Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided in which the heat insulating performance is excellent even if a display panel door including a circuit board is built in. The refrigerator of the embodiment has a refrigerator main body, a door, a display panel, a circuit board, and a cover. The refrigerator main body includes a storage compartment. The door has a front surface member, a rear surface member, and a foamed member. The front surface member has a transparent region in at least a portion. The rear surface member covers the rear side of the front surface member. The foamed heat insulating material is filled between the front surface member and the rear surface member. The display panel is fixed to the rear surface in a manner so as to oppose the transparent region in a state of approaching the rear surface of the front surface member. The cover covers the display panel and the circuit board from the rear of the front surface member in a state of surrounding the outer peripheral portion of the display panel and the circuit board viewed from the rear side. The cover is liquid-tightly fixed to the rear surface. The foamed heat insulating material is filled between the rear surface of the front surface member and the rear surface of the cover which are not covered by the cover viewed from the rear side and the rear surface member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A known solution involves installing a display panel on the door of a refrigerator's storage compartment, and forming a circuit board with circuitry for operating the display panel. The door is preferably configured such that its heat insulation performance is unlikely to decrease due to heat generated by ICs or the like on the circuit board.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 146831 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with excellent door insulation performance even when a display panel including a circuit board is built in.

[0005] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes a refrigerator body, a door, a display panel, a circuit board, and a cover. The refrigerator body includes a storage compartment. The door has a front surface component, a rear surface component, and a foamed component. The front surface component has a transparent area in at least a portion. The rear surface component covers the rear side of the front surface component. Foamed insulation material is filled between the front surface component and the rear surface component. The display panel is fixed to the rear surface in a manner opposite to the transparent area, close to the rear surface of the front surface component. The display panel displays an image. The circuit board has circuitry for controlling the operation of the display panel. The cover covers the display panel and the circuit board from behind the front surface component, surrounding the outer periphery of the display panel and the circuit board as viewed from the rear. The cover is liquid-tightly fixed to the rear surface. Foamed insulation material is filled between the rear surface of the front surface component not covered by the cover as viewed from the rear, and between the rear surface of the cover and the rear surface component.

[0006] Invention Effects

[0007] A refrigerator that can provide excellent door insulation even with a built-in display panel including a circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator as shown in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of line F2-F2 in the diagram.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the right refrigerator compartment door in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the right refrigerator compartment door in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F5-F5 in the diagram.

[0013] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F6-F6 in the diagram.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cover, fastener, and front surface components of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner surface side of the cover in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view of line F9-F9 in the diagram.

[0017] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F10-F10.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of F11 in the image.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the right refrigerator compartment door according to the embodiment.

[0020] Symbol explanation:

[0021] 1: Refrigerator; 5: Refrigerator body; 11: Multiple doors; 11Ab: Right refrigerator door; 27A: Refrigerator compartment (storage compartment); 30: Front surface component; 30a: Front surface; 30b: Rear surface; 30B: Transparent part (transparent area); 31a: Display part; 31b: Detection part; 32: Fixing component; 32a: Rear surface part; 32c: Flange part (first fixing part); 32d: Locking platform part; 32e: Fixing boss; 33, 34: Circuit board; 35: Cover; 35a, 35b 35c, 35d: Rear surface portion; 35P: Rear panel portion; 35e, 35f, 35g: Step portion; 35F: Flange portion (second fixing portion); 35j: Right side protrusion (protrusion portion); 35k: Left side protrusion (protrusion portion); 35m: Upper side protrusion (protrusion portion); 35n: Lower side protrusion (protrusion portion); 35p: Central protrusion (protrusion portion); 36: Frame; 37: Rear surface component; 40: Foamed thermal insulation material; P: Touch panel (display panel); T1, T2: Double-sided tape. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In this instruction manual, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, left, and right are defined based on the view of the refrigerator from the front of the user. Furthermore, the side closest to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side furthest away is defined as "rear." "Wide direction" in this instruction manual refers to the left-right direction as defined above. "Depth direction" in this instruction manual refers to the front-back direction as defined above. "Up-down direction" refers to the height of the refrigerator.

[0024] In the diagram, the arrows indicate the following directions: +X is the right direction, -X is the left direction, +Y is the back direction, -Y is the front direction, +Z is the up direction, and -Z is the down direction.

[0025] Sometimes the plane whose normal extends in the +X direction is called the YZ plane, the plane whose normal extends in the +Y direction is called the ZX plane, and the plane whose normal extends in the +Z direction is called the XY plane.

[0026] In the description of the components included in the refrigerator door of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the configuration is described based on the closed state. For example, in the case of describing a rotating door, unless otherwise specified, even in the open state, the directions fixed to the door are described in the ±X and ±Y directions as described above.

[0027] The refrigerator of the embodiment will be described.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator as shown in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line F2-F2 in the diagram.

[0029] right Figure 1 The overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment shown will be described. However, the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all the configurations described below, and some configurations may be omitted appropriately.

[0030] Refrigerator 1, for example, has a refrigerator body 5 and multiple doors 11.

[0031] The refrigerator body 5 includes a frame 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the frame 10 includes, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a foamed insulation material 10c.

[0032] The inner box 10a is a component that forms the inner surface of the frame 10, and is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0033] The outer casing 10b is a component that forms the outer surface of the frame 10, and is made of metal, for example. The outer casing 10b is formed to be slightly larger than the inner casing 10a and is positioned outside the inner casing 10a. The outer casing 10b is a generally cuboid forming the outer surface of the frame 10, excluding the front surface.

[0034] However, a recess for forming the mechanical chamber 26, which will be described later, is formed on the rear side of the lower end of the outer casing 10b.

[0035] The foamed insulation material 10c, for example, is an insulation material composed of a foam such as polyurethane foam, and is filled between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the frame 10 has an upper wall 21, a lower wall 22, a left side wall 23, a right side wall 24, and a rear wall 25 (see reference). Figure 2 The upper wall 21 and lower wall 22 extend approximately horizontally. The left side wall 23 and right side wall 24 rise upwards from the left and right ends of the lower wall 22, connecting with the left and right ends of the upper wall 21. Figure 2 As shown, the rear wall 25 rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 22 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 21.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple storage compartments 27 are formed inside the frame 10. These multiple storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a vegetable compartment 27B, and an ice-making compartment 27C (see reference). Figure 1 The refrigerator compartment 27A is located at the top. Below the refrigerator compartment 27A is a vegetable compartment 27B. Below the vegetable compartment 27B are an ice-making compartment 27C and a small freezer compartment 27D. Below the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D is the main freezer compartment 27E. The frame 10 has openings on the front surface of each storage compartment 27 for removing or placing food items relative to each storage compartment 27.

[0038] The frame 10 has a first partition 28 and a second partition 29. The first partition 28 and the second partition 29 are, for example, partition walls that are generally horizontal. The first partition 28 is located between the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B, separating the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B.

[0039] The second partition 29 is located between the vegetable room 27B and the ice-making room 27C (see reference). Figure 1 Between the small freezer compartment 27D and the vegetable compartment 27B and the ice-making compartment 27C (see reference) Figure 1 It is separated from the small freezer compartment 27D.

[0040] The temperature inside the vegetable compartment 27B is maintained at a higher temperature than that in the refrigerator compartment 27A. Inside the vegetable compartment 27B, there are, for example, vegetable compartment containers for storing vegetables and other items, and guide rails for moving the vegetable compartment containers along the front-to-back direction.

