Large-plane light source system for inner container of refrigerator and refrigerator comprising large-plane light source system

Abstract

The invention discloses a large-plane light source system for a refrigerator liner and a refrigerator comprising the same, and belongs to the field of refrigerators. Comprising a light source assembly, the light source assembly is fixedly installed outside a refrigerator inner container, and the position, at least corresponding to the light source assembly, of the refrigerator inner container is made of high-impact polystyrene. The large-plane light source system is arranged outside the inner container of the refrigerator, the problems of icing and mildewing of the light source assembly are completely eradicated, and meanwhile the interference problem of an internal structure can be reduced. The light source assembly is located outside the inner container, food-grade materials are not needed, and the material cost is effectively reduced. The installation position, used for arranging the light source structure, of the inner container is made of the HIPS material and can replace an LED diffusion plate in a compatible mode, so that the structure of the whole light source assembly is simplified, meanwhile, due to the fact that the structure is simplified, the mode that the light source structure is directly and fixedly connected with the outer wall of the inner container can be adopted, a frame structure does not need to be adopted, and the production process of the part can be greatly simplified; the production cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a large plane light source system for a refrigerator inner container and a refrigerator containing the same. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators have both refrigeration and freezing functions, respectively designed to preserve different types of food. They primarily consist of a cabinet assembly, a refrigeration system, and a control system. The cabinet assembly includes the outer cabinet, inner cabinet, door, insulation, magnetic door seal, cabinet roof, door hinges, and accessories. The outer cabinet is available in either assembled or integral configurations; the door consists of a door panel, door liner, door lining, and magnetic door seal. The refrigeration system comprises a fully enclosed refrigeration compressor, condenser, capillary tubes, evaporator, and filter. Refrigeration is achieved by circulating refrigerant throughout the system, transferring heat. The control system automatically activates and stops the compressor based on temperature fluctuations within the refrigerator to maintain a desired temperature.

[0003] The refrigerator's inner container is the food storage container. Its shape and size determine the refrigerator's internal layout. The inner container's structural design must consider factors such as food storage convenience, space utilization, and coordination with the refrigeration system. For example, the inner container may be equipped with various accessories such as shelves, fruit and vegetable boxes, and ice cube trays to facilitate the user's sorting and storage of food.

[0004] Traditional refrigerators are typically equipped with a top light, whose assembly consists of a light box, light bracket, light panel, and lampshade. With the development of new light source technologies, large flat panel light sources inside refrigerators have become a mainstream design trend. Existing large flat panel light sources are typically installed inside the refrigerator's liner. To ensure installation stability and lighting effects, these light sources require a diffuser plate and metal left, right, and top frames, resulting in a complex overall structure and complicated refrigerator production and assembly processes. Furthermore, these components require food-grade materials, which are costly. Furthermore, these components are prone to freezing and mold during long-term use inside the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a large flat light source system for a refrigerator liner and a refrigerator containing the same, which can solve the problem that the existing large flat light source structure of refrigerators in the prior art needs to include a diffusion plate and metal left, right and upper frames, the overall structure is relatively complex, and the refrigerator production and assembly process is complicated; and these accessories require food-grade materials, which is relatively expensive. At the same time, the above-mentioned components are prone to freezing and mold during long-term use in the internal environment of the refrigerator.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A large plane light source system for a refrigerator liner includes a light source assembly fixedly mounted on the outside of the refrigerator liner. The material of at least the position of the refrigerator liner corresponding to the light source assembly is made of high-impact polystyrene.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting position is provided on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation position is arranged on the back, side or top surface of the refrigerator inner container.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation position is a groove structure formed by a depression on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container, and the size of the groove structure matches the light source assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of positioning protrusions are fixedly provided on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container, and the positioning protrusions enclose and form an installation position matching the light source assembly.

[0012] In one solution of the present invention, the light source assembly is fixedly bonded to the refrigerator inner container or locked with screws.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source assembly includes a light guide plate and a light bar arranged at an edge of the light guide plate.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source assembly includes a lamp board and a plurality of lamp beads arranged on the lamp board.

[0015] A refrigerator comprising the large planar light source system for a refrigerator inner container as described above.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator is an air-cooled or direct-cooled refrigerator.

