TWI471514B - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

refrigerator

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

In recent years, refrigerators used by users have become a mainstream refrigerators that are divided into a plurality of rooms (storage rooms) having different temperature zones due to diversification of eating and drinking life. Moreover, depending on the preference of the user, the various compartments of the refrigerator can be adjusted to set the temperature setting to be slightly lower or slightly higher. Further, there are many refrigerators equipped with a temperature switching chamber or the like which can be freely set from a refrigerating temperature of about 3 ° C to a freezing temperature of about -18 ° C.

In the refrigerator in which a plurality of chambers (storage chambers) are mounted as described above, the temperature setting of each chamber can be adjusted by an operation panel provided on the surface of the door of the refrigerator, etc., but when the switch for adjustment is provided in each chamber, the switch The number increases the number of rooms, and the operation becomes complicated, the operation panel becomes large, and a large installation space is required, which leads to an increase in cost.

Moreover, from a design point of view, since the operation panel and the installation space cannot be so large, in the case where the switch or the display element is increased, it is necessary to make the size or space of the average piece of characters and numbers smaller, which may cause visibility change. Poor or misoperation.

As a refrigerator in which the temperature adjustment switch is provided in each of the refrigerators as described above, it is proposed to separately provide the temperature display unit and the temperature setting switch in front of the door of the refrigerator compartment as the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In such a refrigerator, only one room is set by one switch operator, and only one temperature display portion is displayed for one room. Generally, the current internal temperature is displayed on the temperature display unit. However, in the above-described refrigerator, when the temperature setting switch is operated, the display of the internal temperature is temporarily canceled, and the target set temperature is displayed instead. After the set temperature is displayed, when the temperature setting switch is operated again, the temperature setting phase is adjusted to one stage. When the adjustment of the operation of the temperature setting switch is completed, when the switch is not set to the temperature for a fixed time or longer, the display returns to the temperature inside the library. By forming the operation panel having such a configuration, it is possible to display two kinds of information of the current internal temperature and the target set temperature in one display area, and as a result, the display area of the operation panel and the suppression of the size increase can be saved.

However, in the refrigerator as described above, a configuration is adopted in which a dedicated switch is provided for each chamber of the refrigerator. In this case, if the room to be set is increased, it is necessary to increase the amount of the switch by an increase, and the size of the operation panel is required. Become bigger. As a refrigerator that solves such a problem, there is a switch that has a built-in temperature, a set temperature, and an operating state of a plurality of rooms, such as a refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment, a switching compartment, or a freezer compartment, for each room, and After the switching switch is switched, the setting of the selected room, the indoor temperature, the set temperature, or the operating state can be displayed (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). In such a refrigerator, there is one screen for each room, and by switching the screen by using the changeover switch, since the content of one display can be restricted, the size and space of one piece can be made large. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a switch having a number of rooms, it is only necessary to switch the set temperature or the number of functions common to the respective chambers such as the setting of the rapid cooling, so that the operation panel caused by the increase in the switch can be suppressed. of Larger, more complicated, and more expensive.

[Advanced technical literature]

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2000-266454 (page 3, Figure 1)

[Patent Document 2] JP-A-2003-65654 (page 4, Figure 2)

In the refrigerator of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a changeover switch having a temperature, a set temperature, and an operation state of a plurality of chambers, such as a refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment, a switching compartment, or a freezer compartment, is switched to each of the refrigerators. When the changeover switch is switched, an operation panel such as a specific room setting, an indoor temperature, a set temperature, or an operation state can be displayed, thereby suppressing an increase in size, cumbersomeness, and cost of the operation panel.

However, since the switch for switching the screen of each room (storage room) is separated from the open relationship of the change temperature setting, it is difficult to know which circuit should be operated in which order.

Further, when the switch for switching the screen of each room or the switch for changing the temperature setting is operated, only the currently selected room and its setting information are displayed, so that it is difficult to know which switch can be operated by which switch.

The present invention has been developed in order to solve the problems as described above, and is a refrigerator which allows a user to recognize in which order a plurality of switches provided on an operation panel can be operated, and an operation panel can be improved. Operational.

Further, a refrigerator is provided which allows the user to recognize what kind of operation can be performed by the switch provided on the operation panel, and can improve the operability of the operation panel.

The refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a plurality of storage compartments; and an operation panel for performing operation setting of each storage compartment; wherein the operation panel comprises: a selection switch for selecting operation settings in the plurality of storage compartments a storage compartment; one or a plurality of setting switches for operating the storage compartment; and a selection room display section for displaying information of the storage compartment selected by the selection switch in the plurality of storage compartments; and setting the display section, The information indicating the operation setting of the storage room is displayed; and the information displayed on the selection room display unit and the setting display unit is sequentially displayed in response to the operation sequence of the selection switch and the setting switch.

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

First embodiment (constitution of refrigerator 1)

Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerator 1 is a storage compartment, and has a refrigerating compartment 2 at the uppermost stage, an ice-making compartment 3 on the left side when facing downward, a switching compartment 4 on the right side, and a freezing compartment below it. 5. Further, there is a configuration in which the vegetable compartment 6 is provided. The refrigerating compartment 2 is a structure having a hinged door of two left and right sides, and the operation panel 7 is provided on the left side surface toward the front side.

