The lighting fixtures of the containment box, the containment box itself, and the cover.

Abstract

The light emitted from the light source is directed to the interior of the containment chamber. The lighting device (10) installed on the side wall (8) of the containment chamber of the refrigerator has a light source (3) that emits light and a cover (6) for a light incident part (60) into which the light emitted from the light source (3) is incident. The cover (6) has a light emitting part (63) and a light reflecting and diffusing part (65). The light emitting part (63) has a convex shape (73) formed on the surface facing the interior of the containment chamber and directs the light into the interior of the containment chamber. The light reflecting and diffusing part (65) is formed on the back side of the light emitting part (63) facing the back side of the light source (3) and has a plurality of concave shapes (74) with inner circumferential surfaces and directs the light toward the convex shape (73).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device for a storage box and the storage box itself. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, biomimetics, a technology that mimics the various functions of living organisms, has attracted attention. Furthermore, as an example of applying such biomimetics to the manufacture of electrical products, Nature Technology (registered trademark) is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting device installed on the front of the side wall of a storage compartment, illuminating a refrigerator from the front side to the rear. Such a lighting device includes a light source and a cover covering the light source. In recent years, LEDs and the like have become increasingly common light sources. The cover has a light-incident section for light emitted from the light source to enter, and directs the light entering the interior of the cover towards the interior of the storage compartment. The cover serves to diffuse and emit directional light from the LED or the like.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6001392 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, the light emitted from the light source is diffused by the cover of the lighting device and emitted into the interior of the containment chamber. However, there is room for improvement in making more of the light emitted from the light source emit into the interior of the containment chamber.

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to realize a lighting device and a housing that enables more light emitted from a light source to be emitted into the interior of the housing chamber.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting device for a containment box that is installed on the inner wall of the containment box. The device is characterized by having a light source that emits light and a cover having a light incident portion into which light emitted from the light source is incident. The cover has: a light emitting portion having a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the containment box and emitting light into the interior of the containment box; and a light reflecting and diffusing portion formed on the back side of the light emitting portion on the back side facing the light source side, having a plurality of concave shapes having an inner circumferential surface and directing light toward the convex shape.

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a containment box characterized by providing a lighting device for the containment box.

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a housing that is disposed inside a housing and has a light incident portion for light emitted from a light source to be incident upon. The housing is characterized by having: a light emitting portion having a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the housing and emitting light into the interior of the housing; and a light reflecting and diffusing portion formed on the back side of the light emitting portion on the back side facing the light source side, having a plurality of concave shapes having an inner circumferential surface and directing light toward the convex shape.

[0014] The effects of the invention

[0015] One aspect of the present invention enables a lighting device and a housing that allows more light emitted from a light source to be emitted into the interior of the housing chamber.

[0016] Brief description of the attached figures

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The A arrow view.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 BB line arrow section view.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the surface side of the cover of the lighting device installed in the storage compartment of the refrigerator.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a rear view showing the back side of the aforementioned cover.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A1.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a concave shape configuration provided on the light reflection diffuser on the back of the aforementioned cover.

[0024] Figure 8 This is another example of a concave-shaped configuration provided on the light-reflecting diffuser on the back of the aforementioned cover.

[0025] Figure 9 It indicates measurement Figure 7 A diagram showing the luminance results in an example of the configuration of the light reflection diffuser.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A2.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the end light emission shape of the rear end portion provided on the surface side of the aforementioned cover.

[0028] Figure 12 This is another example of the end light emission shape of the rear end portion provided on the surface side of the aforementioned cover.

[0029] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the image of light traveling inside the aforementioned enclosure.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a front view showing the main part of the surface side of the cover of the lighting device installed in the storage compartment of a refrigerator in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0031] [Implementation Method 1]

[0032] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, a refrigerator is exemplified as one type of storage box of the present disclosure, and a lighting device for the refrigerator is exemplified as a lighting device for the storage box. In addition, in this embodiment, a structure in which the rear (inner) side of the storage compartment is illuminated by a lighting device provided on the front of the side wall of the storage compartment of the refrigerator is exemplified.

[0033] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples; any structure that illuminates the desired portion of the storage chamber using lighting devices installed on the walls of the storage chamber is acceptable. For example, the structure behind the storage chamber could be illuminated by lighting devices installed on the front of the ceiling wall of the storage chamber. Alternatively, the structure above the storage chamber could be illuminated by lighting devices installed on the lower part of the side walls of the storage chamber. In addition to refrigerators, this invention can also be applied to heating and cooking appliances with storage chambers, such as microwave ovens and ovens, or various storage boxes with storage chambers.

[0034] (Summary of Refrigerator 1)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The A arrow view. (For example) Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 is divided into a receiving chamber 2 by an insulated box 1a filled with heat-insulating material. Lighting devices 10 are provided on the front of the left and right side walls 8 of the receiving chamber 2. Details will be described later. The lighting device 10 is formed into a long strip that is longer in the vertical direction and shorter in the front-back direction.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, support portions 11 protrude from the left and right side walls 8, supporting a tray 9 for holding stored items. The tray 9 is mounted on the support portions 11 of the left and right side walls 8. A cold air passage 12 for cold air circulation is formed on the rear wall of the receiving chamber 2. The cold air flowing through the cold air passage 12 is discharged into the receiving chamber 2 through an outlet (not shown). The front of the cold air passage 12 is covered by a metal panel 13, and the temperature of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage 12 is released to the receiving chamber 2 through the metal panel 13. As a result, the interior of the receiving chamber 2 can be cooled evenly.