[0041] The temperatures inside the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E are maintained at a temperature suitable for freezing stored items. Inside the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E, for example, storage containers for holding frozen stored items and guide rails for moving the storage containers along the front-to-back direction are respectively provided; etc.

[0042] The openings of multiple storage rooms 27 are covered by multiple doors 11 that can be opened and closed. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the multiple doors 11 include, for example, the left refrigerator door 11Aa, the right refrigerator door 11Ab, the vegetable compartment door 11B, the ice-making compartment door 11C, the small freezer compartment door 11D, and the main freezer compartment door 11E.

[0043] The left refrigerator door 11Aa and the right refrigerator door 11Ab close the opening of refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0044] A touch panel P, described later, is installed inside the right refrigerator door 11Ab. The detailed structure of the right refrigerator door 11Ab will be described later.

[0045] Vegetable compartment door 11B closes the opening of vegetable compartment 27B. Ice maker compartment door 11C closes the opening of ice maker compartment 27C. Small freezer compartment door 11D closes the opening of small freezer compartment 27D. Main freezer compartment door 11E closes the opening of main freezer compartment 27E.

[0046] The left refrigerator door 11Aa and the right refrigerator door 11Ab, which are set up adjacent to each other, are a pair of doors that open from left to right.

[0047] Vegetable room door 11B, ice making room door 11C (see reference) Figure 1 The small freezer door 11D and the main freezer door 11E are, for example, drawer-type doors. A vegetable compartment container is attached to the rear surface of the vegetable compartment door 11B. Each of the ice-making door 11C, the small freezer door 11D, and the main freezer door 11E has its own storage container attached to its rear surface.

[0048] Each of the multiple doors 11 includes appropriate insulation material inside. The appropriate insulation material may also include the same foam insulation material as the foam insulation material 10c described above, sheet insulation material, vacuum insulation material, etc.

[0049] Various components that together form the refrigerator body 5 are arranged on the rear side of the frame 10. Examples of components forming the refrigerator body 5 include pipes for refrigerant circulation, cooling units 15A and 15B, flow path forming components 14A and 14B, cooling fans 16A and 16B, and control board 17.

[0050] In the refrigerator body 5, a mechanical chamber 26, for example, is provided in the lower rear part of the frame 10, where a compressor, condenser, evaporator, etc. are installed.

[0051] Cooling unit 15A is located at the rear of refrigerator compartment 27A and cools refrigerator compartment 27A and vegetable compartment 27B.

[0052] The cooling unit 15B is located at the rear of the main freezer compartment 27E and cools the ice-making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E.

[0053] The flow path forming component 14A forms a flow path that allows the cold air supplied from the cooling unit 15A to flow in the refrigerator compartment 27A and the vegetable compartment 27B, respectively.

[0054] The flow path forming component 14B forms a flow path that allows the cold air supplied from the cooling unit 15B to flow in the ice-making chamber 27C, the small freezer chamber 27D, and the main freezer chamber 27E.

[0055] Cooling fan 16A blows cold air generated by cooling unit 15A through flow path surrounded by flow path forming component 14A, forming a flow of cold air circulating inside vegetable compartment 27B and refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0056] Cooling fan 16B blows cold air generated by cooling unit 15B through the flow path surrounded by flow path forming component 14B, forming a flow of cold air circulating inside ice chamber 27C, small freezer chamber 27D and main freezer chamber 27E.

[0057] The control board 17 controls the entire refrigerator 1. For example, the control board 17 controls the operation of the cooling units 15A and 15B, the cooling fans 16A and 16B, and the compressor based on the detection results of temperature sensors installed in the multiple storage compartments 27. In this embodiment, the control board 17 is disposed on the outer casing 10b on the rear side above the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0058] Next, the detailed structure of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab will be explained.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the right refrigerator compartment door in the embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the right refrigerator compartment door in the embodiment.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the right refrigerator door 11Ab has a front surface component 30, a frame 36, and a rear surface component 37. Although in Figure 3 The illustration is omitted, but as shown Figure 2 As shown, door containers 18A and 18B, which can move in the vertical direction, and door container 19, which is fixed to the lower part, are detachably installed on the rear surface of the right refrigerator door 11Ab.

[0061] like Figure 3 ,4 As shown, the front surface component 30 is located at the front end of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab. The front surface component 30 is a plate component extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions, forming the front surface of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab. The front surface component 30 is, for example, a glass plate. However, the front surface component 30 is not limited to a glass plate and may also be formed from raw materials such as synthetic resin or metal. The front surface component 30 may be a flat plate or a curved plate. Hereinafter, an example of a flat plate with a glass front surface component 30 will be described.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the front surface component 30 has an opaque portion 30A and a transparent portion 30B (transparent area).

[0063] The opaque portion 30A has low visible light transmittance in the front surface component 30, making it difficult to visually confirm the interior of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab. In this embodiment, the opaque portion 30A is formed by depositing a coating film on the surface of the front surface component 30 to reduce visible light transmittance. The coating film can be formed on either the front surface 30a or the rear surface 30b, but in this embodiment, it is formed on the rear surface 30b.

[0064] The transparent portion 30B is a transparent area in the front surface member 30. The transparent portion 30B is formed in the front surface member 30 at a location where no coating film is formed. In this embodiment, it is formed to a size below the display area of ​​the touch panel P, as described later. Figure 1 In the example shown, the transparent portion 30B is a rectangle that is slightly narrower than the display screen of the touch panel P. The transparent portion 30B is formed at a position where it overlaps with the display screen of the touch panel P when viewed from the front.

[0065] The frame 36 is a roughly rectangular frame when viewed from the -Y direction. The shape of the frame 36 when viewed from the rear is approximately the same as that of the front surface component 30. In this specification, "viewed from the rear" means, unless otherwise specified, from the rear of the object in the -Y direction. Similarly, "viewed from the front" means, unless otherwise specified, from the front of the object in the +Y direction.

[0066] The frame 36 has an upper surface portion 36a disposed in the +Z direction and extending along the lateral width direction, and a lower surface portion 36b disposed in the -Z direction and extending along the lateral width direction. A right-side portion 36c extending along the vertical direction is connected to the +X-direction end of both the upper surface portion 36a and the lower surface portion 36b. A left-side portion 36d extending along the vertical direction is connected to the -X-direction end of both the upper surface portion 36a and the lower surface portion 36b.

[0067] A hinge mounting portion 36e is provided at the +X direction end of the upper surface portion 36a, which connects to the hinge provided on the refrigerator body 5. A hinge mounting portion 36f is provided at the +X direction end of the lower surface portion 36b, which connects to the hinge provided on the refrigerator body 5.

[0068] The end of the frame 36 in the Y direction is fixed to the rear surface 30b of the front surface component 30.

[0069] The frame 36 is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0070] The rear surface component 37 is mounted on the frame 36 from the side opposite to the front surface component 30, located at the rear end of the right refrigerator door 11Ab. The front surface component 30 and the rear surface component 37 are fixed to the frame 36 respectively, sandwiching it in the depth direction.

[0071] The rear surface component 37, viewed from the rear, is rectangular along the frame 36. The rear surface component 37 forms the rear surface, or inner surface, of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab. The rear surface component 37 is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0072] The rear surface component 37 has a first flat portion 37a, a second flat portion 37b, an inclined portion 37c, and a rib 38.

