JP2017020697A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator which enables a user to grasp a storage state in a storage room with a clear image.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes a storage room, a door for opening and closing the storage room, an imaging device 24 for capturing images of the interior of the storage room, and a lighting device 23 for illuminating the interior of the storage room. When the storage room is closed by the door, the lighting device 23 is lit to illuminate the interior of the storage room and the imaging device 24 captures images of the interior of the storage room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator provided with a photographing device for photographing a storage room.

  In recent years, refrigerators equipped with a photographing device for photographing the inside of the storage room have been developed so that the storage situation of food in the storage room can be easily grasped. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator having a plurality of storage chambers in the upper and lower sides, a camera attached to the front surface of the upper storage chamber door, and the interior of the lower storage chamber being pulled out. It is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 includes a slide container that can be pulled out and a camera that captures the inside of the slide container, and the lower part of the slide container (switch pusher) presses the photographing switch in the refrigerator body so that the camera operates. A refrigerator is disclosed.

JP 2002-267337 A (see paragraphs 0033 to 0034 and FIG. 1) JP 2003-4366 A (refer to claim 3, paragraph 0011 and FIG. 8)

  However, in the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1, the storage room that is pulled out is not always stationary when the camera performs photographing. If photographing is performed while the storage room is moving, the photographed image may be blurred and unclear.

  Also in the refrigerator of Patent Document 2, depending on the arrangement of the photographing switch, photographing may be performed while the slide container is moving, and the photographed image may be blurred. In addition, since an illumination device for photographing is not provided, the illuminance necessary for photographing is insufficient, and the photographed image may become unclear.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of grasping a storage state in a storage room with a clear image.

  The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a storage room, a door that opens and closes the storage room, a photographing device that images the storage room, and an illumination device that illuminates the storage room. When the storage room is closed by the door, the lighting device is turned on to illuminate the storage room, and the imaging device takes a picture of the storage room.

  According to the refrigerator according to the present invention, since the photographing apparatus photographs the storage room after the storage room is closed by the door, the photographing is performed in a stable state without the influence of vibration or the like. Thereby, blurring of the captured image can be suppressed. In addition, since the interior of the storage room is illuminated by the lighting device, the illuminance necessary for photographing is ensured. As a result, the storage situation in the storage room can be grasped with a clear photographed image.

It is a front view of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sectional side view of the arrow direction in line segment II-II of FIG. 1 of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the state which pulled out the drawer door and the food storage case from the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the state which removed the drawer door and the food storage case from the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system regarding imaging | photography of the image in the store | warehouse | chamber of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the image in the refrigerator of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the refrigerator interior image in the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sectional side view (A) of the vegetable compartment which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and a perspective view (B) of a food storage case. It is a sectional side view of the vegetable compartment which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a sectional side view (A) of the vegetable compartment which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention, and a perspective view (B) of a partition plate. It is a figure (A), (B), and (C) which show the modification of Embodiment 1-4 of the present invention. It is a sectional side view of the refrigerator which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 in the direction of the arrows along line II-II in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a plurality of storage rooms, that is, a refrigerating room 100, a switching room 200, an ice making room 300, a freezing room 400, and a vegetable room 500. Here, from the top, the refrigerating room 100, the switching room 200, the ice making room 300, the freezing room 400, and the vegetable room 500 are arranged in this order.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the uppermost refrigerating room 100 includes a double door (or one-sided) rotating door 11 on the front surface. The inside of the refrigerator compartment 100 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces by a food shelf 102. A space below the lowermost food shelf 102 is a chilled room, and a chilled case 103 that can be pulled out forward is provided. A food storage case 101 is provided in front of the food shelf 102.

  The switching chamber 200 is a storage chamber in which the temperature can be switched in two ways of a freezing temperature zone (for example, −18 ° C.) and a soft freezing temperature zone (for example −7 ° C.), and includes a drawer door 12 on the front surface. A food storage case 21 is provided inside. The ice making chamber 300 (FIG. 1) is arranged side by side at the same height as the switching chamber 200, has a drawer door 13 on the front surface, and an ice storage case (not shown) inside.

