Refrigerator system

Abstract

This refrigerator system provides a mechanism to suppress the cancellation of radio waves. [Solution] The refrigerator system comprises a housing having a metal outer box, an antenna 34a, and a resin case 31b housing the antenna 34a, and a camera unit 3 installed on the outside of the housing, and a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 disposed between the housing and the antenna 34a to suppress the cancellation of radio waves, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 having a first inclined surface 91a that is inclined to approach the antenna 34a as it moves toward one side in the first direction, and a second inclined surface 92a that is connected to one side of the first inclined surface 91a and is inclined to move away from the antenna 34a as it moves toward that side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator system.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a refrigerator system having a wireless communication function, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known. That is, Patent Document 1 describes that "the wireless communication means is not arranged at a position where the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing is a multiple of half the wavelength of the radio wave."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, by preventing the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing from being a multiple of half the wavelength of the radio wave, cancellation of the incident wave and reflected wave of the radio wave is prevented. However, when the design of the device for performing wireless communication is independently carried out or when the wavelength of the radio wave can be selected, there is a possibility that the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing may be close to half the wavelength of the radio wave, and there is still room for improvement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator system according to this disclosure comprises a housing having a metal outer box, an antenna, and a resin case for housing the antenna, and a device installed on the outside of the housing, and further comprises a radio wave cancellation suppression member disposed between the housing and the antenna to suppress the cancellation of radio waves, the radio wave cancellation suppression member having a first inclined surface that is inclined to approach the antenna as it moves toward one side in a first direction, and a second inclined surface that is connected to the one side of the first inclined surface and is inclined to move toward the antenna as it moves toward that one side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a refrigerator included in the refrigerator system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a refrigerator included in the refrigerator system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors open. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors open. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the camera unit of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigerator system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example of the image capture result from the camera unit of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, before any image processing has been performed. [Figure 8] This is an example of a processed image of a camera unit in a refrigerator system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the camera unit of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, as seen from the right rear. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member of a refrigerator system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11]This is a side view of a radio wave cancellation suppression member of a refrigerator system according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the camera unit of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, with the top cover of the case removed. [Figure 13A] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the camera unit of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13B] This is a partially enlarged view of area A1 shown in Figure 13A, in the refrigerator system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14A] This is a partially enlarged view of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, in a state where the radio wave cancellation suppression member is not installed. [Figure 14B] This is a partially enlarged view of the refrigerator system according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member is installed. [Figure 15] This is a side view of a modified refrigerator system radio wave cancellation suppression member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] <<Embodiment>> Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 included in the refrigerator system according to the embodiment. The refrigerator 100 is a device for storing goods at low temperatures and includes a housing 1, multiple doors such as refrigerator doors 211 and 212, and a camera unit 3 (device). The housing 1 consists of a metal (steel plate) outer box 11 and a resin inner box 12 (see Figure 3), with vacuum insulation material or foamed urethane filling the space between them. Note that even if a thin sheet of glass is installed on the surface of the outer box 11 or if the outer box 11 is subjected to a predetermined surface treatment, this is still considered to be the case that the outer box 11 is made of metal.

[0008] Inside the housing 1, a plurality of storage compartments are provided. In the example of FIG. 1, as the plurality of storage compartments, a refrigerating compartment 21, an ice-making compartment 22 and an upper freezing compartment 23 arranged side by side left and right, a lower freezing compartment 24, and a vegetable compartment 25 are provided in order from the top. Note that the number and arrangement of the storage compartments shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples and are not limited thereto. On the front side of the housing 1, openings 1a (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the respective storage compartments are provided.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 100 includes a pair of left and right refrigerating compartment doors 211 and 212 as French doors. Further, the refrigerator 100 includes a pull-out door, and in addition to an ice-making compartment door 221 and an upper freezing compartment door 231, also includes a lower freezing compartment door 241 and a vegetable compartment door 251. Each of these doors and the housing 1 form each storage compartment.

[0010] Although not shown in the figure, the refrigerator 100 includes a compressor, a radiator (condenser), a capillary tube (throttling mechanism), and a cooler (evaporator). Then, the refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor, the radiator, the capillary tube, and the cooler, and the air in the storage compartment is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the cooler.

[0011] The camera unit 3 (device) is for photographing a storage compartment or the like, and is installed outside the housing 1 (in the example of FIG. 1, on the upper side of the housing 1). That is, the camera unit 3 has a photographing function as a predetermined function different from the cooling function and the wireless communication function.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the refrigerator 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 3 includes a main body portion 31 and a support portion 32. The main body portion 31 has a function of acquiring a photographed image of a region within the visual field of the lens 31a. The support portion 32 supports the main body portion 31 and is installed on the upper surface of the housing 1.