[0073] The first flat portion 37a is a flat surface extending along the front surface member 30. Figure 3 , 4 In the example shown, the first flat portion 37a is a plane parallel to the ZX plane and parallel to the front surface component 30.

[0074] The second flat portion 37b is positioned in the -Z direction compared to the first flat portion 37a, and is a flat surface extending along the front surface member 30. Figure 3 , 4 In the example shown, the second flat portion 37b is the same flat surface as the first flat portion 37a, except that it is located in the -Y direction compared to the first flat portion 37a.

[0075] The inclined portion 37c is a flat plane or curved surface that extends in the inclined direction from the -Z direction end of the first flat portion 37a toward the +Z direction end of the second flat portion 37b. Figure 3 , 4 In the example shown, the plane tilts towards the -Y direction as it tends towards the -Z direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first flat portion 37a and the inclined portion 37c cover the entire cover 35 described later from the rear.

[0077] Rib 38 is a protrusion that protrudes rearward from the first flat portion 37a, the inclined portion 37c, and the second flat portion 37b. When viewed from the rear, rib 38 is rectangular along the outline of the rear surface member 37.

[0078] Rib 38 protrudes in the +Y direction relative to frame 36 and the first flat portion 37a. Therefore, rib 38 extends to the inside of refrigerator compartment 27A when the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is closed.

[0079] In addition, the term "rib" in this specification is a name used for ease of explanation and broadly refers to the rearward protrusion of the rear surface component 37, and is not limited to a specific shape or function.

[0080] Rib 38 has ribs 38U, 38D, 38R, and 38L.

[0081] Rib 38U extends along the upper surface portion 36a of frame 36 in the transverse direction.

[0082] Rib 38D extends along the lower surface portion 36b of frame 36 in the transverse direction.

[0083] Rib 38R extends vertically along the right face 36c of frame 36.

[0084] Rib 38L extends vertically along the left face 36d of frame 36.

[0085] Each of the ribs 38R and 38L, on opposite sides in the transverse direction, is provided with a track portion 38a that can move and stop the door containers 18A and 18B, and a locking portion 38b that stops the door container 19.

[0086] An outer edge portion 37e parallel to the XZ plane is formed between the outer edge of the rib 38 and the outer shape of the rear surface component 37.

[0087] On the outer edge 37e, a gasket mounting groove 37f is formed along the outline of the rear surface component 37 for mounting a gasket (not shown).

[0088] When the right refrigerator door 11Ab is closed, the sealing gasket installed in the sealing gasket mounting groove 37f is in close contact with the front end of the frame 10 and the rotating partition plate located at the +X direction end of the left refrigerator door 11Aa. The gap between the front end of the frame 10 and the rotating partition plate and the right refrigerator door 11Ab is sealed. When the left refrigerator door 11Aa and the right refrigerator door 11Ab, which have the same sealing gasket, are closed, cold air is prevented from leaking from the opening on the front side of the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0089] The front surface component 30, frame 36 and rear surface component 37 described above form the outer surface of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab.

[0090] Next, the internal structure of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab will be described.

[0091] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F5-F5 in the diagram. Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F6-F6 in the diagram. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cover 35, the fastener 32, and the front surface component 30 of the embodiment.

[0092] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, a touch panel P (display panel) and a circuit board 33 (reference) are arranged inside the right refrigerator door 11Ab. Figure 5 ), Circuit board 34 (reference) Figure 6 ), cover 35 and foamed insulation material 40.

[0093] The touch panel P has a panel body 31 and a fastener 32.

[0094] The panel body 31 has a display unit 31a for displaying images and a detection unit 31b for detecting user operations.

[0095] The type of display unit 31a is not particularly limited as long as it can display an image based on an image signal. For example, a liquid crystal panel can also be used as the display unit 31a. A liquid crystal panel is a light-transmitting display device that includes two polarizing filters with different polarization directions, liquid crystal with pixel electrodes, and a backlight. For example, a self-emissive display device such as an organic EL element can also be used as the display unit 31a.

[0096] The display images displayed on the display unit 31a may include operation images representing the area where the user performs operation input, as well as images displaying other text, patterns, etc.

[0097] The detection unit 31b detects when the operation unit approaches or contacts the front surface 30a of the front surface member 30, which is positioned opposite to the operation image displayed on the display unit 31a. The detection method of the detection unit 31b is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the operation of the appropriate operation unit. For example, the detection unit 31b can be a sensor of the electrostatic capacitance type or the like.

[0098] exist Figure 5 , 6 In the example shown, a capacitive sensor with transparent electrodes is used as the detection unit 31b. In this case, the transparent electrodes are formed on a transparent substrate that covers the entire effective display screen of the display unit 31a from the front.

[0099] The detection unit 31b detects the position of the user's finger or other operating unit that is close to or in contact with the front surface 30a of the front surface component 30.

[0100] Panel body 31 extends along front surface component 30, such as Figure 1 As shown, it is a rectangular flat panel when viewed from the front. For example, a flat panel input device can be used as the main body 31 of the panel.

[0101] The fastener 32 holds the panel body 31 and is fixed to the rear surface 30b of the front surface component 30.

[0102] The shape of the fastener 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is fixed to the rear surface 30b while holding the panel body 31 in place. Figure 5 , 6 In the example shown, the fastener 32 has a recess that houses the panel body 31 inside, and is a box-shaped opening in the -Y direction.

[0103] The panel body 31, housed in the recess of the fastener 32, is fixed to the fastener 32 by screws, double-sided tape, and adhesive. Thus, the relative position of the panel body 31 with respect to the fastener 32 in both the horizontal and vertical directions is fixed.

[0104] The recess in the fastener 32 is formed by the rear surface portion 32a, the side portion 32b, and the locking platform portion 32d.

[0105] The rear surface portion 32a is a flat plate that covers the rear surface of the touch panel P from the rear side.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the side portion 32b is a flat plate that protrudes in the -Y direction from the periphery of the rear surface portion 32a along the side of the touch panel P.

[0107] The locking platform 32d protrudes from the side portion 32b in the +X direction from a position closer to the -Y direction than the rear surface portion 32a, and is a stepped portion that is elongated in the vertical direction. The locking platform 32d is used to lock the cover 35 (described later) in the depth direction.

[0108] The side portion 32b and the end of the locking platform portion in the Y direction extend on the same surface along the rear surface 30b.

[0109] At the end of the side portion 32b and the locking platform portion in the -Y direction, a flange portion 32c (first fixing portion) extending outward from the recess along the rear surface 30b is formed throughout the entire circumference.

[0110] like Figure 5 , 6As shown, in the fastener 32, the depth of the recess from the flange portion 32c to the rear surface portion 32a is approximately equal to the thickness of the panel body 31.

[0111] like Figure 7 As shown, in the flange portion 32c in the +X direction, near the upper and lower ends of the rear surface portion 32a, a fixing boss 32e for connecting with the cover 35 described later protrudes in the +Y direction.

[0112] A threaded hole for engaging the screw 39 is formed at the center of the fixing boss 32e.

[0113] The height of the fixing boss 32e in the +Y direction is higher than that of the rear surface portion 32a.