[0037] (Summary of lighting device 10)

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view with arrows pointing to the BB line. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the lighting device 10 includes at least a light source 3 and a cover 6 that covers the light source 3. The light source 3 emits light that illuminates the interior of the containment chamber 2. In this embodiment, the light source 3 emits light in a direction that intersects with the side wall 8. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light source 3 is composed of a plurality of chip-shaped LEDs 3a mounted side by side with a strip-shaped mounting substrate 7, and the plurality of LEDs 3a are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0039] The cover 6 has a light incident section 60 on the side opposite to the light source 3, allowing light emitted from the light source 3 to enter. If the surface of the cover 6 facing the housing 2 is designated as surface 6a, and the opposite side of surface 6a is designated as back surface 6b, then in this embodiment, the light incident section 60 is positioned opposite to the light source 3 on the back surface 6b of the cover 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover 6 is configured to cover all LEDs 3a with a single cover 6, and the cover 6 is formed into a long strip shape identical to that of the lighting device 10 (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, the cover 6 only needs to cover at least a portion of the light source 3.

[0040] The lighting device 10 is disposed at the front of the side wall 8 of the housing 2 and is mounted in a recess 8a formed in the side wall 8. A housing 5 made of resin molding is disposed in the recess 8a. A mounting substrate 7 on which a plurality of LEDs 3a are mounted is mounted on the inner side of the housing 5 in a manner substantially parallel to the side wall 8. In addition, it is preferable that the color of the housing 5 is white or a color that reflects light. As a result, light emitted from the back surface 6b of the cover 6 can be reflected and allowed to re-enter from the back surface 6b of the cover 6.

[0041] The cover 6 covers the opening of the receiving chamber 2 facing the housing 5. The cover 6 is made of a transparent component such as acrylic resin, glass, or polystyrene resin. The housing 5 is blocked by inserting the cover 6. A claw (not shown) is provided on the cover 6, which engages with a hole (not shown) provided in the housing 5, thereby securing the cover 6 to the housing 5.

[0042] (Details about Cover 6)

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 6 has a light incident section 60, a first light guide section 61, a second light guide section 62, a light emitting section 63, an end light emitting shape (light emitting shape) 64, a light reflection and diffusion section 65, and a third light guide section 66. Hereinafter, it will be used... Figures 3 to 12 The structure of cover 6 will be described below. Hereinafter, the front end of cover 6 will be designated as the front end 6f, and the rear end of cover 6 will be designated as the rear end 6r.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the surface 6a side of the cover 6 of the lighting device 10 installed in the storage compartment 2 of the refrigerator 1. Figure 5 This is a rear view of the back side 6b of the cover 6. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A1. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a concave shape 74 provided on the light reflection and diffusion portion 65 on the back side 6b of the cover 6. Figure 8 This is another example of the arrangement of the concave shape 74 provided on the light reflection and diffusion portion 65 on the back side 6b of the cover 6. Figure 9 It indicates measurement Figure 7 A diagram showing the brightness result of an example of the configuration of the light reflection diffuser 65. Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A2. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the end light emission shape 64 of the rear end portion 6r disposed on the surface 6a side of the cover 6.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing another example of the end light emission shape 64 of the rear end portion 6r provided on the surface 6a side of the cover 6.

[0046] <Light Receiver Section 60>

[0047] The light incident section 60 is the part that introduces light emitted from the light source 3 into the interior of the cover 6. The light incident section 60 can also direct light emitted from the light source 3 in a direction along the side wall 8. Figure 3 As shown, the light incident portion 60 corresponds to the surface on the back surface 6b opposite to the light source 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the light incident section 60 corresponds to the light source 3, which is arranged in a vertical direction with a plurality of LEDs 3a, and is positioned to extend relatively long in the vertical direction. Light emitted from the light source 3 (LED 3a) enters the interior of the cover 6 through the light incident section 60.

[0048] <First Light Guide Section 61>

[0049] The first light guide section 61 is the portion that changes the direction of light incident from the light incident section 60 to a first direction along the wall of the receiving chamber 2. The first light guide section 61 changes the direction of incident light to the first direction by reflection. As described above, in this embodiment, the rear of the receiving chamber 2 is illuminated by the lighting device 10 provided at the front of the side wall 8 of the receiving chamber 2. Therefore, the first light guide section 61 changes the direction of light incident from the light incident section 60 to a direction from front (near front) to rear (depth) along the wall of the receiving chamber 2. This front-to-rear direction is the first direction.

[0050] like Figure 3 ,like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first light guide portion 61 is formed by a curved surface that protrudes towards the inside of the receiving chamber 2 from the surface 6a side corresponding to the portion where the light incident portion 60 is located, and curves rearward. This first light guide portion 61 is formed by a curved surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the light incident portion 60. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the example, the first light guide 61 is set as a curved surface, but the first light guide 61 can also be a plane that is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the light incident part 60.