[0013] Near the front end of the main body 31, a lens 31a is installed. The lens 31a is an optical element that refracts light and focuses it on an image sensor (not shown), and is in a state facing downward. As such a lens 31a, for example, a fisheye lens is used.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the lens 31a is provided on the front side of the front end of the housing 1 (the edge of the opening 1a of the housing 1). More preferably, the lens 31a is provided further on the front side than the front surfaces of the refrigerator doors 211 and 212 in the closed state. Thereby, for example, when the refrigerator doors 211 and 212 are opened, the refrigerator compartment 21 (see FIG. 3) easily enters the field of view of the lens 31a.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the refrigerator 100 with the left and right refrigerator doors 211 and 212 opened. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of shelf plates 213 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 21. A plurality of door pockets 211c for storing food and the like are provided on the inner plate 211b of the left refrigerator door 211 (the same applies to the right refrigerator door 212). When the left and right refrigerator doors 211 and 212 are opened, the food and the like in the refrigerator compartment 21 and the door pockets 211c and 212c are panoramically within the field of view of the camera unit 3.

[0016] For example, when at least one of the refrigerator doors 211 and 212 is opened, the refrigerator compartment 21 and the like are photographed by the camera unit 3 (automatic photographing). Also, when the lower freezer door 241 or the vegetable compartment door 251 is opened, the lower freezer compartment 24 or the vegetable compartment 25 is photographed by the camera unit 3 (automatic photographing).

[0017] Also, one photographing button 5 is provided at the lower part of each of the refrigerator doors 211 and 212. When the photographing button 5 is pressed by the user, the refrigerator compartment 21 and the like are photographed by the camera unit 3 (manual photographing). Note that a photographing button (not shown) may be provided near the handle of the lower freezer door 241 or the vegetable compartment door 251.

[0018] Figure 4 is a plan view of refrigerator 100 with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 open. As shown in Figure 4, hinges 211a and 212a are installed on the top surface of the housing 1. The left hinge 211a pivotally supports the refrigerator door 211 so that it can rotate freely (the right hinge 212a does the same).

[0019] The main body 31 of the camera unit 3 is equipped with a case 31b. The case 31b is a resin housing that accommodates the antenna 34a and other components of the camera unit 3 (see Figure 9). In plan view, the case 31b has an elongated rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction. In the example shown in Figure 4, the rear of the case 31b is longer in the shorter direction (left-to-right direction) than the front.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 when viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 5, the lens 31a and illumination cover 31c are installed on the lower surface of the portion of the main body 31 that protrudes forward of the support portion 32. More specifically, a circular hole (not shown) is provided on the lower surface near the front end of the case 31b, and the lens 31a is exposed through this hole. Also, on the lower surface of the case 31b, behind the lens 31a, there is an elongated hole (not shown) in the left-right direction, and the illumination cover 31c is fitted into this hole. The illumination cover 3c is a translucent resin member that protects the light-emitting portion 31d (see Figure 6) and diffuses the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 31d.

[0021] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator system W1. As shown in Figure 6, the refrigerator system W1 consists of a refrigerator 100, a router 51, a network 52, a server 53, and a mobile terminal 54. The refrigerator 100 also includes a camera unit 3, a shooting button 5, a door sensor 6, an operation panel 7, and a control unit 8. The shooting button 5 (see also Figure 3) is operated when the camera unit 3 is manually taking pictures, as described above. The door sensor 6 is a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of each door, such as the refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212, etc. (see Figure 3).

[0022] The control panel 7 is used to set the operating mode and temperature of the refrigerator 100, and is located on the outer or inner surface of the refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 (see Figure 3). The control panel 7 is also used when setting up pairing between the user's mobile terminal 54 and the refrigerator 100.

[0023] The control unit 8 is, for example, a microcontroller, and although not shown in the diagram, it is composed of electronic circuits including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. It reads the program stored in the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.

[0024] The control unit 8 performs predetermined cooling control based on signals from the door sensor 6 and the operation panel 7. The control unit 8 also controls the timing of the camera unit 3's shooting. For example, when an open signal is input from the door sensor 6, the control unit 8 outputs a shooting command to the camera / wireless communication control unit 31f (automatic shooting). Also, when an operation signal is input from the shooting button 5, the control unit 8 outputs a shooting command to the camera / wireless communication control unit 31f (manual shooting). This allows the camera unit 3 to take pictures of the storage room, etc.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the camera unit 3 comprises an imaging unit M1, a light-emitting unit 31d, a sound-emitting unit 31e, a camera / wireless communication control unit 31f, and an antenna 34a. The imaging unit M1 includes a lens 31a (see Figure 5) and an image sensor (not shown). The image sensor is an element that converts light incident through the lens 31a (see Figure 5) into photoelectric data to generate captured image data.

