refrigerator
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HITACHI GLOBAL LIFE SOLUTIONS INC
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 0007899149000001 
Figure 0007899149000002 
Figure 0007899149000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.
Background Art
[0002] Regarding a refrigerator having a wireless communication function, the technique 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 the length 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 technique described in Patent Document 1, by preventing the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing from being a multiple of the length of half the wavelength of the radio wave, cancellation between the incident wave and the reflected wave of the radio wave is suppressed. 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, 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 according to the present disclosure includes a housing having a metal outer box, a device installed outside the housing and having a predetermined function different from the cooling function and the wireless communication function, and a radio wave cancellation suppressing member for suppressing cancellation of radio waves. The device has an antenna and a case in which at least the antenna is installed inside. The radio wave cancellation suppressing member is disposed between the antenna and the housingThe device is movable from one of the first and second configurations to the other, the first configuration being one in which a part of the device is located outside the housing in a plan view, the second configuration being one in which the entire device overlaps the housing in a plan view, the second configuration being one in which the radio wave cancellation suppression member is located between the antenna and the housing, and the first configuration being one in which a straight line perpendicular to the mounting surface of the device in the housing does not pass through the antenna. That's what we decided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors open. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors open. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the camera unit of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 6] This is a system configuration diagram of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example of the image capture result from the camera unit of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, before any image processing has been performed. [Figure 8] This is an example of a developed image after image processing, which is the result of a camera unit of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] This is a front view of the camera unit of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment, including a section taken along the line II-II in Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] This is a plan view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, with the top lid of the case removed in the "first arrangement" of the camera unit. [Figure 9D] This is a plan view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, with the top lid of the case removed in the "second arrangement" of the camera unit. [Figure 9E] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, when the "second arrangement" of the camera unit is cut along the line III-III in Figure 9D. [Figure 10A]Explanatory drawing of the first example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10B] Explanatory drawing of the second example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10C] Explanatory drawing of the third example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10D] Explanatory drawing of the fourth example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10E] Explanatory drawing of the fifth example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11A] Cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment including the camera unit. [Figure 11B] In the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, a plan view of the state where the upper lid of the case is removed in the "first arrangement" of the camera unit. [Figure 11C] In the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, a schematic cross-sectional view when the "first arrangement" of the camera unit is cut along the line IV-IV in FIG. 11B. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first reference embodiment including the camera unit. [Figure 13] Explanatory drawing showing the arrangement of the attachment member and the wireless communication board of the refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment including the wireless communication board, the attachment member, the support member, and the camera unit in the second arrangement. [Figure 15] In the refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment, a plan view including the camera unit 3 in the state where the upper case member is removed and the support member 4 in the state of passing through the upper base member. [Figure 16] In the refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment, a perspective view in a state where the rear end side of the upper base member is opened by 90° as a fulcrum and the inside of the support member can be visually recognized.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0007] <<First Embodiment>> FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment. The refrigerator 100 is a device for storing food and the like at a low temperature. In addition to the housing 1, it includes a plurality of doors such as the refrigerator doors 211 and 212, and a camera unit 3 (device). The housing 1 has a structure in which a vacuum heat insulating material or urethane foam is filled between an outer case 11 made of metal (steel plate) and an inner case 12 made of resin (see FIG. 3). Even when a predetermined surface treatment is applied to the metal outer case 11, it is included in the matter that the outer case 11 is made of metal.
[0008] A plurality of storage rooms are provided inside the housing 1. In the example of FIG. 1, as storage rooms of the refrigerator 100, in order from the top, a refrigerator compartment 21, ice-making compartments 22 and an upper freezer compartment 23 arranged side by side on the left and right, a vegetable compartment 24, and a lower freezer compartment 25 are provided.
[0009] On the front side (front surface side) of the housing 1, a plurality of openings P1 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to each room are provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 100 includes a pair of left and right refrigerator doors 211 and 212 as French doors that form the refrigerator compartment 21 by closing the opening P1 of the housing 1. The left refrigerator door 211 is rotatable about the axis of the hinge 211a (see FIG. 4) at the left end. The same applies to the right refrigerator door 212.
[0010] In addition, the refrigerator 100 includes a vegetable compartment door 241 and a lower freezer compartment door 251 in addition to the ice-making compartment door 221 and the upper freezer compartment door 231 shown in FIG. 1 as drawer-type doors. For example, a vegetable compartment container (not shown) is installed on the rear side (inner side) of the vegetable compartment door 241. The vegetable compartment door 241 and the vegetable compartment container are pulled out integrally (the same applies to other drawer-type doors). The number and arrangement of the storage rooms shown in FIG. 1 are examples and are not limited thereto.
[0011] Refrigerator 100, although not shown in the diagram, is equipped with a compressor, a heat sink (condenser), a capillary tube (throttling mechanism), and a cooler (evaporator). The refrigerant circulates sequentially through the compressor, heat sink, capillary tube, and cooler, and the air in the storage compartment is cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the cooler and the surrounding air.
[0012] The camera unit 3 (device) is used to image the refrigerator compartment 21, etc., and is installed on the outside of the housing 1 (on the top of the housing 1 in the example in Figure 1). The ice maker compartment 22, upper freezer compartment 23, vegetable compartment 24, and lower freezer compartment 25 may also be imaged by the camera unit 3. Thus, the camera unit 3 has an imaging function as a "predetermined function" distinct from the cooling function and wireless communication function. In the example in Figure 1, the camera unit 3 is positioned directly above the joint of the closed refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, but the left-right position of the camera unit 3 may be changed as appropriate.
