Lighting module for a refrigeration appliance and refrigeration appliance having a lighting module

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a lighting module (1) for a refrigeration appliance and a refrigeration appliance. The lighting module comprises a light source (3), a light guide assembly (4) and a bezel (5). The bezel is arranged along an edge of the light guide assembly and comprises a first bezel strip (6) arranged along a first edge of the light guide assembly and a second bezel strip (7) arranged along a second edge of the light guide assembly. The second bezel strip comprises a connection strip (73) and a trim piece (74), the connection strip and the first bezel strip being connected along a circumference of the bezel, the light source being mounted to the connection strip. The trim piece covers at least part of a front surface of the connection strip and comprises an extension (741) extending beyond the connection strip, the extension extending in front of the light guide assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting module for a refrigeration appliance and a refrigeration appliance having the lighting module. [Background Technology]

[0002] CN110953816A discloses a lighting assembly for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. The lighting assembly forms a mounting frame through upper and lower end covers and left and right decorative strips for fixing a panel-shaped surface light source. The upper and lower end covers and left and right decorative strips are all groove-shaped parts, and the surface light source is inserted into the grooves around the mounting frame. The upper end cover has a second mounting groove for engaging the light source strip.

[0003] The lower end cover has a second protrusion extending outward on its outer surface. The refrigerated air duct cover has a first mounting groove for engaging the light source assembly. The second protrusion abuts against the first mounting groove, and the light source assembly is fixed by the clamping force at the groove. Additionally, one end of the left and right trim strips is inserted into the upper end cover, or the upper end cover has a fixing member. The fixing member secures the lighting assembly to the refrigerated air duct cover. The upper cover of the refrigerated air duct cover is fixed to the refrigerated air duct cover and covers screws and other fixing members. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting module for a refrigeration appliance and a refrigeration appliance having such a lighting module.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a lighting module for a refrigeration appliance that improves the texture and provides greater design flexibility, as well as a refrigeration appliance having such a lighting module.

[0006] One aspect of this invention relates to a lighting module for a refrigeration appliance. The lighting module includes: a light source; a light guide assembly; and a frame disposed along the light guide assembly, including a first frame strip extending along a first edge of the light guide assembly and a second frame strip extending along a second edge of the light guide assembly; wherein the second frame strip includes a connecting strip and a decorative element, the connecting strip and the first frame strip are connected circumferentially along the frame, the light source is mounted on the connecting strip, and the decorative element covers at least a portion of the front surface of the connecting strip and includes an extension extending beyond the connecting strip, the extension extending to the front of the light guide assembly.

[0007] With this construction, the frame can balance structural function and aesthetics, allowing for greater design flexibility in the second frame strip, which connects to and mounts the light source. For example, the connecting strip can be designed to facilitate connection between the first frame strip and the light source; the structure and material selection of the connecting strip offer more options, making light source installation more convenient and reliable. Similarly, the material selection for the decorative element can be more flexible. Furthermore, extending the decorative element to the front of the light guide element's front surface helps reduce light leakage from the light guide assembly's edge and the frame. With this approach, more effective control of the gap between the decorative element and the light guide assembly is expected.

[0008] In possible embodiments, a connecting mechanism is included to secure the light guide assembly and the extension. By securing the light guide assembly and the extension, it is expected that the gap between them can remain constant over a long period of time. On the other hand, this further helps to reduce light leakage from the light source between the edge of the light guide assembly and the frame.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the connection mechanism includes an adhesive device.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the first end face of the connecting strip extending laterally and / or the second end face extending longitudinally are exposed outside the decorative element.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the connecting strip includes an end face that is substantially flush with and located outside the decorative element, along with a second end face that extends longitudinally from the first border strip.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the extension covers the seam between the first frame strip and the connecting strip. This helps to improve the texture of the lighting assembly.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the extension includes recesses at both ends, with the front surface of the first frame strip overlapping the recesses. This helps to reduce the gap between the extension and the light guide assembly, thereby improving lighting quality and overall texture.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the first frame strip and the connecting strip together form an annular first connecting surface, and the front surface of the light guide assembly overlaps the second connecting surface. By using the first frame strip and the connecting strip to connect the light guide assembly, the design of the decorative part can also have greater flexibility.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the decorative element is fixed to the connecting strip.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the connecting strip has a mounting portion for mounting the light source, and the entrance of the mounting portion may face the front or rear side of the connecting strip.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, a back cover is included, which is fixed to the first frame member and the connecting strip respectively.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the inlet of the mounting section faces the rear cover.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the connecting strip includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a receiving slot of the first border strip along the length direction of the first border strip, and the projections of the decorative element and at least a portion of the insertion portion overlap.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the first frame strip includes a fixing groove extending along the length direction of the first frame strip, the fixing groove facing a rear cover, at least one sidewall of the fixing groove having a plurality of teeth extending along the length direction of the first frame strip, and a plurality of spaced threaded fasteners for fixing the rear cover and the first frame strip being adapted to enter the fixing groove and deform the teeth to engage with the sidewall of the fixing groove respectively.

