the operation method of the second operation portion 52 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, the predetermined operation for releasing the key lock state in the standby mode is complicated as compared with the operation method of the first operation portion 51. In this case, as a prescribed operation, the user's finger is used to the left and right. A so-called slide operation that operates in a straight line in either direction or in the upper and lower directions. In Fig. 9, the user operates from the left side to the right side as a sliding operation. In this case, the second operation portion 52 is configured to surround the pattern patterned by the home in a long rectangular shape in the direction of the sliding operation. Further, the second operation detecting unit 572 of the capacitance sensor 55 is not illustrated in detail, and is configured to arrange the second operation detecting unit 572 that is divided into a plurality of pieces along the sliding operation direction. Further, the operation control unit 61 detects the content in which the sliding operation is performed by detecting the operation of sequentially switching the direction of the sliding operation by the second operation detecting unit 572 which is divided into a plurality of pieces.

In this way, the user can clearly distinguish between the predetermined operation of the second operation unit 52 for releasing the key lock state in the standby mode and the operation of the first operation unit 51, so that the first operation unit 51 and the user of the user can be reduced. The operation of the second operation unit 52 is incorrect.

Further, the predetermined operation for releasing the key lock state is a complicated operation with respect to the operation method of the first operation portion 51. Therefore, in order to operate the second operation unit 52 and release the key lock state, the user must operate the second operation unit 52 with a clear intention to operate the second operation unit 52. Therefore, for example, when the user wants to operate the first operation portion 51 but accidentally touches the second operation portion 52 or the like, it is possible to prevent the key lock state from being released as much as possible.

Further, in the second embodiment, in order to release the key lock state, it is not sufficient to merely touch the second operation portion 52, and it is necessary to perform a certain operation from the left to the right direction. Therefore, even when the liquid drops to the second operation portion 52, it is possible to prevent the second operation portion 52 from being operated as much as possible.

(Third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 .

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, mainly the operation method of the second operation portion 52 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, the predetermined operation for releasing the key lock state in the standby mode is complicated as compared with the operation method of the first operation portion 51. In this case, as a predetermined operation, a so-called wheel operation in which the user's finger is operated in the circumferential direction and operated is employed. In this case, the second operation unit 52 is configured to surround the pattern patterned by the home in two circles. In addition, the second operation detecting unit 572 of the capacitance sensor 55 is not illustrated in detail, and is configured to arrange the second operation detecting unit 572 that is divided into a plurality of pieces in the circumferential direction. Further, the operation control unit 61 detects the contents of the rotation operation by detecting the operation of sequentially switching the direction of the turning operation by the second operation detecting unit 572 which is divided into a plurality of pieces.

In this way, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the outer shape of the second operation portion 52 can be the same as the outer shape of the first operation portion 51, the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 52 can be arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction. Feeling and getting a good design sense.

(Fourth embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 .

In the fourth embodiment, the second operation portion 70 is included instead of the second operation portion 52. The detection methods of the operations of the second operation unit 70 and the first operation unit 51 are different. That is, the second operation portion 70 is a mechanical button type switch (switch). The second operation unit 70 is provided in the apparatus main body 56, and is exposed to the outer panel via the cutout portion 551 formed in the capacitance sensor 55, the window portion 543 formed on the printing material 54, and the window portion 406 formed on the outer panel 40. 40 surface. As described above, since the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 70 are clearly different in the detection method and the operation method of the operation, the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 70 can be more effectively reduced.

Further, the first operation portion 51 uses a capacitance sensor, and the second operation portion 70 uses a mechanical switch, so that the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 70 are operated, the necessary operation force of the user, and giving The user's touch can be completely different. Thereby, the user can distinguish the difference between the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 70 from both the visual and tactile sensations, and thus the erroneous operation of the first operation portion 51 and the second operation portion 70 can be more effectively reduced. Further, the second operation unit 70 may also use a resistive film switch or a pressure sensor.

(Fifth Embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 .