[0013] Figure 2 is a side view of refrigerator 100. As shown in Figure 2, a lens 3a is installed near the front end of the camera unit 3. The lens 3a is an optical element that refracts light and focuses it onto the image sensor 3d (see Figure 9B), and is positioned facing downwards. For example, a fisheye lens can be used as such a lens 3a.
[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the lens 3a is positioned in front of the front end of the housing 1 (the edge of the opening P1 of the housing 1). More preferably, the lens 3a is positioned even further in front of the front surface of the closed refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212. This makes it easier for the refrigerator compartment 21, vegetable compartment door 241, lower freezer compartment door 251, etc., to come into the field of view of the lens 3a when the refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, vegetable compartment door 241, or lower freezer compartment door 251 are opened.
[0015] Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 is equipped with a support member 4 that supports the camera unit 3 (device). The support member 4 is interposed between the camera unit 3 and the housing 1 and is fixed to the upper surface of the housing 1.
[0016] The power board 62 shown in Figure 2 is a board on which power supply circuits (not shown), such as a compressor (not shown) and a fan (not shown), are mounted, and is installed at the bottom of the rear side of the refrigerator 100. The internal control board 63 is a board on which an internal control microcontroller (not shown) that performs cooling control is mounted, and is installed at approximately the middle of the vertical direction on the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Note that Figure 2 is an example, and the arrangement of the power board 62 and the internal control board 63 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the internal control board 63 may be placed at the bottom of the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Alternatively, the power board 62 and the internal control board 63 may be integrated.
[0017] Figure 3 is a front view of refrigerator 100 with the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 open. As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerator compartment 21 is equipped with multiple shelves 213. The inner panel 211b of the left refrigerator compartment door 211 is equipped with multiple door pockets 211c for storing food, etc. (the same applies to the right refrigerator compartment door 212). When the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 are opened, the refrigerator compartment 21 and the food, etc. in the door pockets 211c and 212c are brought into the field of view of the lens 3a of the camera unit 3 from above. For example, when at least one of the refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 is opened, the refrigerator compartment 21, etc. is imaged by the camera unit 3 (automatic shooting). Also, when the vegetable compartment door 241 or the lower freezer compartment door 251 is opened, the vegetable compartment 24 or the lower freezer compartment 25 is imaged by the camera unit 3.
[0018] In this case, if the camera unit 3 is used to manually photograph the refrigerator compartment 21, etc., in accordance with the user's timing, a shooting button 5 may be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 3 as an example of manual shooting, the shooting button 5 may be provided on each of the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, or near the handles of the vegetable compartment door 241 and the lower freezer compartment door 251, or on either the camera unit 3 or the support member 4, and is not limited to these.
[0019] 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 serves a similar purpose.
[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the camera unit 3 is equipped with a case 3b. The case 3b is a resin housing that contains the circuit board and other components of the camera unit 3. In plan view, the case 3b has an elongated rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the case 3b is formed such that the length in the short direction (left-to-right direction) changes midway along the long direction (front-to-back direction), with the rear being longer in the short direction than the front. Note that the shape of the case 3b shown in Figure 4 is just one example and is not limited to this.
[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 when viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 5, the camera unit 3 includes the aforementioned lens 3a and case 3b, as well as an illumination cover 3c. A circular hole (not shown) is provided on the lower surface near the front end of the case 3b, through which the lens 3a is exposed. On the rear side of the lens 3a in the case 3b, an elongated hole (not shown) is provided in the left-right direction, and the illumination cover 3c is fitted into this hole. The illumination cover 3c is a translucent resin material that protects the light-emitting part 3e (see Figure 9B) and diffuses the light from the light-emitting part 3e.
[0022] Figure 6 is a system configuration diagram of refrigerator 100. As shown in Figure 6, the refrigerator 100 includes a camera unit 3, an open / close detection unit 6, an operation unit 7, and a control unit 8. The open / close detection unit 6 is a door sensor for detecting the open / closed state of each door, such as the refrigerator doors 211, 212, the vegetable compartment door 241, and the lower freezer compartment door 251 (see Figure 1). When a signal indicating the open state of each door is input to the control unit 8, it is transmitted via the control unit 8 to the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g of the camera unit 3. Then, when the imaging unit M1 detects a predetermined opening angle for each door such as the refrigerator doors 211, 212, or a predetermined opening amount for the vegetable compartment door 241 and the lower freezer compartment door 251 using image recognition, it starts automatic shooting. Here, the operation unit 7 is a control panel that is operated by the user as prescribed. For example, the control panel is used for various settings in addition to setting the temperature of the refrigerator 100, such as a manual shooting button 5 (see Figure 3) and pairing settings between the user's mobile device 54 and the refrigerator 100, and is located on the outer or inner surface of the refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 (see Figure 3).
[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. Based on the signals input from the open / close detection unit 6 and the operation unit 7, the control unit 8 performs predetermined cooling control and simultaneously transmits a signal to the camera unit 3 to control the timing of the start of image capture.