[0051] The first light guide 61 is preferably tilted such that light emitted from LED3a and incident from light incident portion 60 is incident at an angle greater than the critical angle relative to the first light guide 61. For example, when the cover 6 is made of acrylic resin, the critical angle of light incident from acrylic resin into air is approximately 42°. Therefore, it is preferable to tilt the first light guide 61 such that light incident from light incident portion 60 is incident on the first light guide 61 at an angle greater than the critical angle, i.e., approximately 42°. By tilting the first light guide 61 in this way, most of the light emitted from LED3a and incident from light incident portion 60 is reflected (total internal reflection) from the first light guide 61 and transmitted rearward (to the rear end 6r side) (light guiding).

[0052] <Second light guide section 62>

[0053] The second light guide section 62 is located between the first light guide section 61 and the light emitting section 63, and is the part that guides the light from the first light guide section 61 to the light emitting section 63. The second light guide section 62 emits less light into the containment chamber 2 than the light emitting section 63.

[0054] By placing such a second light guide between the first light guide 61 and the light emitting part 63, the position of the light emitting part 63 naturally moves downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back. As a result, the desired part of the containment chamber 2, i.e. the rear, can be illuminated more effectively by the lighting device 10 provided on the side wall 8 of the containment chamber 2, and the light emitted from the light source 3 can be utilized more effectively.

[0055] In this embodiment, at least the surface 62a of the second light guide portion is formed into a planar shape. This suppresses light diffusion on the surface 62a of the second light guide portion, preventing excessive light from being emitted outwards and rearwards from the surface 62a. More preferably, the back surface 62b of the second light guide portion is also formed into a planar shape. This suppresses light diffusion on the back surface 62b of the second light guide portion, preventing excessive light from being emitted outwards and rearwards from the back surface 62b.

[0056] Furthermore, the surface roughness of the second light guide portion 62a is smaller than that of the light emitting portion 63. This suppresses light diffusion on the surface 62a of the second light guide portion, preventing excessive light from emanating outwards and instead delivering more light backwards. More preferably, the surface roughness of the back surface 62b of the second light guide portion is even smaller than that of the light emitting portion 63. This also suppresses light diffusion on the back surface 62b of the second light guide portion, preventing excessive light from emanating outwards and instead delivering more light backwards.

[0057] Here, the light incident from the first light guide 61 onto the second light guide 62 is preferably incident at an angle greater than the critical angle onto the surface 62a of the second light guide 62 located on the surface 6a or the back surface 62b of the second light guide 62 located on the back surface 6b. This ensures that most of the light incident from the first light guide 61 is not emitted outwards from the first light guide 61 and is instead totally internally reflected between the surface 62a and the back surface 62b of the second light guide 62, and is thus transported rearwards.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, at least the surface 62a of the second light guide is parallel (substantially parallel) to the front-to-back direction (first direction), which is the direction of light travel after being changed by the first light guide 61. This allows total internal reflection of light incident from the first light guide 61 at the surface 62a of the second light guide. More preferably, the back surface 62b of the second light guide is also parallel (substantially parallel) to the direction of light travel after being changed by the first light guide 61. This also allows total internal reflection of light incident from the first light guide 61 at the back surface 62b of the second light guide. Furthermore, by arranging both the surface 62a and the back surface 62b of the second light guide parallel to the light incident portion 60, even if the second light guide 62 is arranged longer in the front-to-back direction, the light guided by the second light guide 62 can be transported rearward with total internal reflection.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the portion of the second light guide 62 that protrudes further into the inner side of the housing 2 than the portion of the surface 6a of the cover 6 is located deeper into the core side of the side wall 8. In other words, the surface 62a of the second light guide is located deeper into the core side of the side wall 8 than the portion of the surface 6a of the cover 6 that protrudes further into the inner side of the housing 2. More preferably, the second light guide 62 is located deeper into the core side of the side wall 8 than the side wall 8 itself. That is, the second light guide 62 is provided to be recessed from the side wall 8. This reduces the protrusion of the second light guide 62 into the housing 2, making it less likely to collide with the mounting tray 9 (see reference 9) provided in the housing 2. Figure 1 Contact with others.

[0060] <Third Light Guide Section 66>

[0061] The third light guide 66 is disposed on the surface 6a of the cover 6, further forward at the end portion 6f than the first light guide 61. The third light guide 66 is the portion that guides light incident from the light incident portion 60 to the front (front end portion 6f side). The third light guide 66 has: an inclined surface 66a, which extends from the end portion corresponding to the front side of the light incident portion 60 toward the inside of the receiving chamber 2; and a flat surface 66b, which is connected to the inclined surface 66a. The inclined surface 66a is connected to the first light guide 61. The intersection line 67 of the first light guide 61 and the inclined surface 66a is arranged forward relative to the center of the light incident portion 60 in the front-rear direction. As a result, light from the light source 3 can be used to make the front end portion 6f side of the cover 6 also emit light.

[0062] Furthermore, similar to the second light guide section 62, the plane 66b in the third light guide section 66 is preferably recessed from the side wall 8. This reduces the protrusion of the plane 66b into the receiving chamber 2, making it less likely to collide with the mounting tray 9 (see reference 8) disposed in the receiving chamber 2. Figure 1 Contact with others.