Further, the configuration of each of the storage compartments of the refrigerator 1 as described above may be exemplified as a storage compartment different from the above-described configuration, or may be a part of each of the storage compartments described above, and The storage method of these storage rooms is also not limited.

In addition, in the following description, each storage room may be referred to as a "room".

(Configuration of operation panel 7)

Fig. 2 is a view showing the configuration and display state of the operation panel of the first embodiment.

The second diagram (A) shows a state in which all of the display elements of the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10, which will be described later, are displayed on the operation panel 7.

As shown in Fig. 2(A), the operation panel 7 includes at least a switch unit 8 for performing various setting operations, a display unit 9 for displaying setting contents, and the like, and a switch for displaying the operation contents (meaning of the switch) of the switch. The display unit 10 is used.

The switch unit 8 is composed of at least a chamber selection switch 8a, a temperature adjustment switch 8b, an instantaneous freezing switch 8c, and an ice making switching OFF 8d.

The chamber selection switch 8a switches the selection of the chamber in which the operation is set in the plurality of chambers, and inputs the chamber input switching operation for causing the display unit 9 to display the setting contents and the like. In addition, the operation setting means the setting of the cooling operation in response to each room, such as the temperature adjustment setting, the instantaneous freezing function, and the setting of the automatic ice making function, which will be described later.

Further, the room selection switch 8a corresponds to the "selection switch" of the present invention.

The temperature adjustment switch 8b performs temperature adjustment of the chamber selected by the chamber selection switch 8a.

The instantaneous freezing switch 8c performs setting regarding the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4.

The ice making switch closing 8d implements the setting of the automatic ice making function of the ice making compartment 3.

Further, the temperature adjustment switch 8b, the instantaneous freezing switch 8c, and the ice making switching OFF 8d correspond to the "setting switch" of the present invention.

The display unit 9 is composed of at least the current selection room display 9a, the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d.

The selection room display 9a now displays information on the room selected by the plurality of rooms in the room selection switch 8a. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the names of the respective rooms are displayed so as to correspond to the arrangement positions of the respective rooms (storage rooms).

Further, the selection room display 9a now corresponds to the "selection room display unit" of the present invention.

In the temperature setting phase, 9b displays the temperature setting stages of each room such as "weak", "strong", "soft freezing", and "freezing".

Instant frozen display 9c shows the moment of switching room 4 such as "instant freezing" The setting status of the inter-freezing function.

The ice making setting display 9d is displayed in the ice making chamber 3 having the automatic ice making function, and generates a general ice, or generates a high transparency ice, or rapidly generates ice, or temporarily stops the automatic ice making function.

Further, the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d correspond to the "setting display unit" of the present invention.

The switch display unit 10 displays information on the operation content (meaning of the switch) of each switch so as to correspond to each of the switches of the switch unit 8.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), the switch display unit 10 is provided in the vicinity of the switch unit 8 (upper side), and is provided by the room selection switch display 10a, the temperature adjustment switch display 10b, and the instantaneous freeze switch display 10c. The ice making switch is composed of display 10d.

The room selection switch display 10a is used as the operation content of the room selection switch 8a, and "room selection" is displayed.

The temperature adjustment switch display 10b is used as the operation content of the temperature adjustment switch 8b, and "temperature adjustment" is displayed.

The instant freeze switch displays the operation content of the 10c system and displays "instantaneous freezing".

In the ice-making switching, the operation content of the display 10d system is displayed, and "ice making switching" is displayed.

Further, the display content of the switch display unit 10 is not limited to this, and any information indicating the operation contents of each switch may be used. For example, it may be a mark or a graphic.

Further, the second (B) diagram shows that the operation panel 7 is displayed on the display unit 9 and on. The state in which all of the display elements of the display unit 10 are turned off is turned off. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which only one of the switches is operated on the operation panel 7, or when the door of each room is opened or closed, and the display elements of the display unit 9 are only turned on for a predetermined period of time. With such a configuration, when the operation panel 7 is not used, the image shown in the second (B) diagram becomes inconspicuous, and as the door of the refrigerator 1 is assimilated, the operation panel 7 can be obtained inconspicuously. Advanced design.

Further, the configuration of the switch unit 8, the display unit 9, and the switch display unit 10 shown in Fig. 2 is exemplified, and a switch having another function or a display element for displaying other information may be employed.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation panel of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch switch 12 and the LED 13 are assembled on the surface of the substrate 11. The electronic cassette 14 is disposed to surround the touch switch 12 and the LEDs 13.

On the surface of the electronic cassette 14 on the opposite side of the substrate 11, a surface member 16 including a display surface 17 having erased characters is provided to form a surface of the operation panel 7.

Further, on the touch switch 12 (on the side opposite to the installation surface of the substrate 11), a button 15 for the operation portion penetrating the surface member 16 is provided, and the user presses the button 15 in the direction of the touch switch 12 to implement various types. Set the operation etc. The touch switch 12 and the push button 15 constitute the switches of the above-described switch unit 8.

