JP6283814B2 - Refrigerator and display system in refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator capable of photographing foodstuffs in a storage room such as a refrigerator room and confirming the storage status with a display terminal and the like, and a display system in the refrigerator.

  In general, many types of refrigerators and refrigerated display systems of this type have been proposed. For example, in the refrigerator and the refrigerated display system described in Patent Document 1, a small camera is provided in a storage room such as a refrigerated room, and the storage state of food in the storage room photographed by the small camera is carried via an Internet line. It can be confirmed by a display terminal such as a telephone.

JP 2002-236798 A

  However, many refrigerators and their refrigerated display systems of this type have been proposed, that is, refrigerators and their refrigerated display systems in which food in the storage room is photographed and the storage status can be checked with a display terminal or the like. However, none has been specifically examined according to the storage structure of a specific storage room.

  The inventors pay attention to the above-described refrigerator and its refrigerated display system, in particular, a partition wall that partitions a specific storage room, and there are many practical problems that must be solved for practical use. I found that there was a problem.

  In other words, when the conventional partition wall is used as it is, there is a limit to the field of view and the irradiation light arrival area in the storage chamber. On the other hand, when trying to solve this, the configuration of the imaging device becomes complicated or the illumination device However, there is a problem that an increase in the number of items causes an increase in costs.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator body, a plurality of storage rooms formed in the refrigerator body, a lighting device for illuminating the storage room, a door for opening and closing the storage room, and the storage room. an illumination device for illuminating, comprising an imaging device for imaging the storage compartment, and a partition wall for partitioning said plurality of storage chambers, and a control unit for controlling the imaging apparatus, the partition walls have a transparent portion, wherein The imaging device is configured to be disposed between the illumination device and the transparent portion in the height direction .

  Thereby, since the visual field and irradiation light reach | attainment area in a storage chamber spread, a practical refrigerator can be implement | achieved by simple structure.

  Since the field of view and the irradiation light arrival area in the storage chamber are widened, a practical refrigerator can be realized with a simple configuration.

Overall view of the system in the first embodiment Schematic of the refrigerator in the first embodiment Sectional drawing of the storage chamber in Embodiment 1 (A) Cross-sectional view of storage chamber in Embodiment 1, (b) Cross-sectional view of modification Sectional drawing of the storage chamber in Embodiment 2 Sectional drawing of the storage chamber in Embodiment 3

  Hereinafter, specific and detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described. First, the main points of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

The present invention includes a refrigerator main body, a plurality of storage rooms formed in the refrigerator main body, a lighting device that illuminates the storage chamber, a door that opens and closes the storage chamber, a lighting device that illuminates the storage chamber, an imaging device for imaging a storage compartment, a partition wall for partitioning said plurality of storage chambers, and a control unit for controlling the imaging apparatus, the partition walls have a transparent portion, the image pickup apparatus height direction In, it is set as the structure arrange | positioned between the said illuminating device and the said transparent part .

  Thereby, without using a complicated structure, the visual field and irradiation light arrival area | region in a storage chamber spread, and a practical refrigerator can be implement | achieved.

  The lighting device is provided in an upper storage chamber among the plurality of storage chambers, and is configured such that illumination by the lighting device reaches the lower storage chamber via the transparent portion.

  Thereby, the stored item stored in the lower storage chamber can be properly recognized, and the usability is improved.

  Further, the lower storage chamber has a first storage case and a second storage case configured to be smaller than the first storage case.

  As a result, the storage efficiency in the height direction is increased in the lower storage chamber, and recognition is facilitated.

  In addition, the transparent portion is configured such that the depth end of the transparent portion is configured on the back side with respect to a straight line connecting the lighting device and the second storage case.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to recognize the stored item in the second storage case in the lower storage chamber.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
1-4 is a figure which shows this Embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a display system in a refrigerator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 1 in the refrigerator is a system for confirming the state of ingredients in the refrigerator 2 by using the display terminal 8 or the like.

  This in-refrigerator display system 1 includes a refrigerator 2 and a display terminal 8, and further includes a wireless adapter (communication device) 3, a gateway device (relay device) 4, a router device 5, the Internet 6, and a server device 7.

  The refrigerator 2 is arrange | positioned in a user's residence A, for example, is arrange | positioned in the kitchen room in the residence A.