  The freezer compartment 400 has a drawer door 14 on the front surface and a food storage case 41 inside. The lowermost vegetable compartment 500 has a drawer door 15 on the front and a food storage case 51 inside.

  The food storage cases 21, 41, 51 are configured to be able to be drawn forward together with the drawer doors 12, 14, 15. Also, an ice storage case (not shown) in the ice making chamber 300 is configured to be able to be pulled forward together with the drawer door 13. In addition, each store room of the refrigerator 1 is not limited to these examples. For example, the switching chamber 200 or the ice making chamber 300 may not be provided.

  The refrigerator 1 has a refrigeration cycle device for cooling each storage room. The refrigeration cycle apparatus expands the compressor 19 provided in the lower part on the back side of the refrigerator 1, a condenser (not shown) that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 19, and the refrigerant that flows out of the condenser. A throttle device (not shown), a cooler 17 that cools the air by heat exchange with the refrigerant expanded in the throttle device, and a fan 18 for sending the cooled air to each storage chamber are provided.

  The air cooled by the cooler 17 is sent to each storage room (the refrigeration room 100, the switching room 200, the ice making room 300, the freezing room 400, and the vegetable room 500) by the fan 18 to cool the inside of each storage room.

  The temperature inside each storage chamber is detected by a temperature detection sensor (for example, a thermistor) (not shown). The control device 25 of the refrigerator 1 adjusts the opening degree of a damper (not shown), the capacity of the compressor 19 or the blowing amount of the fan 18 so that the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor becomes a preset temperature. The refrigerator 1 has a refrigerator main body 16 which is a casing surrounding the whole. The refrigerator main body 16 has a heat insulating material.

  The refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to illuminate the inside of a vegetable room 500 as a storage room with a lighting device 23 and take a picture with a camera 24. Below, the vegetable room 500 and the structure for illumination and imaging | photography are demonstrated.

  As described above, the drawer door 15 as a door is provided on the front surface of the vegetable compartment 500. The drawer door 15 has a pair of left and right metal frames 53 (see FIG. 8B) extending rearward. The frame 53 is guided in the front-rear direction by rails provided in the refrigerator main body 16. The food storage case 51 is fixed to the frame 53. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the drawer door 15 and the food storage case 51 can be pulled forward from the refrigerator main body 16 as a unit.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the drawer door 15 is at the position where it is pulled out (open position), the vegetable compartment 500 is in an open state. That is, the food storage case 51 is pulled forward from the refrigerator main body 16, and food can be taken in and out. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer door 15 is in the pushed-in position (closed position), the food storage case 51 is stored in the refrigerator main body 16, and the vegetable compartment 500 is closed.

  The drawer door 15 and the refrigerator main body 16 are provided with a door opening / closing detection sensor 22 that detects opening / closing of the drawer door 15. The door opening / closing detection sensor 22 is configured, for example, by attaching a magnet 22a to the drawer door 15 and attaching a reed switch 22b to the refrigerator body 16. When the magnet 22a reaches the proximity position of the reed switch 22b, the reed switch 22b is turned on, and when the magnet 22a is separated from the reed switch 22b, the reed switch 22b is turned off.

  The control device 25 of the refrigerator 1 detects the open / closed state of the drawer door 15 based on the output signal from the reed switch 22b. That is, the control device 25 detects that the drawer door 15 has been pulled out (that is, the vegetable compartment 500 has been opened) by an OFF signal from the reed switch 22b, and the drawer door by means of an ON signal from the reed switch 22b. It detects that 15 was pushed in to the position (closed position) which closes the vegetable compartment 500.

  The door opening / closing detection sensor 22 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be any sensor that can detect the opening / closing of the drawer door 15.