The back surface of the surface element 16 is colored by printing or the like, and has a color and a thickness for blocking light. The display surface 17 of the erased character is configured such that the portion of the erased character becomes a blank or a lighter color than other portions.

When the LED 13 described above is turned on, the light of the LED 13 is transmitted only from the display surface 17 of the erased character, and the characters, numerals, patterns, and the like to be displayed are visualized. Further, when the LED 13 is turned off, the portion of the display surface 17 from which the character has been erased is not visible, and only the surface element 16 is seen to be in a display state.

In the operation panel 7, the LEDs 13 are provided for each character, numeral, or pattern to be individually displayed, and each of the LEDs 13 is turned on and off.

Further, the configuration of the operation panel 7 is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 may be configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the switch unit 8 may be configured by a touch switch provided above.

In the following description, in the case of the lighting of the display, it means that the light of the LED 13 is transmitted from the display surface 17 of the erased character by the lighting of the LED 13, and the light-off of the LED 13 is indicated when the display is turned off. Further, when the display unit 9 or the switch display unit 10 is configured by an LCD or another display device, the information is displayed on the display device corresponding to the "lighting of the display unit", and the information is not displayed on the display device. The lights are off."

(Operation steps of the operation panel 7)

Next, the operational steps of the operation panel 7 will be described.

Fig. 4 is a view showing a selection range and a change order of each setting of the operation panel of the first embodiment.

Further, each setting or switching sequence shown in FIG. 4 is exemplified, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the room selection switch 8a is pressed by the user's operation, the chamber is selected in the order shown in Fig. 4(a). Display 9a in the current selection room, display selected Information on the selection room.

Next, when the temperature adjustment switch 8b is pressed, the temperature setting of the selected chamber is changed in the order shown in Fig. 4(b). Display 9b in the temperature setting phase to display the temperature adjustment phase set for the selected chamber.

The instantaneous freezing switch 8c is a switch that is effective only when the selected chamber is the switching chamber 4. When the switching chamber 4 is selected by the operation room selection switch 8a, when the instantaneous freezing switch 8c is pressed, the switching chamber 4 is set to have an instantaneous freezing function in the order shown in Fig. 4(c). The display 9c is frozen in an instant, and the lighting/lighting is switched according to the presence or absence of the set instantaneous freezing function.

On the other hand, when the room other than the switching chamber 4 is selected by the operation room selection switch 8a, the operation of the instantaneous freezing switch 8c becomes invalid.

Further, when the switching operation of the instant freezing switch 8c is effective, the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c is turned on, and when the switching operation is invalid, the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c is turned off. Thereby, the user can recognize that the instant freezing switch 8c is ineffective.

The ice making compartment 3 has a room for automatic ice making function, and as a type of ice generation method, for example, there is a method of generating normal ice, generating high transparency ice, or rapidly generating ice.

The ice making switch is closed 8d, regardless of the result of the room selection, the setting of the ice making function of the ice making chamber 3 can be switched. When the ice making switch is turned off 8d, the setting of the ice making function is changed in the order shown in Fig. 4(d). In the ice making setting display 9d, the set ice making function is displayed.

In this manner, the respective open relationships of the operation panel 7 need to be operated in accordance with the set contents in a predetermined order.

That is, when the operation of changing the temperature setting of the arbitrary chamber is performed, the user first selects an arbitrary room based on the current selection room display 9a, and then operates the temperature adjustment switch 8b to set the desired temperature stage. Further, when the switching function is switched at the moment of switching the switching chamber 4, the user first selects the switching chamber 4 based on the current selection room display 9a, and then operates the instantaneous freezing switch 8c to set the presence or absence of the instantaneous freezing function.

On the other hand, among the switches of the operation panel 7, there are also switches that can be operated all the time.

That is, in the case where the setting of the ice making function of the ice making compartment 3 is changed, the user operates the ice making switching off 8d regardless of the selection of the room, and selects the desired ice making function.

(display operation of operation panel 7)

Next, a description will be given of a display operation in which the user recognizes the operation sequence of the switches provided on the operation panel 7 on the operation panel 7 having such a configuration.

[When all lights are off]

First, the operation of the switch unit 8 when the display is turned off (when not displayed) will be described, and the display will start lighting.

In addition, when all the lights are turned off, for example, when the switch unit 8 is operated last time, when there is no operation for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), in order to save power or to improve the creativity, all the displays are turned off.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the first example).

As shown in Fig. 5(A), when all the switches of the switch unit 8 are operated when all the lights are turned off, as shown by the dotted line b in Fig. 5(B), first, Only the current selection room display 9a of the display unit 9 and only the room selection switch display 10a of the switch display unit 10 are displayed (lighted).

The current selection room display 9a and the room selection switch are displayed by the display 10a, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the remaining display of the display unit 9 is displayed as indicated by the dotted line c of the fifth (C) diagram ( Temperature setting stage display 9b, instantaneous freeze display 9c and ice making setting display 9d), and remaining display of the switch display unit 10 (temperature adjustment switch display 10b, instantaneous freeze switch display 10c, and ice switching switch) Display 10d) display (lighting).