The wireless adapter (communication device) 3 is configured to be electrically connected to the control unit of the refrigerator 2 and communicate with the router device 5 via the gateway device (relay device) 4. The wireless adapter 3 receives the signal transmitted from the router device 5 and outputs the received signal to the control unit of the refrigerator 2. Based on this signal, the refrigerator 2 is configured to perform a corresponding operation.

  The wireless adapter 3 also acquires identification information (for example, serial number and model number) of the refrigerator 2 and image data in the refrigerator from the storage unit of the refrigerator 2, and the router device 5 via the gateway device (relay device) 4. Configured to send to. The wireless adapter 3 may be provided integrally with the refrigerator 2 or may be configured to be detachable.

  The wireless adapter 3 includes a “connect” button 3a. The “connect” button 3 a is for newly connecting to the gateway device (relay device) 4. When the “connect” button 3 a is operated by the user, the wireless adapter 3 is configured to acquire identification information (for example, a manufacturing number or a model number) of the refrigerator 2 from the storage unit of the refrigerator 2.

  As described above, the display terminal 8 is a general-purpose portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (personal computer), and can be detachably mounted on the door of the refrigerator 2 in this embodiment. It has a function (means) for connecting to the Internet 6 and a function (means) for communicating with the gateway device 4.

  The display terminal 8 (for example, a smartphone) is configured to connect to the Internet 6 via a telephone line network (for example, a 3G line network). In addition or alternatively, for example, the display terminal 8 is configured to connect to the Internet 6 via a public wireless LAN by a Wi-Fi communication function.

  By connecting to the Internet 6, for example, the display terminal 8 obtains image data of foodstuffs in the refrigerator and data for energy saving operation (for example, data such as the number of times the door is opened and closed). Can be obtained from the website of the manufacturer of the refrigerator 2 via the Internet 6. By installing the acquired program on the display terminal 8 and starting the installed program, the display terminal 8 can acquire image data and the like of ingredients in the refrigerator. That is, the display terminal 8 can generate and transmit an operation signal for acquiring the image data of the refrigerator 2 by operating the operation screen of the display means such as the display.

  The display terminal 8 is also connected to the router device 5 by general-purpose communication not via the Internet 6 such as Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and infrared communication, and the gateway device 4 via the router device 5. Is configured to connect to the communication. A device for that purpose (for example, a Wi-Fi antenna or the like) is incorporated in the display terminal 8.

  The gateway device (relay device) 4 is a device that relays communication between the wireless adapter 3 and the display terminal 8. For example, the gateway device 4 and the specific low power wireless special small frequency band (924.0 to 928.0MHz) ) Is used for communication. The communication frequency band between the gateway device 4 and the wireless adapter 3 is preferably a low frequency band that reaches a long distance, and is installed in the residence A of the user where the refrigerator 2 is installed together with the router device 5.

  The gateway device 4 is also configured to be in communication connection with the display terminal 8 via the router device 5. That is, the gateway device 4 is configured such that communication (first communication) can be executed only through the router device 5 without going through the display terminal 8 and the Internet 6.

  The gateway device 4 is further configured to be connectable to the Internet 6 via the router device 5. Accordingly, the gateway device 4 can communicate with the display terminal 8 (second communication) via the Internet 6 and the router device 5 and can also communicate with the server device 7.

  Therefore, the gateway device 4 communicates with the display terminal 8 through the Internet 6 (that is, the first communication through only the router device 5) and through the Internet 6 (that is, through the Internet 6 and the router device 5). Second communication). With this configuration, it is possible to select a communication environment appropriately according to the environment.

  The server device 7 is prepared by a manufacturer of the refrigerator 2, for example. The server device 7 manages information and the like necessary for access and authentication regarding the display terminal 8, the refrigerator 2, and the wireless adapter 3. For example, the server device 7 determines whether or not the identification information of the display terminal 8 included in the communication request signal matches the identification information of the display terminal 8 stored (registered) in association with the wireless adapter 3. Authenticate (distinguish). And when these correspond, the display terminal 8 to access is authenticated as a regular display terminal, and communication with the refrigerator 2 in the residence A is permitted.

  Moreover, the server apparatus 7 preserve | saves the data etc. which make the above-mentioned image data of the foodstuff in the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator 2, an energy saving operation, etc. transmit. These data are transmitted to the display terminal 8 based on a data call signal from the display terminal 8. That is, the user can confirm the food image data in the refrigerator by operating the display terminal 8 on the display.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the refrigerator constituting the display system in the refrigerator.

