Refrigerator

Abstract

The object of the invention is to obtain a refrigerator having an operation part with improved operation performance and cleaning performance. The refrigerator is characterized by comprising: a storage space arranged in a main body of the refrigerator; a storage space door for opening / closing a front opening of the storage space; a door front panel with light permeability arranged on front face of the storage space door; an operation part arranged on front of the door front panel; a detection part contacted or close to the back side of the operation part and the door front panel to detect variation of electrostatic capacitance; a display part for displaying an operation result of the operation part; a lighting mechanism configured to light the display part from the back; a control part configured to control the lighting mechanism based on a detection value of the detection part; a circuit board equipped with the detection part and the lighting mechanism; and an insertion part arrangedon an edge of the storage space door to store the circuit board in the storage space door.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to refrigerators. Background technique [0002] As a conventional refrigerator, there is known a structure in which an operation unit (such as a button) is provided on the front of the door, and many functions such as quick freezing, quick freezing, and an automatic ice maker are operated by operating the operating unit. Moreover, mechanical switches, such as a micro switch, are known as said operation part. [0003] Furthermore, in recent home appliances, some products use capacitive touch switches. There is a structure described in Patent Document 1 as an example of a refrigerator provided with a touch switch. [0004] In the structure described in patent document 1, the touch switch which has a contact electrode and a counter electrode part is provided in front of a door. In addition, the front part of the touch electrode protrudes toward the front side of the operation panel. The counter electrode portion includes ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, since the contact electrode protrudes toward the surface side of the operation panel, when the user operates the touch switch with wet hands or fingers, moisture intrudes from the gap in the portion where the touch switch is provided. inside, there is a possibility of damage to electrical products, etc.

[0007] In addition, when wiping and cleaning the surface of the door, since it is not flat, the cleaning around the touch switch is complicated, and excessive wiping and cleaning, etc., may cause erroneous operation and switch failure.

[0008] In addition, since the user operates the contact electrode with hands or fingers covered with grease, there is a concern that the contact electrode will be corroded and deteriorated prematurely.

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