[0114] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the surface in the Y direction of the flange portion 32c is fixed to the rear surface 30b by double-sided tape T1 sandwiched between the flange portion 32c and the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30. Thus, the detection portion 31b of the panel body 31 within the fixing member 32 faces the front surface member 30 with the distance from the rear surface 30b fixed.

[0115] From the perspective of improving the detection accuracy of the operation, the shorter the distance from the rear surface 30b to the detection section 31b, the better.

[0116] The effective display area of ​​the display section 31a is aligned in a manner that does not overlap with the transparent section 30B.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, the circuit board 33 includes a substrate 33a and circuitry formed on the substrate 33a that primarily controls image and sound sources within the panel body 31. Various components forming the circuitry are mounted on the substrate 33a of the circuit board 33. For example, an IC 33b, which is prone to generating heat during operation, is mounted on the substrate 33a.

[0118] The placement of the circuit board 33 is not particularly limited, but... Figure 7 In the example shown, the surface of the rear surface portion 32a of the fixing member 32 is disposed on the +Y direction side. The position of the circuit board 33 viewed from the rear is offset towards the +X direction in the horizontal direction and slightly offset towards the +Z direction in the vertical direction compared to the center.

[0119] The circuit board 33 is electrically connected to the panel body 31 via the flexible substrate 33c.

[0120] Circuit board 33 is connected to control board 17 in refrigerator body 5 via wiring cables (not shown). Figure 2 Electrical connection.

[0121] The circuit board 34 has a circuit formed on the substrate 34a, which converts sound from an external source into an electrical signal in the panel body 31. Various components forming the circuit are mounted on the substrate 34a of the circuit board 34. For example, an IC 34b, which is prone to generating heat during operation, is mounted on the substrate 34a.

[0122] The placement of the circuit board 34 is not particularly limited, but... Figure 7 In the example shown, the circuit board 34 is arranged on the surface of the rear surface portion 32a of the fixing member 32 in the +Y direction, such that it is arranged in the -Z direction of the circuit board 33 in the vertical direction. The edge edges of the substrates 33a and 34a in the -X direction are located on the same straight line extending in the vertical direction.

[0123] The circuit board 34 is electrically connected to the circuit board 33 and the control board 17 via wiring cables (not shown in the figure).

[0124] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the cover 35 covers the touch panel P from behind the front surface member 30 while surrounding the outer periphery of the touch panel P as viewed from the rear. Here, the outer periphery of the touch panel P as viewed from the rear is formed by the flange portion 32c of the fixing member 32.

[0125] like Figure 7 As shown, the cover 35 is a box shape with an opening in the -Y direction. The cover 35 has a rear plate portion 35P, an upper plate portion 35U, a lower plate portion 35D, a right side plate portion 35R, a left side plate portion 35L, and a flange portion 35F (second fixing portion).

[0126] The rear panel portion 35P extends to a position further outward than the outer periphery of the touch panel P when viewed from the rear, and is a plate having a shape that follows the outer periphery of the touch panel P. In this embodiment, the shape of the rear panel portion 35P when viewed from the rear corresponds to the shape of the touch panel P as a rectangle that is longer in the vertical direction, and is a rectangle that is longer in the vertical direction.

[0127] The rear plate portion 35P is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the circuit boards 33, 34 and the fixing member 32. The rear plate portion 35P has a concave-convex shape in the depth direction, and the distance of the rear plate portion 35P in the depth direction measured from the rear surface 30b varies depending on the location.

[0128] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the rear plate portion 35P has rear surface portions 35c, 35a, 35b, and 35d. The rear surface portions 35c, 35a, 35b, and 35d are flat plates extending along the rear surface 30b. Their shapes, when viewed from the rear, are all rectangles that are longer in the vertical direction. The rear surface portions 35c, 35a, 35b, and 35d are arranged sequentially in the -X direction.

[0129] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the distance between the rear surface portions 35c and 35d and the rear surface 30b in the depth direction is the shortest at the rear plate portion 35P. The distance between the rear surface portions 35a and the rear surface 30b in the depth direction is the longest at the rear plate portion 35P.

[0130] The rear surface portion 35b is disposed between the rear surface portions 35c, 35d and the rear surface portion 35a in the depth direction.

[0131] The rear surface portion 35a extends from the rear, covering both sides of the circuit boards 33 and 34. The edge of the rear surface portion 35a in the -X direction is located further in the -X direction than the edge of the circuit boards 33 and 34 in the -X direction.

[0132] Therefore, the rear surface portion 35b adjacent to the rear surface portion 35a is positioned in the depth direction opposite to the rear surface portion 32a where no circuit boards 33 and 34 are mounted, separated by a gap.

[0133] At the upper and lower ends of the rear surface portion 35b, through holes 39q are respectively provided for screws 39 to be inserted at positions corresponding to the threaded holes of each fixing boss 32e of the fixing member 32.

[0134] The connection between the end of the rear surface portion 35c in the -X direction and the end of the rear surface portion 35a in the +X direction is formed by a stepped portion 35e, which is composed of a flat plate extending in the depth direction and longer in the vertical direction between each end. The connection between the end of the rear surface portion 35a in the -X direction and the end of the rear surface portion 35b in the +X direction is formed by a stepped portion 35f, which is composed of a flat plate extending in the depth direction and longer in the vertical direction between each end. The connection between the end of the rear surface portion 35b in the -X direction and the end of the rear surface portion 35d in the +X direction is formed by a stepped portion 35g, which is composed of a flat plate extending in the depth direction and longer in the vertical direction between each end.

[0135] Here, the depth direction between each end corresponds to the thickness direction of the right refrigerator door 11Ab.

[0136] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper plate portion 35U is a flat plate extending forward from the +Z direction end edge of the rear plate portion 35P. The lower plate portion 35D is a flat plate extending forward from the -Z direction end edge of the rear plate portion 35P. The right plate portion 35R is a flat plate extending forward from the +X direction end edge of the rear plate portion 35P. The left plate portion 35L is a flat plate extending forward from the -X direction end edge of the rear plate portion 35P.

[0137] The upper plate portion 35U, the lower plate portion 35D, the right side plate portion 35R, and the left side plate portion 35L form a wall portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the rear plate portion 35P and extends forward.

[0138] The flange portion 35F is a flat plate extending outward along the rear surface 30b from the front end of the upper plate portion 35U, the lower plate portion 35D, the right side plate portion 35R, and the left side plate portion 35L. The flange portion 35F is rectangular along the shape of the rear plate portion 35P when viewed from the rear side.

[0139] The inner edge of the flange 35F forms an opening that is wider than the fastener 32 when viewed from the rear and faces the -Y direction.

[0140] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the -Y direction surface of the flange portion 35F is fixed to the rear surface 30b by a double-sided adhesive tape T2 sandwiched between the flange portion 35F and the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30. The double-sided adhesive tape T2 is provided around the entire circumference of the flange portion 35F. Thus, the cover 35 is liquid-tightly fixed to the front surface member 30.

[0141] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "fixed part is liquid-tightly fixed" means that the foaming liquid used to form the foamed insulation material 40 described later cannot pass through the fixed part during flow and foaming.

[0142] Near the end of the right-side plate portion 35R in the +Z direction, there is a wiring insertion portion 35h that communicates with the inside of the cover 35 and allows wiring cables to be inserted. For example, wiring cables connected to the circuit board 33 can also be inserted into the wiring insertion portion 35h.