[0026] The light-emitting unit 31d is a light source that is illuminated when the camera unit 3 takes a picture, and is located in front of the closed refrigerator doors 211 and 212 (see Figure 1). Specifically, the light-emitting unit 31d is located inside the case 31b (see Figure 5), above the lighting cover 3c (see Figure 5). For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as such a light-emitting unit 31d. When the light-emitting unit 31d is illuminated during shooting, the storage room can be photographed under appropriate brightness. The sound-emitting unit 31e is a buzzer that emits a predetermined sound when the camera unit 3 takes a picture, etc.

[0027] The camera / wireless communication control unit 31f communicates with the control unit 8 as specified and outputs a shooting command to the image sensor (not shown) of the shooting unit M1. As a result, the camera / wireless communication control unit 31f receives the captured image data from the image sensor. The antenna 34a has the function of transmitting the captured image data as radio waves and receiving specified data transmitted from the server 53 via the router 51 as radio waves.

[0028] Router 51 is a communication relay device that transmits the captured image data received from antenna 34a to server 53 via network 52. Server 53 performs predetermined image processing on the captured image and stores it in association with the identification information of refrigerator 100. Also, when server 53 receives a request signal for captured images of the inside of the refrigerator from a mobile terminal 54, it transmits the captured image data to the mobile terminal 54. For example, a smartphone or tablet can be used as such a mobile terminal 54.

[0029] Figure 7 shows an example of the results captured by the camera unit before any image processing has been performed. Note that in Figure 7, the top of the page is considered the front and the bottom of the page is considered the rear, so the left and right are reversed compared to Figure 3, etc. In the example in Figure 7, both the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 are open, and in addition to the refrigerator compartment 21, the left and right door pockets 211c and 212c are also photographed. As mentioned above, by using a fisheye lens as the lens 31a of the camera unit 3 (see Figure 5), it is possible to photograph with a wide field of view.

[0030] Figure 8 shows an example of a processed image resulting from a camera unit. For example, based on the image capture results in Figure 7, the server 53 (see Figure 6) performs predetermined image processing to convert the images into unfolded images that show the refrigerator compartment 21 and the refrigerator doors 211 and 212 as if viewed from the front. When these unfolded images are displayed on the mobile terminal 54 (see Figure 6), the user can see at a glance what kind of food is stored in the refrigerator compartment 21 and the refrigerator doors 211 and 212.

[0031] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 as seen from the right rear. Note that Figure 9 shows the case 31b with the top cover removed. As shown in Figure 9, the camera unit 3 includes a camera control board 33 and a wireless communication board 34 as circuit boards installed inside the case 31b. The camera control board 33 is a printed circuit board on which an image sensor (not shown), a light-emitting unit 31d (see Figure 6), a sound-emitting unit 31e (see Figure 6), and predetermined camera control elements (not shown) are mounted. In the example in Figure 9, the camera control board 33 is installed at the front of the case 31b so that its surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the case 31b.

[0032] The wireless communication board 34 is a printed circuit board on which an antenna 34a and an integrated circuit 34b (see Figure 13B) are mounted, and it has wireless communication functionality. In the example shown in Figure 9, the wireless communication board 34 is installed at the rear of the case 31b so that its surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the case 31b. The wireless communication board 34 is connected to the camera control board 33 via wiring (not shown). The wireless communication board 34 is also supported by a plurality of support pieces 311b, spaced a predetermined distance above the bottom surface of the case 31b.

[0033] Antenna 34a transmits and receives radio waves and is included in the camera unit 3 (device). The captured image data output from the camera / wireless communication control unit 31f (see Figure 6) is radiated as radio waves from antenna 34a. Antenna 34a may be directional or omnidirectional; either is acceptable.

[0034] Figure 9 shows an example in which an inverted L-shaped antenna 34a is mounted on the underside of the wireless communication board 34 in a plan view, but it is not limited to this. For example, in addition to a rod-shaped or wire-shaped antenna, a coil-shaped or serpentine antenna may be used as the antenna 34a. Alternatively, a predetermined antenna may be mounted on both sides of the wireless communication board 34. It should be noted that mounting the antenna 34a on the wireless communication board 34 is not particularly necessary, and a predetermined antenna may be provided separately from the wireless communication board 34.

[0035] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the refrigerator system W1 (see Figure 6) is equipped with a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 shown in Figure 9. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is a member that suppresses the cancellation of radio waves. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned vertically between the housing 1 (see Figure 13A) and the antenna 34a (see Figure 13A). Furthermore, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed inside the case 31b of the camera unit 3.