[0063] <Light emitting part 63>

[0064] The light emitting section 63 is the part that emits a large amount of light incident inside the cover 6 into the containment chamber 2. The light incident section 60 is provided on the surface 6a of the cover 6. Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the light emitting section 63 is located downstream of the first light guide section 61 in the direction of light travel from front to back. Furthermore, the light emitting section 63 is disposed further behind (inside) the housing chamber 2 than the second light guide section 62.

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, the light emitting part 63 has a convex shape 70 formed on the surface 6a of the cover 6. The convex shape 70 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 along a direction from front to rear, which is a first direction. If the interior angle formed by the first surface 71 and line segment L1 is defined as θ1, and the interior angle formed by the second surface 72 and line segment L1 is defined as θ2, then θ2 > θ1. Line segment L1 represents a surface parallel to the sidewall 8. Line segment L1 is also parallel to the surface 6a of the cover 6. Figure 6 In the diagram, line segment L2 represents the outline of surface 6a of cover 6.

[0066] In this way, by providing a convex portion 70 with a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 as a light emitting portion 63 on the surface 6a side of the cover 6, light can be effectively emitted from the surface 6a side of the cover 6. As a result, more light emitted from the light source 3 can be emitted into the interior of the containment chamber 2.

[0067] Here, the first surface 71 faces upstream in the direction of light travel from front to back, and the second surface 72 faces downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back. Because the second surface 72 faces downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back, the light emitted from the second surface 72 travels towards the rear of the containment chamber 2, thus enabling the limited delivery of light to the rear of the containment chamber 2. This allows for high illumination of the rear of the containment chamber 2. Furthermore, because the first surface 71 faces upstream in the direction of light travel from front to back, it is difficult to emit light traveling from front to back.

[0068] In this embodiment, multiple first surfaces 71 and second surfaces 72 are arranged alternately along a front-to-back direction. By employing this structure, multiple light beams can be emitted from the light emitting section 63 towards the rear of the containment chamber 2. Furthermore, light emitted from the front second surface 72 can illuminate the center of the rear of the containment chamber 2 in the left-right direction, and light emitted from the rear second surface 72 can illuminate the rear ends of the containment chamber 2 in the left-right direction. Thus, the rear of the containment chamber 2 can be illuminated over a wide area.

[0069] In this embodiment, the convex portion 70 includes a plurality of convex shapes 73 with a triangular cross-sectional shape along the front-to-back direction. Of the two inclined surfaces of this convex shape 73, the inclined surface upstream of the light travel direction from front to back is designated as the first surface 71, and the inclined surface downstream of the light travel direction is designated as the second surface 72. By employing this structure, the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 can be tightly formed on the surface 6a of the cover 6.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, these plurality of convex shapes 73 are arranged continuously in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the plurality of convex shapes 73 are arranged to be connected without intervals in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting section 63 toward the rear of the receiving chamber 2 is not interrupted in the front-to-back direction, and when illuminating the rear of the receiving chamber 2, unevenness of light and dark can be suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, each convex shape 73 is configured as a strip extending in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction. Therefore, by pressing a damp cloth or the like onto the plurality of convex shapes 73, causing them to move in the direction in which the ribs of each convex shape 73 extend, the surface 6a of the cover 6 can be easily cleaned.

[0072] In particular, in this embodiment, since the cover 6 is a long strip (strip shape) that is longer in the vertical direction and shorter in the front-to-back direction, the strip extending in the direction intersecting the front-to-back direction becomes a strip extending in the length direction of the cover 6. Therefore, by moving a wet cloth or the like in the extension direction of the strip, the surface 6a of the cover 6 can be cleaned in one go in the length direction, making cleaning easier. In this case, the first direction is the short side direction.

[0073] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ease of cleaning, the height of each convex shape 73 is preferably 2 mm or less. Additionally, the apex of the convex shape 70 is preferably rounded.

[0074] The plurality of convex shapes 73 may also include convex shapes 73 of different sizes. By changing the size of the convex shapes 73, the size of the light beam emitted from the second surface 72 can be made different depending on the location. As a result, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting section 63 can be varied. For example, by making the convex shape 73 located further back from the light source 3 larger than the convex shape 73 located closer to the light source 3, the light from the light source 3 can be transmitted to the rear of the housing chamber 2 more effectively.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable that the interior angle θ2 formed by the second surface 72 and line segment L1 is 50 degrees or less than 90 degrees. By setting the upper limit of the interior angle θ2 to 90 degrees, the light emitted from the second surface 72 can be directed towards the rear of the receiving chamber 2 along the side wall 8. If the upper limit of the interior angle θ2 exceeds 90 degrees and increases, the light emitted from the second surface 72 will not be directed towards the interior of the receiving chamber 2 but towards the side wall 8, resulting in an increase in the amount of light that cannot be effectively utilized. By setting the lower limit of the interior angle θ2 to 50 degrees, the light emitted from the second surface 72 can be directed towards the rear of the receiving chamber 2. If the lower limit of the interior angle θ2 exceeds 50 degrees and decreases, the protrusion of the convex shape becomes higher, thus adversely affecting the cleaning performance. In this embodiment, the interior angle θ2 is set to 80 degrees.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the interior angle θ1 formed by the first surface 71 and line segment L1 is larger than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees, and ideally smaller than 45 degrees. By making the interior angle θ1 smaller than 45 degrees, it is easier to guide light to the rear of the containment chamber 2 (easier to face).