  The rear wall 501 of the vegetable room 500 is provided with a camera 24 as a photographing device for photographing the inside of the vegetable room 500. As the camera 24, for example, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) can be used, but is not limited thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 24 is installed at a position higher than the food storage case 51 on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. This is because the visual field range of the camera 24 is not blocked by the back surface portion of the food storage case 51 when installed in this way.

  The vegetable compartment 500 is provided with an illumination device 23 that illuminates the photographing range of the camera 24. Although the illuminating device 23 is comprised by LED (light emitting diode), for example, it is not limited to this.

  The lighting device 23 is installed at a position higher than the camera 24 on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. This is because the installation range of the camera 24 can be sufficiently illuminated. The illumination device 23 may be installed on the ceiling surface of the vegetable compartment 500 or on the inner surface of the drawer door 15 as long as it can illuminate the photographing range of the camera 24.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the drawer door 15 and the food storage case 51 are removed from the refrigerator 1. Here, the illumination device 23 and the camera 24 are installed in the upper part of the vegetable compartment 500 and in the center in the left-right direction. However, as long as the inside of the food storage case 51 of the vegetable compartment 500 can be photographed and illuminated, it may be installed at another position.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a control device 25 that controls the door opening / closing detection sensor 22, the illumination device 23, and the camera 24. Although the control apparatus 25 is installed in the ceiling part of the refrigerator 1 here, it is not limited to this, For example, you may install in the back surface of the refrigerator 1 and may install in the rotation door 11. .

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system related to photographing of the refrigerator 1. The control device 25 described above includes a controller 26 that is a main control unit, an image storage unit 27, an image processing unit 28, and a data communication unit 29. The controller 26 controls the image storage unit 27, the image processing unit 28 and the data communication unit 29, the operation panel 10, and the above-described illumination device 23 and camera 24 of the control device 25. The controller 26 receives a detection signal from the door opening / closing detection sensor 22.

  The image storage unit 27 is a storage unit (for example, a memory) that stores an image (internal image) taken by the camera 24 according to an instruction from the controller 26. The image processing unit 28 performs image processing such as light and dark adjustment on the image stored in the image storage unit 27. For example, when a shadow is formed on the internal image, processing such as brightening the image is performed.

  The data communication unit 29 of the control device 25 transmits / receives data to / from the image display terminal 30 and the server 33. The data communication unit 29 transmits / receives data to / from the image display terminal 30 such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal by NFC (Near Field Communication), for example.

  The data communication unit 29 is also connected to the Internet 32 via the router 31 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and transmits / receives data to / from the server 33 installed at a location away from the refrigerator 1. Thereby, the image captured by the camera 24 can be stored in the server 33, and the image stored in the server 33 can be transferred to the image display terminal 30 and displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image capturing operation for the internal image according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 detects that the drawer door 15 has been pulled out (YES in step S1), the controller 26 proceeds to step S2 where the drawer door 15 is closed (that is, the vegetable compartment 500 is opened by the drawer door 15). Wait for it to be closed.

  Thereafter, when the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 detects that the drawer door 15 has been pushed to the position for closing the vegetable compartment 500 (YES in step S2), the controller 26 turns on the lighting device 23 (step S3). Furthermore, the controller 26 operates the camera 24 to photograph the inside of the vegetable compartment 500 (step S4). When shooting by the camera 24 is completed (YES in step S5), the illumination device 23 is turned off (step S6).

  The controller 26 saves an image (internal image) taken by the camera 24 in the image saving unit 27. The in-chamber image stored in the image storage unit 27 may be deleted when the next shooting is performed, or may be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. The controller 26 can also detect the quality (for example, brightness) of the in-store image stored in the image storage unit 27 and perform processing such as brightness adjustment by the image processing unit 28.

