Refrigerator having a display function and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerator with display function and a control method thereof, wherein the refrigerator with display function comprises an upwardly open cabinet, a door body covering the opening of the cabinet, and a handle provided on the side of the door body away from the cabinet and protruding from the top surface of the door body, characterized in that the handle comprises a handle body provided above the door body and a projection device provided on the handle body, the projection device can project a first projection image and a second projection image, and the projection device has a first state in which the first projection image is projected on the top surface of the door body and a second state in which the second projection image is projected in the space outside the refrigerator by rotation. The refrigerator of the application can have two display modes, i.e., display in the space outside the refrigerator and display on the top surface of the door body, so as to realize diversified display information and improve the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a freezer with a display function and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most freezers use a combination of LED displays and display panels for their functions. This means that information such as the freezer's logo or function buttons is usually printed on the display panel. Due to differences in printing methods, there is no unified standard for the display panels, requiring individual design, which increases the complexity of the manufacturing process. Some high-end freezers have switched to a full LCD screen solution, but this increases the production cost of the freezer, which does not conform to the low-cost strategy of freezers. Therefore, there is a need to design a freezer that can simplify the production design of the display panel, without increasing the production cost of the freezer, and improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a freezer with a display function and a control method thereof to solve one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A freezer with a display function includes an upward-opening cabinet and a door covering the opening of the cabinet. A handle is provided on the side of the door away from the cabinet and protrudes from the top surface of the door. The handle has a handle body disposed above the door and a projection device disposed on the handle body. The projection device can project a first projected image and a second projected image. The projection device has a first state in which the first projected image is projected on the top surface of the door and a second state in which the second projected image is projected into the space outside the freezer by rotation.

[0006] Furthermore, the handle body extends laterally, and the handle also includes a pair of connecting posts for connecting the two ends of the handle body and the door body, and a locking structure between at least one connecting post and the end of the handle body for locking the handle body in a first state or a second state. The handle body can rotate relative to the connecting posts along its axial direction to switch the projection device between the first state and the second state.

[0007] Furthermore, the projection device includes a first projection device and a second projection device arranged laterally on the handle body. In a first state, the first projection image includes a first functional image projected by the first projection device and a first information image projected by the second projection device. In a second state, the second projection image is a second information image projected by the second projection device.

[0008] Furthermore, the first functional image is one or more of the following function icons: set temperature increase, set temperature decrease, defrost, quick freeze, etc.; the first information image is the internal temperature of the freezer; and the second information image is one or more of the following information icons: product information, advertising, merchandise information, etc.

[0009] Furthermore, in the first state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device and the vertical direction is less than 90°; in the second state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device and the vertical direction is between 90° and 180°.

[0010] Furthermore, the freezer also includes a control unit that can control the operation of the projection device, and a sensing unit disposed adjacent to the projection device on the handle body. The control unit and the sensing unit are communicatively connected. In a first state, the first projected image is projected into the sensing range of the sensing unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the freezer also includes a functional system that is communicatively connected to the control unit, the functional system including a refrigeration system and a defrosting system.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit is communicatively connected to the door. When the control unit receives an opening signal, it controls the projection device and the sensing unit to not operate.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a control method for a freezer with a display function as described above, the control method comprising:

[0014] With the door closed, rotate the handle to put the projection device into the first state;

[0015] The control unit acquires the signal that the sensing unit is triggered, and controls the second projection device to project the first information image.

[0016] Upon receiving a signal that the sensing unit has been triggered again, the control unit controls the first projection device to project the first functional image.

[0017] The control unit obtains a signal that any function icon in the first function image is triggered for a first duration T1, and controls the function system corresponding to the function icon to work.

[0018] The functional system has finished operating, and the projection device has stopped projecting.

[0019] Rotating the handle switches the projection device from the first state to the second state, and the control unit controls the second projection device to project the second information image into the external space of the freezer.