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a structure is illustrated in which a light emitting portion 63 having a convex shape portion 70 is provided on the light emitting portion 63 of a cover 6 having a first light guide portion 61 and a second light guide portion 62. However, it is acceptable as long as it is formed on the surface (surface) of the cover having the light incident portion 60 facing the receiving chamber 2.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the valley formed between adjacent convex shapes 73 is deeper than the surface 62a of the second light guide portion.

[0079] <Light reflection and diffusion section 65>

[0080] The light reflection and diffusion section 65 is a part that conveys light to the surface 6a by reflecting and diffusing the light guided inside the cover 6. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a light reflection and diffusion section 65 is provided on the back surface 6b of the cover 6. The light reflection and diffusion section 65 has a plurality of concave shapes 74 provided on the back surface 6b of the cover 6. The plurality of concave shapes 74 diffuse the light guided inside the cover 6 and reflect it toward the surface 6a side. Thus, compared with the back surface 6b of the cover 6 being a flat structure, it is possible to diffuse and reflect the guided light and transport it toward the surface 6a side.

[0081] Because the light being guided is reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the concave shape 74, it is difficult for it to exit into the space inside the concave shape 74. Furthermore, even if it temporarily exits into the space inside the concave shape 74, it can easily re-enter from the inner peripheral surface of the concave shape 74. Therefore, more light can be directed towards the surface 6a.

[0082] In this embodiment, a light emitting section 63 is provided on the surface 6a side of the cover 6 corresponding to the light reflection and diffusion section 65. In other words, a plurality of concave shapes 74 are located on the back side of the light emitting section 63. Therefore, more light can be emitted from the light emitting section 63 into the housing chamber 2, and the light from the light source 3 can be utilized effectively.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a concave shape 74 is also formed at the end of the second light guide 62 on the side of the light emitting portion 63. That is, a plurality of concave shapes 74 are also provided at the rear portion of the second light guide 62 (the portion adjacent to the boundary of the light emitting portion 63) and distributed in such a manner that the rear portion of the back surface 62b of the second light guide is included. As a result, light guided from the rear portion of the second light guide 62 can be diffused and reflected and delivered to the surface 6a side, and light can also be effectively emitted from the front portion of the light emitting portion 63 (the portion near the boundary of the second light guide 62).

[0084] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of each concave shape 74 is preferably curved. By making the inner circumferential surface curved, the guided light is more easily reflected by the inner circumferential surface and is less likely to escape through the space inside the concave shape. In addition, the light guided through the curved inner circumferential surface can be diffused more effectively.

[0085] As an example of a concave shape 74 with a curved inner circumference, it can also be configured to appear circular when viewed from the back surface 6b of the cover 6. Alternatively, in this case, the concave shape 74 can also be hemispherical or dome-shaped. By forming it as a hemispherical or dome-shaped shape, light can be diffused more effectively.

[0086] Furthermore, the plurality of concave shapes 74 may include concave shapes 74 of different sizes. By changing the size of the concave shapes 74, the amount of diffused and reflected light can be varied according to position. That is, the diffusion of light emitted from the light emitting portion 63 on the surface 6a of the cover 6 in this embodiment can be changed. As a result, local light can be mitigated and unevenness in brightness can be reduced.

[0087] In addition, each concave shape 74 may also include concave shapes with different depths. By changing the depth of the concave shape, similarly to its size, the amount of diffused and reflected light can be varied according to its position.

[0088] When changing the depth of the concave shape 74, the back surface 6b of the cover 6 can be positioned to approach the surface 6a of the cover 6 as it moves downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back. This allows for the easy fabrication of a structure in which the depth of the concave shape 74 gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the multiple concave shapes 74 are preferably arranged differently from each other. By arranging them in an alternating manner, more concave shapes 74 can be arranged per unit area, and the concave shapes 74 can be densely formed.

[0090] Additionally, when the concave shapes 74 are arranged in an alternating pattern, such as Figure 8 As shown, more preferably, the distance between the edges of adjacent concave shapes 74 is configured to be less than or equal to the diameter of the concave shape 74. Therefore, even with the same staggered configuration, it is possible to achieve a greater effect than... Figure 7The arrangement shown forms the concave shapes 74 more densely. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of a dense arrangement of the concave shapes 74, regardless of an interlaced arrangement, it is preferable to arrange the distance between the edges of adjacent concave shapes 74 to be less than or equal to the diameter of the concave shape 74.