  The controller 26 transmits the internal image stored in the image storage unit 27 to the operation panel 10 in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 10. The operation panel 10 displays the internal image transmitted from the image storage unit 27 on the display unit. In addition, although the operation panel 10 is installed in the front surface of the rotation door 11 here, it should just be installed in the position where a user's operation is easy.

  In addition, when the controller 26 receives a request (a transmission request for an in-store image) from the image display terminal 30 through the data communication unit 29, the controller 26 stores the in-store image stored in the image storage unit 27 through the data communication unit 29. It transmits to the image display terminal 30. The image display terminal 30 displays the internal image transmitted from the image storage unit 27 on the display unit. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain the storage condition in the vegetable compartment 500 also in the place away from the refrigerator 1. FIG.

  The controller 26 also transmits the internal image stored in the image storage unit 27 to the server 33 via the data communication unit 29 and the Internet 32. The server 33 accumulates the internal image transmitted from the image storage unit 27. In response to a request from the image display terminal 30, the server 33 can also transmit the internal image stored by itself to the image display terminal 30 and cause the image display terminal 30 to display the internal image.

  As described above, in the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, the camera 24 takes an image of the inside of the vegetable compartment 500 using the closing operation of the drawer door 15 as a trigger. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture with the food storage case 51 moving together with the drawer door 15 stationary, and it is possible to obtain a clear internal image without blurring. Moreover, since it image | photographs, illuminating the vegetable room with the illuminating device 23, the illumination intensity required for imaging | photography can be ensured.

  Here, the vegetable compartment 500 provided with the drawer door 15 is generally not provided with interior lighting. This is because by pulling out the food storage case 51, the inside of the food storage case 51 can be seen with external light (for example, light from room lighting). In the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, the lighting device 23 is provided in the vegetable compartment 500 provided with the drawer door 15 so that a clear in-store image can be obtained.

  Moreover, although the food stored in front of the vegetable compartment 500 is easy for a user to see, the food stored in the back side (back) is difficult to see behind other foods. In the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, since the camera 24 is installed on the back wall 501 of the vegetable room 500, food stored on the back side of the vegetable room 500 can also be clearly photographed. Thereby, grasping | ascertaining of the storage condition in the vegetable compartment 500 becomes easy, and the convenience for a user improves.

  Since the clear interior image photographed by the camera 24 can be viewed on the operation panel 10 provided in front of the refrigerator 1, for example, the user can store the storage state in the vegetable compartment 500 without opening the drawer door 15. Can be grasped accurately.

  Furthermore, since the image in the store | warehouse | chamber image | photographed with the camera 24 can be seen with the image display terminals 30, such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal, for example, when the user goes out, the storage situation in the vegetable room 500 even at a place away from the refrigerator 1 Can be grasped.

  In the above description, the in-compartment image captured by the camera 24 is displayed on the operation panel 10 and the image display terminal 30, but not limited to the operation panel 10 or the image display terminal 30. Any method that can be seen is acceptable.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vegetable compartment 500 is closed by the door (here, the drawer door 15), and then the interior of the vegetable compartment 500 is illuminated by the lighting device 23, and the camera 24 is used. The inside of the vegetable room 500 is photographed. Therefore, shooting can be performed in a stable state without the influence of vibration or the like, and blurring of the shot image can be suppressed. Moreover, since it image | photographs in the state which illuminated the vegetable room 500, the illumination intensity required for imaging | photography is ensured. Thus, since the clear image in the warehouse is captured by the camera 24, the user can grasp the storage status in the food storage case 51 by looking at the clear image in the warehouse.

  In particular, since the lighting and photographing are performed in a state where the drawer door 15 is pushed to the closed position, the photographing can be performed while the food storage case 51 is stationary in the vegetable compartment 500. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress blurring of the captured image.