In this manner, by directly displaying (lighting) the current selection room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a, it is possible to visually notify the user of the operation of the room selection that was originally performed.

Explain other examples of display operations when all are turned off.

Fig. 6 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the second example).

As shown in Fig. 6(A), when all of the switches are turned off, if any one of the switches 8 is operated, as shown by the dotted line b in Fig. 6(B), first, only the display unit 9 is present. The selection room displays 9a display (lighting). Then, the current selection room display 9a is displayed, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c of the sixth drawing (C), only the room selection switch display 10a is displayed in the switch display unit 10. (lighting).

The room selection switch is displayed on the display 10a, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the remaining display of the display unit 9 is displayed as indicated by the dotted line d of the sixth (D) diagram (the temperature setting phase is displayed 9b, Instant freeze display 9c and ice making settings display 9d) display (lighting).

When the remaining display of the display unit 9 is performed, after the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the remaining display of the switch display unit 10 is displayed as indicated by the dotted line e of the sixth (E) diagram (temperature adjustment) The switch display 10b, the instantaneous freeze switch display 10c, and the ice-making switching-off display 10d) are displayed (lighting).

In this manner, the switch display unit 10 can be displayed (lighted) after being delayed by the predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds) with respect to the display unit 9, and the display unit 9 indicating the state and the operation content of the switch can be clearly distinguished (meaning) The switch display unit 10 is used.

Explain other examples of display operations when all are turned off.

Fig. 7 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the third example).

As shown in Fig. 7(A), when all the switches are turned off, if any one of the switches 8 is operated, as shown by the dotted line b in Fig. 7(B), first, only the display unit 9 is present. The selection room display 9a and the switch selection display unit 10 display (lighting) only the room selection switch display 10a.

The current selection room display 9a and the room selection switch are displayed by the display 10a, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c of the seventh figure (C), the temperature setting stage of the display unit 9 is displayed 9b. And the temperature adjustment switch of the switch display unit 10 is displayed (lighted) by the display 10b.

Then, the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are displayed, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the remaining portion of the display unit 9 is displayed as indicated by the dotted line d of the seventh (D) diagram. Display (instant freeze display 9c and ice making setting display 9d) and remaining display of switch display unit 10 (instantial freeze switch display 10c and ice switchover display 10d) (lighting).

In this manner, first, the current selection room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a are turned on, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are turned on. After a predetermined period of time (about 0.5 second), the instantaneous freeze display 9c, the ice making setting display 9d, the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c, and the ice making switching off display 10d are turned on.

Explain other examples of display operations when all are turned off.

Fig. 8 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the fourth example).

As shown in Fig. 8(A), when any of the switches 8 are operated when all the lights are turned off, the display unit 9 is caused as indicated by the dotted line b1 and the dotted line b2 in Fig. 8(B). Only the current selection room display 9a and the ice making setting display 9d, and only the room selection switch display 10a and the ice making switching OFF display 10d are displayed (lighting) in the switch display unit 10.

Then, after a predetermined period of time (about 0.5 second), as shown by the dotted line c of the eighth figure (C), the temperature setting stage display 9b in the display unit 9 and the temperature adjustment switch display of the switch display unit 10 are displayed. 10b display (lighting).

The temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are displayed, and after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line d of the eighth figure (D), the display unit 9 is frozen and displayed 9c, And the instantaneous freeze switch display 10c of the switch display unit 10 is displayed (lighted).

The ice making setting is as described above, because the ice making setting can be switched regardless of the result of the chamber selection, so as shown in Fig. 8, the current selection room is displayed. 9a. When the room selection switch is turned on by the display 10a, the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making switching off display 10d can be simultaneously turned on. Thereby, it is possible to visually notify the user that the ice making switching is performed 8d.

Further, in the above description, the predetermined time for the display (lighting) shift is set to about 0.5 second, but the time may be arbitrary. When the time is too short, due to the illusion of the human eye, there are cases where it is impossible to identify the sequential display, and there are also cases of missing. Moreover, when the time is too long, it feels a strange feeling, because it may be considered as a malfunction, so it can be said that about 0.1 to 1 second is an appropriate value.

[When lighting]

Next, the operation when the operation room selection switch 8a is operated when the lighting is displayed will be described.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: first example).

As shown in Fig. 9(A), when the selection state of the switching chamber 4 is displayed in the current selection room display 9a, if the operation room selection switch 8a is operated, as shown by the dotted line b1 in Fig. 9(B), the room is now selected. The display 9a is moved to the display of the freezer compartment 5 below the system switching room 4 to "freeze". At this time, as shown by the dotted line b2 in Fig. 9(B), the display of the current selection room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a is temporarily turned off.

Then, after the light is turned off, when the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c1 and the dotted line c2 in Fig. 9(C), the display of the light-off is restarted (the temperature setting phase is displayed 9b and the temperature is adjusted). The switch display 10b, and the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making switching off display 10d).

In this way, after the operation room selects the switch 8a, the display is turned off, and A display corresponding to the switch to be operated next is performed, whereby the user can be visually notified of the subsequent operation after the room selection operation.