[0091] With the surface 6a of the cover 6 flat, the brightness was measured by varying the number of concave shapes 74. It was confirmed that by increasing the number of concave shapes 74 and arranging them densely, the unevenness of brightness was reduced. This is even when the arrangement of the light reflection diffuser 65 is set to... Figure 7 The results of the brightness measurement when the configuration shown are as follows Figure 9 This also confirms that there is less unevenness in light and dark areas. Figure 9 This indicates the brightness of the rear surface of the containment chamber 2 when LED 3a is arranged on the front of the side wall 8, illuminating the rear surface (inside the box). Furthermore, Figure 9 The intersection point represents the height position of LED3a.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of concave shapes 74 are provided on the back surface 6b of the cover 6, and a structure that diffuses and reflects light towards the surface 6a of the cover 6 is provided in the light reflection and diffusion portion 65 of the cover 6, which includes the first light guide portion 61 and the second light guide portion 62. However, it is acceptable as long as it is formed on the back surface of the cover that covers at least a portion of the light source 3, facing the light source 3.

[0093] <End light emission shape 64>

[0094] like Figure 3 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the end light emission shape 64 is provided at the rear end portion 6r. The rear end portion 6r is the end portion downstream of the light emission portion 63 in the forward-to-back light travel direction, protruding from the side wall 8 into the inner side of the receiving chamber 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the end light emission shape 64 has a light emission surface 75 that faces downstream of the light travel direction from front to back.

[0095] By providing an end light emission shape 64 at the rear end 6r, light that does not exit at the light emission section 63 but reaches the rear end 6r can be emitted from the light emission surface 75 toward the rear of the containment chamber 2. As a result, the desired part of the containment chamber 2, i.e. the rear, can be illuminated more effectively by using the lighting device 10 provided on the side wall 8 of the containment chamber 2, and the light emitted from the light source 3 can be utilized more effectively.

[0096] like Figure 10 As shown, such a light-emitting surface 75 can also be divided into multiple layers (in... Figure 10 It is formed by three layers (in the middle). Additionally, as... Figure 11As shown, the light emitting surface 75 can also be configured as a strip extending in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction. By configuring it as a strip, light can be emitted continuously in the direction of the strip's extension, thus suppressing unevenness in brightness.

[0097] In particular, in this embodiment, the cover 6 is a long strip that is longer in the vertical direction and shorter in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the strip that extends along the direction intersecting the front-to-back direction becomes a strip that extends in the length direction. Therefore, by moving a cloth or the like that that is wetted in the extension direction of the strip, the surface 6a of the cover 6 can be cleaned in the length direction at once, making cleaning easier.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the rear end 6r of the cover 6 is inclined toward the side wall 8 in a manner that follows the downstream direction of the light travel from front to back, and a plurality of light emitting surfaces 75 configured as strips are provided on the inclined surface of the rear end 6r.

[0099] Because the inclined surface of the rear end 6r faces the rearward direction of the receiving chamber 2, the light emitted towards the rearward direction of the receiving chamber 2 is increased. Therefore, the central portion in the left-right direction at the rear of the receiving chamber 2 can be illuminated. In this embodiment, Figure 10 The inclined angle θ3 of the inclined surface of the rear end 6r shown is the so-called C-surface with an inclination angle of 45 degrees, but it is not limited to this.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the end light emission shape 64 can also be a plurality of rectangular block shapes 76 provided on the inclined surface of the rear end 6r. The rectangular block shapes 76 protrude in the normal direction of the inclined surface of the rear end 6r, and a light emission surface 75 is provided on the rectangular block shapes 76.

[0101] The multiple rectangular block shapes 76 can also include rectangular block shapes 76 of different sizes. By changing the size of the rectangular block shapes 76, the amount of light emitted from the rear end 6r can vary depending on the position. As a result, the amount of light emitted from the rear end 6r can be varied, thus mitigating local light and reducing unevenness in brightness.

[0102] (The light emitted from inside the enclosure 6)

[0103] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the image emitted by light traveling inside the enclosure 6. (Example) Figure 13 As shown, the light emitted from the LED3a of the light source 3 enters the interior of the cover 6 through the light incident part 60 and is reflected by the first light guide part 61, thereby changing the direction of travel to the front to the back.

[0104] Furthermore, although not shown, a portion of the light incident from the light incident section 60 into the interior of the cover 6 is reflected by the inclined surface 66a of the third light guide section 66, thus changing its direction of travel from back to front. However, the intersection line 67 of the first light guide section 61 and the inclined surface 66a is positioned slightly forward relative to the center of the front-rear direction of the light incident section 60, so most of the light incident from the light incident section 60 into the cover 6 is reflected by the first light guide section 61. Additionally, although only a small amount, light incident from the light incident section 60 into the cover 6 that reaches the first light guide section 61 and the inclined surface 66a at an angle of incidence smaller than the critical angle exits from the first light guide section 61 and the inclined surface 66a into the interior of the housing 2.

[0105] The light whose direction of travel has been changed by the first light guide 61 is guided to the second light guide 62. The light guided to the second light guide 62 is reflected by the surface 62a or the back surface 62b of the second light guide, or is reflected between the surface 62a and the back surface 62b of the second light guide and enters the rear of the light emitting part 63.

[0106] The light that reaches the portion where the light emitting section 63 is formed, and the light that reaches the second surface 72 of each convex shape 73 formed on the surface 6a at an incident angle smaller than the critical angle, is emitted from the second surface 72 toward the interior of the receiving chamber 2. Here, since the interior angle θ2 of the second surface 72 is between 50 and 90 degrees, the convex shape 73 will not protrude to the extent that it would adversely affect the cleaning performance, and the light emitted from the second surface 72 can be directed toward the rear of the receiving chamber 2.

