RU2369810C1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electric engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention is related to the field of refrigerating equipment. Device comprises receiving device for obtainment of information necessary in daily life; control device for detection of information required for user, out of information necessary in daily life; display device for display of information required for user, on external surface of refrigerator, at the same time receiving device includes antenna that protrudes outside through loop of refrigerator door, and receiving module for obtainment of information required in daily life, from radio wave coming through antenna.

EFFECT: invention makes it possible to improve functions of refrigerator.

11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to refrigerators and, more particularly, to a refrigerator, which can provide information necessary in everyday life, including weather information, to improve functions and increase the usability of this refrigerator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To provide information about the status or operation of the refrigerator in known refrigerators, a control panel is provided on the outer surface of the door having an information display device, such as a liquid crystal (LCD) window, and an input device, for example various buttons.

The information display device displays the status of the refrigerator, for example, the temperature in the freezer, the temperature in the refrigerator, the mode of use of the dispenser (for example, what the dispenser displays - water or ice), etc.

According to the data received from the information display device, the user can find out about the condition of the refrigerator.

The input device enables the user to set the temperature in the freezer, the temperature in the refrigerator and the dispenser use mode in order to set the operation mode of the refrigerator required by the user.

Thus, using the input device, the user can set or change the temperature in the freezer, the temperature in the refrigerator and the mode of use of the dispenser.

1 schematically shows a control panel of a refrigerator in accordance with the prior art.

The information display device on the control panel is an LCD window that is used to display the dispenser usage mode (ice cubes, water or ice pieces), temperature in the freezer, temperature in the refrigerator, etc.

The input device on the control panel is equipped with various buttons, for example, dispenser buttons, freezer button, refrigerator button, to set or change the dispenser usage mode, temperature in the freezer and temperature in the refrigerator.

However, the known refrigerator can provide only internal information, such as the condition of the refrigerator, but cannot provide various external information other than internal information.

For example, if the user needs weather information when he is in the kitchen where the refrigerator is installed, because the user needs to get information from the media, such as a TV or radio, which are usually not in the kitchen, but in another room, this process is burdensome and inefficient.

Disclosure of invention

Technical problem

The aim of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve the functions of the refrigerator, make it more convenient to use, increase the efficiency of use of information and the quality of life of the user.

Technical solution

The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by creating a refrigerator containing a receiving device for receiving information necessary in everyday life; a control device for determining the information needed by the user from the information necessary in everyday life; and a device for displaying the information needed by the user on the outer surface of the refrigerator, the receiving device includes: an antenna protruding outward through the hinge of the refrigerator door, and a receiving module for receiving information necessary in everyday life from the radio wave coming through the antenna.

Preferably, the information needed in everyday life includes weather information, which may include future weather information.

Preferably, the information needed in everyday life includes information about a specific day in the future or information about a specific period of time in the future that can be selected by the user.

Preferably, the information needed in everyday life includes weather information and food information corresponding to weather information.

Preferably, the food information includes food price information.

Preferably, the receiving device receives the information necessary in everyday life from an external network via wires or radio.

Preferably, if the antenna has one side connected to the receiving module, and the other side protruding outward from the top of the refrigerator door.

The antenna may protrude through the hinge of the door at the top of the refrigerator, and this hinge may have a hole formed therein through which the antenna passes.

The receiving module may be connected to the refrigerator control device via a contact terminal.

The refrigerator may also include a storage device for storing information necessary in everyday life, and information related to information necessary in everyday life.

Information related to the information needed in everyday life may be a picture or regional information.

The refrigerator may also include an input device for inputting information related to information necessary in everyday life.

The information display device displays the information desired by the user using symbols or pictures, and preferably, if the information display device displays information that the user selects.

Advantages of the Invention

A refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention has the following advantages.

Firstly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can improve the functions of a refrigerator.

Secondly, the refrigerator, made in accordance with the present invention, can increase the convenience and efficiency for the user by providing a variety of information that he needs in everyday life.

Thirdly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can improve the efficiency of using information.

Fourth, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can increase the economic benefit and quality of life of the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, illustrate embodiment (s) of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the essence of the present invention.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a control panel of a refrigerator made in accordance with the prior art;

Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a refrigerator made in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically depicts a front view of a refrigerator made in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 schematically depicts a front view of the information display device and the input device of the refrigerator of figure 3;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a front view of an embodiment of a picture displayed on the information display device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a front view of another embodiment of the image of FIG. 5;

Fig.7 depicts a schematic diagram of a process for displaying information necessary in everyday life on the refrigerator of Fig.3;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a refrigerator in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 schematically depicts a front view of a refrigerator in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 schematically depicts a perspective view of the main devices of the refrigerator of figure 9; and

11 schematically depicts a perspective view of the receiving device of the refrigerator of figure 9, showing the method of mounting its receiving module on the control device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Detailed references will be given below to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the description of embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerator 10 of the present invention is a two-door refrigerator 10 having a dispenser provided therein. Of course, the refrigerator 10 of the present invention also includes a conventional refrigerator that does not have a dispenser provided therein.

A refrigerator 10 made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-7.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, the refrigerator 10, made in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes a receiving device 110 for receiving information necessary in everyday life; a storage device 120 for storing information necessary in everyday life received from the receiving device 110, and information related to information necessary in everyday life; an input device for inputting information related to information necessary in everyday life into the storage device 120; a control device 140 for determining user-friendly information from information needed in everyday life; and an information display device 150 for displaying user-desired information on the outer surface of the refrigerator.

The receiving device 110 is designed to receive information necessary in everyday life from an external network through a wired communication system. That is, the receiving device 110 of the refrigerator 10 is connected via a wired communication system to an external server 30, which provides the information necessary in everyday life, through a network 20, such as the Internet, to thereby ensure data transmission. The Internet 20 is a common means of communication, including everything, for example, an Internet service provider, physical cables, etc. In detail, the receiving device 110 is a communication port connected to a network 20, such as the Internet, for example, a device such as a modem, and the external server 30 is a device for providing information necessary in everyday life, such as a weather forecast server for providing information about weather, a food information server for providing food information or a similar device.

Meanwhile, in accordance with embodiments of the external server 30, the information necessary in daily life provided by the weather forecast server is usually weather information including future weather information, weather information for a specific day or a specific time period in the future. That is, the weather forecast server generates weather forecast information by using meteorological satellites and radar, data from automatic meteorological observations, data from a digital forecasting model, etc. and thus provides the output of weather forecast information to the receiving device 110 with circulation via the Internet 20. The weather forecast information may be a short-term weather forecast, for example several days or several hours in advance, or a long-term weather forecast, for example, several weeks or a few months in advance. In addition, weather forecast information can be a weather forecast for any region or country. Or the weather forecast information may be a weather forecast for a specified day or time period.

According to embodiments of the external server 30, the daily life information provided by the food information server is food information corresponding to weather information provided by the weather forecast server, preferably including food price information. For example, a food information server generates information about food products (in particular, about fruits) that a person needs to eat in accordance with a predetermined weather or season, and provides the generated information to a receiving device 110 with access to it by via the Internet 20. In this case, information about food products includes at least the name of the food product and may include the price, method of preparation, method of storage of this product, etc. Preferably, if the price information for a given food product includes information about the price range for a given product sold in certain weather and a certain time of the year, an approximate price at a given time, etc. Although food information can be obtained from the food information server, food information can be obtained from the manufacturer at the time of manufacturing this refrigerator 10. To this end, the receiving device 110 accesses the external server 30 via the Internet 20 to obtain various information. necessary in everyday life from an external server 30 and storing this information in the storage device 120.

Meanwhile, the storage device 120 may store information necessary in everyday life, obtained through the receiving device 110, and information related to information necessary in everyday life. Information related to information needed in everyday life includes information about a specific day or time period in the future that the user can select. For example, in order to control the operation of the refrigerator 10 or select the information to be obtained, the user can save information inputted through the input device 130. The information related to the information needed in everyday life can also be a picture or regional information, which can select user. For example, in order to select any picture at the request of the user or to select the region he needs, the user can save information entered through the input device 130.

An input device 130 is installed for the user to enter information related to information necessary in everyday life, i.e. information needed by the user. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, various types of buttons may be input device 130. Therefore, by selecting the button corresponding to the information that the user would like to receive, the user can only get the information he needs, necessary in everyday life, from all the information necessary in everyday life, received from the receiving device 110. Of course, the input device 130 can be devices different types, for example, a touch-switch device other than a button.

The control device 140 determines the information that the user requests through the input device 130 from the information necessary in everyday life received from the receiving device 110 and stored in the storage device 120, and displays this information on the information display device 150. That is, the control device 140 controls the process retrieving the information requested by the user from the information necessary in everyday life stored in the storage device 120, and displaying this information on the information display device 150. In this case, in the absence of a request from the user, the control device 140 automatically provides the display of information previously requested by the user from the information necessary in everyday life stored in the storage device 120.

The information display device 150 displays the information required by the user on the outer surface of the refrigerator. That is, the information display device 150 displays information retrieved by the control device 140 at the request of the user from information necessary in everyday life stored in the storage device 120. The information display device 150 displays only the information requested by the user through the control device 140, and in the absence of a request from the user, the information display device 150 may automatically display information previously requested by the user. In this case, the information display device 150 may be a display element 151, such as an LCD window, or a separate information display device, such as a television or computer monitor.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable if the information display device 150 and the input device 130 are located on the same control panel for ease of use. The information display device 150 may display user requests on a display element 151, such as an LCD window, using characters or a picture corresponding to information requested by the user. For example, as shown in figure 5, if the information requested by the user is the weather for a certain day, and the weather on that day will be cold due to a sudden drop in temperature, then the picture may be a character in a mask and trembling with his whole body, and if the weather is in this If the day is warm due to a sudden increase in temperature, the picture may be a character with a fan in his hand or in light clothing, for example, a swimsuit, or, as shown in Fig. 6, the sun in sunglasses.

In the refrigerator 10, made in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process of displaying information necessary in everyday life will be described with reference to Fig.7.

When you turn on the refrigerator 10, the receiving device 110 receives information necessary in everyday life, such as weather information and food information, from an external server 30, such as a weather forecast server and a food information server, through a network 20, such as the Internet .

Information necessary in everyday life, obtained through the receiving device 110, is stored in the storage device 120 in real time.

During this process, if the user receives the required information through the input device, the control device 140 extracts the information requested by the user from the information necessary in everyday life stored in the storage device 120.

Then, the control device displays the information thus obtained, necessary in everyday life, on the information display device 150 using characters or pictures to provide the user with the information necessary in everyday life.

In accordance with this, the user can be provided with various information necessary in everyday life, and use this information in his daily life.

For example, if a user requests weather information, the control device 140 determines and extracts weather information from information needed in everyday life stored in the storage device 120 and displays it on the information display device 150 for the user. If the information issued in this way to the user is information that the rainy season will begin in a week, the user can request information on prices for food products (in particular, vegetables) during the previous rainy season. In this case, the control device 140 extracts food information and price information from information necessary in everyday life stored in the storage device 120, and provides information to the user through the information display device 150. Accordingly, the user uses this information when purchasing products nutrition, which allows him to make profitable purchases. Of course, this example is just a simple embodiment, and the information can be used in various ways convenient in practical life in accordance with the various needs of the user, for example, his goals, tastes, etc.

A refrigerator 10 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, as in the first embodiment, the refrigerator 10, made in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes a receiver 210, a storage device 120, a control device 140, an input device 130 and a device display information 150.

However, unlike the first embodiment, the refrigerator 10, made in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, receives the information necessary in everyday life through radio communications and provides this information to the user.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 10, a receiver 210 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna 211 for receiving radio waves from a broadcast device and a receiving module 213 for receiving information necessary in everyday life from a radio wave coming from antenna 211 .

Preferably, the antenna 211 protrudes upward from the refrigerator 10 for efficient reception of the radio wave. That is, the antenna 211 has one side connected to the receiving module 213, and the other side protruding upward from the door of the refrigerator 11. In this case, it is preferable if the other side of the antenna 211 protrudes outward through the hinge of the door 50 on the upper surface of the refrigerator 10. That is, one the side of the antenna 211 is connected to the receiving module 213 in the door 11, and the other side of the antenna 211 passes along the inner side of the door 11 to its upper part and goes to the outside of the door 11 through the hinge of the door 50.

The installation diagram of the antenna 211, in which the antenna 211 protrudes upward from the refrigerator 10 through the hinge of the door 50, will be described in more detail. The door hinge 50 includes a retainer plate 51 having a through pipe 51a connected to an opening for the hinge 11a in the door 11, and a hinge cover 52 having an open hole 52a to protect the other side of the antenna 211.

The locking plate 51 is attached to the upper surface of the refrigerator 10 at the corresponding position of the door 11, when the flow tube 51a is connected to the hole for the hinge 11a in the door 11. The cover of the hinge 52 is attached to the upper side of the fixing plate 51. The other side of the antenna 211 protrudes upward from the refrigerator 10 through the passage pipe 51a of the fixing plate 51, with the end of the antenna extending to the outside of the hinge cover 52 through the open hole 52a.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the control device 140 is a printed circuit board having various electronic components disposed thereon. On the printed circuit board is a receiving module 213 of the receiving device 210, an input device 130 with various buttons, and an information display device 150 with a display element 151, such as an LCD window.

The receiving module 213 is connected to the printed circuit board using contact pins. That is, the printed circuit board has a pin portion of the plug connector 140a, and the receiving module 213 has a female portion of the plug connector 213a, so that the receiving module 213 is connected to the printed circuit board when the female portion of the connector 213a is connected to the pin portion 140a.

At the same time, a plate can be fixed on the front surface of the control device 140 of the printed circuit board to protect various components and maintenance. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a transparent plate 160, for example of glass, is mounted on the front surface of the printed circuit board to cover the front parts of the receiving module 213, the input device 130 and the information display device 150 on the printed circuit board and the appearance of the control device 140. In this case, it is preferable if the plate 160 opens the input device 130 from the outside of the printed circuit board for the user to enable the user to work with the input device 130, and the section excluding the device Information expression 150 is made of an opaque material for aesthetic reasons.

Moreover, in the above refrigerator 10, made in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process of providing the information necessary in everyday life is similar to the first embodiment, therefore, its description is not given.

Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided that they come within the scope of the appended claims and their analogs.

Suitability for production

Firstly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can improve the functions of a refrigerator in such a way as to provide various information that a user needs in everyday life.

Secondly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can increase convenience and efficiency for the user by providing various information necessary for the user in everyday life.

Thirdly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can improve the efficiency of using information by providing various information that a user needs in everyday life.

Fourthly, a refrigerator made in accordance with the present invention can increase the economic benefit and quality of life of a user by providing various information necessary for a user in everyday life, helping him to make cost-effective purchases.

Claims (19)

1. Refrigerator containing:
a receiving device for obtaining information necessary in everyday life;
a control device for determining the information needed by the user from the information necessary in everyday life; and
a device for displaying information needed by the user on the outer surface of the refrigerator,
while the receiving device includes:
an antenna protruding outward through the hinge of the refrigerator door, and a receiving module for receiving information necessary in everyday life from the radio wave coming through the antenna. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the information necessary in everyday life includes weather information. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the weather information includes future weather information. 4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, in which the information necessary in everyday life includes information about a specific day in the future or information about a specific period of time in the future, which can be selected by the user. 5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the information necessary in everyday life includes weather information and food information corresponding to weather information. 6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, in which information about food products includes information about prices for food. 7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the receiving device receives the information necessary in everyday life from an external network by wire or radio. 8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the antenna has one side connected to the receiving module, and the other side protruding outward from the upper side of the refrigerator door. 9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the door hinge is made in the upper part of the refrigerator. 10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, in which the door hinge has an opening formed in it through which the antenna passes. 11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the receiving module is connected to the control device of the refrigerator using the contact output. 12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device is detachably attached to one side of the refrigerator body. 13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, additionally containing a storage device for storing information necessary in everyday life, and information related to information necessary in everyday life. 14. The refrigerator according to item 13, in which the information related to the information necessary in everyday life is a picture. 15. The refrigerator according to item 13, in which the information related to the information necessary in everyday life is regional information. 16. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising an input device for inputting information related to information necessary in everyday life. 17. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the information display device displays the information needed by the user using characters. 18. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the information display device displays the information needed by the user using a picture. 19. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in which the information display device displays information selected by the user.

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