At this time, as described above, since the instantaneous freezing switch 8c is effective only in the switching chamber 4, the instantaneous freezing display 9c and the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c are not lit. When the freezer compartment 5 is selected, the operation system for notifying the instantaneous freeze switch display 10c is invalid.

Explain other examples of display operations when lighting.

Fig. 10 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: the second example).

As shown in Fig. 10(A), when the selection state of the switching chamber 4 is displayed in the current selection room display 9a, if the operation room selection switch 8a is operated, as shown by the dotted line b1 in Fig. 10(B), the room is now selected. The display 9a is moved to the display of the freezer compartment 5 below the system switching room 4 to "freeze". At this time, as shown by the dotted line b2 in Fig. 10(B), the display other than the current display room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a is temporarily turned off.

After the light is turned off, when the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, first, as shown by the dotted line c of the 10th (C) figure, only the temperature setting phase display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b restart point are displayed in the light-off display. light.

Then, when a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line d of the 10th (D) diagram, the display of the ice-off setting display 9d and the ice-making switching-off display 10d are restarted.

In this manner, when the display of the light-off is restarted, first, the temperature setting phase display 9b corresponding to the subsequent operation of the chamber selection switch 8a and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are turned on, and the predetermined time elapses. (approximately After 0.5 seconds), other displays (the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making switching off display 10d) are turned on.

Explain other examples of display operations when lighting.

Fig. 11 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: the third example).

As shown in Fig. 11(A), when the selection state of the switching chamber 4 is displayed in the current selection room display 9a, if the operation room selection switch 8a is operated, as shown by the dotted line b1 in Fig. 11(B), the room is now selected. The display 9a is moved to the display of the freezer compartment 5 below the system switching room 4 to "freeze". At this time, as shown by the dotted lines b1 and b3 in Fig. 11(B), the current selection room display 9a, the room selection switch display 10a, the ice making setting display 9d, and the ice making switching off display 10d are provided. The display (dotted line b2) is temporarily turned off.

Then, after the light is turned off, when the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c of the 11th (C) diagram, the temperature setting phase display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b are turned on again. .

Further, since the freezing compartment 5 is selected here, as described above, the instantaneous freezing display 9c and the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c are not turned on.

Since the ice making setting is operable regardless of the room display, as shown in Fig. 11, when the operation room selection switch 8a is selected, the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making switching closing display 10d are turned off, and still Light up. Thereby, it is possible to visually notify the user that the ice making switching is performed 8d.

(effect)

As described above, in the present embodiment, the information displayed on the display unit 9 is sequentially displayed in response to the operation sequence of the switches of the switch unit 8.

Therefore, the user can recognize what kind of operation can be performed on each switch provided to the switch unit 8 of the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the switch display unit 10 that displays information on the operation contents of the switches is provided in accordance with each of the switches of the switch unit 8, and the operation sequence of each switch of the switch unit 8 is used. The information displayed on the display unit 10 for the switch is displayed in order.

Therefore, the user can recognize what kind of operation can be performed on each switch provided to the switch unit 8 of the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information of the operation content corresponding to the switch operating in the inactive state is not displayed in the information of the operation contents of the switches of the switch display unit 10.

Therefore, in the case where there is an invalid operation, the user can be identified as being inoperable, and the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the switch display unit 10 that displays the operation contents of the switches is provided so as to correspond to each of the switches of the switch unit 8. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the switch display may be omitted. Department 10. For example, the operation content may be printed in the vicinity of the switch unit 8.

Even in such a configuration, by displaying the information displayed on the display unit 9 in order, the user can recognize what kind of operation can be performed on each switch of the switch unit 8 provided on the operation panel 7, and the operation of the operation panel can be improved. Sex.

Second embodiment

In the second embodiment, the information that can be selected and set by the switch unit 8 can be displayed for a predetermined period of time during the transition of the display.

Further, the configuration of the refrigerator 1 and the operation panel 7 of the second embodiment The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[When all lights are off]

First, the operation of the switch unit 8 when the display is turned off (when not displayed) will be described, and the display will start lighting.

Fig. 12 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the second embodiment (when all are turned off).

As shown in Fig. 12(A), when any of the switches 8 are operated when all the lights are turned off, as shown by the dotted line b in Fig. 12(B), first, only the display unit 9 is placed. The selection room display 9a and the room selection switch are now displayed (lighting) with the display 10a. At this time, regarding the current selection room display 9a, not only the room selected at that time but also all the rooms selected by the room selection switch 8a ("refrigeration", "switching", "freezing", "vegetable") are selected. The display lights up.

Then, when the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c1 of the 12th (C) figure, the display of the room "switch" selected by the room selection switch 8a is turned on with respect to the current selection room display 9a. In addition, the lights are turned off.

At the same time, as shown by the dotted line c2, the remaining display of the display unit 9 (the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d) and the remaining portion of the switch display unit 10 are provided. The display (the temperature adjustment switch display 10b, the instantaneous freeze switch display 10c, and the ice-making switching-off display 10d) is turned on. When the remaining display of the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 is turned on, not only the display selected at that time but also the display that can be set is turned on.

Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 seconds), as shown in Figure 12(D) As shown by the dotted lines d1 and d2, the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are turned off in accordance with the display corresponding to the setting state.

Further, in the examples of the twelfth (C) and (D), the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d are simultaneously turned on, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be the same as in the first embodiment. According to the operation steps, the displays are sequentially turned on.

[When lighting]

Next, the operation when the operation room selection switch 8a is operated when the lighting is displayed will be described.

Fig. 13 is a view showing the operation (at the time of lighting) of the operation panel of the second embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 13(A), when the selection state of the switching chamber 4 is displayed in the current selection room display 9a, if the operation room selection switch 8a is operated, as shown by the dotted line b1 in Fig. 13(B), the room is now selected. The display 9a is moved to the display of the freezer compartment 5 below the system switching room 4 to "freeze". At this time, as shown by the dotted line b2 in Fig. 13(B), the display other than the current display room display 9a and the room selection switch display 10a is temporarily turned off.

Then, after the light is turned off, when the predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, as shown by the dotted line c of the 13th (C) figure, the display of the light-off is restarted (the temperature setting stage display 9b and the temperature adjustment switch display 10b) And the ice making setting display 9d and the ice making switch off display 10d). At this time, not only the selected display but also all of the settable displays are turned on.

Then, after a predetermined time (about 0.5 second) elapses, the display unit 9 and the switch display unit 10 are arranged corresponding to the dotted line d of the thirteenth (D) diagram. The display of the fixed state is turned off.

Further, in the example of the thirteenth (C) and (D), the temperature setting stage display 9b, the instantaneous freezing display 9c, and the ice making setting display 9d are simultaneously turned on, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be the same as in the first embodiment. According to the operation steps, the displays are sequentially turned on.

(effect)

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the information displayed on the display unit 9 is sequentially displayed in accordance with the operation sequence of the switches of the switch unit 8, all the information to be selected or set by the switch of the switch unit 8 can be selected. After the predetermined time is displayed, the information selected or set by the switch unit 8 is displayed.

Therefore, the user can recognize what kind of operation can be performed by the switches provided in the switch unit 8 of the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel 7 can be improved.

Third embodiment

In the third embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of types of operation settings are operated by one switch will be described.

Fig. 14 is a view showing the configuration and display state of the operation panel of the third embodiment.

In the fourteenth diagram, the state in which the display elements of the display panel 9 and the switch display unit 10 are displayed on the operation panel 7 is turned on.

As shown in Fig. 14, the operation panel 7 of the third embodiment has a quick display 9e close to the instantaneous freeze display 9c of the display unit 9 in addition to the configuration (second diagram) of the first embodiment.

Moreover, the display for the instant freezing switch having the display unit 10 for the switch The 10c close to the quench switch shows 10e.

The rapid display 9e shows the setting status of the cooling function of the freezing compartment 5.

The display 10e of the rapid-cooling switch is used as the operation content of the instant freezing switch 8c, and displays "quick cooling".

In addition, when the instantaneous refrigerating switch 8c of the present embodiment is in the selection switching chamber 4, as a switching operation for switching the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4, when the room other than the switching chamber 4 is selected, the switching is quenched. The switching action of the function.

In this manner, the instantaneous freezing switch 8c operates a plurality of types of operation settings in response to the chamber selected by the borrowing chamber selection switch 8a.

Further, the rapid display 9e corresponds to the "setting display unit" of the present invention.

The configuration of the refrigerator 1 and the other components of the operation panel 7 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The operation of the operation panel 7 configured as described above will be described.

Fig. 15 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the third embodiment (when the switching chamber is selected).

As shown in Fig. 15(A), when the switching chamber 4 is selected by the borrowing chamber selection switch 8a, since the operation of the instantaneous freezing function of the switching chamber 4 is effective, the instantaneous freezing switch display 10c is turned on and quenched. The switch is turned off with the display 10e. At this time, the freeze switch 8c is operated every time, and as shown by the dotted line a of the 15th (A) and the dotted line b of the 15th (B) figure, the lighting/lighting of the instantaneous freeze display 9c is switched.

Figure 16 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the third embodiment (selection Figure of the freezer compartment).

As shown in the 16th (A), when the room selection switch 8a selects a room other than the switching chamber 4 (for example, the freezing compartment 5), since the instantaneous freezing function becomes invalid and the quenching function becomes effective, the instantaneous freezing switch is used. The display 10c is turned off, and the quench switch is turned on with the display 10e. At this time, the freeze switch 8c is operated every time, and as shown by the dotted line a of the 16th (A) and the dotted line b of the 16th (B) figure, the lighting/lighting of the rapid display 9e is switched.

Further, in the examples of Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the two functions of the instantaneous freeze display 9c and the rapid display 9e are distinguished based on the result of the current selection of the room display 9a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more functions may be switched. Further, it is not limited to the instant freezing function or the quenching function, and other functions may be designated.

(effect)

As described above, in the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of setting switches operates a plurality of types of operation settings in response to the chamber selected by the borrowing chamber selection switch 8a. On the other hand, the switch display unit 10 displays information on the operation contents of the setting switches for operating a plurality of types of operation settings in response to the room selected by the borrowing room selection switch 8a.