  Further, since the camera 24 is installed on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500, food stored in the back of the food storage case 51 that is difficult for the user to see can be clearly photographed, and convenience is improved. Further, since the lighting device 23 is turned off when the camera 24 completes photographing, the lighting time of the lighting device 23 can be minimized and energy consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, the user can grasp the storage state in the food storage case 51 without opening the drawer door 15 of the refrigerator 1 by displaying the internal image captured by the camera 24 on the operation panel 10 or the image display terminal 30. can do.

  Further, by providing the camera 24 at a position higher than the food storage case 51 on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500, the visual field range of the camera 24 can be prevented from being blocked by the back surface portion of the food storage case 51. .

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for capturing an in-compartment image according to a modification of the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by reversing the processing order of steps S2 and S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the lighting device 23 is turned on after the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 detects the closing of the drawer door 15 (steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, in the modification shown in FIG. 7, when the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 detects that the drawer door 15 is opened (YES in step S1), the lighting device 23 is first turned on (step S2A). Then, when the door open / close detection sensor 22 detects that the drawer door 15 is closed (YES in step S3A), the camera 24 performs photographing (step S4). Subsequent operations (steps S5 and S6) are as described in the first embodiment.

  Also in this modification, since the food storage case 51 is stationary and the inside of the vegetable compartment 500 is photographed by the camera 24 while illuminating the interior of the vegetable compartment 500 with the illumination device 23, a clear image can be photographed. Further, in this modified example, since the lighting device 23 is lit when the drawer door 15 is opened, when the user opens the drawer door 15 and puts food in and out of the food storage case 51, the lighting device 23 There is also an advantage that it is easy to see the back side of the food storage case 51 from which external light (light from room lighting, etc.) is difficult to reach.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 8A is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a vegetable compartment 500 of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the food storage case 51A and the arrangement of the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 are different from those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, at least a part of the food storage case 51A is made of a transparent member. More specifically, a part of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51 </ b> A is composed of the transparent member 34. Further, the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 are provided in a position facing the transparent member 34 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51 </ b> A in the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500.

  FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the drawer door 15 and the food storage case 51A in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, an opening (window) 35 is formed in the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51 </ b> A, and the transparent member 34 is attached to the opening 35.

  The material of the transparent member 34 may be plastic or glass as long as it transmits the illumination light of the illumination device 23 and transmits the light incident on the camera 24. 8B shows a rectangular transparent member 34, the shape of the transparent member 34 is not limited to a square, and may be, for example, a circle or an ellipse.

  By configuring in this way, among the food in the food storage case 51A, the food stored in the back side (back) and bottom of the food storage case 51A in particular can be clearly photographed by the camera 24. .

  The food stored in the back side and bottom of the food storage case 51A is hidden behind other foods in the food storage case 51A and is difficult to see, so the user has not noticed the food and the expiration date has passed or the same food is purchased. Such a situation is likely to occur. In the second embodiment, since the camera 24 takes an image through the transparent member 34 on the back surface 54 of the food storage case 51A, the food stored on the back side and the bottom of the food storage case 51A is clearly imaged. be able to. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the storage status (stock status) in the vegetable compartment 500, and wasteful disposal or purchase of food can be suppressed.

  Here, a part of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51A (a portion facing the camera 24 and the illumination device 23) is configured by the transparent member 34. However, for example, the entire back surface portion 54 is configured by a transparent member. Also good. Or you may comprise the whole food storage case 51A with a transparent member. That is, the ratio of the transparent member 34 in the food storage case 51A is not limited.

  If at least a portion of the food storage case 51A that faces the camera 24 and the illumination device 23 is configured by the transparent member 34, the food storage case 51A can be illuminated and photographed via the transparent member 34. Can be obtained.

  Further, in a storage room (for example, a vegetable room 500, a freezer room 400, etc.) having a drawer door and having a relatively high height, the upper part of the food storage case 51A is used for the purpose of improving food storage. It is common to provide two food storage cases 52. The second food storage case 52 is preferably made of a transparent member so as not to obstruct the user's field of view and reduce the visibility in the vegetable compartment 500.