[0036] Generally, radio waves have the property of reflecting off the surface of metal components. If, for example, in a configuration without the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, some of the radio waves radiated from antenna 34a are incident on the metal outer casing 11 (see Figure 13A) at an incident angle of 90° via the resin case 31b, the following will occur. That is, since the radio waves reflected off the surface of the outer casing 11 return to antenna 34a at a reflection angle of 90°, there is a possibility of cancellation between the radio waves radiated from antenna 34a and the radio waves returning to antenna 34a. In order to suppress such radio wave cancellation, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is provided in this embodiment.

[0037] As the constituent material of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, for example, aluminum or aluminum alloys, as well as iron or iron alloys, can be used, but it is also possible to use other predetermined alloys. In this embodiment, the case in which radio waves are reflected by a metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be described, but the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may also be made of a rubber material that has radio wave absorbing properties. The case in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is made of a rubber material will be described in the modified example.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, an opening H1 is provided on the left side of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in the side wall of case 31b. This opening H1 is a rectangular notch for sliding the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 laterally for installation, and it opens upwards. When a worker installs the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, they should slide the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to the left through the opening H1.

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. As shown in Figure 10, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 comprises a first inclined portion 91, a second inclined portion 92, a first flange 93, and a second flange 94. Such a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is formed, for example, by bending a rectangular metal plate to a predetermined shape. In the example in Figure 10, the first flange 93, the first inclined portion 91, the second inclined portion 92, and the second flange 94 are arranged in order from the front.

[0040] The first inclined portion 91 and the second inclined portion 92 have the function of reflecting radio waves from the antenna 34a (see Figure 13A) toward the housing 1 (see Figure 13A). The first inclined portion 91 has a rectangular first inclined surface 91a as its upper surface. The first inclined surface 91a is inclined such that its height increases towards its front end.

[0041] The second inclined portion 92 has a rectangular second inclined surface 92a as its upper surface. This second inclined surface 92a is connected to the front side of the first inclined surface 91a (one side in the front-to-back direction, which is the "first direction"). The second inclined surface 92a is inclined such that its height decreases as it approaches its front end. To explain from another perspective, the second inclined surface 92a is inclined such that its height increases as it approaches the ridge line K1 between it and the first inclined surface 91a. The ridge line K1 between the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a extends in the left-to-right direction, which is the "second direction". Furthermore, the ridge line K1 is parallel to the upper surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 13A).

[0042] The first flange 93 and the second flange 94 are used to fix the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to the case 31b (see Figure 9). The first flange 93 has a rectangular plate surface and extends rearward from the first inclined portion 91. In other words, the first flange 93 is connected to the rear edge (the other side in the front-rear direction, which is the "first direction") of the first inclined surface 91a.

[0043] The second flange 94 has a rectangular plate surface and extends forward from the second inclined portion 92. In other words, the second flange 94 is connected to the front edge (one side in the "first direction") of the second inclined surface 92a. The plate surfaces of these first flanges 93 and second flanges 94 are parallel to the upper surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 13A). The first flange 93 and second flange 94 are also in contact with the bottom surface (inner surface) of the case 31b of the camera unit 3 (device) (see Figure 13B).

[0044] Figure 11 is a side view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. Figure 11 also shows a wireless communication board 34 with an antenna 34a mounted on its lower surface. As shown in Figure 11, the metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 and the antenna 34a are separated by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. This suppresses the attenuation of radio waves radiated from the antenna 34a (attenuation due to the proximity of the metal member to the antenna 34a) and ensures the communication range when performing wireless communication.

[0045] Furthermore, the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 have an inverted V shape when viewed from the side. The first inclined surface 91a is inclined so that it approaches the antenna 34a as it moves toward the front side (one side of the "first direction"). In other words, the first inclined surface 91a is inclined so that the vertical distance between it and the antenna 34a becomes shorter as it approaches its front end. The second inclined surface 92a is inclined so that it moves away from the antenna 34a as it moves toward the front side (one side of the "first direction"). In other words, the second inclined surface 92a is inclined so that the vertical distance between it and the antenna 34a becomes longer as it approaches its front end.

[0046] With this configuration, of the radio waves radiated from antenna 34a in all directions, those directed downward toward the housing 1 (see Figure 13A) are reflected by the first inclined surface 91a, and the reflected radio waves are directed backward (see Figure 13B). Similarly, radio waves reflected by the second inclined surface 92a are directed forward (see Figure 13B). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the incident of radio waves radiated from antenna 34a on the upper surface of housing 1 at an incident angle of 90°, thereby suppressing the cancellation of radio waves.

[0047] Furthermore, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 has a symmetrical shape before and after a predetermined plane P1. The aforementioned plane P1 is a plane that passes through the ridge K1 between the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a and is parallel to the vertical direction. In the example in Figure 11, the angle θ1 at which the first inclined surface 91a is inclined with respect to plane P1 is approximately 45°. Similarly, the angle θ2 at which the second inclined surface 92a is inclined with respect to plane P1 is also approximately 45°.