  In FIG. 2, the refrigerator 2 has a metal (for example, iron plate) outer box that opens forward, an inner box made of hard resin (for example, ABS), and a hard foam that is foam-filled between the outer box and the inner box. It consists of a heat insulating material such as urethane. The refrigerator 2 has a plurality of compartments formed therein. The storage room includes a refrigerator room 10, a vegetable room 14 located below the refrigerator room 10, an ice making room 11 and a switching room 12 arranged under the vegetable room 14, a switching room 12 and an ice making room from the top of the refrigerator 2. 11 is a freezer compartment 13 located in the lower part of 11. The front of the refrigerator compartment 10 can be freely opened and closed by a double door 15, and the front of the switching room 12, the ice making room 11, the freezer 13, and the vegetable room 14 can be freely opened and closed by a drawer type door 16. It is. A display unit 17 is provided on the front surface.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 and the vegetable compartment 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerator compartment 10 is provided with a double door 15 at the front, the vegetable compartment 14 is provided with a drawer door 16 at the front, and the refrigerator compartment 10 or the vegetable is provided at the opening side of the refrigerator compartment 10. A lighting device 20 for illuminating the chamber 14 is provided.

In addition, the vegetable compartment 14 includes an image pickup device 22 in a drawer-type door 16. The imaging device 22 is arranged on the drawer-type door 16 so that the viewing angle includes the partition wall 24 that partitions the refrigerator compartment 10 and the vegetable compartment 14 and the interior of the vegetable compartment 14.
Moreover, the imaging device 22 is good also as a structure attached to the vegetable case 25 fixed not only to the drawer-type door 16 but directly to the drawer-type door 16 via a rail.

Moreover, the partition wall 24 which partitions the refrigerator compartment 10 and the vegetable compartment 14 is equipped with the transparent part 21 in the opening part side. By providing the transparent portion 21, the irradiation light of the lighting device 20 provided in the refrigerator compartment 10 reaches the vegetable case 25 (first case) provided in the vegetable compartment 14.

  Thereby, when the imaging device 22 provided in the vegetable compartment 14 captures an image, it is possible to appropriately illuminate the interior. In particular, since the partition wall 24 that partitions the refrigerator compartment 10 and the vegetable compartment 14 is included in the viewing angle of the imaging device 22 as described above, the transparent portion 21 having such a configuration is complicated. Without taking the configuration, it is possible to widen the field of view and irradiation light reachable area in the storage room, and to realize a practical refrigerator.

Note that the imaging device 22 is preferably disposed between the central portion in the height direction of the drawer-type door 16 and the transparent portion 21. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the field of view is blocked by the storage items stored in the vegetable case 25, and it is easy to take irradiation light from the transparent portion 21,
It becomes easy to recognize the stored items.

  In the above description, an example in which the lighting device 20 is provided only in the refrigerating room 10 has been described, but it goes without saying that the vegetable room 14 may be supplementarily provided with a light source.

  Further, a sliding case 26 (second case) provided so as to slide in the vegetable case may be provided inside the vegetable case 25. Thereby, storage in the height direction is possible, and an image that is easier to view can be obtained.

  In addition, when the vegetable case 25 is provided with the sliding case 26, the transparent portion 21 has a depth end of the transparent portion 21 on the deeper side than a straight line connecting the lighting device 20 and the depth end of the sliding case 26. It is configured.

  Thereby, it becomes easy to recognize the stored item stored in the sliding case 26 disposed in the vegetable case 25 in the vegetable chamber 14.

  Further, when the inside of the refrigerator is imaged from the display terminal 8 by remote control or the like from a supermarket or the like, the imaging device 22 includes an illuminance sensor and uses a specific wavelength or blinking from the lighting device 20. It is also possible to activate the imaging device 22. Such a configuration eliminates the need for the imaging device 22 to be always in a reception state, contributing not only to energy saving, but also to be changed according to the user's preference by being united with an independent power source. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vegetable compartment 14, but by arranging it in the vicinity of the center as shown in FIG. 4A, an image familiar to the user can be obtained. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), by providing it near the end of the drawer-type door 16, the dead space can be used effectively to increase the distance to the object, and during normal use Since the possibility of hitting falls, it becomes the structure which can endure long-term use.

[Embodiment 2]
This embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging device 22 is disposed on the double door 15 of the refrigerator compartment 10.

With this configuration, it is possible to view the image data in a state close to the state of being stored in the vegetable compartment 14 with the line of sight actually used by the user, and further, the illumination device 20 and the imaging device 22 It is possible to take an appropriate image without a sense of incongruity by being configured to face substantially the same direction (both in the vegetable compartment 14 direction).