[0107] On the other hand, light arriving at the second surface 72 at an angle of incidence smaller than the critical angle is reflected by the second surface 72 and reaches the back surface 6b. The light reaching the back surface 6b is diffused and reflected by the concave shapes 74 of the light reflection and diffusion section 65, and then faces the surface 6a again. Furthermore, when the above conditions are met, light exits from the second surface 72 toward the interior of the receiving chamber 2; light that does not meet the conditions returns to the back surface 6b, diffuses and reflects again, and faces the surface 6a. Here, because multiple convex shapes 73 are provided, multiple light beams can be emitted toward the rear of the receiving chamber 2.

[0108] Light that does not exit from the light emitting section 63 but reaches the rear end 6r is emitted from the light emitting surface 75 of the end light emitting shape 64 provided at the rear end 6r toward the rear of the containment chamber 2. The light emitting surface 75 faces downstream in the direction of light travel from front to back, so the light emitted from the light emitting surface 75 travels rearward and can effectively illuminate the rear corner of the containment chamber 2.

[0109] [Implementation Method 2]

[0110] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments will not be repeated.

[0111] Figure 14 This is a front view showing the main portion of the cover 6' of the lighting device installed in the storage compartment of a refrigerator in another embodiment, on the surface 6a side. (As shown) Figure 14 As shown, in the cover 6', the plurality of concave shapes 74 of the light reflection and diffusion portion 65 provided on the back surface 6b are arranged correspondingly to the plurality of convex shapes 73 of the light emission portion 63 provided on the surface 6a. This is the only difference from the cover 6.

[0112] Specifically, such as Figure 14 As shown, corresponding to each of the plurality of convex shapes 73 extending in a strip, a plurality of concave shapes 74 are arranged in a strip-like pattern. The rear side (rear end 6r side) of the inner peripheral surface of the concave shape 74 is located on the back side of the second surface 72 of the corresponding convex shape 73, and the bottom of the concave shape 74 is located on the back side of the first surface 71 of the corresponding convex shape 73.

[0113] By employing such a structure, the diffusion and reflection of light generated by the multiple concave shapes 74 can be made consistent in each convex shape 73. Therefore, unevenness in brightness caused by differences in the positional relationship with the multiple concave shapes 74 can be suppressed in the arrangement direction of the convex shapes 73.

[0114] In addition, Figure 14 In the example, by making the configurations of the multiple concave shapes 74 different from each other, the front side (front end 6f side) of the inner peripheral surface of the concave shape 74 can be located on the back side of the second surface 72 of the convex shape 73 adjacent to the front side of the corresponding convex shape 73.

[0115] 〔Summarize〕

[0116] The lighting device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a lighting device 10 installed on the wall (side wall 8) inside the storage box (refrigerator 1), which includes a light source 3 that emits light and a cover 6 having a light incident part 60 for the light emitted by the light source 3 to be incident on. A plurality of concave shapes 74 are formed on the back surface 6b of the cover 6 facing the light source 3.

[0117] The lighting device 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in Embodiment 1 above, the cover 6 has a light emitting portion 63 on the surface 6a facing the interior of the housing, which emits light incident from the light incident portion 60 into the interior of the housing, and the plurality of concave shapes 74 are located on the back side of the light emitting portion 63.

[0118] The lighting device 10 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 above, the inner peripheral surface of each of the plurality of concave shapes 74 is a curved surface.

[0119] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 3 above, each of the plurality of concave shapes 74 is circular when viewed from the back surface 6b.

[0120] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 5 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 4 above, each of the plurality of concave shapes 74 is hemispherical.

[0121] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 6 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in any of the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the plurality of concave shapes 74 include concave shapes 74 of different sizes.

[0122] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 7 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in any of the embodiments 1 to 6 described above, the plurality of concave shapes 74 include concave shapes 74 with different depths.

[0123] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 8 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 7 above, the back surface 6b approaches the surface 6a facing the interior of the housing as it moves downstream toward the direction of light travel along the first direction of the wall.

[0124] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 9 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in any of the embodiments 1 to 8 described above, each of the plurality of concave shapes 74 is configured differently from the others.

[0125] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 10 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 9 above, the distance between the edges of adjacent concave shapes 74 among the plurality of concave shapes 74 is less than the diameter of the concave shape 74.

[0126] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 11 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 2 above, the light emitting portion 63 has a plurality of convex shapes 73, the plurality of convex shapes 73 are arranged as stripes extending along a direction intersecting with a first direction along the wall surface, and the plurality of concave shapes 74 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of convex shapes 73.

[0127] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 12 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 2 or embodiment 11 described above, the cover 6 has a first light guide portion 61, the first light guide portion 61 causes the direction of light incident from the light incident portion 60 to change to a first direction along the wall surface, and the light emitting portion 63 is located downstream of the direction of light in the first direction, which is closer to the first light guide portion 61.

[0128] The lighting device 10 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention can also be configured such that, in embodiment 12 described above, the cover 6 further has a second light guide portion 62, which is located between the first light guide portion 61 and the light emitting portion 63, and guides the light from the first light guide portion 61 to the light emitting portion 63. The plurality of concave shapes 74 are also formed at the end of the second light guide portion 62 on the side of the light emitting portion 63.