[0048] Furthermore, using the plane P2 that includes the lower surfaces of the first flange 93 and the second flange 94 as a reference, the following can be said: That is, the angle θ3 at which the first inclined surface 91a is inclined with respect to the plane P2 is approximately 45°. Similarly, the angle θ4 at which the second inclined surface 92a is inclined with respect to the plane P2 is also approximately 45°.

[0049] Furthermore, when the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed in case 31b (see Figure 13A), the plate surfaces (upper and lower surfaces) of the first flange 93 and the second flange 94 become parallel to the upper surface of housing 1 (see Figure 13A). Therefore, the angle between the plane (not shown) containing the first inclined surface 91a and the upper surface of housing 1 (see Figure 13A) is equal to the angle θ3 (= approximately 45°) in Figure 11. Similarly, the angle between the plane (not shown) containing the second inclined surface 92a and the upper surface of housing 1 (see Figure 13A) is also equal to the angle θ4 (= approximately 45°) in Figure 11.

[0050] Therefore, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 91a with respect to the top surface of the housing 1 (the surface of the housing 1 facing the camera unit 3) is equal to the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 92a with respect to the top surface of the housing 1 (θ3 = θ4). With this configuration, the reflected waves from the first inclined surface 91a travel backward, and the reflected waves from the second inclined surface 92a travel forward (see Figure 13B), so that the reflected waves travel away from the antenna 34a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the return of some of the radio waves reflected by the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a to the antenna 34a. Note that the magnitudes of the angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 can be changed as appropriate during the design phase.

[0051] Figure 12 is a plan view of the camera unit 3 with the top cover of case 31b removed. In Figure 12, the antenna 34a is shown with a dashed line to indicate its positional relationship with the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, and parts of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 that are actually hidden by the wireless communication substrate 34 are shown with solid lines. Also in Figure 12, the first claw portion N1, the second claw portion N2, and the various ribs, which will be described later, are also shown with solid lines.

[0052] As shown in Figure 12, the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a are arranged to include the antenna 34a in a plan view. In other words, the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a are arranged to include the projection surface when the antenna 34a is projected in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 (the surface of the housing 1 facing the camera unit 3). With this configuration, of the radio waves radiated in all directions from the antenna 34a, most of the radio waves traveling downward from the antenna 34a to the housing 1 are incident on the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a, and are further reflected in a direction different from that of the antenna 34a (see Figure 13B). As a result, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 suppresses the return of radio waves reflected back to the antenna 34a, and consequently suppresses the cancellation of radio waves.

[0053] Figure 13A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the camera unit 3. In Figure 13A, the housing 1 and the refrigerator door 212 are also shown. As described above, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is placed between the antenna 34a of the wireless communication board 34 and the metal housing 1. In the example in Figure 13A, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is shown to be placed inside the case 31b of the camera unit 3, but it is also possible to install the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 inside the support part 32 of the camera unit 3, for example.

[0054] Figure 13B is a magnified view of a portion of area A1 shown in Figure 13A. In Figure 13B, among the radio waves radiated in all directions from antenna 34a, the radio waves traveling downwards are indicated by arrows. In addition to antenna 34a, an integrated circuit 34b (IC) is mounted on the underside of the wireless communication board 34. The integrated circuit 34b is a circuit that performs predetermined calculation processing.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13B, the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 are positioned directly below the antenna 34a. As described above, the first inclined surface 91a is inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the top surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 13A), so the angle of incidence when radio waves are incident vertically downward from the antenna 34a to the first inclined surface 91a is approximately 45°. Also, the angle of reflection when radio waves are reflected off the first inclined surface 91a is also approximately 45°.

[0056] As a result, radio waves from antenna 34a toward housing 1 (see Figure 13A) are reflected by the first inclined surface 91a, and the reflected waves propagate backward. Similarly, radio waves from antenna 34a toward housing 1 are reflected by the second inclined surface 92a, and the reflected waves propagate forward. Therefore, since radio waves radiated from antenna 34a rarely occur to be incident on the top surface of housing 1 at an incident angle of 90°, the cancellation of radio waves can be suppressed.

[0057] Figure 14A is a magnified view of a portion of the state in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is not installed. As shown in Figure 14A, case 31b is equipped with a first claw portion N1 and a second claw portion N2, as well as a pair of first ribs R11 and R12, a pair of second ribs R21 and R22, and other ribs R3 to R6. The first claw portion N1, the second claw portion N2, and each rib all protrude upward from the bottom surface of case 31b. By providing the first claw portion N1, the second claw portion N2, and each rib in this manner, it becomes unnecessary to fix the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 with screws. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reflection of radio waves directed towards the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 by the head of a metal screw (not shown) and the return of some of them to the antenna 34a (see Figure 13B).