[0021] In a possible embodiment, the decorative element and the connecting strip are made of different materials.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, including a storage compartment and a lighting module as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the lighting module constitutes at least a portion of a duct assembly that defines at least a portion of the boundary of a duct communicating with the storage compartment.

[0024] The construction of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as its other inventive objectives and beneficial effects, will become more apparent and understandable through the description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Image Description]

[0025] As part of this specification and to provide a further understanding of the invention, the following accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a refrigeration appliance having a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a lighting module for a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4(a) is an exploded schematic diagram of the first border strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view along the CC direction in Figure 4(a);

[0030] Figure 5 This is an exploded view along the first border strip and the connecting strip;

[0031] Figure 6 It is the root along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0032] Figure 7 It is the root along Figure 2 Schematic sectional view along the BB direction;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a lighting module from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of the lighting module before the cap is installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Detailed Implementation]

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a main body 108, which may have a storage compartment 101 with a front opening 10. The storage compartment 101 can be selectively opened or closed through a door (not shown) located on the front side of the main body 108.

[0036] The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a lighting module 1 for illuminating the storage compartment 101. The lighting module 1 is accessible through the storage compartment 101.

[0037] The lighting module 1 may be located at the rear of the storage compartment 101. In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting module 1 forms part of the air duct assembly 2. The air duct assembly 2 forms at least a portion of the boundary of an air duct for discharging air into or drawing air from the storage compartment 101 into the area where the cold source is located. The lighting module 1 may form at least a portion of the front surface of the air duct assembly 2.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lighting module 1 may include a light source 3, a light guide assembly 4, and a frame 5 disposed along the edge of the light guide assembly.

[0039] The light source 3 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements 31 and a substrate 32 supporting the light-emitting elements 31. The light-emitting elements 31 may be light-emitting diodes.

[0040] The light guide assembly 4 may include a light guide plate 41. At least one end face of the light guide plate 41 is opposite to the light-emitting element 31.

[0041] The light guide plate 41 may include multiple dots, and light within the light guide plate 41 can be refocused at the dots. The dots can be formed by printing or by creating concave / convex dotted portions.

[0042] The light guide assembly 4 may include a diffuser plate 42 located in front of the light guide plate 41, which uniformly diffuses light from the light guide plate 41 to form a surface light source.

[0043] The light guide assembly 4 may also include a reflective layer 43 located behind the light guide plate 41 so that the light is directed toward the diffuser plate 42 as close as possible to total internal reflection.

[0044] The light guide assembly 4 can be pre-assembled into a module. For example, the various components of the light guide assembly 4 can be sequentially fixed together using an adhesive device.

[0045] The frame 5 is disposed along the edge of the light guide assembly 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 5 includes a pair of opposing first frame strips 6 and another pair of second frame strips 7 respectively connected between the respective first frame strips 6 to form a frame structure connected end to end. It should be understood that the invention should not be limited to this specific embodiment. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the frame 5 may be disposed along some edges of the light guide assembly 4.

[0046] A first border strip 6 is disposed along the first edge of the light guide assembly 4. A second border strip 7 is disposed along the second edge of the light guide assembly 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the first edge of the light guide assembly 4 may be the left or right edge of the light guide assembly 4, and the second edge of the light guide assembly 4 may be the upper or lower edge of the light guide assembly 4.

[0047] The first frame strip 6 and the second frame strip 7 together form a first connecting surface 51 for overlapping the front surface 40 of the light guide assembly 4.

[0048] The lighting assembly 1 may include a back cover 8, which is attached to the frame 5 to cover the rear surface of the light guide assembly 4. The back cover 8 may form part of the boundary of the air duct within the air duct assembly 2.

[0049] An elastic sheet 45 can be provided between the back cover 8 and the light guide assembly 4. The elastic sheet 45 is squeezed between the two so that the front surface of the light guide assembly 4 always abuts against the frame 5, even if the light guide assembly 4 may shrink or expand under different environmental conditions.