[0024] The camera unit 3 comprises an imaging unit M1, a light-emitting unit 3e, a sound-emitting unit 3f, a camera / wireless communication control unit 3g, and an antenna 3h. The imaging unit M1 includes a lens 3a (see Figure 9B) and an image sensor 3d (see Figure 9B). The image sensor 3d is an element that converts light incident through the lens 3a into photoelectric data and generates captured image data.
[0025] The light-emitting unit 3e 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 also Figure 9B). For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as such a light-emitting unit 3e. When the light-emitting unit 3e is illuminated during shooting, the refrigerator compartment 21 (see Figure 3), door pockets 211c and 212c (see Figure 3), vegetable compartment door 241 (see Figure 3), and lower freezer compartment door 251 (see Figure 3) can be photographed with appropriate brightness.
[0026] The sound-emitting unit 3f is a buzzer that emits a predetermined sound when the camera unit 3 takes a picture, etc. When the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g receives an open signal from any of the doors via the control unit 8, it outputs a shooting command to the image sensor 3d (see Figure 9B). As a result, captured image data is input from the image sensor 3d to the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g.
[0027] Antenna 3h is not limited to any type that can transmit and receive radio waves. For example, antenna 3h can be rod-shaped, wire-shaped, or planar. Here, we will describe two types of printed circuit boards when a planar antenna is used. Antenna 3h in this embodiment can use either a printed circuit board with elements mounted on it or a printed circuit board without elements mounted (copper foil printing only). First, when an antenna 3h is provided using a printed circuit board without any elements mounted (copper foil printing only), the camera control board 31 (see Figure 9B) is equipped with a camera control element (not shown) and a wireless communication control element (not shown), and transmits and receives signals from the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g as radio waves via wiring K1 to the antenna 3h. In this case, the printed circuit board for antenna 3h has the advantage of being able to reduce the board size because it is formed solely by copper foil printing. Depending on the propagation speed, it is best to select a printed circuit board that can form an antenna pattern (such as one with copper foil printing covering the entire surface, or a coil-shaped, sensor-shaped, or meandering pattern) on either one or both sides that can transmit and receive antenna signals. Next, when an antenna 3h using a printed circuit board on which components are mounted is provided, the antenna 3h transmits and receives radio waves via wiring K1 from the camera control element (not shown) of the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g of the camera control board 31 (see Figure 9B). Since this antenna 3h is equipped with noise-resistant chip components, even if the wiring K1 is routed over a long distance together with the antenna 3h, there is almost no impact on communication (see Figures 13 to 15). Hereafter, the antenna 3h may be referred to as the wireless communication board 32. Captured image data output from the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g is radiated as radio waves from the antenna 3h (wireless communication board 32), and these radio waves are received by the router 51. The antenna 3h may be directional or omnidirectional, either is acceptable. The router 51 is a communication relay device and transmits the information received as radio waves from the antenna 3h to the server 53 via the network 52.
[0028] Server 53 performs predetermined processing on the captured image data and stores it in association with the identification information of the refrigerator 100. Furthermore, when Server 53 receives a request signal for an image of the inside of the refrigerator 100 from a paired user's mobile terminal 54, it transmits the captured image data to the 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 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. By using a fisheye lens as the lens 3a of the camera unit 3 (see Figure 5), it is possible to capture images 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 9A is a front view of the camera unit 3. As shown in Figure 9A, the camera unit 3 is installed on the upper side of the support member 4. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the camera unit 3 is installed near the center of the support member 4.
[0032] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view including the section taken along line II-II in Figure 9A. In addition to the above-described components, the camera unit 3 includes a camera control board 31 and a wireless communication board 32. The camera control board 31 is a printed circuit board on which an image sensor 3d, a light-emitting unit 3e, camera control elements, and wireless communication control elements (not shown) are mounted, and is installed inside the case 3b. In the example shown in Figure 9B, the camera control board 31 is installed near the front end of the case 3b, parallel to the top surface of the case 3b.
[0033] The wireless communication board 32 is a printed circuit board on which the antenna 3h is mounted, and is installed inside the case 3b. In the example shown in Figure 9B, the wireless communication board 32 is installed so that its surface is parallel to the side of the case 3b.
[0034] The wireless communication board 32 is connected to the camera control board 31 via wiring K1. More specifically, the antenna 3h mounted on the wireless communication board 32 is electrically connected to a camera control element (not shown) on the camera control board 31 via wiring K1. Then, predetermined communication takes place between the antenna 3h and the camera control element (not shown) via wiring K1. In the example in Figure 9B, the wireless communication board 32 is positioned near the camera control board 31 in the longitudinal direction of the case 3b. This allows the length of wiring K1 to be shortened and the generation of noise to be suppressed.
[0035] Near the center of the bottom surface of the case 3b of the camera unit 3, a circular hole H1 is provided in plan view (cross-sectional view not shown), and a cylindrical portion C1 extends upward from the edge of this hole H1. Similarly, a circular hole (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the support member 4, and multiple claw portions 4b extend upward from the edge of this hole. During assembly of the camera unit 3, the claw portions 4b protruding radially outward enter the inside of the cylindrical portion C1 and lock into the upper end of the cylindrical portion C1. The camera unit 3 is then rotatable relative to the support member 4 around the central axis of the cylindrical portion C1. This rotation may be performed manually by a user or worker, or mechanically in response to a predetermined button operation.