  When the second food storage case 52 is made of a transparent member, as shown in FIG. 8A, the food storage case is provided by installing the camera 24 at a position lower than the bottom surface of the second food storage case 52. Not only food stored in 51A but also food stored in the second food storage case 52 can be photographed. Since the entire vegetable compartment 500 (the food storage case 51A and the second food storage case 52) can be photographed by the single camera 24, a wider range of in-house images can be obtained with an inexpensive configuration.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, at least a part of the food storage case 51A is constituted by the transparent member 34, and the transparent member 34 is provided with the transparent member 34. Since the camera 24 and the lighting device 23 are installed so as to face each other, for example, the food stored on the back side and the bottom of the food storage case 51A that is difficult to see for the user can be clearly photographed. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the storage status (stock status) in the vegetable compartment 500.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the vegetable compartment 500 of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the food storage case 51B is different from that of the second embodiment.

  The food storage case 51B of the third embodiment does not have the transparent member 34 described in the second embodiment. That is, the opening 35 of the food storage case 51B is a hole. Other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  The lighting device 23 and the camera 24 installed on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500 illuminate and photograph the food in the food storage case 51B through the opening 35 (hole) of the food storage case 51B. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, the user can easily grasp the storage status (stock status) in the vegetable compartment 500.

  In this Embodiment 3, since the transparent member 34 (FIG. 8) does not intervene between the camera 24 and the food in the food storage case 51B, a clearer internal image can be obtained.

  Further, when a transparent member is opposed to the illumination device 23 and the camera 24, it is necessary to consider that reflected light on the surface of the transparent member is incident on the camera 24. In the third embodiment, the illumination device 23 and Since the opening portion 35 is opposed to the camera 24, there is no concern that the reflected light is incident on the camera 24, and the illumination device 23 and the camera 24 can be collectively installed at positions close to each other. By integrating and installing the illumination device 23 and the camera 24 in this way, the wiring and assembly can be simplified, and the productivity and ease of disassembly and separation can be improved.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects described in the second embodiment, the food storage case 51 </ b> B is provided with the opening 35 and is opposed to the opening 35. Since 24 and the illumination device 23 are installed, a clearer image in the cabinet can be obtained. In addition, since the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 can be installed together, wiring and assembly can be simplified, and productivity and the like can be improved.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 10 (A) is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the vegetable compartment 500 of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the same food storage case 51B as in the third embodiment is used, but the configuration around the camera 24 is different from that in the third embodiment.

  In Embodiment 4, the partition plate 36 is provided around the camera 24 on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. When the camera 24 is installed on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500, the food storage case 51B or the second food storage case 52 may come into contact with the camera 24 when the user vigorously closes the drawer door 15. In the fourth embodiment, the partition plate 36 is provided around the camera 24 to prevent the camera 24 from being damaged due to contact with the food storage case 51B or the second food storage case 52.

  Here, since the lighting device 23 is also installed along with the camera 24 on the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500, the partition plate 36 is provided so as to surround both the camera 24 and the lighting device 23.

  FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the partition plate 36. The partition plate 36 is configured in a rectangular tube shape here, but the camera 24 (or both the camera 24 and the illumination device 23). If it is the shape (wall shape) surrounding the circumference | surroundings, cylindrical shape may be sufficient, for example.

  The vegetable compartment 500 is cooled by the air (cold air) cooled by the cooler 17 located on the back side flowing from the outlet 37. Since the cold air has a high density and has a characteristic of flowing from the upper part to the lower part, the cold air from the outlet 37 easily flows into the space between the back surface part 54 of the food storage case 51B and the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. In the fourth embodiment, by providing the partition plate 36 at a position higher than the opening 35 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51B, cold air from the outlet 37 flows into the food storage case 51B from the opening 35. To suppress. As a result, drying of the food in the food storage case 51B can be suppressed.