[0143] Near the end of the lower plate portion 35D in the +X direction, there is a wiring insertion portion 35i that communicates with the inside of the cover 35 and allows wiring cables to be inserted. For example, wiring cables connected to the circuit board 34 can also be inserted into the wiring insertion portion 35i.

[0144] Each wiring cable inserted into the wiring insertion section 35h, 35i is liquid-tightly fixed relative to the wiring insertion section 35h, 35i, for example by a soft strip wound around each wiring cable.

[0145] The structure of the inner side of cover 35 will be explained.

[0146] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner surface side of the cover in the embodiment. Figure 9 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view of line F9-F9 in the diagram.

[0147] like Figure 8As shown, on the inner surface of the cover 35, the right protrusion 35j, the left protrusion 35k, the upper protrusion 35m, the lower protrusion 35n, and the central protrusion 35p protrude in the +Y direction.

[0148] The right-side protrusion 35j is a flat plate that protrudes from the rear surface portion 35c in the +Y direction and extends along the vertical direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the cover 35 is fixed, the right protrusion 35j is positioned at its front end in the -Y direction, abutting against the surface of the locking stage 32d in the +Y direction. Two right protrusions 35j are provided to avoid the placement position of the flexible substrate 33c that crosses the locking stage 32d.

[0149] like Figure 8 As shown, the left protrusion 35k is a flat plate that protrudes from the rear surface portion 35d in the +Y direction and extends along the vertical direction. Figure 5 As shown, when the cover 35 is fixed, the left protrusion 35k is positioned at the front end in the -Y direction, abutting against the surface of the flange portion 32c in the +Y direction on the -X direction side. The vertical length of the left protrusion 35k is approximately equal to the total length of the flange portion 32c on the -X direction side.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper protrusion 35m and the lower protrusion 35n are flat plates that protrude from the rear surface portions 35a and 35b in the +Y direction and extend along the transverse width direction. The front ends of the upper protrusion 35m and the lower protrusion 35n in the protrusion direction are located at the same position as the left protrusion 35k in the depth direction.

[0151] like Figure 9 As shown, when the cover 35 is fixed, the upper protrusion 35m is positioned at the front end in the -Y direction and abuts against the flange 32c on the +Z direction side.

[0152] When the cover 35 is fixed, the lower protrusion 35n is positioned at the front end in the -Y direction and the surface of the rear surface 32a in the +Y direction to abut and lock together.

[0153] The lengths of the upper protrusion 35m and the lower protrusion 35n in the transverse direction are approximately equal to the total length of the rear surface portion 32a that the lower protrusion 35n abuts against in the transverse direction.

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, the central protrusion 35p is a cylinder that protrudes from the surface of the rear surface portion 35a in the +Y direction at a position close to the middle layer portion 35f between the upper protrusion 35m and the lower protrusion 35n.

[0155] The position of the central protrusion 35p in the horizontal direction is not particularly limited as long as it does not contact the circuit boards 33 and 34 when the cover 35 is fixed. For example, the central protrusion 35p may also be located at or near the center of the rear panel portion 35P when viewed from the front. For example, the central protrusion 35p may also be located at or near the center of the panel body 31 when viewed from the rear.

[0156] The protrusion of the central protrusion 35p, which protrudes from the rear surface portion 35a, is the size by which it can abut against the rear surface portion 32a of the fastener 32 when the foamed insulation material 40, described later, is filled into the interior of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab, due to the foaming pressure of the foamed insulation material 40 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0157] The right protrusion 35j, the left protrusion 35k, the upper protrusion 35m, the lower protrusion 35n, and the central protrusion 35p are protrusions that protrude toward the fixing member 32 in the thickness direction (depth direction) of the right refrigerator door 11Ab, and whose front ends in the protruding direction abut against the fixing member 32.

[0158] However, after the cover 35 is secured, and after the foamed insulation material 40 (described later) is filled into the interior of the right refrigerator door 11Ab, the central protrusion 35p abuts against the fastener 32.

[0159] Cover 35 is formed by molding a synthetic resin. The material of cover 35 is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits excellent adhesion to the double-sided adhesive tape T2. More preferably, the material of cover 35 is a material with superior flame retardancy compared to the foamed insulation material 40 described later.

[0160] The fixing structure of the cover 35 in the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab is described.

[0161] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line F10-F10. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of F11 in the image.

[0162] In the cover 35, as described above, the flange portion 35F is fixed to the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30 by double-sided adhesive tape T2. At this time, the flange portion 35F is along the outer periphery of the flange portion 32c in the fastener 32, and the outer periphery of the flange portion 32c separates from the inner periphery of the flange portion 35F. Therefore, when viewed from the rear, the rear surface 30b is exposed between the outer periphery of the flange portion 32c and the inner periphery of the flange portion 35F.

[0163] Flange 32c is an example of a first fixing part for fixing a fastener on the rear surface of a front surface component. Flange 35F is an example of a second fixing part for fixing a cover on the rear surface of a front surface component.

[0164] like Figure 10 As shown, it is inserted into the insertion hole 35q (refer to...) Figure 7 , 11 The two screws 39 in the cover 35 are screwed into the fixing bosses 32e of the fixing member 32, and the cover 35 is connected to the fixing member 32. The depth direction of the rear surface portion 35c is limited by the height of the fixing bosses 32e near the fixing bosses 32e.

[0165] In this embodiment, the connection points between the cover 35 and the fastener 32 are the upper and lower ends of their respective +X direction ends. However, the connection points between the cover 35 and the fastener 32 are not limited to these, as long as the necessary connection strength can be obtained. For example, the connection point can be located at the end in the -X direction, or at the middle part in the transverse width direction at either the upper or lower end.

[0166] For example, in the case where the front support of the fastener 32 is lost due to the front surface component 30 being disconnected, it is more preferable to connect at least two points at the upper and lower ends, regardless of the position in the horizontal direction, so as to easily prevent the touch panel P from falling.

[0167] With the fastener 32 and the cover 35 fixed to the front surface component 30, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the interior of the right refrigerator door 11Ab is divided into internal spaces S1 and S2.

[0168] The interior space S1 is the space surrounded by the -Y direction surface of the rear surface member 37, the inner peripheral surface of the frame 36, the +Y direction surface of the cover 35, and the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30 that is not covered by the cover 35 when viewed from the rear.

[0169] The internal space S2 is a space surrounded by the surface of the cover 35 in the -Y direction and the rear surface 30b exposed to the inside of the flange 35F.

[0170] The internal space S1 is filled with foamed insulation material 40. The foamed insulation material 40 is, for example, an insulation material composed of a foam such as polyurethane foam. The foamed insulation material 40 can be made of the same material as the foamed insulation material 10c.

[0171] In the internal space S2, the flange 35F is liquid-tightly fixed to the rear surface 30b, and the wiring cable is liquid-tightly fixed to the wiring insertion parts 35h and 35i, thereby excluding the foamed insulation material 40. The front side of the internal space S2 is covered by the front surface component 30 without insulation, and the part behind the front surface component 30 is covered by the foamed insulation material 40 with insulation.

[0172] Here, the sizes of the internal spaces S1 and S2 are explained.

[0173] like Figure 5 As shown, the distances between the rear surface portions 35c, 35a, 35b, and 35d and the first flat portion 37a are Hc, Ha, Hb, and Hd, respectively. The distance between the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30 and the surface of the outer edge portion 37e in the -Y direction is H.