[0020] Furthermore, when the control unit controls the first projection device to project the first functional image, it acquires a signal that the sensing unit is triggered for a second duration T2, where T2 < T1, and the control unit controls the function icons on the first functional image to switch functions.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the freezer with display function of the present invention can display information both in the outer space of the freezer and on the top surface of the door by switching the state of the projection device, thereby realizing diversified display information and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a freezer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the freezer in its first state in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view of the freezer in the second state in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the freezer in its first state in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A front view of the freezer in its second state in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the freezer control method of the present invention.

[0028] Among them, 10-box body, 20-door body, 30-handle, 31-handle body, 32-connecting column, 33-groove, 40-projection device, 41-first projection device, 42-second projection device, 51-first functional image, 52-first information image, 53-second information image, 60-sensing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the auxiliary diagram. They are only used to simplify the description of the present invention and do not indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Specifically, in the present invention, the user's operating surface is considered the front, and the direction facing the ground is considered the lower. Conversely, the direction away from the user's operating surface is considered the rear, and the direction away from the ground is considered the upper. Other descriptions of orientation are defined based on "upper" and "lower."

[0031] In the various illustrations of this invention, for ease of illustration, certain dimensions of structures or parts may be exaggerated relative to other structural parts; therefore, they are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the subject matter of this invention.

[0032] A type of freezer with a display function, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the freezer includes an upward-opening cabinet 10 and a door 20 that covers the opening of the cabinet 10. A handle 30 is provided on the side of the door 20 away from the cabinet. The handle 30 protrudes from the top surface of the door 20. The handle 30 has a handle body 31 disposed above the door 20 and a projection device 40 disposed on the handle body 31. The projection device 40 can project a first projection image and a second projection image. The projection device 40 has a first state in which the first projection image is projected onto the top surface of the door 20, and a second state in which the second projection image is projected into the space outside the freezer by rotation.

[0033] The freezer with display function of the present invention allows the freezer to project images both on the outer space of the freezer and on the top surface of the door 20 by switching the state of the projection device 40. Especially in the environment of commercial freezer use, the first projection image and the second projection image can be selected according to different needs to realize diversified display information and improve the user experience.

[0034] It is understood that the freezer with display function in this invention includes freezers with upward opening and freezers with side opening. This invention will be described in detail using a freezer with upward opening and door 20 located on the upper part of the cabinet 10 as an example.

[0035] Specifically, the handle body 31 extends laterally, and the handle 30 also includes a pair of connecting posts 32 for connecting the two ends of the handle body 31 and the door body 20. That is, the handle 30 is located on the door body 20 and protrudes upward, which is convenient for gripping and also facilitates the installation of a projection device 40 on the handle 30.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle body 31 can rotate relative to the connecting post 32 along its axial direction to switch the projection device 40 between a first state and a second state, that is, the first state and the second state can be switched by rotating the handle body 31 relative to the connecting post 32.

[0037] Furthermore, the handle 30 also includes at least one locking structure (not shown) between the connecting post 32 and the end of the handle body 31 for locking the handle body 31 in a first state or a second state, so that the projection device 40 can be stably in the first state or the second state. Preferably, the locking structure is provided at the mating point of the handle body 31 32 and the connecting post, so that the force between the handle body 31 and the connecting post 32 is more uniform and the overall structure of the handle 30 is more stable.

[0038] In this embodiment, the handle body 31 is provided with a groove 32 for accommodating the projection device 40, and the groove 32 is formed by recessing inward from the surface of the handle body 31.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching between the first state and the second state can also be achieved by a projection device 40. Specifically, the projection device 40 is disposed on the handle body 31, and in the direction perpendicular to the length of the handle body 31, the projection device 40 can rotate relative to the handle body 31 to achieve the switching between the first state and the second state. In this embodiment, the handle body 31 is fixedly connected to the connecting post 32, and only the rotation of the projection device 40 is needed to achieve the switching.