Therefore, one switch of the switch portion 8 can have a plurality of kinds of operation contents (meaning) without newly adding a switch to each function. Further, depending on the selection state of the room or the like, the user can be notified of a function that can be performed by performing a plurality of types of operation settings.

Therefore, the user can be made to recognize what kind of operation can be performed by the switch provided on the operation panel 7, and the operability of the operation panel 7 can be improved.

Fourth embodiment

In the fourth embodiment, the operation of the room selection switch 8a is described, and the mode of the operation setting is selected in accordance with the opening and closing of the doors of the respective chambers (storage chambers).

Fig. 17 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 17, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has a door opening and closing detecting means 18 for opening and closing the door detection doors.

The refrigerating compartment door opening and closing detecting means 18a detects the opening and closing of the door of the refrigerating compartment 2.

The ice making compartment door opening and closing detecting means 18b detects the opening and closing of the door of the ice making compartment 3.

The switching chamber door opening and closing detecting means 18c detects opening and closing of the door of the switching chamber 4.

The freezing compartment door opening and closing detecting means 18d detects the opening and closing of the door of the freezing compartment 5.

The vegetable compartment door opening and closing detecting means 18e detects the opening and closing of the vegetable compartment 6 door.

In addition, the other configuration of the refrigerator 1 and the configuration of the operation panel 7 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, and the same reference numerals are given to the same portions.

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

[No door opening and closing]

First, the display operation in the case where there is no door opening and closing will be described.

Fig. 18 is a view showing the operation (no door opening and closing) of the operation panel of the fourth embodiment.

After the operation is performed on the switch unit 8 of the operation panel 7 (Fig. 18(A)), when there is no operation for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), the display unit 9 and the switch are used to save power or to improve creativity. The display of all of the display unit 10 is turned off (Fig. 18(B)).

At this time, the room selected by 9a will be displayed in advance by the current selection room (for example, The information of the refrigerator compartment 2) is stored in a memory device (memory or the like) (not shown). When any of the switches of the switch unit 8 is operated, the current selection room display 9a is displayed from the last selected room (refrigerator 2). The display of the display starts lighting (Fig. 18(C)).

[With door opening and closing]

Next, a description will be given of a display operation in the case where the door is opened and closed when all the displays of the operation panel 7 are turned off.

Fig. 19 is a view showing the operation of the operation panel of the fourth embodiment (the opening and closing of the switching chamber door).

After the operation is performed on the switch unit 8 of the operation panel 7 (Fig. 19(A)), when there is no operation for a predetermined time (about 30 seconds), the display unit 9 and the switch are provided for power saving or for improvement of creativity. The display of all of the display unit 10 is turned off (Fig. 19(B)). At this time, the information of the room (for example, the refrigerator compartment 2) selected by the current selection room display 9a is memorized in a memory device (memory or the like) not shown.

Here, for example, when the door of the switching chamber 4 is opened and closed, the switching chamber door opening/closing detecting means 18c detects opening and closing of the door of the switching chamber 4. When the switching panel door opening/closing detecting means 18c detects the opening and closing of the door of the switching chamber 4, the operation panel 7 changes the memory chamber from the refrigerating chamber 2 to the switching chamber 4 (Fig. 19(C)).

Then, when any one of the switches 8 is operated, the current selection room display 9a is turned on from the display of the memory room (switching chamber 4) (Fig. 19(D)). Further, the display operation is the same as that of any of the first to third embodiments described above.

In this way, in the fourth embodiment, when there is a door opening and closing, The operation panel 7 replaces the operation of the room selection switch 8a, and selects a room in which the door opening and closing detection means 18 detects the opening and closing of the door as a room for performing operation setting.

Further, in the example of Fig. 19, the operation of opening and closing the door according to the switching chamber 4 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the opening and closing of each door is detected, the memory room is changed to open and close with a door. Room.

In addition, not only the case where the lights are turned off but also the opening and closing of the doors when the lighting is displayed may change the selected room into a room with the door opening and closing, but in this case, The operation of the switch unit 8 is also switched every time the door is opened and closed, and it is preferable to limit the light to be turned off because it may cause confusion to the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the door opening/closing detecting means 18 is provided for all the rooms will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to detect the opening and closing of at least one of the doors of the respective rooms. In this case, the above-described actions can also be performed in the room where the door can be opened and closed.

Further, the room in which the door opening/closing detecting means 18 is provided may not be implemented in all of the rooms, and the memory room may be changed in the case where only a specific room (for example, the switching room 4) has a door opening and closing.

(effect)

As described above, in the present embodiment, the door opening and closing detecting means 18 for detecting the opening and closing of the doors of the respective chambers is provided, and the operation panel 7 is used instead of the operation of the chamber selection switch 8a, and the door opening and closing detecting means 18 is selected to be detected. The room where the door is opened and closed is used as a room for setting the operation.

Therefore, when the operation panel 7 is operated after the door is opened and the operation of the food or the like is performed, since it is not necessary to select the chamber by the switch unit 8, it is possible to operate Steps are omitted. Therefore, the operability of the operation panel can be improved.