[0129] The containment box involved in embodiment 14 of the present invention is a structure provided with any one of the lighting devices of embodiments 1 to 13 described above.

[0130] The cover 6 involved in embodiment 15 of the present invention is a cover 6 disposed inside a housing box and having a light incident portion 60 for light emitted from the light source 3 to be incident upon, and having a plurality of concave shapes 74 formed on the back surface 6b facing the light source 3.

[0131] Furthermore, this invention includes a technical concept inspired by the hollow structure of a polar bear's fur. Additionally, this disclosure includes a technical idea inspired by the shape of a jellyfish's comb. In other words, this disclosure relates to bionics.

[0132] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

[0133] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0134] 1. Refrigerator (Storage Box)

[0135] 2 Containment Room

[0136] 3. Light source

[0137] 3a LED

[0138] 6, 6' Cover

[0139] 6a surface

[0140] 6b Back

[0141] 6f front end

[0142] 6r rear end

[0143] 8. Side walls (wall surfaces)

[0144] 10 lighting fixtures

[0145] 60 Light incident section

[0146] 61 First light guide section

[0147] 62 Second light guide section

[0148] 62a Second light guide surface

[0149] 62b Second light guide section back side

[0150] 63 Light exit part

[0151] 64. End light emission shape

[0152] 65 Light reflection and diffusion section

[0153] 70 Convex part

[0154] 73 Convex shape

[0155] 74. Concave shape

[0156] 75 light exit surface

[0157] 76 Rectangular block shapes

[0158] L1 and L2 line segments

[0159] θ1, θ2 interior angle

[0160] θ3 angle

Claims

1. A lighting device disposed on the inner wall of a housing, characterized in that, have: A light source, which emits light; and The cover has a light incident section, which allows light emitted from the light source to be incident upon it. The cover has: The light emitting part has a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the containment box, so that light is emitted into the interior of the containment box; and A light-reflecting and diffusing section, formed on the back side of the light-emitting section facing the light source side, has multiple concave shapes, each having an inner peripheral surface. The light-reflecting and diffusing section directs light towards the convex shapes. The light emitting part has multiple convex shapes, and the convex shape that is closest to the light source is located downstream of the light travel direction compared to the concave shape that is closest to the light source among the multiple concave shapes.

2. A lighting device disposed on the inner wall of a housing, characterized in that, have: A light source, which emits light; and The cover has a light incident section, which allows light emitted from the light source to be incident upon it. The cover has: The light emitting part has a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the containment box, so that light is emitted into the interior of the containment box; and A light-reflecting and diffusing section, formed on the back side of the light-emitting section facing the light source side, has multiple concave shapes, each having an inner peripheral surface. The light-reflecting and diffusing section directs light towards the convex shapes. The light-reflecting diffuser has an inclined portion in the region on the back side where the concave shape is formed, and the inclined portion approaches the surface downstream in the direction of light travel along the wall.

3. A lighting device disposed on the inner wall of a containment box, characterized in that, have: A light source, which emits light; and The cover has a light incident section, which allows light emitted from the light source to be incident upon it. The cover has: The light emitting part has a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the containment box, so that light is emitted into the interior of the containment box; and A light-reflecting and diffusing section, formed on the back side of the light-emitting section facing the light source side, has multiple concave shapes, each having an inner peripheral surface. The light-reflecting and diffusing section directs light towards the convex shapes. The plurality of concave shapes have a first concave shape and a second concave shape, the second concave shape being positioned further downstream of the first concave shape along the direction of light travel along the wall, and being shallower than the first concave shape.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The convex shape is configured as a strip, and the plurality of concave shapes correspond to the convex shape extending in a strip shape and are arranged in a manner that follows the strip.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The convex shape has a first surface and a second surface along the direction of light travel along the wall surface. The interior angle between the second surface and the surface parallel to the wall is larger than the interior angle between the second surface and the first surface. The bottom of the concave-shaped pit is located on the back side of the corresponding convex shape's first surface.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The concave shapes in the plurality of concave shapes are arranged differently from each other.

7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that, The cover has: A first light guide portion changes the direction of light incident from the light incident portion to a first direction along the wall surface. The light emitting part is located downstream of the light travel direction in the first direction, relative to the first light guiding part.

8. The lighting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cover also has a second light guide portion, which is located between the first light guide portion and the light emitting portion, and guides the light from the first light guide portion to the light emitting portion. The plurality of concave shapes are also formed at the end of the second light guide portion on the light emitting portion side.

9. A containment box, characterized in that, The device is provided with a lighting apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A cover having a light incident portion disposed inside a housing and for incident on light emitted from a light source, characterized in that, have: The light emitting part has a convex shape formed on a surface facing the interior of the containment box, so that light is emitted into the interior of the containment box; and A light-reflecting and diffusing section, formed on the back side of the light-emitting section facing the light source side, has multiple concave shapes, each having an inner peripheral surface. The light-reflecting and diffusing section directs light towards the convex shapes. The light emitting part has multiple convex shapes, and the convex shape that is closest to the light source is located downstream of the light travel direction compared to the concave shape that is closest to the light source among the multiple concave shapes.

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