[0036] The cylindrical portion C1 of case 3b has multiple recesses (not shown) that are radially recessed outward at various locations along its circumference. On the other hand, the support member 4 has convex portions (not shown) between multiple claw portions 4b that correspond to the aforementioned recesses. The convex portions and recesses are fitted together in a predetermined manner during the rotation of the camera unit 3. In other words, the rotation mechanism R1, which includes the cylindrical portion C1 and the claw portions 4b, allows the camera unit 3 (device) to be moved from one of the "first arrangement" and the "second arrangement" to the other.
[0037] Here, the "first configuration" refers to a configuration in which, in a plan view, a part of the camera unit 3 (device) is located outside the housing 1 (see Figure 9C). During normal use when shooting is performed, the camera unit 3 is in the "first configuration," as shown in Figure 9B. In the "first configuration," the lens 31a and light-emitting part 3e of the camera unit 3 are located in front of the housing 1.
[0038] The other "second arrangement" is an arrangement in which the entire camera unit 3 (device) overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view (see Figure 9D). In the "second arrangement," the tip of the camera unit 3 does not protrude forward from the housing 1, thus preventing the camera unit 3 from coming into contact with people or objects during transport of the refrigerator 100. In the first embodiment, the "second arrangement" is the position obtained by rotating the camera unit 3 90° clockwise in a plan view from the "first arrangement." In this way, the camera unit 3 is movable relative to the housing 1.
[0039] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the refrigerator 100 is equipped with a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 shown in Figure 9B. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is a component for suppressing the cancellation of radio waves and is installed inside the support member 4. 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, radio waves from the antenna 3h are incident on the metal outer casing 11 at an incident angle of 90°, the radio waves reflected off the surface of the outer casing 11 will return to the antenna 3h at a reflection angle of 90°, which may cause the radio waves to cancel each other out.
[0040] In the "first arrangement" shown in Figure 9B, a straight line (not shown) perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 (the mounting surface of the camera unit 3) does not pass through the antenna 3h. Therefore, even without the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, there is almost no cancellation of radio waves. In other words, in the "first arrangement," the antenna 3h does not exist in the area projected upward from the top surface of the housing 1, so there is almost no cancellation of radio waves. Note that the term "mounting surface" of the camera unit 3 is not limited to cases where the camera unit 3 is directly mounted on the housing 1, but also includes cases where the camera unit 3 is mounted via the support member 4, as shown in Figure 9B.
[0041] On the other hand, in the "second arrangement" (see Figure 9D), the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view, so a straight line perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 (the mounting surface of the camera unit 3) passes through the antenna 3h. In other words, in the "second arrangement," the antenna 3h is located in the area projected upward from the top surface of the housing 1, so if the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 were not present, radio wave cancellation could occur. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is provided in order to suppress radio wave cancellation, especially in the "second arrangement" (see Figure 9D).
[0042] As such a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, a metal plate such as aluminum, iron, or a predetermined alloy may be used. As shown in Figure 9B, the plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the housing 1 (the mounting surface of the camera unit 3). The method and angle of inclination of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be described later.
[0043] Furthermore, since the case 3b of the camera unit 3 and the housing 4a of the support member 4 are made of resin, there is no particular risk of adverse effects on radio waves (reflection of radio waves from the surface). Also, in the example in Figure 9B, the refrigerator door 211 is located directly below the antenna 3h, but since the refrigerator door 211 has a resin exterior filled with insulating material such as foamed urethane, there is no particular risk of adverse effects on radio waves (reflection of radio waves from the surface).
[0044] Figure 9C is a plan view of the camera unit 3 in the "first configuration" with the top cover of case 3b removed. As described above, the camera control board 31 and the wireless communication board 32 are connected via wiring K1. Power is supplied to the camera control board 31 from inside the chamber via power cable K2. The power cable K2 is inserted through hole H1 (see Figure 9B) of the aforementioned rotating mechanism R1 (see Figure 9B).
[0045] In the example shown in Figure 9C, the wireless communication board 32 is installed on the inner surface of the side wall of case 3b. When installing the wireless communication board 32, double-sided tape or adhesive may be used, or a claw portion (not shown) for securing the wireless communication board 32 may be provided on case 3b. Installing the wireless communication board 32 on the side wall of case 3b in this way makes it easier to secure space for installing other electronic components. In addition, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned at a predetermined location that is offset from the camera unit 3 in a plan view in the "first arrangement".
[0046] Figure 9D is a plan view of the camera unit 3 in the "second arrangement" with the top cover of the case removed. Note that the wiring K1 and power cable K2 are not shown in Figure 9D. If the camera unit 3 is rotated 90° clockwise from the "first arrangement" (see Figure 9C) to the "second arrangement" (see Figure 9D), the camera unit 3 moves from the position indicated by symbol Z1 to the position indicated by symbol Z2. In this "second arrangement," the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 overlaps the wireless communication substrate 32 (i.e., the antenna 3h) in a plan view.
[0047] Figure 9E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the "second arrangement" of camera unit 3 when it is cut along the line III-III in Figure 9D. As shown in Figure 9E, the case 3b of the camera unit 3 comprises a lower case member 3D and an upper case member 3U. The lower case member 3D is open at the top. The upper case member 3U is open at the bottom. The upper case member 3U is installed so as to close the opening of the lower case member 3D.
