Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator in which mutual cancelation of radio waves is suppressed. A refrigerator (100) comprises: a housing (1) that has a metal outer box; a camera unit (3) that is installed on the outside of the housing (1) and has a prescribed function different from a cooling function and a wireless communication function; and a radio wave cancellation suppression member (9) that suppresses mutual cancellation of radio waves. The camera unit (3) has an antenna (3h) and a case (3b) in which at least the antenna (3h) is installed. The radio wave cancellation suppression member (9) is disposed between the antenna (3h) and the housing (1).

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerators.

[0002] Regarding a refrigerator with a wireless communication function, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known. That is, Patent Document 1 describes that "the wireless communication means is not disposed 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."

[0003] Patent No. 6092027

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 prevents cancellation between incident and reflected radio waves by ensuring that the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing is not a multiple of half the wavelength of the radio waves. However, in cases where the design of a device that performs wireless communication is performed independently or where the wavelength of the radio waves can be selected, the distance between the wireless communication unit and the housing may approach half the wavelength of the radio waves, leaving room for further improvement.

[0005] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a housing having a metal outer box, a device installed on the outside of the housing and having a predetermined function different from a cooling function and a wireless communication function, and a radio wave canceling suppression member that suppresses cancellation of radio waves, the device having an antenna and a case in which at least the antenna is installed, and the radio wave canceling suppression member is arranged between the antenna and the housing.

[0006] 9A is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, taken along line II-II of FIG. 9A . FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, taken with the camera unit in a "first position" with the top lid of the case removed. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, taken with the camera unit in a "second position" with the top lid of the case removed. FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, taken along line III-III of FIG. 9D . 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment, showing a first example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a first example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11D is an explanatory diagram of a second example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11E is an explanatory diagram of a third example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11F is an explanatory diagram of a fourth example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11G is an explanatory diagram of a fifth example of a radio wave canceling suppression member included in the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11H is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the top cover of the case is removed in a "first arrangement" of the camera unit; FIG. 11H is a schematic cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the top cover of the case is removed in a "first arrangement" of the camera unit;10 is a plan view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, including the camera unit 3 with the upper case member removed and the support member 4 with the upper base member seen through. Also, in the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, the rear end of the upper base member is opened 90° around a fulcrum, allowing the interior of the support member to be seen.

[0007] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 according to a first embodiment. The refrigerator 100 is an appliance for storing food and the like at low temperatures, and includes a housing 1, multiple doors such as refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, and a camera unit 3 (device). The housing 1 is configured such that a vacuum insulation material or urethane foam is filled between a metal (steel plate) outer box 11 and a resin inner box 12 (see Fig. 3). Note that the outer box 11 being made of metal also includes cases where the metal outer box 11 has been subjected to a predetermined surface treatment.

[0008] A plurality of storage compartments are provided inside the housing 1. In the example of Fig. 1, the storage compartments of the refrigerator 100 are, from top to bottom, a refrigeration compartment 21, an ice making compartment 22 and an upper freezer compartment 23 arranged on the left and right, a vegetable compartment 24, and a lower freezer compartment 25.

[0009] The front side (front face) of the housing 1 is provided with a plurality of openings P1 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the respective compartments. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 100 is provided with a pair of left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 as French-style doors that form the refrigerator compartment 21 by closing the opening P1 in the housing 1. The left refrigerator compartment door 211 is rotatable about the axis of a hinge 211a (see FIG. 4) at the left end. The right refrigerator compartment door 212 is similarly rotatable.

[0010] Refrigerator 100 also has drawer-type doors, such as ice maker door 221 and upper freezer door 231 shown in FIG. 1 , as well as vegetable compartment door 241 and lower freezer compartment door 251. For example, a vegetable compartment container (not shown) is installed behind vegetable compartment door 241 (at the back). Vegetable compartment door 241 and the vegetable compartment container are designed to be pulled out together (the same applies to other drawer-type doors). Note that the number and arrangement of storage compartments shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0011] Although not shown, the refrigerator 100 includes a compressor, a radiator (condenser), a capillary tube (throttle mechanism), and a cooler (evaporator). A refrigerant circulates through the compressor, the radiator, the capillary tube, and the cooler in this order, and the air in the storage compartment is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the cooler.

[0012] Camera unit 3 (device) captures images of refrigerator compartment 21 and the like, and is installed outside housing 1 (on the upper side of housing 1 in the example of FIG. 1 ). Note that camera unit 3 may also capture images of ice maker compartment 22, upper freezer compartment 23, vegetable compartment 24, and lower freezer compartment 25. In this manner, camera unit 3 has an imaging function as a "predetermined function" separate from the cooling function and wireless communication function. In the example of FIG. 1 , camera unit 3 is located directly above the joint between refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212 when closed, but the left-right position of camera unit 3 may be changed as appropriate.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of the refrigerator 100. As shown in Fig. 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 on an image sensor 3d (see Fig. 9B), and faces downward. For example, a fisheye lens is used as this lens 3a.

[0014] 2, lens 3a is provided forward of the front end of housing 1 (the edge of opening P1 of housing 1). More preferably, lens 3a is provided further forward of the front surface of refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 in the closed state. This makes it easier for refrigerator compartment 21, vegetable compartment door 241, lower freezer compartment door 251, etc. to be within the field of view of lens 3a when refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212, vegetable compartment door 241, or lower freezer compartment door 251 are opened.