[0058] The first claw portion N1 has the function of locking the first flange 93 (see Figure 14B) of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, and has an inverted L-shape when viewed from the side. The first claw portion N1 is provided on the rear side (the other side in the "first direction") of the first flange 93 (see Figure 14B).

[0059] The second claw portion N2 has the function of locking the second flange 94 (see Figure 14B) of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, and has an inverted L-shape when viewed from the side. The second claw portion N2 is provided on the front side (one side in the "first direction") of the second flange 94 (see Figure 14B).

[0060] These first claw portions N1 and second claw portions N2 restrict the vertical movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 14B), as well as its movement in the front-to-back direction. A hole H11 is provided on the lower side of the first claw portion N1, and a hole H21 is also provided on the lower side of the second claw portion N2. These holes H11 and H21 are so-called cut-offs (relief portions when the resin is sandwiched in the mold) when molding the first claw portion N1 and the second claw portion N2 with resin using a mold.

[0061] The pair of first ribs R11 and R12 and the pair of second ribs R21 and R22 have the function of restricting the movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in the left-right direction (second direction). One of the pair of first ribs R11 and R12, the first rib R11, is provided on the left side (one side of the left-right direction, which is the "second direction") relative to the first flange 93 (see Figure 14B). The other first rib R12 is provided on the left side (one side of the "second direction") relative to the second flange 94 (see Figure 14B).

[0062] One of the pair of second ribs R21 and R22, the second rib R21, is located to the right of the first flange 93 (see Figure 14B) (the other side in the "second direction"). The other second rib R22 is located to the right of the second flange 94 (see Figure 14B) (the other side in the "second direction").

[0063] As shown in Figure 14A, the length of the second ribs R21 and R22 protruding upward from the bottom surface of case 31b is shorter than the length of the first ribs R11 and R12 protruding upward from the bottom surface of case 31b. This is to prevent the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 from interfering with the first claw portion N1 and the second claw portion N2 when the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed and tilted on top of the second ribs R21 and R22, as will be described later.

[0064] The ribs R3 and R4 shown in Figure 14A have the function of restricting the backward movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 14B), and one is provided on each of the left and right sides of the first claw portion N1. In addition, the other ribs R5 and R6 have the function of restricting the forward movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 14B), and one is provided on each of the left and right sides of the second claw portion N2.

[0065] As described above, in the side wall of case 31b (see Figure 9), an opening H1 (see Figure 9) is provided on the right side of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (the other side in the "second direction"). Furthermore, the dimension of the opening H1 in the front-to-back direction (first direction) is longer than the dimension of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in the front-to-back direction (first direction). This makes it possible to slide the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to the left through the opening H1.

[0066] Figure 14B is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed. When a worker installs the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, they slide the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to the left through the opening H1 (see Figure 9) of the case 31b. During this sliding process, the worker positions the first flange 93 below the first claw portion N1 and the second flange 94 below the second claw portion N2, and also tilts the left side of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 slightly. As a result, the first flange 93 rides up onto the second rib R21, and the second flange 94 rides up onto the other second rib R22. The dimensions of the first claw portion N1 and the second claw portion N2 are appropriately set during the design stage so that the first flange 93 does not interfere with the first claw portion N1 and the second flange 94 does not interfere with the second claw portion N2 even in this state.

[0067] Then, when the worker pushes the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to the left, the left end of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 abuts against the first ribs R11 and R12, and the right end of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 fits inside the other second ribs R21 and R22. As described above, the first claw portion N1, the second claw portion N2, and each rib restrict the vertical, horizontal, and vertical movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. Therefore, there is virtually no risk of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 coming loose due to vibration during transportation of the camera unit 3 (see Figure 5).

[0068] Furthermore, if a worker mistakenly attempts to install the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 rotated 90° clockwise in a plan view relative to the arrangement shown in Figure 14B, the first claw portion N1 and the second claw portion N2 will interfere with the second inclined surface 92a. The same applies if a worker mistakenly attempts to install the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 rotated 90° counterclockwise in a plan view relative to the arrangement shown in Figure 14B. Therefore, it is possible to make the worker aware that the orientation of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is incorrect, thereby preventing the incorrect installation of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9.