[0048] Furthermore, the housing 4a of the support member 4 comprises a lower base member 4D and an upper base member 4U. The lower base member 4D has an opening at the top. The upper base member 4U has an opening at the bottom. The upper base member 4U is installed so as to close the opening of the lower base member 4D.
[0049] As shown in Figure 9E, in the "second arrangement," the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. A predetermined straight line L1, perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 and passing through the antenna 3h, also passes through the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. In short, in the "second arrangement," the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned directly below the antenna 3h. To explain from another perspective, in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens 3a (see Figure 5) of the camera unit 3 (the vertical direction in the example of Figure 9E), the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned on the side furthest from the lens 3a (see Figure 5) with respect to the antenna 3h.
[0050] Furthermore, the plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the top surface of the housing 1. Specifically, the plate-shaped radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the top surface of the housing 1. With this configuration, of the radio waves radiated from the antenna 3h in all directions, the radio waves that are directed perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 (i.e., vertically downward from the antenna 3h) are incident on the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. As described above, since the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the surface of the housing 1, the angle of incidence of radio waves (radio waves directed vertically downward) on the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is approximately 45°. Also, the angle of reflection when radio waves are reflected by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is also approximately 45°. As a result, radio waves directed perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 are reflected in a different direction from the antenna 3h, thus suppressing the cancellation of radio waves.
[0051] Thus, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 has the function of reflecting radio waves from the antenna 3h toward the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h. The tilt angle and direction of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 can be changed as appropriate. When a metal plate is used as the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, it is preferable to position the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 such that a straight line (not shown) perpendicular to the plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 and passing through the antenna 3h cannot be drawn. This prevents radio waves reflected by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 from returning to the antenna 3h.
[0052] Incidentally, even when the camera unit 3 is in the "second configuration" (a state where imaging is not being performed), wireless communication via the antenna 3h may still occur. For example, wireless communication via the antenna 3h occurs when pairing is performed between the refrigerator 100 (see Figure 6) and the user's mobile terminal 54 (see Figure 6), or when the server 53 (see Figure 6) provides setting information for the refrigerator 100 based on a request signal from the mobile terminal 54. Next, the shape of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be explained sequentially using Figures 10A to 10E.
[0053] Figure 10A is an explanatory diagram of a first example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. The upper part of Figure 10A is a plan view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9). The lower part of Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. In the example of Figure 10A, the plate surface of the metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is flat. In such a configuration, as described above, it is preferable to tilt the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 to a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 9E). This makes it possible to direct the radio waves reflected by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h (see Figure 9E).
[0054] Figure 10B is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A. As shown in Figure 10B, the metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be bent in a zigzag shape in cross-section. In such a configuration, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A may be tilted to a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 9E), or it may not be tilted at all; either is acceptable. Even if the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A is not tilted at all with respect to the upper surface of the housing 1, radio waves are diffused by scattering reflections on each of the zigzag surfaces of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A, and the reflected waves are directed in a different direction from the antenna 3h. If the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A is not tilted at all with respect to the upper surface of the housing 1 (or the tilt angle is reduced), the height dimension of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9A can be reduced, thus increasing the degree of design freedom.
[0055] Figure 10C is an explanatory diagram of a third example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9B. As shown in Figure 10C, the metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9B may be bent in a sawtooth shape in cross-section. Even with such a configuration, radio waves are diffusely reflected and scattered by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9B, thus suppressing the cancellation of radio waves. In the example in Figure 10C, there is no particular need to tilt the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9B, so the height dimension can be reduced. As a result, the degree of design freedom is increased. The same applies to the examples in Figures 10D and 10E described later.
[0056] Figure 10D is an explanatory diagram of a fourth example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9C. The metal radio wave cancellation suppression member 9C shown in Figure 10D has a configuration in which multiple pyramidal components 9Ca are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions. Even with this configuration, radio waves are diffusely reflected and scattered within the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9C, thus suppressing the cancellation of radio waves.
[0057] Figure 10E is an explanatory diagram of a fifth example of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D shown in Figure 10E has a rectangular plate shape, similar to the shape in Figure 10A, but its constituent material is different from metal. That is, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D is made of a rubber material that has radio wave absorbing properties. As a result, at least a portion of the radio waves traveling from the antenna 3h (see Figure 9E) toward the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D is absorbed by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D, thereby suppressing the cancellation of radio waves. As such a rubber material, for example, one containing silicone rubber and magnetic particles may be used. Alternatively, the rubber material may be formed as a surface coating of the metal plate-shaped member shown in Figures 10A to 10D. The structure of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D may be a multilayer structure or sandwich structure of different rubber material layers and different metal material layers. When radio waves are absorbed in this way, the plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9D may be parallel to the upper surface of the housing 1 (see Figure 9E), or it may be tilted to a predetermined angle, or either is acceptable. Furthermore, since various materials for absorbing radio waves have been developed, it is also possible to use these as appropriate as radio wave cancellation suppression material 9D.