[0015] The refrigerator 100 also includes 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 top surface of the housing 1.

[0016] The power board 62 shown in Fig. 2 is a board on which power supply circuits (not shown) for a compressor (not shown), a fan (not shown), and the like are mounted, and is installed at the bottom on the rear side of the refrigerator 100. The internal control board 63 is a board on which an internal control microcomputer (not shown) that controls cooling is mounted, and is installed near the middle in the vertical direction on the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Note that Fig. 2 is an example, and the locations 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 mounted at the bottom on the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Furthermore, the power board 62 and the internal control board 63 may be integrated.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of refrigerator 100 with left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 open. As shown in FIG. 3 , refrigerator compartment 21 is provided with multiple shelves 213. The inner panel 211b of left refrigerator compartment door 211 is provided with multiple door pockets 211c for storing food and the like (similar to the right refrigerator compartment door 212). When either of the left or right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 is opened, the refrigerator compartment 21 and the food and the like stored in the door pockets 211c, 212c are viewed from above within the field of view of lens 3a of camera unit 3. For example, when at least one of refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 is opened, camera unit 3 captures an image of refrigerator compartment 21 and the like (automatic capture). Furthermore, when vegetable compartment door 241 or lower freezer compartment door 251 is opened, camera unit 3 captures an image of vegetable compartment 24 or lower freezer compartment 25.

[0018] Here, a photographing button 5 may be provided when manually photographing the refrigerator compartment 21 etc. at the user's own timing using the camera unit 3. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 as an example of manual photographing, the photographing button 5 may be provided on each of the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212, or near the handles of the drawer doors of the vegetable compartment door 241 and the lower freezer compartment door 251, or may be provided on either the camera unit 3 or the support member 4, but is not limited to these.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a plan view of refrigerator 100 with left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 open. As shown in Fig. 4, hinges 211a, 212a are provided on the top surface of housing 1. Left hinge 211a axially supports refrigerator compartment door 211 so that it can rotate freely. The same applies to right hinge 212a.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the camera unit 3 includes a case 3b. The case 3b is a resin housing that houses the circuit board and other components of the camera unit 3. The case 3b has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. Explaining in more detail, the case 3b is formed so that its length in the short side direction (left-to-right direction) changes midway along its length (front-to-rear direction), and the length in the short side direction is longer at the rear than at the front. Note that the shape of the case 3b shown in FIG. 4 is an example and is not limited to this.

[0021] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 when viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Fig. 5, the camera unit 3 includes the lens 3a and case 3b described above, as well as a lighting cover 3c. A circular hole (not shown) is provided on the underside of the case 3b near the front end, through which the lens 3a is exposed. A long, narrow hole (not shown) is provided in the case 3b behind the lens 3a in the left-right direction, and the lighting cover 3c is fitted into this hole. The lighting cover 3c is a translucent resin member that protects the light-emitting portion 3e (see Fig. 9B) and diffuses light from the light-emitting portion 3e.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram of refrigerator 100. As shown in FIG. 6, refrigerator 100 includes a camera unit 3, an open / close detection unit 6, an operation unit 7, and a control unit 8. Open / close detection unit 6 is a door sensor that detects the open / closed state of each door, such as refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, vegetable compartment door 241, and lower freezer compartment door 251 (see FIG. 1). When a signal indicating the open state of each door is input to control unit 8, the signal is transmitted to camera / wireless communication control unit 3g of camera unit 3 via control unit 8. When image capture unit M1 detects a predetermined open angle of each door, such as refrigerator compartment doors 211 and 212, or a predetermined open angle of vegetable compartment door 241 or lower freezer compartment door 251, through image recognition, automatic image capture begins. Here, operation unit 7 is a control panel that is operated by a user in a predetermined manner. For example, the control panel is used for various settings, such as manually operating the photo button 5 (see FIG. 3 ) and setting pairing between the user's mobile terminal 54 and the refrigerator 100, in addition to setting the temperature of the refrigerator 100, and is provided on the outer or inner surface of the refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0023] The control unit 8 is, for example, a microcomputer, and although not shown, is configured to include electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. The control unit 8 reads out a program stored in the ROM and loads it into the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes. The control unit 8 executes predetermined cooling control based on signals input from the open / close detection unit 6 and the operation unit 7, 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 includes an imaging unit M1, a light emitting unit 3e, a sound generating unit 3f, a camera / wireless communication control unit 3g, and an antenna 3h. The imaging unit M1 includes a lens 3a (see FIG. 9B) and an image sensor 3d (see FIG. 9B). The image sensor 3d is a device that photoelectrically converts light incident through the lens 3a to generate captured image data.

[0025] Light-emitting unit 3e is a light source that is turned on when camera unit 3 takes a picture, and is provided in front of refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 in the closed state (see also FIG. 9B ). For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as light-emitting unit 3e. By turning on light-emitting unit 3e when taking a picture, the refrigerator compartment 21 (see FIG. 3 ), door pockets 211c, 212c (see FIG. 3 ), vegetable compartment door 241 (see FIG. 3 ), and lower freezer compartment door 251 (see FIG. 3 ) can be photographed under appropriate brightness.