[0069] According to this embodiment, of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 34a, those reflected by the first inclined surface 91a of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 are directed backward, and those reflected by the second inclined surface 92a are directed forward. Therefore, even when the installation area of ​​the antenna 34a is relatively large, it is possible to suppress the return of some of the reflected radio waves to the antenna 34a (for example, radio waves radiated from one part of the antenna 34a returning to another part of the antenna 34a). Furthermore, even when the vertical distance between the antenna 34a and the housing 1 is close to a multiple of half the distance of the radio waves, for example, it is possible to suppress the cancellation of radio waves.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the cross-sectional shape of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inverted V-shape, the vertical dimension of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 can be shortened compared to the case where it is a plate-shaped member in an oblique direction. Therefore, the vertical dimension of the camera unit 3 can be shortened, making it thinner.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even when the camera unit 3 having the antenna 34a is designed independently or when the wavelength of the radio waves is selectable, radio wave cancellation can be suppressed. Therefore, reliability can be ensured when wireless communication is performed via the antenna 34a. In addition, since the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 has a simple configuration, an increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0072] ≪Variations≫ Although embodiments of the refrigerator system W1 and refrigerator 100 related to this disclosure have been described above, the invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications can be made. Figure 15 is a side view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A of a modified refrigerator system. As shown in Figure 15, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A is configured to have multiple pairs (two pairs in the example of Figure 15) of first inclined surfaces 91b, 91c and second inclined surfaces 92b, 92c. The first inclined surfaces 91b and 92b are adjacent to the other first inclined surface 91c and 92c in the front-to-back direction. Of the first inclined surfaces 91b, 91c and the second inclined surfaces 92b, 92c, the first inclined surface 91b located at the rear end has a first flange 93 attached to it, and the second inclined surface 92c located at the front end has a second flange 94 attached to it. With this configuration, the vertical dimension of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A can be made shorter than in the embodiment, so that the vertical thickness of the camera unit can be reduced. Furthermore, the number of pairs of first and second inclined surfaces provided by the radio wave cancellation suppression member is not limited to one or two pairs, but may be three or more pairs. In this case, the multiple pairs of first and second inclined surfaces shall be sequentially adjacent in the front-to-back direction (first direction).

[0073] Furthermore, although the embodiment describes a case where the "first direction" is the front-to-back direction and the "second direction" is the left-to-right direction, it is not limited to this. For example, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 shown in Figure 14B may be rotated 90° clockwise when viewed from above, and the arrangement of the first claw portion N1, the second claw portion N2, and each rib may be changed accordingly. Alternatively, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be rotated by a predetermined angle clockwise when viewed from above so that it is oblique in a plan view. In other words, the "first direction" may be a direction parallel to the top surface of the housing 1 (the surface facing the camera unit 3). Also, the "second direction" may be a direction parallel to the top surface of the housing 1 (the surface facing the camera unit 3) and perpendicular to the "first direction".

[0074] Furthermore, although the embodiment described a case in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is composed of a single member, it is not limited to this. For example, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be divided into two parts by a plane P1 shown by a dashed line in Figure 11. In this case, the front end of the first inclined portion 91 may be made acute in a side view, and the rear end of the second inclined portion 92 may also be made acute in a side view, so that the connection point between the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a is not rounded (does not become R-shaped) in a side view. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the cancellation of radio waves radiated from the antenna 34a.

[0075] Furthermore, although the embodiment described the case where the surface of the wireless communication board 34 (see Figure 9) is parallel to the horizontal plane, for example, the surface of the wireless communication board 34 may be parallel to the vertical plane, or it may be at an angle.

[0076] Furthermore, although the embodiment described a case in which a metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is used, it is not limited to this. For example, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be made of rubber material. As such rubber material, for example, one containing silicone rubber and magnetic particles can be used. Alternatively, the surface of a metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be coated with rubber material. In addition, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be configured as a multilayer structure or sandwich structure of a rubber material layer and a metal material layer.

[0077] Furthermore, in a vertical cross-sectional view along the first direction (for example, the front-to-back direction), the first and second inclined surfaces may be formed in a sawtooth shape (i.e., a large number of inverted V shapes are arranged in the first direction). The radio wave cancellation suppression member having the sawtooth-shaped first and second inclined surfaces may be configured in a planar manner as a whole. In such a configuration, radio waves may be reflected to the rear by each tooth of the sawtooth shape corresponding to the first inclined surface, and radio waves may be reflected to the front by each tooth of the sawtooth shape corresponding to the second inclined surface. The arrangement of each tooth (shape and orientation of the inclination of the teeth) can be appropriately changed within the scope necessary to achieve the objective of suppressing radio wave cancellation. By making the first and second inclined surfaces sawtooth-shaped in this way, the vertical dimensions of the camera unit 3 can be made more compact.

[0078] Furthermore, although the embodiment described the case in which the entire antenna 34a overlaps the first inclined surface 91a and the second inclined surface 92a of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the housing 1, the embodiment is not limited to this case. That is, even if a part of the antenna 34a slightly extends beyond the first inclined surface 91a or the second inclined surface 92a in a plan view, the effect of radio wave cancellation is still achieved.