[0058] According to the first embodiment, by providing the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 9E), the cancellation between radio waves radiated from the antenna 3h and radio waves reflected from the surface of the housing 1 can be suppressed. For example, even if the top surface of the housing 1 is slightly deflected due to the foaming pressure of the heat insulating material filled in the housing 1, and the vertical distance between the housing 1 and the antenna 3h becomes a multiple of half a wavelength of the radio waves, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 can still suppress the cancellation of radio waves. Furthermore, even if the thickness of the camera unit 3 in the height direction is reduced during the design phase so that the antenna 3h is closer to the top surface of the housing 1, the cancellation of radio waves can still be appropriately suppressed.
[0059] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, even when the camera unit 3 having the antenna 3h 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 3h. In addition, since the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 has a simple configuration, an increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.
[0060] ≪Second Embodiment≫ The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that both the antenna 3h (see Figure 11A) and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 11A) are provided on the camera unit 3A (see Figure 11A). Also, the front-to-back position of the wireless communication board 32 (see Figure 11A) differs from that of the first embodiment. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the overlapping parts will be omitted from the explanation.
[0061] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the second embodiment, including the camera unit 3A. Figure 11A shows the "first configuration," in which the lens 3a of the camera unit 3A is positioned in front of the housing 1. As shown in Figure 11A, the antenna 3h and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 are installed inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A. Specifically, the wireless communication board 32 is attached to the inner side of the case 3b (see also Figure 11B). The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed on the bottom surface of the case 3b of the camera unit 3A. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 may be configured in any of the configurations shown in Figures 10A to 10E, but the case where it is a flat metal plate (see Figure 10A) will be described below.
[0062] As shown in Figure 11A, in the "first arrangement" in which imaging by the camera unit 3A is possible, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. To explain from another perspective, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned on the side furthest from the lens 3a (see Figure 5) of the antenna 3h, parallel to the optical axis (vertical direction in the example of Figure 11A) of the lens 3a of the camera unit 3. In the example of Figure 11A, the arrangement is such that a straight line L2 perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 passes through the antenna 3h, but because the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is interposed between the antenna 3h and the housing 1, radio wave cancellation rarely occurs. Details of the arrangement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be described later.
[0063] Figure 11B is a plan view of the camera unit 3A in the "first configuration" with the top cover of case 3b removed. As described above, the wireless communication board 32 is attached to the inner side of the case 3b. Also, the wireless communication board 32 and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 overlap in a plan view. The radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed below the wireless communication board 32 at a predetermined inclination.
[0064] Figure 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the "first arrangement" of camera unit 3A when cut along the line IV-IV in Figure 11B. As described above, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is positioned between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. Furthermore, a straight line L2, perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 and passing through the antenna 3h, also passes through the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. In addition, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1. Specifically, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° relative to the top surface of the housing 1. With this configuration, radio waves directed perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 are reflected in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h, thus suppressing radio wave cancellation. The inclination angle and direction of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 can be changed as appropriate.
[0065] According to the second embodiment, since both the antenna 3h and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 are provided inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A, the relative positional relationship between the antenna 3h and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is maintained, both in the "first arrangement" shown in Figure 11C and in the "second arrangement" (not shown) in which the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view. Therefore, just as in the "first arrangement" shown in Figure 11C, radio wave cancellation can be suppressed in the "second arrangement" as well.
[0066] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even in the "first arrangement" (see Figure 11A), when a straight line L2 (see Figure 11A) perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 passes through the antenna 3h, radio wave cancellation can be suppressed. Therefore, the degree of freedom when installing the antenna 3h inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A is increased.
[0067] ≪First reference form≫ The first reference embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have a radio wave cancellation suppression member. Furthermore, the first reference embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wireless communication function switches to the off state when the camera unit 3B (see Figure 12) is in the stored state, which is the "second arrangement". Other aspects are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, we will explain the parts that differ from the first embodiment and omit explanations of overlapping parts.
[0068] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the first reference embodiment, including the camera unit 3B. As shown in Figure 12, the camera control board 31 and wireless communication board 32 are installed inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3B. On the other hand, the camera unit 3 and the support member 4 are not provided with any radio wave cancellation suppression members. In the "first arrangement," a straight line (not shown) perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 does not pass through the antenna 3h. In the "second arrangement," a straight line perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 passes through the antenna 3h.
[0069] In this configuration, the control unit 8 (see Figure 6) performs wireless communication via the antenna 3h when the camera unit 3B is capable of imaging (see Figure 12). In other words, in the camera unit 3 (device)'s "first configuration," the wireless communication function using the antenna 3h is kept on.
[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 8 (see Figure 6) prevents wireless communication via the antenna 3h in the "second configuration" (not shown) where the camera unit 3B is housed. In other words, the wireless communication function of the camera unit 3 (device) is kept off in the "second configuration". This prevents radio wave cancellation even in a configuration without a radio wave cancellation suppression member.
[0071] ≪Second reference form≫ The second reference embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wireless communication board 32 (see Figure 13) is installed on the bottom surface of the mounting member 10 (see Figure 13) instead of the support member 4 (see Figure 13). Other aspects are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and the explanation of overlapping parts will be omitted.
[0072] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the mounting member 10 and wireless communication board 32 of a refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment. Although the mounting member 10 is installed below the support member 4 and is therefore not visible from the outside, Figure 13 shows the support member 4 with a dashed line to allow the mounting member 10 to be seen through it. The mounting member 10 is a resin component that closes the opening H3 on the top surface of the outer casing 11 while allowing the power cable K3 (see Figure 16) to be inserted through it, and is installed on the housing 1.