[0026] The sound generator 3f is a buzzer that emits a predetermined sound when, for example, an image is captured by the camera unit 3. The camera / wireless communication controller 3g outputs a capture command to the image sensor 3d (see FIG. 9B ) when an open signal from one of the doors is transmitted via the controller 8. This causes captured image data to be input from the image sensor 3d to the camera / wireless communication controller 3g.

[0027] The antenna 3h is not limited to any particular type as long as it can transmit and receive radio waves. For example, the antenna 3h can be rod-shaped, wire-shaped, or planar. Here, two types of printed circuit boards are described for use with planar antennas. The antenna 3h of this embodiment can be either a printed circuit board with mounted elements or a printed circuit board without mounted elements (only copper foil printing). First, when an antenna 3h is provided using a printed circuit board without mounted elements (only copper foil printing), a camera control element (not shown) and a wireless communication control element (not shown) are mounted on the camera control board 31 (see FIG. 9B ), and signals from the camera / wireless communication control unit 3g are transmitted and received as radio waves via the antenna 3h via wiring K1. In this case, the printed circuit board for the antenna 3h is formed only with copper foil printing, which has the advantage of allowing for a smaller board size. Depending on the propagation speed, it is recommended to select a printed circuit board with an antenna pattern (such as copper foil printed on the entire surface, a coil-shaped, sensor-shaped, or serpentine-shaped 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 an element is mounted is provided, a signal from a camera control element (not shown) of a camera / wireless communication control unit 3g of a camera control board 31 (see FIG. 9B) is transmitted and received via a wire K1 via the antenna 3h as radio waves. Because the antenna 3h is equipped with a noise-resistant chip component, even if the wiring K1 is routed long along with the antenna 3h, there is almost no effect on communication (see FIGS. 13 to 15). Hereinafter, 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 emitted as radio waves from the antenna 3h (wireless communication board 32), and these radio waves are received by a router 51. The antenna 3h may be either directional or omnidirectional. The router 51 is a communication relay device that transmits information received as radio waves from the antenna 3h to a server 53 via a network 52.

[0028] Server 53 performs predetermined processing on the captured image data and stores the captured image data in association with the identification information of refrigerator 100. When server 53 receives a request signal for an image of the interior of refrigerator 100 from mobile terminal 54 of a user with whom the server 53 has been paired, server 53 transmits the captured image data to mobile terminal 54.

[0029] Fig. 7 shows an example of the results of photography by the camera unit without image processing. Note that in Fig. 7, the top of the page is the front and the bottom is the rear, so the left and right are reversed compared to Fig. 3 and other figures. In the example of Fig. 7, both left and right refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 are open, and images of not only the refrigerator compartment 21 but also the left and right door pockets 211c, 212c are captured. By using a fisheye lens as lens 3a of camera unit 3 (see Fig. 5), images can be captured with a wide angle of view.

[0030] Fig. 8 shows an example of an expanded image obtained by image capture with the camera unit after image processing. For example, predetermined image processing is performed by server 53 (see Fig. 6) based on the image capture of Fig. 7, converting the image into an expanded image showing refrigerator compartment 21 and refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212 as seen from the front. By displaying such an expanded image on mobile terminal 54 (see Fig. 6), the user can see at a glance what foods are stored in refrigerator compartment 21 and refrigerator compartment doors 211, 212.

[0031] Fig. 9A is a front view of the camera unit 3. As shown in Fig. 9A, the camera unit 3 is installed on the upper side of the support member 4. The camera unit 3 is also installed near the center of the support member 4 in the left-right direction.

[0032] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view including a cross section taken along line II-II in Figure 9A. In addition to the components described above, the camera unit 3 also 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, a camera control element, and a wireless communication control element (not shown) are mounted, and is installed inside the case 3b. In the example of Figure 9B, the camera control board 31 is installed near the front end of the case 3b so as to be 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 of Fig. 9B, the wireless communication board 32 is installed so that its plate surface is parallel to the side surface of the case 3b.

[0034] The wireless communication board 32 is connected to the camera control board 31 via a wiring K1. More specifically, an antenna 3h mounted on the wireless communication board 32 is electrically connected to a camera control element (not shown) of the camera control board 31 via the wiring K1. Predetermined communication is then carried out between the antenna 3h and the camera control element (not shown) via the wiring K1. In the example of FIG. 9B , the wireless communication board 32 is disposed near the camera control board 31 in the longitudinal direction of the case 3b. This not only shortens the length of the wiring K1 but also suppresses noise generation.

[0035] A circular hole H1 (not shown in cross section) is provided near the center of the bottom surface of the case 3b of the camera unit 3, and a cylindrical portion C1 extends upward from the edge of the hole H1. A circular hole (not shown) is also provided on the top surface of the support member 4, and multiple claws 4b extend upward from the edge of the hole. When the camera unit 3 is assembled, the claws 4b protruding radially outward enter the inside of the cylindrical portion C1 and engage with the upper end of the cylindrical portion C1. The camera unit 3 is rotatable around the central axis of the cylindrical portion C1 relative to the support member 4. This rotation may be performed manually by a user or an operator, or mechanically by operating a predetermined button.