[0174] In this embodiment, H > Hc = Hd > Hb > Ha.

[0175] In the internal space S2, the height from the rear surface 30b to the rear surface portion 32a of the touch panel P is h1, and the maximum height of the circuit boards 33 and 34 measured from the rear surface 30b in the +Y direction is h2 (where h2 > h1). The distance from the portion of the circuit boards 33 and 34 with the maximum height to the surface of the rear surface portion 35a in the -Y direction is ha. The distances from the surface of the rear surface portion 32a in the +Y direction to the surfaces of the rear surfaces 35b, 35c, and 35d in the -Y direction are hb, hc, and hd, respectively.

[0176] More preferably, the size of the internal space S2 between the rear surface portion 35b and the rear surface portion 32a is as large as possible without becoming excessively small. By having Hb greater than Ha, the flow resistance of the foaming liquid in the internal space S1 is reduced.

[0177] If the difference between Ha and Hb is large, the increased rigidity of the rear plate 35P brought about by the step portion 35f can also be obtained.

[0178] Rear surface portion 35a is an example of a first rear surface portion that is integrally opposed to the circuit boards 33 and 34 in the thickness direction of the right refrigerator door 11Ab. Rear surface portions 35b, 35c, and 35d are examples of second rear surface portions that are longer than the first rear surface portion in the thickness direction from the rear surface member 37.

[0179] In this embodiment, the thickness of the foamed insulation material between the first rear surface portion and the rear surface component is Ha, and the thickness of the foamed insulation material between the second rear surface portion and the rear surface component is Hb, Hc, and Hd, which are thicker than Ha.

[0180] There is no particular limitation on the size relationship between Ha and hb, hc, and hd.

[0181] For example, when ha is less than hb, hc, and hd, Hb can be widened even without the rear surface component 37 protruding rearward. Furthermore, the distance between the circuit boards 33 and 34 and the cover 35 becomes longer, thus making it difficult for heat dissipated from the circuit boards 33 and 34 to be transferred to the cover 35.

[0182] For example, when ha is less than hb, hc, and hd, the air whose temperature rises due to heat dissipation from the circuit boards 33 and 34 in the internal space S2 can easily flow between the rear surface portion 32a and the rear surface portions 35b, 35c, and 35d, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency from the circuit boards 33 and 34.

[0183] like Figure 10 As shown, in the internal space S1 of the cross section parallel to the YZ plane, in the portion covered by the first flat portion 37a, the distance between the rear surface 30b and the first flat portion 37a is H37a. In the portion covered by the second flat portion 37b, the distance between the rear surface 30b and the second flat portion 37b is H37b, which is shorter than H37b.

[0184] H37a is greater than Ha and Hb and is also greater than H.

[0185] H37b is greater than Ha and less than H37a. In this embodiment, H37b and Hb are approximately equal.

[0186] Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab will be described.

[0187] The touch panel P is assembled by housing the panel body 31 in the fastener 32. Double-sided adhesive tape T1 with spacers is pre-attached to the flange portion 32c.

[0188] Circuit boards 33 and 34 with wiring cables are fixedly connected to the rear surface portion 32a. At this time, the flexible substrate 33c extending from the panel body 31 is bent along the rear surface of the fixing member 32 and extends above the rear surface portion 32a.

[0189] Subsequently, a cover 35 is positioned behind the touch panel P. Double-sided adhesive tape T2 with spacers is pre-attached to the flange 35F of the cover 35.

[0190] The wiring cable connected to the circuit board 33 is inserted into the inside of the cover 35 through the wiring insertion part 35h. The wiring cable connected to the circuit board 34 is inserted into the inside of the cover 35 through the wiring insertion part 35i. Then, each wiring cable is connected to the connector of the circuit boards 33 and 34.

[0191] Next, align the through holes 35q of the cover 35 with the fixing bosses 32e, and screw the two screws 39 into the fixing bosses 32e. Thus, the cover 35 is connected to the fixing member 32. At this time, the right protrusion 35j, the left protrusion 35k, the upper protrusion 35m, and the lower protrusion 35n respectively abut or nearly oppose the rear surface of the fixing member 32. A gap is maintained between the central protrusion 35p and the flange 32c.

[0192] Thus, the distance between the fastener 32 and the cover 35 in the depth direction is limited by the height of the protrusions of the boss 32e, the right protrusion 35j, the left protrusion 35k, the upper protrusion 35m, and the lower protrusion 35n. At this time, the flanges 32c and 35F are located on the same plane or approximately on the same plane. The front surface of the panel body 31 is located on the same plane as the plane where the flanges 32c and 35F are located or slightly rearward.

[0193] exist Figure 12 (a) shows the assembly 50 of the touch panel P and cover 35 thus formed.

[0194] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the right refrigerator compartment door according to the embodiment.

[0195] In assembly 50, the front end 35p1 of the central protrusion 35p is slightly separated from the rear surface portion 32a in the depth direction.

[0196] After peeling off the spacers of the double-sided tapes T1 and T2, the assembly 50 is fixed to the rear surface 30b of the front surface member 30 connected to the frame 36. At this time, when the periphery of the cover 35, viewed from the rear, is pressed against the front surface member 30, the right protrusion 35j, the left protrusion 35k, the upper protrusion 35m, and the lower protrusion 35n abut against the rear side of the fastener 32. As a result, the pressing force is also transmitted to the flange 32c of the fastener 32, and the double-sided tape T1 is more firmly fixed.

[0197] The wiring cables extending from the assembly 50 are positioned appropriately within the frame 36 and led out to the outside via hinge mounting parts 36e and 36f.

[0198] Then, the rear surface component 37 is fixed to the frame 36. This forms... Figure 12 (a) shows the door assembly 51 excluding the foamed insulation material 40.

[0199] After that, as Figure 12 As shown in (b), a foaming liquid for forming foamed insulation material 40 is introduced into the internal space S1 of the door assembly 51 and foamed. After foaming, when the foam solidifies, foamed insulation material 40 is formed, thereby forming the right refrigerator door 11Ab.

[0200] As the foam shrinks during curing, a front-side warping is easily generated on the front surface component 30 of the right refrigerator door 11Ab between the upper and lower ends. However, the warping of the right refrigerator door 11Ab can be suppressed to a certain extent by means of the rigidity of the frame 36, thus not compromising the appearance of the right refrigerator door 11Ab and its function of sealing the opening.

[0201] In this embodiment, when the foaming liquid foams in the internal space S1, foaming pressure is applied to the cover 35 from the rear. For example, the foam between the rear plate portion 35P and the first flat portion 37a expands in the depth direction, and the rear plate portion 35P is pressed toward the fixing member 32.

[0202] The foaming pressure is transmitted from the flange portion 32c and the locking platform portion 32d to the fastener 32 via the upper protrusion 35m, lower protrusion 35n, right protrusion 35j, and left protrusion 35k located near the outer periphery of the rear plate portion 35P. As a result, the foaming pressure is transmitted to the fixing portion based on the double-sided adhesive tape T1, and the adhesion between the fastener 32 and the front surface component 30 is improved during foaming.

[0203] like Figure 12 As shown in (b), the foaming pressure is distributed throughout the rear panel 35P, especially causing large deflection in the -Y direction at the center of the rear panel 35P. As a result, the front end 35p1 of the central protrusion 35p abuts against the rear surface 32a of the fastener 32. The foaming pressure is also transmitted from the central protrusion 35p to the rear surface 32a, and the panel body 31 fixed to the fastener 32 is pressed by the rear surface 30b.