[0079] Furthermore, although the embodiment described a case in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 includes a first flange 93 and a second flange 94, it is not limited to this. That is, the first flange 93 and the second flange 94 can be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] Furthermore, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be configured such that the height position of one of its front or rear ends can be adjusted using a ball screw or the like, and the height position of one of its right or left ends can also be adjusted. Additionally, when installing the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, the worker may adjust the tilt angle of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 as appropriate.

[0081] Furthermore, although the embodiment described a case in which the camera unit 3 is included in the refrigerator 100, it is not limited to this case. For example, the embodiment can also be applied when the camera unit 3 is separate from the refrigerator 100 (sold separately) and the refrigerator system is composed of the camera unit 3 and the refrigerator 100.

[0082] Furthermore, although the embodiment described a case where the "device" provided by the refrigerator 100 is a camera unit 3, it is not limited to this. For example, a "device" with a voice recognition function or a "device" with a human recognition function based on captured images may be provided as a "predetermined function" different from the cooling function or wireless communication function. Also, the mounting surface of the "device" may be the top surface of the housing 1, but it may also be a predetermined surface other than the top surface of the housing 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 described in the embodiment is just one example, and the embodiment can be applied to other types of refrigerators. For example, the embodiment can be applied to other types of refrigerators such as single-door refrigerators. Moreover, the embodiment is not limited to refrigerators, but can also be applied to storage facilities with functions other than refrigeration and freezing (warming cabinets, drying cabinets, temperature-controlled storage cabinets, humidity-controlled storage cabinets, etc.).

[0084] Furthermore, the embodiments are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating this disclosure and are not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations in the embodiments with other configurations. Furthermore, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes and do not necessarily represent all of the mechanisms and configurations shown in the actual product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1 cabinet 3. Camera Unit (Device) 5. Shoot button 6 Door Sensors 7. Control Panel 8 Control Unit 9,9A Radio wave cancellation suppression material 11 Outer box 12 Inner box 31 Main body 31a lens 31b Case 31c Lighting Cover 31d Light-emitting part 31e Pronunciation Section 31f Camera / Wireless Communication Control Unit 32 Support part 33 Camera control board 34 Wireless communication board 34a antenna 51 Routers 52 Networks 53 Servers 54 Mobile devices 91 1st slope part 91a,91b,91c 1st slope 92 2nd slope part 92a,92b,92c 2nd slope 93 First Flange 94 Second flange 100 Refrigerator 311b Support piece H1 opening K1 Ridge M1 Photography Department N1 First claw part N2 2nd claw part R11, R12 1st Rib R21, R22 Second Rib W1 Refrigerator System

Claims

1. A housing having a metal outer casing, The device comprises an antenna and a resin case for housing the antenna, and is installed on the outside of the housing, The housing and the antenna are positioned to include a radio wave cancellation suppression member that suppresses the cancellation of radio waves, The aforementioned radio wave cancellation suppression member is It has a first inclined surface that slopes so as it moves toward one side of the first direction, A refrigerator system having a second inclined surface that is connected to one side of the first inclined surface and is inclined so as it moves toward that side, it moves away from the antenna.

2. The first and second inclined surfaces are arranged to include a projection surface when the antenna is projected in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing facing the device. A refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The angle of inclination of the first inclined surface with respect to the surface facing the device in the housing is equal to the angle of inclination of the second inclined surface with respect to the surface. A refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The radio wave cancellation suppression member has a first flange and a second flange, The first flange is connected to the other edge of the first inclined surface in the first direction, The second flange is connected to one edge of the second inclined surface in the first direction, The first flange and the second flange are in contact with the inner surface of the case. A refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

5. The case comprises a first claw portion for locking the first flange and a second claw portion for locking the second flange, The first claw portion is provided on the other side in the first direction relative to the first flange, The second claw portion is provided on one side of the second flange in the first direction. The refrigerator system according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

6. The case has a pair of first ribs and a pair of second ribs that restrict the movement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member in a second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the ridge line between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extends. One of the pair of first ribs is provided on one side of the first flange in the second direction, The other of the pair of first ribs is provided on one side of the second flange in the second direction, One of the pair of second ribs is provided on the other side in the second direction relative to the first flange, The other of the pair of second ribs is provided on the other side in the second direction relative to the second flange. The refrigerator system according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

7. In the side wall of the case, an opening is provided on the other side in the second direction relative to the radio wave cancellation suppression member. The second direction is the direction in which the ridge line between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extends. The dimension in the first direction of the opening is longer than the dimension in the first direction of the radio wave cancellation suppression member. A refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

8. The radio wave cancellation suppression member has a plurality of pairs of first inclined surfaces and second inclined surfaces, The multiple pairs of the first and second inclined surfaces are sequentially adjacent in the first direction. A refrigerator system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

9. In a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the first direction, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed in a sawtooth shape. The refrigerator system according to claim 8, characterized by the following:

Images