[0036] The cylindrical portion C1 of the case 3b is provided with a plurality of recesses (not shown) recessed radially outward in the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the support member 4 is provided with protrusions (not shown) between the plurality of claws 4b, each having a shape corresponding to the recess. The protrusions and the recesses are fitted together in a predetermined manner during the process of rotating the camera unit 3. In other words, the rotation mechanism R1 including the cylindrical portion C1 and the claws 4b allows the arrangement of the camera unit 3 (device) to be moved from one of a "first arrangement" and a "second arrangement" to the other.

[0037] Here, the "first arrangement" refers to an arrangement in which a part of the camera unit 3 (device) is located outside the housing 1 in a plan view (see FIG. 9C). During normal use when taking pictures, the camera unit 3 is in the "first arrangement" as shown in FIG. 9B. In the "first arrangement," the lens 31a and the light-emitting unit 3e of the camera unit 3 are located forward 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 FIG. 9D ). In the "second arrangement," the tip of the camera unit 3 does not protrude forward from the housing 1, which prevents the camera unit 3 from coming into contact with people or objects while the refrigerator 100 is being transported. In the first embodiment, the "second arrangement" is a position in which the camera unit 3 is rotated 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 components described above, refrigerator 100 also includes radio wave suppression member 9 shown in FIG. 9B. Radio wave suppression member 9 is a member for suppressing the cancellation of radio waves, and is installed inside support member 4. Radio waves generally have the property of being reflected by the surface of a metal member. If a configuration were to be configured without radio wave suppression member 9 and radio waves from antenna 3h were to be incident on metal outer casing 11 at an incident angle of 90°, the radio waves reflected by the surface of outer casing 11 would return to antenna 3h at a reflection angle of 90°, potentially causing 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 installation surface of the camera unit 3) does not pass through the antenna 3h, so even if there is no radio wave cancellation suppression member 9, there is almost no cancellation of radio waves. In other words, in the "first arrangement," there is no antenna 3h in the area obtained by projecting the top surface of the housing 1 upward, so there is almost no cancellation of radio waves. Note that the term "installation surface" of the camera unit 3 is not limited to the case where the camera unit 3 is installed directly on the housing 1, but also includes the case where the camera unit 3 is installed via a support member 4, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0041] On the other hand, in the "second arrangement" (see FIG. 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 installation surface of the camera unit 3) passes through the antenna 3h. In other words, in the "second arrangement," the antenna 3h is located in an area obtained by projecting the top surface of the housing 1 upward, so if the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 were not present, there is a possibility that radio waves would cancel each other out. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is provided to suppress radio wave cancellation, particularly in the "second arrangement" (see FIG. 9D ).

[0042] A metal plate such as aluminum, iron, or a predetermined alloy may be used as this radio wave suppression member 9. As shown in Fig. 9B, the plate surface of the radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1 (the surface on which the camera unit 3 is installed). The manner and angle of inclination of the radio wave suppression member 9 will be described later.

[0043] Note that, because 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 them having an adverse effect on radio waves (radio waves being reflected from their surfaces). In the example of Fig. 9B, the refrigerator compartment door 211 is provided directly below the antenna 3h, but because the refrigerator compartment door 211 has a resin exterior filled with a heat insulating material such as urethane foam, there is no particular risk of them having an adverse effect on radio waves (radio waves being reflected from their surfaces).

[0044] Figure 9C is a plan view of the camera unit 3 in the "first arrangement" with the top cover of the case 3b removed. As described above, the camera control board 31 and the wireless communication board 32 are connected via the wire K1. Power is supplied to the camera control board 31 from inside the refrigerator via the power cable K2. The power cable K2 is inserted through the hole H1 (see Figure 9B) of the rotation mechanism R1 (see Figure 9B).

[0045] In the example of Fig. 9C, the wireless communication board 32 is installed on the inner surface of the side wall of the case 3b. When installing the wireless communication board 32, double-sided tape or adhesive may be used, or a claw (not shown) for locking the wireless communication board 32 may be provided on the case 3b. By installing the wireless communication board 32 on the side wall of the case 3b in this manner, it becomes easier to ensure installation space for other electronic components. In addition, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is installed at a predetermined position that is separated from the camera unit 3 in the "first arrangement" in a plan view.

[0046] 9D is a plan view of the camera unit 3 in the "second arrangement" with the case top cover removed. Note that the wiring K1 and power cable K2 are omitted from FIG. 9D. When the camera unit 3 is rotated 90° clockwise from the aforementioned "first arrangement" (see FIG. 9C) to the "second arrangement" (see FIG. 9D), the camera unit 3 moves from position Z1 to position Z2. In this "second arrangement," the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 overlaps the wireless communication board 32 (i.e., the antenna 3h) in a plan view.

[0047] Figure 9E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the "second arrangement" of the camera unit 3 taken along line III-III in Figure 9D. As shown in Figure 9E, the case 3b of the camera unit 3 includes 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 cover the opening of the lower case member 3D.