  Further, when the drawer door 15 is closed, the leading end of the partition plate 36 enters the food storage case 51B through the opening 35 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51B. Accordingly, the opening 35 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51B becomes only a slight clearance around the partition plate 36, and the opening area is reduced. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the inflow of cold air from the opening 35 into the food storage case 51B and suppressing the drying of food in the food storage case 51B is further improved.

  In addition, the second partition plate 38 may be provided on the outer periphery of the partition plate 36 so as to be positioned between the food storage case 51 </ b> B and the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. By providing the second partition plate 38, the flow path of the cold air from the outlet 37 toward the opening 35 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51B becomes narrow, and the pressure loss increases. Thereby, the inflow of cold air from the opening 35 into the food storage case 51B can be suppressed more effectively, and the drying of the food in the food storage case 51B can be suppressed.

  Here, the partition plate 36 is formed in a wall shape surrounding the camera 24, but is not limited to such a shape. For example, even if the partition plate 36 has a flat plate shape, if the partition plate 36 is installed between the back surface 54 of the food storage case 51B and the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500 and higher than the opening 35, An effect of suppressing the inflow of cold air from the opening 35 into the food storage case 51B can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects described in the third embodiment, around the camera 24 and from the opening 35 of the back surface portion 54 of the food storage case 51B. Since the partition plate 36 is provided at a higher position, the camera 24 is prevented from being damaged, and cold air from the outlet 37 is prevented from flowing into the food storage case 51B from the opening 35, so that the inside of the food storage case 51B Drying of food can be suppressed.

  Various modifications can be made to the first to fourth embodiments described above. For example, in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 are provided in the vegetable room 500, but the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 may be provided in another storage room provided with a drawer door. Also in this case, it is possible to achieve the effect of obtaining a clear in-store image by performing shooting in conjunction with the closing operation of the drawer door.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 2-4 mentioned above, although the illuminating device 23 was installed in the position facing the opening part 35 (or transparent member 34) of the food storage case 51B, you may install in another position.

  For example, in FIG. 11A, in the second embodiment, the camera 24 is installed at a position facing the transparent member 34 of the food storage case 51A, while the lighting device 23 is placed above the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. The installed modification is shown.

  11B, in Embodiment 3, the camera 24 is installed at a position facing the opening 35 of the food storage case 51B, while the lighting device 23 is placed above the rear wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. The installed modification is shown.

  In FIG. 11C, in Embodiment 4, the camera 24 is installed at a position facing the opening 35 of the food storage case 51B, while the lighting device 23 is placed above the back wall 501 of the vegetable compartment 500. The installed modification is shown.

  In any of FIGS. 11A to 11C, since the photographing range of the camera 24 can be illuminated by the illumination device 23, a clear internal image can be obtained.

  Further, the photographing operation of the refrigerator in the above-described second to fourth embodiments may be the same as the photographing operation of the first embodiment (FIG. 6) or the same as the photographing operation of the modification (FIG. 7). May be.

  In Embodiment 1-4 mentioned above, although the illuminating device 23 and the camera 24 were provided in the storage room (For example, vegetable room 500 which has the drawer door 15) which has a drawer door, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, you may provide the illuminating device 23 and the camera 24 in the storage room which has a rotation door (a double door or a single door).

Embodiment 5. FIG.
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 12 corresponds to a side cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1, as in FIG. In the refrigerator 1 </ b> A according to the fifth embodiment, the lighting device 23 and the camera 24 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 100 having the rotating door 11.

  Here, the illumination device 23 is installed on the inner surface of the rotating door 11, and the camera 24 is installed on the ceiling surface of the refrigerator compartment 100. However, the illumination device 23 and the camera 24 may be arranged at any position as long as the illumination device 23 and the camera 24 can illuminate and photograph the widest possible range in the refrigerator compartment 100.