[0204] The foaming pressure eases as the foam contracts, especially due to the contraction of the foam along the long side (vertical direction) of the right refrigerator door 11Ab, resulting in an overall forward-protruding, arch-shaped bending deformation. Therefore, even after the foam has solidified, the central protrusion 35p remains pressed against the rear surface 32a.

[0205] In this embodiment, before the foaming liquid is introduced, the front end 35p1 of the central protrusion 35p moves away from the rear surface portion 32a. Therefore, compared to the case where the front end 35p1 initially contacts the rear surface portion 32a, the pressing pressure transmitted towards the rear surface portion 32a is mitigated. As a result, a high pressing pressure is concentrated on the rear surface portion 32a near the central protrusion 35p, preventing damage or malfunction of the display portion 31a.

[0206] In this embodiment, the rear plate portion 35P has stepped portions 35e, 35f, and 35g extending along the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the rear plate portion 35P is composed of a flat plate without stepped portions, the cross-sectional second moment of the rear plate portion 35P in a section orthogonal to the vertical direction is larger. Therefore, the cover 35 has a shape that easily resists bending in the YZ plane.

[0207] As a result, the foaming pressure on the rear plate portion 35P is dispersed, and the deflection of the rear plate portion 35P at the location where the central protrusion 35p is provided is reduced. In this respect, the pressing pressure acting on the rear surface portion 32a near the central protrusion 35p can also be reduced.

[0208] A step portion 35f is provided near the central protrusion 35p. Therefore, the reinforcing effect brought about by the step portion 35f can effectively suppress the flexural deformation of the rear plate portion 35P at the location where the central protrusion 35p is provided.

[0209] By providing a central protrusion 35p, even under foaming pressure, the distance between the fastener 32 and the rear plate portion 35P near the central protrusion 35p remains approximately equal to the length of the central protrusion 35p in its protruding direction. Thanks to the central protrusion 35p, even if the cover 35 deforms under foaming pressure, the reduction in the internal space S2 between the fastener 32 and the rear plate portion 35P can be suppressed.

[0210] The central protrusion 35p is more preferably located at a portion of the rear plate portion 35P where deflection is prone to increase. In this embodiment, the central protrusion 35p is located at the center of the rear plate portion 35P when viewed from the front, thus effectively suppressing the reduction in the internal space S2.

[0211] In this embodiment, the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab houses a touch panel P for displaying images and circuit boards 33 and 34 containing circuitry for controlling the operation of the touch panel P within an internal space S2 surrounded by a front surface component 30 and a cover 35. Therefore, the operation of the touch panel P generates heat in both the touch panel P itself and the circuit boards 33 and 34.

[0212] For example, heat transferred toward the front surface of the touch panel P is dissipated to the outside of the right refrigerator door 11Ab through the front surface component 30 that is close to the touch panel P.

[0213] Heat transferred to the retainer 32 on the rear surface of the touch panel P is transferred to the flange 32c for heat dissipation from the front surface member 30 to the outside, or from the rear surface of the retainer 32 to the interior space S2. The rear surface of the retainer 32 abuts against the front ends of the upper protrusion 35m, lower protrusion 35n, right protrusion 35j, left protrusion 35k, and central protrusion 35p, but the contact area of ​​each is smaller than the area of ​​the outer surface of the retainer 32, thus suppressing heat transfer to the cover 35. When the central protrusion 35p is cylindrical as in this embodiment, the contact area with the retainer 32 is smaller than that of a cylindrical protrusion, which is therefore preferable.

[0214] The heat generated on the circuit boards 33 and 34 is dissipated into the internal space S2. In this embodiment, the circuit boards 33 and 34 do not come into contact with the cover 35, therefore, the heat generated on the circuit boards 33 and 34 will not be directly transferred to the cover 35.

[0215] As heat dissipates towards the interior space S2, the air with rising temperature comes into contact with the front surface component 30 exposed between the flange portion 32c and the flange portion 35F through convection, and dissipates heat towards the outside through the front surface component 30.

[0216] Through convection, the air in contact with the cover 35 dissipates heat towards the cover 35. Because it is covered by the foamed insulation material 40, the heat transferred towards the cover 35 dissipates towards the front surface component 30 through the flange 35F. However, when the front surface component 30 is made of glass and the cover 35 is made of synthetic resin, the cover 35 has high insulation properties; therefore, heat is mainly transferred towards the front surface component 30 and dissipated to the outside.

[0217] In this embodiment, the rear surface portion 35a, which overlaps with the circuit boards 33 and 34 when viewed from the rear, is positioned further rearward than the rear surface portions 35c, 35b, and 35d, to prevent the circuit boards 33 and 34, which generate heat, from contacting the rear plate portion 35P. Therefore, the overall thickness of the foamed insulation material 40 covering the rear cover 35 can be increased, thereby improving the insulation performance of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab.

[0218] Thus, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment can provide a refrigerator with excellent door insulation performance even when a display panel including a circuit board is built in.

[0219] In the past, when refrigerator doors were equipped with display panels such as touch panels, the display panels could be replaced. For example, when the display panel was located on the right refrigerator door, it was constructed such that a replacement opening was provided at the left or upper end of the right refrigerator door, allowing access to the storage space inside the door.

[0220] In this situation, to assemble and disassemble the display panel, space needs to be created to move the display panel from the disassembly port at the end of the door to the storage position. It is impossible to place insulation material in this space. On the other hand, for ease of viewing from the front, the display panel needs to be placed on the inside, farther from the end of the door, compared to placing it near the end. In this case, space is also created along the movement path of the display panel from the disassembly port towards the storage position, making it impossible to place insulation material. Therefore, the thickness of the insulation material at the left or upper end of the right refrigerator door becomes thinner, easily reducing insulation performance.

[0221] In order to avoid reducing the thermal insulation performance, for example, it is sometimes necessary to increase the thickness of the insulation material by making the rear surface parts protrude towards the inside of the storage compartment, or to add a more expensive vacuum insulation material on top of the foam insulation material.

[0222] In contrast, in this embodiment, the touch panel P is fixed inside the right refrigerator door 11Ab while covered by the cover 35, eliminating the need for a space or opening for replacing the touch panel P. This limits the space that cannot be filled with foam insulation material to an area slightly larger than the shape of the touch panel P.

[0223] Thus, in this embodiment, the reduction in thermal insulation performance can be suppressed regardless of the placement position of the touch panel P, thereby increasing the flexibility in the placement of the touch panel P. As a result, the thermal insulation performance of the right refrigerator door 11Ab is not reduced, and the touch panel P can be placed in a location easily accessible to the user.

[0224] The touch panel P is disposed inside the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab in a liquid-tight manner, surrounded by a cover 35 covered by foamed insulation material 40 and a front surface component 30. Therefore, moisture, dust, and the like can be prevented from entering the internal space S2 where the touch panel P is disposed. As a result, for example, contamination or malfunction of the touch panel P caused by moisture, dust, etc., can be prevented.

[0225] In this embodiment, the fixing member 32 of the touch panel P is connected to the cover 35 by screws 39.