[0048] The housing 4a of the support member 4 includes a lower base member 4D and an upper base member 4U. The lower base member 4D is open at the top. The upper base member 4U is open at the bottom. The upper base member 4U is installed so as to cover the opening of the lower base member 4D.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 9E, in the "second arrangement," a radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9 is disposed between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. A predetermined straight line L1 that is perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 and passes through the antenna 3h passes through the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9. In other words, in the "second arrangement," the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9 is disposed directly below the antenna 3h. From another perspective, the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9 is disposed on the side farther from the lens 3a (see Fig. 5) with respect to the antenna 3h in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens 3a (see Fig. 5) of the camera unit 3 (the up-down direction in the example of Fig. 9E).

[0050] Furthermore, the plate surface of the radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1. Specifically, the plate-shaped radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° relative to the top surface of the housing 1. With this configuration, of the radio waves emitted in all directions from the antenna 3h, those that are directed perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 (i.e., those that are directed vertically downward from the antenna 3h) are incident on the radio wave suppression member 9. As described above, because the radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° relative to the surface of the housing 1, the angle of incidence of the radio waves (those that are directed vertically downward) on the radio wave suppression member 9 is approximately 45°. Furthermore, the reflection angle when the radio waves are reflected by the radio wave suppression member 9 is also approximately 45°. As a result, the radio waves that are directed perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 are reflected in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h, thereby suppressing mutual cancellation of radio waves.

[0051] In this way, the radio wave suppressing member 9 has the function of reflecting radio waves traveling from the antenna 3h toward the radio wave suppressing member 9 in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h. The angle of inclination and direction of the radio wave suppressing member 9 can be changed as appropriate. When a metal plate is used as the radio wave suppressing member 9, it is advisable to position the radio wave suppressing member 9 so that a straight line (not shown) that is perpendicular to the plate surface of the radio wave suppressing member 9 and passes through the antenna 3h cannot be drawn. This prevents radio waves reflected by the radio wave suppressing member 9 from returning to the antenna 3h.

[0052] Incidentally, even when camera unit 3 is in the "second position" (a state in which imaging is not being performed), wireless communication may occur via antenna 3h. For example, wireless communication occurs via antenna 3h when pairing is set up between refrigerator 100 (see FIG. 6) and user's mobile terminal 54 (see FIG. 6) or when setting information for refrigerator 100 is provided from server 53 (see FIG. 6) based on a request signal from mobile terminal 54. Next, the shape and other features of radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be described in order using FIGS. 10A to 10E.

[0053] FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of a first example of a radio wave suppression member 9. The upper part of FIG. 10A is a plan view of the radio wave suppression member 9 (viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the radio wave suppression member 9). The lower part of FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the radio wave suppression member 9. In the example of FIG. 10A, the plate surface of the metal radio wave suppression member 9 is flat. In this configuration, as described above, it is preferable to tilt the radio wave suppression member 9 at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1 (see FIG. 9E). This allows radio waves reflected by the radio wave suppression member 9 to be directed in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h (see FIG. 9E).

[0054] FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of a second example of a radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A. As shown in FIG. 10B, the metal radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9 may be bent in a zigzag shape in cross section. In this configuration, the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1 (see FIG. 9E), or may not be particularly inclined. This is because even if the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A is not particularly inclined relative to the top surface of the housing 1, the radio waves are diffused and scattered by each zigzag surface of the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A, and the reflected waves are directed in a direction different from the antenna 3h. If the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A is not particularly inclined relative to the top surface of the housing 1 (or the inclination angle is reduced), the height dimension of the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9A can be reduced, thereby increasing design flexibility.

[0055] FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of a third example of a radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9B. As shown in FIG. 10C, the metal radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9B may be bent in a sawtooth shape in cross section. Even with this configuration, radio waves are diffused and scattered by the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9B, thereby suppressing the canceling of radio waves. In the example of FIG. 10C, there is no particular need to incline the radio wave canceling and suppressing member 9B, so the height dimension can be reduced. As a result, design freedom is increased. This point is also true for the examples of FIG. 10D and FIG. 10E described below.

[0056] Fig. 10D is an explanatory diagram of a fourth example of a radio wave suppression member 9C. The metal radio wave suppression member 9C shown in Fig. 10D is configured with multiple pyramidal elements 9Ca arranged vertically and horizontally. Even with this configuration, radio waves are diffused and scattered by the radio wave suppression member 9C, thereby suppressing mutual cancellation of radio waves.

[0057] FIG. 10E is an explanatory diagram of a fifth example of a radio wave suppressing member 9D. The radio wave suppressing member 9D shown in FIG. 10E has a rectangular plate shape and is similar in shape to that shown in FIG. 10A, but is made of a material other than metal. That is, the radio wave suppressing member 9D is made of a rubber material that absorbs radio waves. This allows at least a portion of the radio waves traveling from the antenna 3h (see FIG. 9E) to the radio wave suppressing member 9D to be absorbed by the radio wave suppressing member 9D, thereby suppressing radio wave cancellation. Such a rubber material may contain, for example, silicone rubber and magnetic particles. Alternatively, the rubber material may be formed as a surface coating on the metal plate-shaped member shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D. The radio wave suppressing member 9D may have a multilayer structure or a sandwich structure with different rubber material layers and different metal material layers. When radio waves are absorbed in this manner, the plate surface of the radio wave suppressing member 9D may be parallel to the top surface of the housing 1 (see FIG. 9E) or may be inclined at a predetermined angle. It should be noted that various radio wave absorbing materials have been developed, and these may be used as appropriate as the radio wave suppressing member 9D.