[0050] The frame 5 may include a second connecting surface 52 formed by the first frame strip 6 and the second frame strip 7, and the back cover 8 overlaps the second connecting surface 52 and is fixed to the first frame strip 6 and / or the second frame strip 7.

[0051] The first border strip 6 may include a left border strip 61 and a right border strip 62. The second border strip 7 may include a top border strip 71 and a bottom border strip 72. The structures of the left border strip 61 and the right border strip 62 may be symmetrical.

[0052] The second frame strip 7 may include a mounting portion 54 for fixing the light source 3. The mounting portion 54 may be provided in at least one of the upper frame strip 71 and the lower frame strip 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion 54 is provided in the upper frame strip 71.

[0053] The inlet of the mounting section 54 can face the rear cover 8. Therefore, during assembly, the light source 3 can be inserted into the mounting section 54 from the rear side of the second frame strip 7.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second border strip 7 may include a connecting strip 73 and a decorative element 74 covering at least a portion of the front surface of the connecting strip 73. The connecting strip 73 may be connected to the first border strip 6 along the circumference of the border 5. The decorative element 74 covers at least a portion of the front surface of the connecting strip 73 and includes an extension 741 extending beyond the connecting strip 73 and extending in front of the front surface 40 of the light guide assembly 5.

[0055] Mounting section 54 is provided on connecting strip 73 to mount light source 3. The inlet of mounting section 54 may face the rear or front side of connecting strip 73.

[0056] The decorative element 74 is fixed to the front side of the connecting strip 73. The extension 741 may extend over the entire or part of the length of the second border strip 7. In one embodiment, the decorative element 74 may be bonded to the front surface of the connecting strip 73 by means of an adhesive device 75.

[0057] The decorative element 74 and the connecting strip 73 may have a positioning structure to define the relative position of the decorative element 74 with respect to the connecting strip 73 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The positioning structure may include an insertion structure that inserts in a direction perpendicular to the decorative element 74. For example, the positioning structure may include a positioning protrusion 742 protruding from the decorative element 74 toward the connecting strip 72, and correspondingly, the connecting element 73 includes a receiving portion 734 for receiving the positioning protrusion 742.

[0058] The decorative element 74 includes a main body 740 that covers the connecting strip 73. An adhesive device 75 may be disposed between the main body 740 and the connecting strip 73. The extension 741 may have a greater thickness than the main body 740, thus creating a step between them, which helps to further prevent light leakage from between the extension 741 and the front surface 50 of the light guide assembly 5.

[0059] The extension 741 extends at least 3 mm beyond the connecting strip 73 on which the light source 3 is mounted, that is, it covers the edge of the light guide assembly 5 by at least 3 mm. Preferably, the length of the extension 741 extending beyond the connecting strip 73 is between 5 mm and 12 mm.

[0060] The connecting strip 73 and the decorative element 74 can be made of different materials and formed by different manufacturing processes. For example, the connecting strip 73 can be made of plastic, and the decorative element 74 can be made of metal or have a metallic texture and be opaque.

[0061] A fixing structure 53 for securing the extension 741 and the light guide assembly 4 may be provided between them. The fixing structure 53 may include adhesive devices (e.g., tape, glue, hot melt adhesive, etc.) that are continuously or intermittently distributed along the length direction of the extension 741. This not only helps to reduce the possibility of uneven gaps between the light guide assembly 4 and the extension 741, but also helps to further reduce the possibility of light from the light source 3 leaking between the light guide assembly 4 and the decorative part 74, thereby reducing the quality of the lighting module 1.

[0062] The connecting strip 73 and the first frame strip 6 are connected circumferentially along the frame 5. The first frame strip 6 and the connecting strip 73 together form an annular first connecting surface 51, and the front surface 40 of the light guide assembly 4 overlaps with the first connecting surface 51. The first frame strip 6 and the connecting strip 73 can together form an annular second connecting surface 52, and the rear cover 8 overlaps with the second connecting surface 52.

[0063] The connecting strip 73 is provided with a fixing part for connecting the rear cover 8. Specifically, the connecting strip 73 may have a plurality of spaced fixing holes (not shown), and the fixing member 9 passes through the rear cover 8 and engages with the fixing holes.

[0064] At least a portion of the end face of the connecting strip 73 is exposed outside the decorative element 74. For example, the first end face 730 extending laterally and / or the second end face 731 extending longitudinally of the connecting strip 73 at least partially form the outer end face of the lighting module 1.