[0073] A rectangular opening H3 is provided on the top surface of the outer casing 11 of the housing 1, where the mounting member 10 is installed. The mounting member 10 has a structure in which a fitting portion 10a that fits into the opening H3 of the outer casing 11 and a guide portion 10b that extends rearward from the fitting portion 10a are integrally formed. Note that the wiring K1 shown by the dashed line in Figure 13 is wiring that connects the camera control board 31 and the wireless communication board 32, and is inserted through the hole H1 of the rotation mechanism R1. For example, in the case of an antenna 3h using a printed circuit board without mounted elements (copper foil printing only), one wire (coaxial cable) is used as wiring K1. In the case of an antenna 3h using a printed circuit board with mounted elements, multiple wires are used as wiring K1.
[0074] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view including the wireless communication board 32, support member 4, and mounting member 10, as well as the camera unit 3 in the "second arrangement". As shown in Figure 14, the mounting member 10 has an L-shape in a vertical cross-sectional view and is fitted into the outer box 11 from the inside through the opening H3 on the top surface of the outer box 11. That is, with the rear end of the guide portion 10b of the mounting member 10 facing upward, the mounting member 10 is inserted from the lower side of the top surface of the outer box 11 through the opening H3, and then, by tilting it backward with most of the guide portion 10b exposed on the upper side of the outer box 11, the guide portion 10b comes into contact with the top surface of the outer box 11. The fitting portion 10a also has a plate-shaped closing portion 101a that is formed to protrude outward from its lower end. When the mounting member 10 is installed in the outer box 11, the opening H3 of the outer box 11 is closed by the closing portion 101a.
[0075] The lower base member 4D (see Figure 15) of the support member 4 is provided with an opening H4 (see Figure 15) to prevent interference with the mounting member 10. The mounting member 10 is installed through this opening H4. When the support member 4 is installed on the housing 1, the mounting member 10 is covered by the upper base member 4U (see Figure 16).
[0076] As shown in Figure 14, when the mounting member 10 is installed on the outer casing 11, the height of the bottom surface of the mating portion 10a is lower than the height of the top surface of the outer casing 11 (i.e., the top surface of the housing 1). The bottom surface of the mating portion 10a is provided with an insertion hole H5 (see Figure 13) for inserting the power cable K2 (see Figure 15). The mating portion 10a also has an insertion portion 101b that bulges upward from its bottom surface. The power cable K2 is inserted through the insertion portion 101b and guided to the guide portion 10b.
[0077] As shown in Figure 14, a wireless communication board 32 is installed on the bottom surface of the mating portion 10a. The wireless communication board 32 may be attached with double-sided tape or adhesive, or it may be locked in place by claws (not shown) of the mating portion 10a. An antenna 3h is mounted on the wireless communication board 32. Captured image data from the camera unit 3 and setting information of the refrigerator 100 are transmitted wirelessly via the antenna 3h.
[0078] As described above, the fitting portion 10a of the mounting member 10 is fitted into the opening H3 of the outer casing 11. Therefore, the metal outer casing 11 is not present above or below the wireless communication board 32 which is installed on the bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a. Consequently, there is no particular risk of cancellation of radio waves radiated from the antenna 3h.
[0079] Figure 15 is a plan view including the camera unit 3 with the upper case member removed and the support member 4 with the upper base member visible. The power cable K2 shown in Figure 15 is a cable that supplies power to the camera unit 3 and other components via a power plug (not shown). Although Figure 15 shows two bundles of power cables K2, the number of power cables K2 may be changed as needed. The power cable K2 is inserted into the camera unit 3 through the insertion hole H5 of the mounting member 10 (see Figure 13) and the hole H1 of the rotating mechanism R1 (see Figure 13) in sequence. This power cable K2 is electrically connected to the camera control board 31 (see Figure 13).
[0080] The mounting member 10 is equipped with a connector N1 used for the electrical connection of the power cable K2. Meanwhile, the wireless communication board 32 is installed on the bottom surface of the mating portion 10a of the mounting member 10, as described above. In other words, both the connector N1 and the wireless communication board 32 are installed on the mounting member 10. This allows workers to perform the tasks of connecting the power cable K2 to the connector N1 and attaching the wireless communication board 32 in one step during the manufacturing process of the refrigerator 100 on the production line. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the refrigerator 100 can be improved.
[0081] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the upper base member 4U with its rear end pivoted at a 90° angle, allowing the inside of the support member 4 to be seen. Note that Figure 16 omits the illustration of the wireless communication board 32 (see Figure 15) and wiring K1 (see Figure 15). The multiple fixing parts 61 shown in Figure 16 are for slidably fixing the power cable K2 and are provided on the inner surface of the upper base member 4U as well as on the inner surface of the lower base member 4D. The power cable K2 is arranged to meander inside the support member 4 via the multiple fixing parts 61. By providing this "play" in the power cable K2, even if the camera unit 3 separates from the support member 4, the power cable K2 will not break. In addition, if the camera unit 3 separates, the sliding friction of the power cable K2 is distributed among the multiple fixing parts 61, so that an appropriate resistance force is generated.
[0082] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the camera unit 3 to be firmly fixed to the support member 4. For example, if a force exceeding a predetermined amount is applied to the camera unit 3, such as pushing it upwards from below, it is preferable that the camera unit 3 be separated from the support member 4. This prevents strong resistance forces from acting between the camera unit 3 and the object if a person or object comes into contact with the camera unit 3.