[0058] According to the first embodiment, by providing a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see FIG. 9E ), it is possible to suppress cancellation of radio waves between radio waves radiated from the antenna 3 h and radio waves reflected on the surface of the housing 1. For example, even if the top surface of the housing 1 is slightly warped due to the foaming pressure of the insulating material filled in the housing 1 and the vertical distance between the housing 1 and the antenna 3 h becomes a multiple of half the wavelength of the radio waves, it is possible to suppress cancellation of radio waves by the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9. Furthermore, even if the thickness of the camera unit 3 in the height direction is reduced at the design stage and a configuration is adopted in which the antenna 3 h is closer to the top surface of the housing 1, it is possible to appropriately suppress cancellation of radio waves.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, cancellation of radio waves can be suppressed even when the camera unit 3 having the antenna 3h is designed independently or when the wavelength of the radio waves is selectable. Therefore, reliability can be ensured when wireless communication is performed via the antenna 3h. Furthermore, because the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 has a simple configuration, increases in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0060] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that both the antenna 3h (see FIG. 11A) and the radio wave canceling suppression member 9 (see FIG. 11A) are provided in the camera unit 3A (see FIG. 11A). The position of the wireless communication board 32 (see FIG. 11A) in the front-to-rear direction is also different from that of the first embodiment. The rest of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and overlapping portions will not be described.

[0061] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view including a camera unit 3A of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11A illustrates a "first arrangement" in which the lens 3a of the camera unit 3A is disposed in front of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. 11A, an antenna 3h and a radio wave suppressing member 9 are disposed inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A. Specifically, a wireless communication board 32 is attached to the inner side surface of the case 3b (see also FIG. 11B). The radio wave suppressing member 9 is disposed on the bottom surface of the case 3b of the camera unit 3A. The radio wave suppressing member 9 may have any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, but the following description will be given of the case where the radio wave suppressing member 9 is a flat metal plate (see FIG. 10A).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11A , in a “first arrangement” in which imaging by the camera unit 3A is possible, a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is disposed between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. From another perspective, the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is disposed on the side farther from the lens 3a (see FIG. 5 ) of the camera unit 3 in a direction parallel to the optical axis (vertical direction in the example of FIG. 11A ) of the lens 3a. In the example of FIG. 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, cancellation of radio waves hardly occurs. Details of the arrangement of the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 will be described later.

[0063] 11B is a plan view of the camera unit 3A in the "first arrangement" with the top cover of the case 3b removed. As described above, the wireless communication board 32 is attached to the inner side of the case 3b. The wireless communication board 32 and the radio wave suppression member 9 overlap in plan view. The radio wave suppression member 9 is installed below the wireless communication board 32 at a predetermined inclination.

[0064] FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the "first arrangement" of the camera unit 3A taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 11B. As described above, a radio wave suppression member 9 is disposed between the antenna 3h and the housing 1. Furthermore, a line L2 perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 and passing through the antenna 3h passes through the radio wave suppression member 9. Furthermore, the radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the top surface of the housing 1. Specifically, the radio wave suppression member 9 is inclined at approximately 45° relative to the top surface of the housing 1. With this configuration, radio waves traveling perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 are reflected in a direction different from that of the antenna 3h, thereby suppressing mutual cancellation of radio waves. The angle and direction of inclination of the radio wave suppression member 9 can be changed as appropriate.

[0065] According to the second embodiment, both the antenna 3h and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 are provided inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A, so that the relative positional relationship between the antenna 3h and the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 is maintained even in the case of the "first arrangement" shown in Fig. 11C and also in the case of the "second arrangement" (not shown) in which the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view. Therefore, as in the case of the "first arrangement" shown in Fig. 11C, cancellation of radio waves can be suppressed even in the case of the "second arrangement."

[0066] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, in the "first arrangement" (see FIG. 11A), cancellation of radio waves can be suppressed even when the antenna 3h passes along a straight line L2 (see FIG. 11A) perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1. This increases the degree of freedom when installing the antenna 3h inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3A.

[0067] <<First Reference Form>> The first reference form differs from the first embodiment in that no radio wave cancellation suppression member is provided. The first reference form also differs from the first embodiment in that the wireless communication function is switched off when the camera unit 3B (see FIG. 12) is in the "second arrangement" which is the storage state. The rest of the first reference form is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0068] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view including a camera unit 3B of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, a camera control board 31 and a wireless communication board 32 are installed inside a case 3b of the camera unit 3B. Meanwhile, no radio wave canceling and suppressing member is particularly provided on the camera unit 3 or the support member 4. 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 FIG. 6) performs wireless communication via the antenna 3h when the camera unit 3B is in the "first arrangement" (see FIG. 12) where image capture is possible. In other words, when the camera unit 3 (device) is in the "first arrangement," the wireless communication function using the antenna 3h is maintained in an on state.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 6) prevents wireless communication via the antenna 3h when the camera unit 3B is in the "second configuration" (not shown) and is stored. In other words, the wireless communication function of the camera unit 3 (device) is kept off when in the "second configuration." This prevents radio wave cancellation even in a configuration where no radio wave cancellation suppression member is provided.