[0040] Of course, the switching between the first state and the second state can also be achieved by rotating the handle body 31 and the projection device 40 simultaneously, which is also within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in the first state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device 40 and the vertical direction is less than 90°, that is, the projection device 40 projects the image onto the top surface of the door 20.

[0042] In the first state, the first projected image includes a first functional image 51 projected by the first projection device 41 and a first information image 52 projected by the second projection device 42. That is, in the first state, the first projection device 41 and the second projection device 42 work simultaneously.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first function image 51 is one or more of the function icons such as setting temperature increase, setting temperature decrease, defrosting, and quick freezing; the first information image 52 is the internal temperature of the freezer.

[0044] Accordingly, combined Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, in the second state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device 40 and the vertical direction is between 90° and 180°, that is, the second projected image is projected into the outer space of the freezer. In this embodiment, the second projected image can be projected onto the wall behind the freezer or onto other carriers.

[0045] Furthermore, the second projected image is the second information image 53 projected by the second projection device 42. In this embodiment, the second information image 53 is one or more of information icons such as product information, advertising, and commodity information, which can provide customers with a more intuitive visual experience and enhance their user experience.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the freezer further includes a control unit (not shown) that can control the operation of the projection device 40, and a sensing unit 60 disposed on the handle body 31 adjacent to the projection device 40, wherein the control unit and the sensing unit 60 are communicatively connected.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit is communicatively connected to the handle. When the rotating handle body switches to the second state, the control unit controls the first projection device to stop working.

[0048] In this embodiment, the sensing unit and the second projection device are respectively located on both sides of the first projection device. In the first state, the first projected image is projected onto the sensing range of the sensing unit 60. The sensing unit 60 determines the specific function icon that has been triggered based on the distance of the triggered function icon, and then transmits the signal to the control unit.

[0049] It is understood that the sensing unit can also be installed on the door, as long as the first projected image is projected within the range that the sensing unit can sense, it is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0050] Furthermore, the freezer also includes a functional system (not shown) that is communicatively connected to the control unit. This functional system includes a refrigeration system and a defrosting system. When the sensing unit 60 receives a signal that the temperature reduction or quick-freeze function icon is triggered, the control unit controls the refrigeration system to operate. When the sensing unit 60 receives a signal that the defrost function icon is triggered, the control unit controls the defrosting system to operate. After the defrosting cycle ends, the control unit controls the first function icon to no longer be displayed.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit is communicatively connected to the door 20. When the control unit receives the door opening signal, it controls the projection device 40 and the sensing unit 60 to not work. On the one hand, after the door 20 is opened, the projection direction of the projection device 40 changes, making it impossible for the projection device 40 to project normally. On the other hand, it protects the safety of the projection device 40 and avoids interference to the projection device 40 during the opening of the door 20.

[0052] This invention also relates to a control method for a freezer with a display function as described above, such as... Figure 6 As shown, its control methods include:

[0053] With the door 20 closed, rotating the handle 30 puts the projection device 40 into the first state.

[0054] The control unit obtains the signal that the sensing unit 60 is triggered, and controls the second projection device 42 to project the first information image, that is, the second projection device 42 projects the temperature information inside the freezer onto the top surface of the door 20.

[0055] Upon receiving a signal that the sensing unit 60 has been triggered again, the control unit controls the first projection device 41 to project the first functional image 51.

[0056] The acquisition of the signal that the sensing unit 60 is triggered means that the human body briefly triggers the sensing unit, and the signal that the sensing unit is triggered is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit controls the display of the first information image and the first function image.

[0057] If a signal is obtained that any function icon in the first function image 51 is triggered for a first duration T1, it indicates that the function icon has been triggered, and the control unit controls the function system corresponding to the function icon to work.

[0058] For example, when the temperature reduction function icon is triggered, the control system controls the cooling system to work until the first information image 52 displays the set temperature, at which point the cooling system stops working, that is, the function system ends working, and the projection device 40 stops projecting.