[0065] For example, the upper surface of the connecting strip 73 of the upper frame strip 71 may be exposed outside the decorative element 74, and / or the lower surface of the connecting strip 73 of the lower frame strip 72 may be exposed outside the decorative element 74.

[0066] Each connecting strip 73 may also form part of a longitudinally extending side of the lighting module 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end face 731 of the connecting strip 73 and the side surface of the corresponding first frame strip 6 lie in the same plane.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4(a), Figure 4(b) and Figure 5As shown, each connecting strip 73 may have insertion portions 732 at both ends for interlocking with the corresponding first border strip 6 along the length of the first border strip 6. The first border strip 6 has a receiving groove 63 at least at its end 62 for connecting with the connecting strip 73. The decorative element 74 and the insertion portion 732 at least partially overlap in projection. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving groove 63 extends along the entire length of the first border strip 6.

[0068] The extension 741 can cover the seam between the first frame strip 6 and the connecting strip 73. The extension 741 may include recesses 7411 at both ends thereof, with the end 62 of the first frame strip 6 overlapping the recesses 7411.

[0069] The connecting mechanism 53 is arranged between the recesses 7411 at both ends to physically connect with the light guide assembly 4.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the rear cover 8 is fixed to the first frame strip 6 and the connecting strip 73 respectively. The connecting strip 73 may have multiple spaced fixing holes to receive threaded fasteners 9 that pass through the rear cover 8 and the connecting strip 73 for connection.

[0071] In one embodiment, the frame 5 may include at least one extruded frame strip having a retaining groove 65 extending along its length direction and opening toward the rear cover 8. At least one sidewall of the retaining groove 65 has a plurality of teeth 652 extending along the length direction of the frame strip, and a plurality of threaded fasteners for securing the rear cover 8 and the frame strip are inserted into the retaining groove 65 after passing through the rear cover 8 and engage with the sidewall having the teeth 652.

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the first frame strip 6 may include a fixing groove 65 extending along the length direction of the first frame strip 6, with the bottom wall of the fixing groove 65 facing the rear cover 8. At least one side wall of the fixing groove 65 has a plurality of teeth 652 extending along the length direction of the first frame strip 6, and a plurality of threaded fasteners 9 for fixing the rear cover 8 and the first frame strip 6 are inserted into the fixing groove 65 after passing through the rear cover 8 and engage with the side wall having the teeth 652.

[0073] When the threaded fastener 9 is screwed into the fixing groove 65, the sidewall with the toothed portion 652 is more likely to deform and engage with the threaded fastener 9.

[0074] By providing multiple teeth 652 on the sidewall of the fixing groove 65, the sidewall is more easily deformed, which helps to reduce the difficulty of engaging the threaded fastener 9 and the sidewall of the fixing groove 65. Thus, even if the first frame strip 6 is provided with a constant cross-section before being fixed to the rear cover 8, it can be fixed to the rear cover 8 through the fixing groove 65 without having to provide additional connecting holes in the first frame strip 6.

[0075] Multiple teeth 652 can extend parallel to each other, so that multiple teeth 652 can be obtained simultaneously even if the first frame strip 6 is formed by extrusion.

[0076] In one embodiment, the lighting module 1 includes a light source 3, a wire 33 connected to the light source 3, a light guide assembly 4, and a frame 5 disposed along the edge of the light guide assembly 4. The frame 5 has a mounting portion 54 to receive the light source 3. A rear cover 8 is attached to the rear side of the frame 5. The edge of the rear cover 8 has a notch 81 to allow the wire 33 to extend from between the rear cover 8 and the frame 5.

[0077] The lighting module 1 includes a cap 82 detachably connected to the rear cover 8 along a notch 81, the cap 82 covering the line 33 located within the notch 81 from the rear. The notch 81 may be located at a corner of the cover 8.

[0078] This reduces the risk of damage caused by exposed wires when they pass between the frame and the back cover, such as during transportation or assembly of refrigerated appliances, due to collisions or abrasions. It also helps reduce the possibility of external liquids entering the mounting section through the gap and coming into contact with the light source.

[0079] The cap 82 has a receiving portion 83 for receiving the line 33 and an outlet 88 accessible from the rear side of the back cover 8. The line 33 extends from between the frame 5 and the back cover 8 through a notch 81 to the rear of the back cover 8.