[0071] Second Reference Embodiment The second reference embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a wireless communication board 32 (see FIG. 13) is installed on the bottom surface of the mounting member 10 (see FIG. 13) instead of the support member 4 (see FIG. 13). The rest of the second reference embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0072] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of mounting member 10 and wireless communication board 32 of a refrigerator according to the second reference embodiment. Note that mounting member 10 cannot be seen from the outside because it is installed below support member 4, but in Fig. 13 , support member 4 is shown by a two-dot chain line to show the mounting member 10 in a see-through manner. Mounting member 10 is a resin member that closes opening H3 in the top surface of outer box 11 and allows power cable K3 (see Fig. 16 ) to be inserted therethrough, and is installed in housing 1.

[0073] The top surface of the outer box 11 of the housing 1 is provided with a rectangular opening H3 into which the mounting member 10 is installed. The mounting member 10 is integrally configured with a fitting portion 10a that fits into the opening H3 of the outer box 11 and a guide portion 10b that extends rearward from the fitting portion 10a. The wiring K1 shown by the dashed line in FIG. 13 connects the camera control board 31 and the wireless communication board 32 and is inserted through a hole H1 in the rotation mechanism R1. For example, in the case of an antenna 3h that uses a printed circuit board (only copper foil printing) without any elements mounted thereon, a single wiring (coaxial cable) is used as the wiring K1. In addition, in the case of an antenna 3h that uses a printed circuit board with elements mounted thereon, multiple wirings are used as the wiring K1.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view including the wireless communication board 32, the support member 4, the mounting member 10, and the camera unit 3 in the "second arrangement." As shown in FIG. 14 , the mounting member 10 is L-shaped in vertical cross section 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. Furthermore, by tilting the mounting member 10 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. Furthermore, the fitting portion 10a includes a plate-shaped blocking portion 101a 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 blocked by the blocking portion 101a.

[0075] An opening H4 (see FIG. 15) is provided in the lower base member 4D (see FIG. 15) of the support member 4 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 in the housing 1, the mounting member 10 is covered by the upper base member 4U (see FIG. 16).

[0076] As shown in Fig. 14, when the mounting member 10 is installed in the outer box 11, the height position of the bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a is lower than the height position of the top surface of the outer box 11 (i.e., the top surface of the housing 1). The bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a is provided with an insertion hole H5 (see Fig. 13) for inserting the power cable K2 (see Fig. 15). The fitting portion 10a also has an insertion portion 101b that bulges upward from the bottom surface. The power cable K2 is inserted through the insertion portion 101b and is guided by the guide portion 10b.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 14, a wireless communication board 32 is installed on the bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a. The wireless communication board 32 may be attached with double-sided tape or adhesive, or may be fastened by a claw (not shown) of the fitting portion 10a. An antenna 3h is mounted on the wireless communication board 32. Image data captured by the camera unit 3 and setting information for 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 box 11. Therefore, the metal outer box 11 is not present above or below the wireless communication board 32 that is installed on the bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a. Therefore, there is no particular risk of cancellation of radio waves radiated from the antenna 3h.

[0079] FIG. 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 through it. The power cable K2 shown in FIG. 15 is a cable for supplying power to the camera unit 3 and other components via a power plug (not shown). While FIG. 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 via the insertion hole H5 of the mounting member 10 (see FIG. 13) and the hole H1 of the rotation mechanism R1 (see FIG. 13) in that order. The power cable K2 is electrically connected to the camera control board 31 (see FIG. 13).

[0080] The mounting member 10 is provided with a connector N1 used for electrically connecting the power cable K2. Meanwhile, the wireless communication board 32 is provided on the bottom surface of the fitting portion 10a of the mounting member 10, as described above. That is, both the connector N1 and the wireless communication board 32 are provided on the mounting member 10. This allows a worker to simultaneously connect the power cable K2 to the connector N1 and attach the wireless communication board 32 during the process of manufacturing the refrigerator 100 on a manufacturing line. This allows for more efficient manufacturing of the refrigerator 100.

[0081] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the upper base member 4U, with the rear end of the upper base member 4U pivoted 90 degrees to allow viewing of the interior of the support member 4. Note that the wireless communication board 32 (see FIG. 15) and the wiring K1 (see FIG. 15) are omitted from FIG. 16 . The multiple fixing portions 61 shown in FIG. 16 slidably fix the power cable K2 and are provided on the inner surface of both the upper base member 4U and the lower base member 4D. The power cable K2 is arranged in a serpentine manner via the multiple fixing portions 61 within the support member 4. Providing this "slack" in the power cable K2 prevents the power cable K2 from breaking even if the camera unit 3 separates from the support member 4. Furthermore, if the camera unit 3 separates, the sliding friction of the power cable K2 is distributed among the multiple fixing portions 61, generating an appropriate resistance.