In the fifth embodiment, the second operation portion 71 is included instead of the second operation portions 52 and 70. The detection methods of the operations of the second operation unit 71 and the first operation unit 51 are different. That is, the detection of the operation of the second operation portion 71 by the second operation portion 71 is to use the non-contact sensor 72. The non-contact sensor 72 is, for example, an infrared sensor or an illuminance sensor or the like. In this case, the non-contact sensor 72 detects a change in external light via the outer panel 40.

As such, the operation of the second operating portion 71 is not limited to the direct contact with the second operation. The portion 71, that is, the outer panel 40, for example, is also possible to raise the hand to approach the second operation portion 71, and as a result, the operability associated with the second operation portion 71 can be improved.

Moreover, the detection of the operation of the first operation unit 51 is not limited to the capacitance sensor 55, and various sensations such as a pressure sensor or a resistive film switch, a mechanical switch, an infrared sensor, and an illuminance sensor may be employed. Detector or switch.

Further, the main control device 42 may be configured to include an operation control unit 61.

Further, the types of the first operation portion 51, the second operation portions 52, 70, 71, and the display portion 53 are not limited to the characters and figures in the above embodiments. Further, the functions and the like corresponding to the operation of the first operation unit 51 are not limited to the above embodiments. Further, the second operation portions 52, 70, and 71 are not limited to being arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the first operation portion 51, and may be disposed on the left side or the right side of the first operation portion 51.

Further, the second operation portion printing portion 405 may be provided in the printing member 54 without being provided on the outer panel 40.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the operation device 50 may also assemble any of the vegetable compartment door 34, the ice making compartment door 35, the upper freezing compartment door 36, and the lower freezing compartment door 37.

According to the configuration of the embodiment described above, in the standby mode in which the operation of the first operation portion is not received, when the second operation portion is operated, the operation control portion switches to receive the operation of the first operation portion. Normal mode. In this way, even if a part of the user's body or a liquid or the like accidentally touches the first operation portion, the operation of the first operation portion is not received in the standby mode, so that the erroneous operation of the first operation portion can be reduced. produce.

While a number of embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included within the scope thereof.

10‧‧‧ refrigerator

11‧‧‧Insulation box

12‧‧‧Refrigerator

13‧‧ ‧ vegetable room

14‧‧‧ ice making room

15‧‧‧Upper freezer

16‧‧‧lower freezer

33‧‧‧Refrigerator door

34‧‧‧ vegetable room door

35‧‧‧Ice door

36‧‧‧Upper freezer door

37‧‧‧lower freezer door

38‧‧‧Chain section

402‧‧‧Operating area

403‧‧‧Display area

51‧‧‧First Operation Department

52‧‧‧Second Operations Department

53‧‧‧Display Department

X3‧‧‧ section connection

Claims (11)

A refrigerator comprising: a heat insulating box having an opening; a door for opening and closing the opening; a first operating portion disposed at a front of the door and accepting an operation for changing a setting related to operation of the refrigerator; The control unit switches between the normal mode and the standby mode, wherein the normal mode receives an operation of the first operation unit, the standby mode does not receive an operation of the first operation unit, and the second operation unit is provided at the door The front side receives an operation for switching from the standby mode to the normal mode, wherein the operation control unit switches to the normal mode when the second operation unit is operated in the standby mode. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the operation of the first operation portion is performed using a capacitance sensor. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the operation of the second operation portion is performed using a capacitance sensor. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the second operation unit and the first operation unit is different. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the detection of the operation of the second operation portion is performed using a non-contact sensor. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the operation method of the second operation portion is different from the first operation portion. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first operation portions are plural, and the plurality of first operation portions are arranged side by side on a lead line, and the second operation portion is provided in the first operation portion The upper side of the lead line is not the same position. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit is a setting for operation related to the power saving. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the setting of the operation related to the power saving is a power saving mode that operates in a power saving manner compared to a content set by the user. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the setting of the operation related to the power saving is a peak shifting mode in which a time zone in which power consumption is maximized is shifted from a time zone in which power demand is urgent to a time zone in which the power consumption is tight. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the type of the second operation portion is different from the type of the first operation portion.