[0080] The rear side of the back cover 8 has a guide groove 84. Line 33 emerges from the notch 82 and extends along the guide groove 84 from the edge of the back cover 8 toward the central region of the back cover 8. Line 33 extends within the guide groove 84 from the corner of the cover 8 at a predetermined angle to the central region of the back cover 8, and then extends downwards approximately parallel to the first frame strip 6. The angle between the guide groove 84 and the first frame strip 6 can be between 30 and 60 degrees, for example, 45 degrees.

[0081] A guide mechanism may be provided between the cap 82 and the back cover 8. Specifically, guide grooves and / or guide rails 86 may be provided on both sides of the cap 8, while the back cover 8 has corresponding guide rails and / or guide grooves 87 along the edge of the notch 81, so that the cap 8 can be slidably inserted into the back cover 8 through the guide mechanism.

[0082] The rear side of the back cover 8 has a plurality of spaced wire clips 85, through which the wire 33 passes so that the wire 33 is arranged in a constrained manner along the rear surface of the back cover 8.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the rear cover 8 may be provided with multiple rearwardly extending retaining hooks 112. The retaining hooks 112 may be provided along the periphery of the rear cover 8. The retaining hooks 112 are snapped together with the air duct assembly or the rear wall of the storage compartment 101.

[0084] The rear cover 8 may be provided with multiple rearwardly extending hooks 114. The hooks 114 are provided along the periphery of the rear cover 8 to secure a heat insulation layer (not shown) to the rear cover 8.

[0085] The rear cover 8 may also include a fixing portion 110 extending beyond the lower edge of the rear cover 8, through which screws pass to fix the lighting module 1 to the rear wall of the storage compartment 101.

[0086] Combination Figures 1 to 9 The various embodiments described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; other means besides those shown can generally be used, as long as they achieve the same effect.

Claims

1. A lighting module (1) for a refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, include: Light source (3); Light guide component (4); The frame (5) is provided along the edge of the light guide assembly and includes a first frame strip (6) provided along the first edge of the light guide assembly and a second frame strip (7) provided along the second edge of the light guide assembly; wherein, The second border strip includes a connecting strip (73) and a decorative element (74). The connecting strip and the first border strip are connected circumferentially along the border. A light source is mounted on the connecting strip. The decorative element includes a main body (740) covering the connecting strip (73). The decorative element covers at least a portion of the front surface of the connecting strip and includes an extension (741) extending beyond the connecting strip. The extension extends to the front of the light guide assembly. The extension extends at least 3 mm beyond the connecting strip on which the light source (3) is mounted. The extension (741) has a greater thickness than the main body (740). A connecting mechanism (53) for fixing the extension and the light guide assembly is provided between them.

2. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection mechanism includes an adhesive device that adhesively bonds the extension and the front surface (40) of the light guide assembly.

3. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end face (730) extending laterally and / or the second end face (731) extending longitudinally of the connecting strip are exposed outside the decorative element.

4. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting strip includes a second end face (731) that is flush with the longitudinally extending end face of the first border strip and located outside the decorative element.

5. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension covers the seam between the first border strip and the connecting strip.

6. The lighting module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extension includes recesses (7411) at both ends, and the front surface of the first frame strip overlaps with the recesses.

7. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first border strip and the connecting strip together form an annular first connecting surface (51), and the front surface of the light guide assembly overlaps the first connecting surface.

8. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative element is fixed to the connecting strip.

9. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the mounting part (54) for mounting the light source faces the front or rear side of the connecting strip.

10. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a back cover (8), which is fixed to the first frame strip and the connecting strip respectively.

11. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting strip includes an insertion portion (732) that is inserted into the receiving slot (63) of the first border strip along the length direction of the first border strip, and the projections of the decorative piece and the insertion portion overlap at least a portion thereof.

12. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame strip includes a fixing groove (65) extending along the length direction of the first frame strip, the fixing groove facing the rear cover (8), at least one side wall of the fixing groove having a plurality of teeth (652) extending along the length direction of the first frame strip, and at least two spaced threaded fasteners (9) for fixing the rear cover and the first frame strip are adapted to enter the fixing groove and deform the teeth to engage with the side wall of the fixing groove respectively.

13. A refrigeration appliance (100), characterized in that, It includes a storage room and a lighting module as described in any one of claims 1-12.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that, The lighting module constitutes at least a part of the air duct assembly (2), which constitutes at least a part of the boundary of the air duct that communicates with the storage room.

Images