[0082] It should be noted that the camera unit 3 does not particularly need to be firmly fixed to the support member 4, and it is preferable that the camera unit 3 be separated from the support member 4 when a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value acts on the camera unit 3, for example, pushing the camera unit 3 upward from below. This makes it possible to prevent a strong resistance from acting between the camera unit 3 and the object, etc., when 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 FIG. 15) connecting the camera control board 31 (see FIG. 15) and the wireless communication board 32 (see FIG. 15) be longer than the length of the power cable K2 from the connector N1. This ensures that if the camera unit 3 is separated from the support member 4 with the wiring K1 and the power cable K2 connected to the camera control board 31, the power cable K2 will be pulled before the wiring K1 (i.e., with the wiring K1 bent). This prevents the wiring K1 from breaking. Note that the power cable K2 is thicker than the wiring K1 and snakes around multiple fixing portions 61, so it is unlikely to break.

[0084] <<Modifications>> Although the refrigerator 100 and the like according to the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the respective embodiments, the refrigerator is not limited to these descriptions and various modifications can be made. For example, in the respective embodiments, a configuration in which the camera unit 3 is rotatable relative to the support member 4 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the camera unit 3 may be configured to slide forward and backward 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 portion of the camera unit 3 is located outside the housing 1 in a plan view and a "second arrangement" in which the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view. Furthermore, in the respective embodiments, a configuration in which the camera unit 3 is movable relative to the support member 4 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the camera unit 3 may be fixed to the housing 1.

[0085] In addition, in each embodiment, the case where the antenna 3h of the wireless communication board 32 is arranged so that it entirely overlaps the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in the direction perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1 has been described, but this is not limiting. That is, at least a portion of the antenna 3h may overlap the radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 in the direction perpendicular to the top surface of the housing 1. Even with this configuration, it is possible to suppress cancellation of radio waves.

[0086] 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] In addition, in each embodiment, the case where the "device" included in the refrigerator 100 is the camera unit 3 has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerator 100 may be provided with a "device" that has a voice recognition function or a human recognition function based on a captured image as a "predetermined function" different from the cooling function or the wireless communication function. The installation surface of the "device" may be the top surface of the housing 1, or may be a predetermined surface different from the top surface of the housing 1.

[0088] Furthermore, the respective embodiments and reference forms can be combined as appropriate. For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined, and in a configuration in which the camera unit 3 includes an antenna 3h and a radio wave cancellation suppression member 9 (see FIG. 11A: second embodiment), the refrigerator compartment door 211 may be located directly below the antenna 3h in the "first arrangement" (see FIG. 9B: first embodiment). Furthermore, in a configuration in which the first embodiment and the first reference form are combined, and the antenna 3h is provided inside the case 3b of the camera unit 3 (device) (first embodiment), the wireless communication function of the camera unit 3 may be maintained in an off state in the "second arrangement" in which the entire camera unit 3 overlaps the housing 1 in a plan view (first reference form). Even in such a configuration, radio wave cancellation can be suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, the refrigerator 100 and the like described in each embodiment and each reference example are merely examples, and each embodiment and the like can be applied to other types of refrigerators. For example, each embodiment and the like can be applied to a single-door refrigerator or a portable refrigerator.

[0090] Furthermore, each embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations. Furthermore, the above-described mechanisms and configurations are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all of the mechanisms and configurations of the product.

[0091] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Housing 3, 3A, 3B Camera unit (device) 3a Lens 3b Case 3h Antenna 4 Support member 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D Radio wave cancellation suppression member 10 Mounting member 11 Outer box 12 Inner box 31 Camera control board 32 Wireless communication board 100 Refrigerator

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a housing having a metal outer box; a device installed on the outside of the housing and having a specified function other than a cooling function and a wireless communication function; and a radio wave cancellation suppression member that suppresses cancellation of radio waves, wherein the device has an antenna and a case in which at least the antenna is installed, and the radio wave cancellation suppression member is disposed between the antenna and the housing.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio wave suppression member reflects radio waves traveling from the antenna to the radio wave suppression member in a direction different from that of the antenna.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the plate surface of the radio wave suppression member is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the installation surface of the device in the housing.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio wave suppression member absorbs at least a portion of the radio waves traveling from the antenna to the radio wave suppression member.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: the device is movable from one of a first arrangement and a second arrangement to the other; the first arrangement is an arrangement in which a part of the device is outside the housing in a planar view; the second arrangement is an arrangement in which the entire device overlaps the housing in a planar view; and in the second arrangement, the radio wave suppression member is positioned between the antenna and the housing.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that in the first arrangement, a straight line perpendicular to a surface on which the device is installed in the housing does not pass through the antenna.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, further comprising a support member interposed between the device and the housing for supporting the device, and the radio wave suppression member is installed inside the support member.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is movable from one of a first arrangement and a second arrangement to the other, the first arrangement being an arrangement in which a part of the device is outside the housing in a planar view, and the second arrangement being an arrangement in which the entire device overlaps the housing in a planar view, and the antenna and the radio wave suppression member are installed inside the case.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the device is movable from one of a first arrangement and a second arrangement to the other, the first arrangement being an arrangement in which a part of the device is outside the housing in a planar view, the second arrangement being an arrangement in which the entire device overlaps the housing in a planar view, and in the second arrangement, the wireless communication function of the device is maintained in an off state.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the device is a camera unit having a lens, and the radio wave suppression member is disposed on the farther side of the lens from the antenna in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens.

Images