  In order to detect opening / closing of the rotating door 11, a door opening / closing detection sensor 22 is provided. As described in the first embodiment, the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 can be constituted by, for example, a magnet 22a attached to the rotating door 11 and a reed switch 22b attached to the refrigerator main body 16. The control system of refrigerator 1A in the fifth embodiment is as described in the first embodiment (FIG. 5).

  The photographing operation of refrigerator 1A in the fifth embodiment is as described in the first embodiment. That is, when the door opening / closing detection sensor 22 detects that the revolving door 11 has closed the refrigerator compartment 100, the controller 26 (FIG. 5) of the refrigerator 1A turns on the lighting device 23 to illuminate the inside of the refrigerator compartment 100, The inside of the vegetable compartment 500 is photographed with the camera 24. When photographing with the camera 24 is completed, the illumination device 23 is turned off.

  In this way, the illumination device 23 is turned on with the closing operation of the rotating door 11 as a trigger, and the camera 24 takes an image of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 100, so that the image is taken without being affected by the vibration caused by the opening and closing of the rotating door 11. It is possible to obtain a clear internal image without blurring. Also, the illuminance necessary for photographing can be ensured.

  Here, although the illuminating device 23 and the camera 24 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 100 having the rotating door 11, the illuminating device and the camera may be provided in another storage chamber having the rotating door. Moreover, you may provide an illuminating device and a camera in both the storage room which has a rotation door, and the storage room which has a drawer door.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator, 10 Operation panel (display part), 11 Rotating door (door), 12, 13, 14, 15 Drawer door (door), 16 Refrigerator main body, 17 Cooler, 18 Blower, 19 Cooler, 21 Food Storage case, 22 Door open / close detection sensor, 23 Illumination device, 24 Camera (photographing device), 25 Control device, 26 Controller (control unit), 27 Image storage unit, 28 Image processing unit, 29 Data communication unit, 30 Image display terminal , 31 router, 32 Internet, 33 server, 34 transparent member, 35 opening, 36 partition plate, 37 outlet, 38 second partition plate, 51, 51A, 51B food storage case, 52 second food storage case, 54 back surface Part, 100 refrigerator compartment, 101 food storage case, 102 food shelf, 103 chilled case, 200 switching room, 300 Himuro, 400 freezer compartment, 500 vegetable compartment, 501 back wall.

Claims (16)

A storage room;
A door for opening and closing the storage room;
A photographing device for photographing the storage chamber;
An illumination device for illuminating the storage room,
When the storage room is closed by the door, the lighting device is turned on to illuminate the storage room, and the photographing device photographs the storage room. The door is a drawer door;
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a storage case that is provided in the storage room and can be pulled out together with the door.   The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the photographing device is provided on a back wall of the storage room. A door opening / closing detection sensor for detecting opening / closing of the door;
4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is turned on when the door opening / closing detection sensor detects opening or closing of the door, and is turned off when the photographing device completes photographing. The refrigerator described.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit that displays an image photographed by the photographing device.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a data communication unit that transmits an image captured by the imaging device to an image display terminal provided separately from the refrigerator. .   The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the photographing device is provided at a position higher than the storage case on a back wall of the storage room. At least a part of the storage case is formed of a transparent member;
The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the photographing device is provided at a position facing the transparent member of the storage case. An opening is formed on the back surface of the storage case,
The refrigerator according to claim 2, 7 or 8, wherein the photographing device is provided at a position facing the opening of the storage case.   The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein a partition plate is provided around the photographing apparatus.   The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the partition plate is provided at a position higher than the opening.   The refrigerator according to claim 10 or 11, wherein when the door is in a closed state, the partition plate penetrates the opening of the storage case and enters the storage case.   The second partition plate is provided on the outer periphery of the partition so as to be positioned between the back surface portion of the storage case and the back wall of the storage chamber. The refrigerator according to item 1.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the partition plate is formed in a wall shape so as to surround the photographing apparatus.   The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lighting device is provided at a position higher than the photographing device on a back wall of the storage room. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the storage room is a vegetable room.

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