[0083] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the wiring K1 (see Figure 15) connecting the camera control board 31 (see Figure 15) and the wireless communication board 32 (see Figure 15) be longer than the length of the power cable K2 from connector N1. This ensures that when the camera unit 3 is separated from the support member 4 while the wiring K1 and power cable K2 are connected to the camera control board 31, the power cable K2 is pulled before the wiring K1 (i.e., with the wiring K1 bent). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiring K1 from breaking. Note that the power cable K2 is thicker than the wiring K1 and is meandering through multiple fixing parts 61, so it is highly unlikely to break.
[0084] ≪Variations≫ Although the refrigerator 100 etc. related to this disclosure have been described above with reference to various embodiments, the invention is not limited to these descriptions and various modifications can be made. For example, in each embodiment, a configuration in which the camera unit 3 is rotatable relative to the support member 4 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. That is, the camera unit 3 may be configured to slide in the front-rear direction relative to the support member 4. The camera unit 3 may also be configured to be foldable. In each of these configurations, the camera unit 3 is movable between a "first arrangement" in which a part of the camera unit 3 is outside the housing 1 in a plan view, and a "second arrangement" in which the entire camera unit 3 is superimposed on the housing 1 in a plan view. Furthermore, while each embodiment has described a configuration in which the camera unit 3 is movable relative to the support member 4, the configuration is not limited to this. In other words, the camera unit 3 may be fixed to the housing 1.
[0085] Furthermore, while each embodiment has described a case where all of the antennas 3h of the wireless communication board 32 overlap 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. That is, at least a portion of the antennas 3h may overlap the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the housing 1. Radio wave cancellation can be suppressed even with such a configuration.
[0086] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the arrangement and angle of the wireless communication board 32 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the surface of the wireless communication board 32 may be arranged parallel to the surface of the camera control board 31.
[0087] Furthermore, while each embodiment describes the case where the "device" provided by the refrigerator 100 is a camera unit 3, the refrigerator 100 is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerator 100 may be equipped with a "device" that has a voice recognition function or a human recognition function based on captured images, as a "predetermined function" different from the cooling function or wireless communication function. The mounting surface of the aforementioned "device" may be the top surface of the housing 1, or it may be a predetermined surface other than the top surface of the housing 1.
[0088] Furthermore, each embodiment and each reference form can be combined as appropriate. For example, in a configuration in which the first embodiment and the second embodiment are combined so that the camera unit 3 is equipped with an antenna 3h and a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see Figure 11A: second embodiment), the refrigerator door 211 may be located directly below the antenna 3h in the "first arrangement" (see Figure 9B: first embodiment). Furthermore, in a configuration combining the first embodiment and the first reference embodiment, where the antenna 3h is provided inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3 (device) (first embodiment), in the "second arrangement" where the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view, the wireless communication function of the camera unit 3 may be kept in the off state (first reference embodiment). Even with such a configuration, radio wave cancellation can be suppressed.
[0089] Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 etc. described in each embodiment and reference form are merely examples, and each embodiment etc. can be applied to other types of refrigerators. For example, each embodiment etc. can be applied to single-door refrigerators and portable refrigerators.
[0090] Furthermore, each embodiment is described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating this disclosure and is 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]
[0091] 1 cabinet 3,3A,3B Camera Unit (Device) 3a lens 3b Case 3h antenna 4. Support members 9,9A,9B,9C,9D Radio wave cancellation suppression member 10 Mounting components 11 Outer box 12 Inner box 31 Camera control board 32 Wireless communication board 100 Refrigerator
Claims
1. A housing having a metal outer casing, A device installed on the outside of the aforementioned housing, having a predetermined function different from the cooling function and wireless communication function, It comprises a radio wave cancellation suppression member that suppresses the cancellation of radio waves, The device described above, Antenna and, The case includes at least one in which the antenna is installed internally, The radio wave cancellation suppression member is disposed between the antenna and the housing. The device is movable from one of the first and second arrangements to the other. The first arrangement is one in which, in a plan view, a part of the device is located outside the housing. The second arrangement is such that, in a plan view, the entire device overlaps the housing. In the second arrangement described above, the radio wave cancellation suppression member is placed between the antenna and the housing. In the first arrangement described above, a straight line perpendicular to the mounting surface of the device in the housing does not pass through the antenna. A refrigerator characterized by the following.
2. The radio wave cancellation suppression member causes radio waves directed from the antenna toward the radio wave cancellation suppression member to be reflected in a direction different from that of the antenna. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
3. The plate surface of the radio wave cancellation suppression member is inclined in a predetermined manner with respect to the mounting surface of the device in the housing. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized by the following:
4. The radio wave cancellation suppression member absorbs at least a portion of the radio waves that travel from the antenna toward the radio wave cancellation suppression member. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
5. A support member is interposed between the device and the housing to support the device, The radio wave cancellation suppression member is installed inside the support member. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
6. The antenna and the radio wave cancellation suppression member are installed inside the case. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
7. In the second arrangement, the wireless communication function of the device is kept in the off state. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following:
8. The device is a camera unit having a lens, The radio wave cancellation suppression member is positioned on the side furthest from the lens with respect to the antenna, in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized by the following: