Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator with good appearance of an in-box lighting device. The refrigerator of the embodiment is provided with a storage compartment for storing storage objects, and a light emitting member (55) provided in the storage compartment and emitting light, characterized in that a wall portion (53) is provided at a place in the direction of light emission from the light emitting member (55).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] An interior lighting device is provided inside the refrigerator to illuminate the interior. The interior lighting device is constructed such that a light-emitting component, such as an LED, is housed in a recess formed in the ceiling or similar structure. This recess is covered by a light-transmitting cover called a lampshade (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The light-emitting component is configured to illuminate the area below where the stored items are located. In this configuration, when the light-emitting component emits light, the light passes through the lampshade and travels downwards, illuminating the stored items.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-285632

[0006] However, in the previous design of the refrigerator interior lighting device, there were cases where the light-emitting component could be seen through the lampshade (in other words, the light from the light-emitting component passed through the lampshade and directly entered the eyes of the refrigerator user), or the light from the light-emitting component could not reach a part of the lampshade, resulting in uneven light emission from the lampshade. There is room for improvement in the aesthetics of the refrigerator interior lighting device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a refrigerator with an aesthetically pleasing interior lighting device.

[0008] The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a storage compartment for storing stored items and a light-emitting component disposed in the storage compartment and irradiating light, characterized in that a wall portion is provided at a location in the direction of light irradiation from the light-emitting component.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] The refrigerator according to the present invention can make the interior lighting device aesthetically pleasing. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the implementation method.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an implementation method.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal lighting device of the embodiment in the front-rear direction. Figure 3 The left side is the front.

[0014] Figure 4This is a diagram showing the internal lighting device of the embodiment viewed from below with the lampshade removed. Figure 4 The upper middle side is the front.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the modified lighting device inside the box from below, with the lampshade removed.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in the front and back directions of the modified example.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in the front and back directions of the modified example.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in the front and back directions of the modified example.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in the front and back directions of the modified example.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage section in the front and back directions of the modified example.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the lampshade in the front and rear directions of the modified example.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the lampshade in the front and rear directions of the modified example.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the lampshade in the front and rear directions of the modified example.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 10…Refrigerator, 11…Frame, 12…Outer casing, 13…Inner casing, 14…Insulation material, 15…Insulated partition, 16…Mechanical compartment, 17…Compressor, 18…Storage container, 19…Storage container, 20…Refrigerator compartment, 21…Refrigerator compartment door, 22…Vegetable compartment, 23…Vegetable compartment door, 24…Shelf, 25…Inside, 26…Small freezer compartment, 27…Storage compartment door, 28…Freezer compartment, 29…Freezer compartment door, 30…First cooler, 31…Second cooler, 32…First fan, 33…Second fan, 34…Duct, 35…Outlet, 36…Outlet, 37…Inlet, 38…Inlet, 39…Frozen compartment, 40…Drawer-type container, 41…Upper container, 42…Ceiling, 43…Control unit, 44…Door sensor, 45…Operation panel 50…Interior lighting, 51…Storage section, 52…Recessed surface, 53…Side, 53a…Flat surface, 53b…Flat surface, 53c…Curved surface, 53d…Curved surface, 54…Substrate, 55…LED, 56…Lampshade, 57…Edge, 151…Storage section, 153…Side, 153a…Flat surface, 153b…Curved surface, 251…Storage section, 253…Curved surface Face, 351… Storage part, 353… Inclined flat part, 451… Storage part, 452… Recessed surface, 551… Storage part, 552… Recessed surface, 651… Storage part, 652… Recessed surface, 756… Lampshade, 756a… Surface part, 756b… Fitting part, 756c… Corner, 856… Lampshade, 856c… Corner, 956… Lampshade, 956a… Painting. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments are described based on the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto. The following embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The following embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0027] In the following description, the side with the door to open and close the refrigerator compartment is designated as the front, and the opposite side is designated as the back. Additionally, left and right refer to the left and right as observed by a user standing in front of the refrigerator.

[0028] First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 10 will be explained. Figure 1 The refrigerator 10 of the embodiment is shown in the figure. The frame 11 of the refrigerator 10 is composed of an outer box 12 that forms the outer contour of the refrigerator 10 and an inner box 13 that forms a storage compartment, and the space between the outer box 12 and the inner box 13 is filled with heat insulation material 14.

[0029] The inner side of the frame 11 is divided vertically by an insulated partition wall 15. The upper side of the insulated partition wall 15 is a refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration compartment is maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigeration, i.e., the refrigeration temperature. The lower side of the insulated partition wall 15 is a freezing compartment. The freezing compartment is maintained at a temperature suitable for freezing, i.e., the freezing temperature. Multiple storage compartments for storing food are provided in both the refrigeration and freezing compartments. Each storage compartment has an opening at the front, allowing the user to remove and place food through the opening.

[0030] The refrigerated space includes a refrigerated compartment 20 and a vegetable compartment 22 arranged from top to bottom. The refrigerated compartment 20 is maintained at a refrigeration temperature range of, for example, 2 to 5°C, while the vegetable compartment 22 is maintained at a refrigeration temperature range of, for example, 4 to 7°C. Multiple shelves 24 are provided in the refrigerated compartment 20. Below the lowest shelf 24 is a chilled compartment 39, which is specially maintained at a low temperature even within the lower refrigerated compartment 20. Additionally, the vegetable compartment 22 houses drawer-type containers 40 and upper containers 41 placed on top of them.

[0031] The front opening of the refrigerator compartment 20 is opened and closed by a pair of French doors 21 on the left and right. Although not shown in the figure, an operation panel 45 is provided on the refrigerator door 21 (see figure). Figure 2 Additionally, a door sensor 44 is provided to sense the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door 21 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0032] The front opening of the vegetable compartment 22 is opened and closed by a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 23. The aforementioned drawer-type container 40 is fixed to the inner side of the vegetable compartment door 23. Therefore, if the user opens the vegetable compartment door 23, the drawer-type container 40 and the upper container 41 placed on top of the drawer-type container 40 are pulled out as a whole.

[0033] The upper part of the freezing space includes an ice-making compartment and a small freezer compartment 26, which serve as storage rooms. The lower part of the freezing space includes a freezer compartment 28, which also serves as storage rooms. The interior of the ice-making compartment and the freezer compartment 28 is maintained at a freezing temperature range, for example, -20 to -18°C. Furthermore, the small freezer compartment 26 is maintained at a freezing temperature range, for example, -18 to -16°C. Drawer-type storage containers 18 and 19 are respectively stored in the small freezer compartment 26 and the freezer compartment 28.

[0034] The front opening of the small freezer compartment 26 is opened and closed by a drawer-type storage door 27. The aforementioned storage container 18 is fixed to the inside of the storage door 27. Similarly, the front opening of the freezer compartment 28 is opened and closed by a drawer-type freezer door 29. The aforementioned storage container 19 is fixed to the inside of the freezer door 29. Furthermore, the front opening of the ice maker compartment is opened and closed by a drawer-type ice maker door (not shown).

[0035] Behind the refrigerated compartment is a first cooler 30 that generates cold air and a first fan 32 that circulates the generated cold air. The cold air generated by the first cooler 30 is blown into the refrigerated compartment through a plurality of outlets 36 via a duct 34 extending upward from the first cooler 30. The cold air that has circulated within the refrigerated compartment is drawn in from the intake 38 toward the first cooler 30.

[0036] Additionally, a second cooler 31 for generating cold air and a second fan 33 for circulating the generated cold air are provided behind the refrigeration space. The cold air generated by the second cooler 31 is blown into the refrigeration space from an outlet 35 formed inside the refrigeration space, circulates within the refrigeration space, and is then drawn into the second cooler 31 from an inlet 37 formed inside the refrigeration space.

[0037] A machine compartment 16 is located at the lower rear of the refrigerator 10. The machine compartment 16 houses the compressor 17, condenser (not shown), etc.

[0038] An interior lighting device 50 is provided on the ceiling 42 of the refrigerator compartment 20. Although not shown in the figure, an interior lighting device is also provided in the interior (rear side, also called the back side) 25 and other places inside the refrigerator compartment 20. In addition, an interior lighting device is also provided in the storage compartment outside the refrigerator compartment 20.

[0039] The compressor 17, condenser, first cooler 30, and second cooler 31 constitute a known refrigeration cycle device. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 17 flows alternately through the first cooler 30 and the second cooler 31, generating cold air in each cooler as it flows through.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, a control unit 43 is provided in the refrigerator 10. In addition to the operation panel 45, the control unit 43 is connected to various sensors such as a door sensor 44, an interior lighting device 50, a compressor 17, a first fan 32, a second fan 33, and other devices. The control unit 43 controls these devices based on instructions from the operation panel 45 and detection signals from the various sensors. The control unit 43 turns on the interior lighting device 50 when the door sensor 44 detects that the refrigerator door 21 is open, and turns off the interior lighting device 50 when the door sensor 44 detects that the refrigerator door 21 is closed.

[0041] Next, the interior lighting device 50 will be described. The interior lighting device 50 is located on the ceiling 42, which is one of the inner walls of the refrigerator compartment 20. (As...) Figure 3 As shown, the internal lighting device 50 includes a storage section 51 provided on the ceiling 42, a substrate 54 provided inside the storage section 51, an LED 55 connected to the substrate 54, and a lampshade 56 covering the storage section 51.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the storage section 51 is formed as a concave portion relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment 20, i.e., the ceiling 42. The storage section 51 is formed by a recessed surface 52 and a side surface 53. The recessed surface 52 is located at a position higher than the surface of the ceiling 42, and the side surface 53 extends vertically from the recessed surface 52 to the opening of the storage section 51. The recessed surface 52 can also be regarded as the ceiling surface within the storage section 51. The surface of the ceiling 42 and the recessed surface 52 are horizontal surfaces.

[0043] The recessed surface 52 has a higher reflectivity than the inner surface of other parts of the refrigerator compartment 20 (the inner surface of the inner box 13). For example, the recessed surface 52 may be coated with metal foil, or colored to a color closer to white than the inner surface of other parts of the refrigerator compartment 20, or finished to be smoother than the inner surface of other parts of the refrigerator compartment 20, thereby having a higher reflectivity than the inner surface of other parts of the refrigerator compartment 20.

[0044] Additionally, the side surface 53 can also have its reflectivity increased in the same way as the recessed surface 52. Furthermore, the surface of the ceiling 42 of the refrigerator compartment 20 can also have its reflectivity increased in the same way as the recessed surface 52.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from below, the storage section 51 includes: two flat sections 53a and 53b extending in the left-right direction at the front and rear; a curved section 53c connecting the left and right ends of the flat sections 53a and 53b; and a curved section 53d connecting the other left and right ends of the flat sections 53a and 53b. The curved sections 53c and 53d are semi-circular when viewed from below.

[0046] On the front flat portion 53a, a substrate 54 with a circuit pattern is vertically fixed in place using screws (not shown). The substrate 54 is parallel to the flat portion 53a. LEDs 55, serving as light-emitting components, are provided on the rear surface of the substrate 54 (the surface on the center side of the receiving portion 51). Multiple LEDs 55 are provided on the substrate 54 and are arranged in a left-right direction. The LEDs 55 are connected to a control unit 43 via the circuitry of the substrate 54 and are turned on and off under the control of the control unit 43.

[0047] The light from LED 55 is directed towards the rear, specifically towards the rear planar portion 53b within the housing 51. Here, the direction of illumination refers to the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from LED 55, and specifically the direction of its travel. The light from LED 55 illuminates the planar portion 53b perpendicularly. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the image, a dashed arrow indicates the direction of light from LED55. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the light from LED55 is parallel to the recessed surface 52 of the storage section 51.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the downward opening of the storage section 51 is sealed by a lampshade 56, which serves as a cover. The lampshade 56 has a shape and size that are embedded in the storage section 51. The lampshade 56 is mounted to the storage section 51 by embedding its edge 57 into the inside of the side 53 of the storage section 51. By providing the lampshade 56, the storage section 51, which serves as the space for the LED 55, becomes a sealed space.

[0049] The lampshade 56 has a uniform thickness, and its lower surface is a downward-convex curved surface. The lampshade 56 is transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the light from the LED 55 is reflected and diffused within the sealed storage section 51, and then passes through the lampshade 56 to illuminate the refrigerator compartment 20.

[0050] Tiny bumps and depressions are formed on either the upper or lower surface of the lampshade 56. Examples of bumps and depressions include those formed by straight ridges arranged at regular intervals, and those formed by dot-like protrusions distributed regularly or irregularly. Alternatively, bumps and depressions can be formed by surface finishing processes such as friction processing or texturing.

[0051] In this internal lighting device 50, when the LED 55 emits light, the light travels backward and illuminates the rear flat surface 53b in the storage section 51, where it is reflected and travels forward. During this time, the light diffuses in a direction different from the optical axis of the light from the LED 55, such as upward or downward. The upward-diffusing light is reflected by the recessed surface 52 of the storage section 51 and travels downward. Thus, as a result of the light being reflected and diffused within the storage section 51, the light is transmitted approximately uniformly throughout the lampshade 56.

[0052] Thus, since light is transmitted approximately evenly throughout the lampshade 56, if a user observes the internal lighting device 50, they will see that the entire lampshade 56 is uniformly brightened. The light transmitted from the lampshade 56 illuminates the shelf 24 and other items located below the internal lighting device 50.

[0053] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. In the refrigerator 10 of this embodiment, a flat surface portion 53b, serving as a wall portion, is provided in the direction of illumination of the LED 55, which is a light-emitting component. Therefore, the light from the LED 55 does not directly reach the user's eyes, and when the user views the interior lighting device 50, the area where the LED 55 is located will not appear bright. Furthermore, the light from the LED 55 is reflected and diffused by the flat surface portion 53b, which serves as a wall portion. Consequently, when the user views the interior lighting device 50, a large area is uniformly illuminated, resulting in a good aesthetic appearance for the interior lighting device 50.

[0054] In particular, since the LED 55 is located in the storage section 51, and a flat portion 53b serving as a wall of the storage section 51 is provided in the direction of the light irradiation of the LED 55, the light from the LED 55 is reflected and diffused upon irradiation of the flat portion 53b. Therefore, the entire storage section 51 can be seen to emit light uniformly and has good aesthetics.

[0055] In addition, since the lampshade 56 covers the storage part 51 that houses the LED 55, the light reflected and diffused inside the storage part 51 is evenly transmitted to the entire lampshade 56, so the entire lampshade 56 becomes evenly bright, and the interior lighting device 50 has a good aesthetic appearance.

[0056] Furthermore, since the lampshade 56 has irregularities, even if the light from the LED 55 does not illuminate a part of the lampshade 56, the irregularities diffuse the light, making the entire lampshade 56 appear uniformly brighter.

[0057] In addition, since the reflectivity of the recessed surface 52 of the storage section 51 is high, the lampshade 56 becomes brighter and can brightly illuminate the inside of the box.

[0058] In addition, since the light from LED55 shines backward, there is no risk that LED55 will be visible to the user through the lampshade 56, thus avoiding the aesthetic problems caused by the LED55 being visible to the eye.

[0059] Next, we will explain the example of the change.

[0060] <Example 1 of the amendment>

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the storage section 151 in this modified example is the same as in the above embodiment, consisting of a recessed surface located at a position higher than the surface of the ceiling 42. Figure 5 The portion surrounded by reference numerals 153a and 153b in the figure, and the side 153 of the opening extending from the recessed surface in the vertical direction to the receiving portion 151 are formed.

[0062] The side surface 153 includes a flat portion 153a extending in the left-right direction from the front end of the storage portion 151, and a curved portion 153b formed from the flat portion 153a toward the rear. The curved portion 153b is a curved surface that connects the right end and the left end of the flat portion 153a.

[0063] A substrate 54 is provided parallel to the front flat portion 153a. Furthermore, an LED 55 is provided on the rear surface of the substrate 54 (the surface on the center side of the storage portion 151). The downward opening of the storage portion 151 is sealed by a transparent or semi-transparent lampshade (not shown).

[0064] The light emitted by LED 55 is directed towards the rear, specifically towards the curved surface 153b at the rear of the storage section 151. Therefore, the light emitted from LED 55, when it reaches the curved surface 153b, is reflected not only forward but also towards the entire storage section 151, including the left and right directions. As a result, the light reaches the entire storage section 151, and when the user views the internal lighting device 50, the entire lampshade emits a uniform light.

[0065] <Example 2 of the amendment>

[0066] The wall portion directly illuminated by light from the LED55, which serves as the light-emitting component, can also be bent or tilted relative to the illuminating direction. The aforementioned Modification 1 is one such modification, but... Figures 6-10 Another example of a change is shown below. Additionally, observe from below... Figures 6-10 The shape of the storage section is not limited, but for example, it is with Figure 4 Same shape.

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the modified example shown, the storage section 251 is similar to the embodiment described above, with a front flat section 53a and a rear flat section 53b facing each other. The front flat section 53a is provided with a substrate 54 and an LED 55. Furthermore, in this modified example, a curved section 253, which serves as a wall, connects the upper recessed surface 52 and the rear flat section 53b. The curved section 253 is a curved surface shaped to reflect the light from the LED 55, which travels parallel to the recessed surface 52 and rearwards, downwards. In this modified example, a portion of the light traveling straight from the LED 55 illuminates the curved section 253, reflecting it both forwards and downwards. Therefore, the lampshade 56 covering the storage section 251 becomes brighter.

[0068] Alternatively, the rear planar portion 53b may be omitted, and instead... Figure 6 The portion of the curved surface 253 combined with the portion of the flat surface 53b is designed as a curved surface like the curved surface 253 described above.

[0069] In addition, Figure 7 In the modified example shown, the storage section 351 is replaced Figure 6 An inclined plane portion 353 is provided on the curved surface 253, which is a wall portion inclined relative to the light irradiation direction of the LED 55. The inclined plane portion 353 is inclined in a direction that reflects the light from the LED 55, which is parallel to the recessed surface 52 and travels rearward, downward. Figure 7 In the modified example, a portion of the light from the LED 55 shines onto the inclined plane portion 353, reflecting not only forward but also downward, thus making the lampshade 56 covering the storage portion 351 brighter.

[0070] In addition, Figure 8In the storage section 451 of the modified example shown, with Figure 3 The situation is similar; the front flat portion 53a is opposite to the rear flat portion 53b, but... Figure 3 Unlike other surfaces, the recessed surface 452 is inclined relative to the surface of the ceiling 42. The recessed surface 452 is inclined so that it is higher towards the front flat portion 53a. The light from the LED 55 becomes weaker as it travels further (i.e., farther away from the front flat portion 53a), but through... Figure 8 This tilts the recessed surface 452, causing it to reflect light before it weakens, thus brightening the lampshade 56. Additionally, a portion of the light from the LED 55 is reflected forward by the rear flat portion 53b, brightening the area near the LED 55 within the lampshade 56.

[0071] In addition, Figure 9 In the modified example shown, the recessed surface 552 is inclined overall relative to the surface of the ceiling 42. The recessed surface 552 is inclined such that the flat surface 53a closer to the front is higher. Moreover, in this modified example, there is no rear flat surface (but there is a portion for the lampshade 56 to fit into). In this modified example, the lampshade 56 brightens by being reflected by the recessed surface 552 before the light from the LED 55 weakens.

[0072] In addition, Figure 10 In the modified storage section 651 shown, the recessed surface 652 is inclined entirely relative to the surface of the top 42. The recessed surface 652 is inclined such that the flat surface 53a closer to the front is higher. The recessed surface 652 extends into and connects to the interior 25 of the refrigerator compartment 20. That is, the storage section 651 of this modified example extends into the interior 25 of the refrigerator compartment 20. The light from the LED 55 shines on the recessed surface 652 and is reflected. As a result, a large area of ​​the upper part of the compartment and the interior 25 can be clearly seen. Although in Figure 10 The image shows a lampshade-less configuration, but a lampshade that covers the storage section 651 from below is also possible.

[0073] <Example 3 of the amendment>

[0074] exist Figures 11-13 The image shows an example of a modified lampshade. Additionally, observe from below. Figures 11-13 The shape of the lampshade is not limited; for example, it can be embedded. Figure 4 The shape of the storage section 51.

[0075] Figure 11The lampshade 756 shown in the modified example includes a surface portion 756a forming the inner surface of the housing, and a fitting portion 756b that serves as a part for embedding into the storage portion 51. The fitting portion 756b is formed upward from its edge. Furthermore, the surface portion 756a is planar. The boundary between the surface portion 756a and the fitting portion 756b forms a corner portion 756c. The fitting portion 756b is embedded inside the side surface 53 of the storage portion 51, so that the lampshade 756 is mounted on the storage portion 51.

[0076] Since this lampshade 756 does not bulge downwards like the lampshade 56 in the above embodiment, it can expand the storage space for stored items. In addition, users can easily take out and put in stored items from the upper part of the refrigerator compartment 20. Furthermore, although there is a risk of dimming in areas near the LED 55 due to the lack of direct illumination from the LED 55, as with this lampshade 756, the dimming of the area near the LED 55 is not noticeable.

[0077] As another variation, the lampshade can also have different shapes for the front and rear portions.

[0078] For example Figure 12 In the modified example shown, the lampshade 856 has a corner portion 856c formed only at the front end. Therefore, since the corner portion 856c is formed near the LED 55, it is not noticeable even if the area near the LED 55 darkens. Furthermore, the portion of the lampshade 856 further back from the corner portion 856 becomes brighter uniformly.

[0079] Alternatively, in each of the lampshades shown in the above diagrams, the portion near the front of LED55 (e.g., the portion below LED55) may be thinner than the other portions, thereby allowing light to pass through more easily. As a result, the portion of the lampshade near LED55 also becomes brighter, and the entire lampshade becomes brighter uniformly.

[0080] In this way, by making the front and rear parts of the lampshade have different shapes (including thickness), the parts of the lampshade that are prone to darkening are not obvious, and the entire lampshade can be brightened evenly.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, a non-transparent coating 956a can also be applied to the front portion of the lampshade 956 (e.g., the portion below the LED 55). Therefore, even if the light illuminating the front portion of the lampshade 956 from the LED 55 weakens, the user will not see it.

[0082] Alternatively, it can also be with Figure 13 Conversely, in the rear portion of the lampshade 956 (e.g.) Figure 13The portion of the lampshade 956 other than the portion coated with paint 956a is coated with a light-transmitting paint. As a result, the light transmittance of the coated portion is reduced, so even if the light shining from the LED 55 onto the front portion of the lampshade 956 is weakened, the entire lampshade 956 becomes uniformly brighter.

[0083] <Amendment Example 4>

[0084] The surface of the LED55, which serves as the light-emitting component, can also be formed from a raw material with high reflectivity. For example, a discontinuous vapor-deposited metallic film with light transmittance can be formed on the surface of the LED55, thereby increasing the surface reflectivity of the LED55. When the surface reflectivity of the LED55 is high, when it is formed from... Figure 3 When the light reflected from the rear flat portion 53b and other wall portions returns to the location of the LED 55, the light will be reflected again on the surface of the LED 55. As a result, the internal lighting device 50 becomes brighter.

[0085] In addition, the light-emitting component is not limited to LEDs; it can also be fluorescent lamps, etc.

[0086] <Example 5 of the amendment>

[0087] The location where the internal lighting device of the above-described embodiment is installed is not limited to the ceiling 42, but can also be the inner side of the refrigerator door 21, the inside 25 of the refrigerator 20, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, the storage room provided with the box lighting device in the above embodiment is not limited to the refrigerator compartment 20, but may also be a vegetable compartment 22, a freezer compartment 28, an ice-making compartment, etc.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a storage compartment for storing items; and a light-emitting component disposed within the storage compartment and emitting light, characterized in that, A wall portion is provided at a location where the light from the light-emitting component is directed. The direction of illumination is rearward. The storage room is equipped with a storage section for storing the light-emitting components. The storage section is formed as a recess relative to the inner surface of the storage compartment, including a front wall extending vertically in the front and a rear wall extending vertically in the rear. A cover that covers the storage section protrudes from the inner surface of the storage compartment toward the inside of the box. The cover includes a first portion extending vertically along the front wall of the storage portion, a second portion extending vertically along the rear wall of the storage portion, and a third portion extending planarly in the front-rear direction between the first portion and the second portion. The connection between the second part and the third part, i.e., the rear connection part, is a rounded-corner shape that connects the second part in a manner that gradually changes the orientation of the second part to become the orientation of the third part. The connection between the first part and the third part, i.e. the front connection part, is called the corner part.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall portion at the location where the light from the light-emitting component is irradiated is the rear wall of the receiving portion. The left and right sides of the storage section, where the front wall and the rear wall are connected, are curved.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear wall is inclined relative to the direction of light irradiation from the light-emitting component. The rear wall and the left and right sides of the storage section are curved surfaces that are smoothly connected to each other.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall is curved.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The coating on the front and rear of the cover is different.

Images