[0059] If the control unit controls the first projection device 41 to project the first functional image 51, and obtains the signal that the sensing unit 60 is triggered for a second duration T2, where T2 < T1, the control unit controls the function icons on the first functional image to switch functions.

[0060] Furthermore, by rotating the handle 30, the control unit controls the projection device 40 to switch from the first state to the second state. The control unit controls the first projection device 41 to stop working, and the second projection device 42 projects the second information image 53 into the external space of the freezer. In this embodiment, the second information image 53 is enlarged and projected in a position that is easy for customers to see, so as to promote the product information inside the freezer or the product information of the freezer itself, thereby realizing a diversified display solution and increasing the user experience.

[0061] In summary, the freezer with display function of the present invention can display information both in the outer space of the freezer and on the top surface of the door 20 by switching the state of the projection device 40, thereby realizing diversified display information and improving the user experience.

[0062] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0063] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific illustrations of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freezer with a display function, comprising an upward-opening cabinet body and a door body covering the opening of the cabinet body, wherein a handle is provided on the side of the door body opposite to the cabinet body, and the handle protrudes from the top surface of the door body, characterized in that: The handle has a handle body disposed above the door and a projection device disposed on the handle body. The projection device can project a first projection image and a second projection image. The projection device has a first state in which the first projection image is projected onto the top surface of the door and a second state in which the second projection image is projected into the space outside the freezer. The first state or the second state can be switched by rotating the handle body and / or the projection device.

2. The freezer with display function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The handle body extends laterally, and the handle also includes a pair of connecting posts for connecting the two ends of the handle body and the door body, and a locking structure between at least one connecting post and the end of the handle body for locking the handle body in a first state or a second state. The handle body can rotate relative to the connecting posts along its axial direction to switch the projection device between the first state and the second state.

3. The freezer with display function as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The projection device includes a first projection device and a second projection device arranged laterally on the handle body. In a first state, the first projection image includes a first functional image projected by the first projection device and a first information image projected by the second projection device. In a second state, the second projection image is the second information image projected by the second projection device.

4. The freezer with display function as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first function image is one or more of the following icons: set temperature increase, set temperature decrease, defrost, quick freeze; the first information image is the internal temperature of the freezer; the second information image is one or more of the following icons: product information, advertising, merchandise information.

5. The freezer with display function as described in claim 3, characterized in that: In the first state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device and the vertical direction is less than 90°; in the second state, the angle between the projection direction of the projection device and the vertical direction is between 90° and 180°.

6. The freezer with display function as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The freezer also includes a control unit that controls the operation of the projection device and a sensing unit disposed adjacent to the projection device on the handle body. The control unit and the sensing unit are communicatively connected. In a first state, the first projected image is projected within the sensing range of the sensing unit.

7. The freezer with display function as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The freezer also includes a functional system that is connected to the control unit, the functional system including a refrigeration system and a defrosting system.

8. The freezer with display function as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The control unit is communicatively connected to the door. When the control unit receives an opening signal, it controls the projection device and the sensing unit to not work.

9. A control method for a freezer with a display function as described in claim 8, characterized in that: With the door closed, rotate the handle to put the projection device into the first state; The control unit acquires the signal that the sensing unit is triggered, and controls the second projection device to project the first information image. Upon receiving a signal that the sensing unit has been triggered again, the control unit controls the first projection device to project the first functional image. The control unit obtains a signal that any function icon in the first function image is triggered for a first duration T1, and controls the function system corresponding to the function icon to work. The functional system has finished operating, and the projection device has stopped projecting. Rotating the handle switches the projection device from the first state to the second state, and the control unit controls the second projection device to project the second information image into the external space of the freezer.

10. The control method for a freezer as described in claim 9, characterized in that: When the control unit controls the first projection device to project the first functional image, it acquires the signal that the sensing unit is triggered for a second duration T2, where T2 < T1. The control unit then controls the function icons on the first functional image to switch functions.

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