The imaging device 22 is preferably arranged between the lighting device 20 and the transparent portion 21 in the height direction.
Thus, by ensuring a sufficient distance between the imaging device 22 and the transparent portion 21, a wide range of stored items can be recognized in the vegetable compartment 14, and the imaging device 22 does not use a wide-angle lens or the like. Costs can be reduced.
Further, by disposing the imaging device 22 below the illumination device 20, the illumination device 20 is not reflected in the captured image obtained from the imaging device 22, and the stored items are more easily recognized.

  Even in the above-described configuration, when the vegetable case 25 includes the sliding case 26 as in the first embodiment, the transparent portion 21 has a depth end of the transparent portion 21 that is the same as the lighting device 20 and the sliding case. Needless to say, the configuration that is configured on the back side with respect to the straight line connecting the depth end of 26 facilitates the recognition of the stored items stored in the sliding case 26.

[Embodiment 3]
This embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the door that covers the refrigerator compartment 10 and the storage compartment 34 is a single door 30. That is, the single door 30 covers the front side of the partition wall 24 that partitions the refrigerator compartment 10 and the storage compartment 34.

  At this time, the storage room 34 may be the vegetable room 14 as well as a storage space having a temperature range different from that of the refrigerated room, such as a chilled room or a partial room.

  In this case, it is preferable to make almost the entire surface of the transparent portion 21 transparent. That is, since the refrigerator compartment 10 and the storage compartment 34 exist in the same space when the single door 30 is opened, the configuration is similar to the storage shelf 31 provided in the refrigerator compartment 10. In this way, the irradiation range of the illumination device 20 and the imaging range of the imaging device 22 are further expanded.

  In this case, the imaging device 22 may be disposed below the transparent portion 21. By doing so, the inside of the storage case 35 can be appropriately imaged without being affected by the storage status of the storage shelf 31.

  The imaging device 22 may be provided below the door back 32 so as to be included in the door back 32 provided on the single door 30 in the depth direction. By doing in this way, when the single door 30 is closed, the door back 32 covers the lighting device 20, so that the door back 32 scatters the irradiation light of the lighting device 20, and the imaging device 22. It becomes possible to brighten the surroundings. As a result, a clear image can be obtained.

In addition, a small case 33 may be provided in the depth direction below the imaging device 22 so that when the single door 30 is closed, the storage case 35 is incompletely closed. Thereby, the distance between the storage case 35 and the imaging device 22 is appropriately secured. That is, even when the user closes the vegetable case 25 halfway, the accessory case 33 acts as if the storage case 35 is pushed, so that a space for imaging can be appropriately secured. It will be.

  Since the present invention can appropriately image a refrigerator room or a vegetable room without taking a complicated configuration, it can be applied to various refrigerators including a domestic refrigerator.

1 Display system in refrigerator 2 Refrigerator 3 Wireless adapter (communication device)
3a "Connect" button 4 Gateway device (relay device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Router apparatus 6 Internet 7 Server apparatus 8 Display terminal 10 Refrigeration room 11 Ice making room 12 Switching room 13 Freezing room 14 Vegetable room 15 Opening door 16 Drawer door 17 Display part 20 Illuminating device 21 Transparent part 22 Imaging device 24 Partition Wall 25 Vegetable case 26 Sliding case 30 Single door 31 Storage shelf 32 Door back 33 Small case 34 Storage room 35 Storage case A Housing

Claims (4)

A refrigerator main body, a plurality of storage rooms formed in the refrigerator main body, a lighting device that illuminates the storage chamber, a door that opens and closes the storage chamber, a lighting device that illuminates the storage chamber, and an image of the storage chamber An imaging device, a partition wall that partitions the plurality of storage chambers, and a control unit that controls the imaging device,
Refrigerator the partition wall have a transparent portion, in the imaging apparatus height direction, characterized in that arranged between the illuminating device and the transparent portion. The illumination device is provided in an upper storage chamber among the plurality of storage chambers, and is configured such that illumination by the illumination device reaches a lower storage chamber via the transparent portion. The refrigerator according to 1. The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein the lower storage chamber includes a first storage case and a second storage case configured to be smaller than the first storage case. 4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the transparent portion is configured such that a depth end of the transparent portion is located on a deeper side than a straight line connecting the lighting device and the second storage case.

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