[0226] Therefore, the touch panel P is connected to the cover 35 before being fixed to the front surface member 30. Thus, with the relative positional relationship between the touch panel P and the cover 35 fixed, the touch panel P and the cover 35 can be fixed to the front surface member 30 simultaneously. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the relative position of the cover 35 relative to the touch panel P, and thus fixation can be performed quickly.

[0227] As explained above, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment has a right refrigerator door 11Ab covered by a touch panel P and circuit boards 33, 34 and fixed to the front surface member 30 by a cover 35. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator with excellent heat insulation performance of the door even though it has a built-in display panel including a circuit board.

[0228] In the above embodiment, a display panel having a display section for displaying images based on image signals has been described. However, the display section is not limited to images based on image signals, as long as it can display the desired image.

[0229] For example, the display unit can switch between multiple images based on the switching signal.

[0230] In the above embodiments, a touch panel has been described as a display unit having a display section for displaying operational images and a detection section for detecting operational input. However, the display panel is not limited to a touch panel. For example, the display panel may also be configured to display only an appropriate image without detecting operational input.

[0231] In the above embodiment, the circuit board was described as being arranged behind the display panel. However, the circuit board may also be arranged side by side with the display panel. In this case, the thickness of the foamed thermal insulation material on the rear side of the cover can be reduced.

[0232] In the above embodiment, an example was described where the cover 35 has a protrusion that protrudes toward the fixing member 32 in the thickness direction of the right refrigerator compartment door 11Ab and abuts against the fixing member 32 at its protruding front end. However, the protrusion can be provided on either the cover or the fixing member. For example, the protrusion can be provided on the fixing member, or it can be provided on both the cover and the fixing member.

[0233] Furthermore, if the required internal space between the cover and the front surface component can be ensured by the rigidity of the cover even when foaming pressure is applied, the protrusion can be omitted.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the case where the first rear surface portion, i.e., the rear surface portion 35a, covers the entire circuit boards 33 and 34 from the rear, and the second rear surface portions, i.e., the rear surface portions 35b, 35c, and 35d, do not cover the circuit boards 33 and 34 at all, has been described. However, the range covered by the first and second rear surface portions is not limited to this.

[0235] For example, the first rear surface portion only needs to cover the components in the circuit boards 33 and 34 that generate a lot of heat. In this case, the second rear surface portion may also cover the portion in the circuit boards 33 and 34 other than the components that generate a lot of heat.

[0236] In the above embodiment, the case where the cover 35 has a stepped portion extending in the vertical direction has been described. However, even when the shape of the cover is deformed by foaming pressure, it is not limited to this as long as the required shape and size of the internal space can be maintained.

[0237] For example, the cover may also have a convex shape that protrudes rearward along the outer periphery of the circuit board when viewed from the rear, thereby ensuring the space required for heat dissipation of the circuit board.

[0238] In the above embodiment, the case where the display panel, which is surrounded and fixed to the front surface component, is provided on the right refrigerator door 11Ab. However, such a display panel can be provided on any of the multiple doors 11, as long as it is provided on one or more doors. For example, the display panel can also be provided on the left refrigerator door 11Aa, the vegetable compartment door 11B, etc.

[0239] In the above embodiment, the case where a display panel is provided on a left-right opening door and is covered and fixed to the front surface component has been described. However, the display panel can also be provided on a single-opening door, a sliding door, or the like.

[0240] According to at least one embodiment described above, a refrigerator includes: a refrigerator body including a storage compartment; a door having: a front surface member having a transparent area in at least a portion; a rear surface member covering the rear side of the front surface member; and a foamed insulation material filled between the front surface member and the rear surface member, the door being capable of opening and closing to close the storage compartment; a display panel fixed to the rear surface in a state close to the rear surface of the front surface member and facing the transparent area, displaying an image; a circuit board having circuitry for controlling the operation of the display panel; and a cover covering the display panel and the circuit board from behind the front surface member, surrounding the outer periphery of the display panel and the circuit board as viewed from the front, and liquid-tightly fixed to the rear surface, the foamed insulation material filling the rear surface of the front surface member not covered by the cover as viewed from the rear, and the rear surface of the cover and the rear surface member. Therefore, a refrigerator with excellent door insulation performance can be provided even when a display panel including a circuit board is built in.

[0241] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are shown as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The main body of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment; A door has: a front surface component having a transparent area in at least a portion; a rear surface component covering the rear side of the front surface component; and a foamed thermal insulation material filling the space between the front surface component and the rear surface component, the door being capable of opening and closing the storage compartment. The display panel is fixed to the rear surface in a manner opposite to the transparent area when it is close to the rear surface of the aforementioned front surface component, and displays an image. The circuit board includes circuitry for controlling the operation of the aforementioned display panel; and The cover, which surrounds the outer periphery of the display panel and the circuit board as viewed from the front, covers the display panel and the circuit board from behind the front surface component and is liquid-tightly fixed to the rear surface. The aforementioned foamed insulation material fills the rear surface of the aforementioned front surface component, which is not covered by the aforementioned cover when viewed from the rear, and the space between the rear surface of the aforementioned cover and the aforementioned rear surface component. The above-mentioned cover has: The first rear surface portion faces the circuit board in the thickness direction of the door and covers the circuit board when viewed from the rear side. The second rear surface portion faces the display panel in the thickness direction of the door and covers at least a portion of the display panel when viewed from the rear side. In the thickness direction, the distance between the second rear surface portion and the rear surface member is longer than the distance between the first rear surface portion and the rear surface member. The stepped portion extends along the aforementioned thickness direction and connects the aforementioned first rear surface portion and the aforementioned second rear surface portion.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The above display panel has: The main panel has a display section for displaying images; and A fastener is used to hold the panel body in place and fix it to the rear surface of the front surface component. When one of the aforementioned cover and the aforementioned fastener is designated as the first component, and the other of the aforementioned cover and the aforementioned fastener that is different from the first component is designated as the second component, The first component has a protrusion that, when viewed from the rear side, is positioned away from the periphery of the display panel and protrudes toward the second component in the thickness direction of the door, with the front end of the protrusion abutting against the second component.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned circuit board is disposed on the rear surface of the aforementioned fixing member. The protrusions are positioned in a location that does not overlap with the circuit board when viewed from the rear side.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The above display panel has: The main panel has a display section for displaying images; and A fastener is used to hold the panel body in place and fix it to the rear surface of the front surface component. The aforementioned cover includes a third rear surface portion, and in the aforementioned thickness direction, the distance between the third rear surface portion and the aforementioned rear surface member is longer than the distance between the first rear surface portion and the aforementioned rear surface member. The third rear surface portion described above has a through hole, through which screws connecting the cover and the fastener can be inserted. When one of the aforementioned third rear surface portion and the aforementioned fastener is designated as the third component, and the other of the aforementioned third rear surface portion and the aforementioned fastener that is different from the aforementioned third component is designated as the fourth component, The third component has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the fourth component in the thickness direction, and the front end of the protrusion abuts against the fourth component.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The thickness of the foamed insulation material between the second rear surface portion and the rear surface component is greater than the thickness of the foamed insulation material between the first rear surface portion and the rear surface component.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The aforementioned steps extend along the long side of the aforementioned door when viewed from the front.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, On the rear surface of the aforementioned front surface component, the outer periphery of the first fixing part to which the aforementioned fastener is fixed separates from the inner periphery of the second fixing part to which the aforementioned cover is fixed.

Images