1‧‧‧ refrigerator

2‧‧‧Refrigerator

3‧‧‧ ice making room

4‧‧‧Switching room

5‧‧‧Freezer

6‧‧ ‧ vegetable room

7‧‧‧Operator panel

8‧‧‧Switch Department

8a‧‧‧ room selection switch

8b‧‧‧temperature adjustment switch

8c‧‧‧ Instant freezing switch

8d‧‧‧Ice switching

9‧‧‧Display Department

9a‧‧‧Select room display now

9b‧‧‧ Temperature setting stage display

9c‧‧‧ Instant frozen display

9d‧‧‧Ice setting display

9e‧‧‧Quick display

10‧‧‧Switch display unit

10a‧‧‧ room selection switch display

10b‧‧‧Display for temperature adjustment switch

10c‧‧‧Instantaneous freeze switch display

10d‧‧‧Ice switch

10e‧‧‧Quick switch display

11‧‧‧Substrate

12‧‧‧Touch switch

13‧‧‧LED

14‧‧‧Electronic box

15‧‧‧ button

16‧‧‧ Surface components

17‧‧‧ Display surface

18‧‧‧ Door opening and closing detection means

18a‧‧‧Retirement door opening and closing detection means

18b‧‧‧Ice door opening and closing detection means

18c‧‧‧ Switching door opening and closing detection means

18d‧‧‧Freezer door opening and closing detection means

18e‧‧ ‧ vegetable room door opening and closing detection means

Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

The second (A) and (B) drawings are diagrams showing the configuration and display state of the operation panel of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation panel of the first embodiment.

4(a) to 4(d) are views showing a selection range and a change order of each setting of the operation panel of the first embodiment.

The fifth (A) to (C) drawings are diagrams showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the first example).

6(A) to 6(E) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the second example).

7(A) to (D) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the third example).

8(A) to (D) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (when all are turned off: the fourth example).

(A) to (C) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: the first example).

10(A) to (D) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: the second example).

11(A) to (C) are diagrams showing the operation of the operation panel of the first embodiment (at the time of lighting: the third example).

12(A) to (D) are diagrams showing the operation panel of the second embodiment Diagram of (when all lights are off).

13(A) to (D) are views showing the operation (at the time of lighting) of the operation panel of the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a view showing the configuration and display state of the operation panel of the third embodiment.

15(A) and (B) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the third embodiment (when the switching chamber is selected).

16(A) and (B) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the third embodiment (when the freezer compartment is selected).

Fig. 17 is a schematic front view of the refrigerator of the fourth embodiment.

18(A) to (C) are views showing the operation (no door opening and closing) of the operation panel of the fourth embodiment.

19(A) to (D) are views showing the operation of the operation panel of the fourth embodiment (the opening and closing of the switching chamber door).

Claims (7)

A refrigerator comprising: a plurality of storage compartments; and an operation panel for performing operation settings of the storage compartments; wherein the operation panel comprises: a selection switch for selecting an operation setting in the plurality of storage compartments a switch of the storage compartment; one or a plurality of setting switches, which are switches for operating the operation of the storage compartment; and a selection room display section for displaying information of the storage compartment selected by the selection switch in the plurality of storage compartments a display unit; and a display unit for displaying information for setting the operation of the storage room by the setting switch; and the selection display unit and the display unit in response to the operation sequence of the selection switch and the setting switch; In the setting display unit, information is displayed only on the display unit corresponding to the switch to be operated at the beginning of the operation sequence, and then information is displayed on the display unit corresponding to the switch to be operated in the next step of the operation sequence. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel has a display portion for displaying a display of information indicating an operation content of each switch in a manner corresponding to each of the selection switch and the switch of the setting switch. In accordance with the operation sequence of the selection switch and the setting switch, In the use display unit, information is displayed only on the display unit corresponding to the switch to be operated at the beginning of the operation sequence, and then information is displayed on the display unit corresponding to the switch to be operated in the next step of the operation sequence. The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation panel is: when the display of the selection room display portion is performed in response to the operation sequence of the selection switch and the setting switch, the selection switch is selected The information of all the storage rooms shows the information of the storage room selected by the selection switch after a predetermined time. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation panel is: when the display of the setting display unit is performed in response to the operation sequence of the selection switch and the setting switch, the setting switch is selected The information of all the operation settings shows the information of the operation settings set by the setting switch after a predetermined time. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the operation panel does not display information of an operation content corresponding to a switch that is operated in an invalid state in information of an operation content of each switch of the switch display portion. The refrigerator of claim 2 or 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of setting switches operates a plurality of operation settings according to a storage room selected by the selection switch; the display portion of the switch is adapted to Selecting a storage chamber selected by the switch to display the operation contents of the setting switch for operating a plurality of operation settings News. The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerator has a door opening and closing detecting means for detecting opening and closing of at least one of the doors of the storage rooms; the operation panel is used to replace the operation of the selection switch, and the door is selected to be borrowed The opening and closing detecting means detects the opening and closing of the storage compartment of the door as a storage compartment for setting the operation.