[0017] According to the present invention, a large planar light source system for a refrigerator liner and a refrigerator containing the same have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0018] In the present application, the large flat light source system for the refrigerator liner is arranged on the outside of the refrigerator liner, which completely eliminates the problem of ice and mold on the light source component, and can reduce the interference problem of the internal structure. And because the light source component is located outside the liner, there is no need to use food-grade materials, which effectively reduces the material cost. The installation position of the liner for setting the light source structure is made of HIPS material, which can be compatible with the replacement of the LED diffuser plate, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire light source assembly. At the same time, since the structure has been simplified, the light source structure can be directly fixedly connected to the outer wall of the liner without the need for a frame structure, which can greatly simplify the production process of this part and reduce production costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Among them:

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional decomposition structure of the existing large-plane light source system;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a large planar light source system for a refrigerator liner according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the large planar light source system for a refrigerator inner container according to the present invention.

[0023] Description of reference numerals:

[0024] 1. Inner liner; 2. Frame structure; 3. Light bar; 4. Light guide plate; 5. Light board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the existing refrigerator liner 1 uses a large flat light source. In addition to the light source structure, in order to ensure brightness, since it is set inside the liner 1, it also needs to include a reflector, a light guide plate 4 and a diffuser (in Figure 1 In the figure, the three-layer plate structure comprises, from top to bottom, a reflector, a light guide plate 4, and a diffuser. At the same time, to ensure installation stability, a frame structure 2 is also required. Specifically, the frame structure 2 includes a left frame, a right frame, and a top frame. Since the above structures are all located inside the refrigerator liner 1, they all need to be made of food-grade materials, which has a high material cost. Furthermore, due to the complex structure, the production process is relatively cumbersome. Furthermore, because the above structures are located inside the liner 1, they are prone to freezing and mold during long-term use.

[0027] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a large-plane light source system for the refrigerator liner 1. In the present application, the large-plane light source system for the refrigerator liner 1 is arranged on the outside of the refrigerator liner 1, which completely eliminates the problem of ice and mold of the light source component, and at the same time can reduce the interference problem of the internal structure. And because the light source component is located outside the liner 1, there is no need to use food-grade materials, which effectively reduces the material cost. The installation position of the liner 1 for setting the light source structure is made of HIPS material, which can be compatible with and replace the LED diffuser plate, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire light source assembly. At the same time, since the structure has been simplified, the light source structure can be directly fixedly connected to the outer wall of the liner 1 without the need for a frame structure 2, which can greatly simplify the production process of this part and reduce production costs.

[0028] like Figure 2-3 As shown, a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator can be composed of a cabinet assembly, a refrigeration system, a control system, etc. The cabinet assembly can include an outer box, an inner box, a cabinet door, a cabinet insulation layer, a magnetic door seal, a cabinet top, a door hinge and accessories, etc. The outer box has two structures: assembled and integral; the cabinet door is composed of a door panel, a door liner, a door lining, a magnetic door seal, etc. The refrigeration system is composed of a fully enclosed refrigeration compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube, an evaporator, a filter, etc. The refrigerant is circulated in the system to achieve heat transfer and achieve the purpose of refrigeration. The control system automatically controls the start and stop of the compressor according to the temperature changes in the refrigerator to maintain a suitable temperature in the refrigerator. The refrigerator can be an air-cooled or direct-cooled refrigerator.

[0029] See also Figure 2-3 In one embodiment of the present invention, a large planar light source system is provided in the refrigerator inner container 1. The large planar light source system includes a light source assembly fixedly mounted on the outside of the refrigerator inner container 1. The light source assembly and the refrigerator inner container 1 can be fixedly bonded with glue or screwed together, or other connection methods, such as a snap-fit ​​connection, can be used as needed.

[0030] See also Figure 2-3 In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting location is provided on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container 1 for mounting the light source system. The mounting location can be provided on the back, left side, right side, or top surface of the refrigerator inner container 1 to illuminate the interior of the inner container 1. As an example, in the accompanying drawings, the mounting location is provided on the back of the refrigerator inner container 1.

[0031] See also Figure 2-3In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting position can be a groove structure formed by a depression on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container 1, and the size of the groove structure matches the light source assembly, so that the light source assembly can be installed in the groove structure. As another example, the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container 1 can be fixedly provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions, and the positioning protrusions enclose a mounting position that matches the light source assembly. By providing a mounting position formed by an inner concave or outer convex structure, it can play a positioning role when the light source assembly is installed, and fully ensure the stability of the light source assembly.

[0032] See also Figure 2-3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the material of at least the position of the refrigerator liner 1 corresponding to the light source assembly is high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and the refrigerator liner 1 can also be made entirely of HIPS material. HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is a high-performance thermoplastic obtained by adding rubber particles (such as styrene-butadiene rubber SBR or polybutadiene rubber PB) to general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) for blending and modification. The impact resistance of HIPS is significantly better than that of ordinary polystyrene, and it can maintain good toughness even at low temperatures. It has good processing performance and is easy to form. It can be processed by various methods such as injection molding and extrusion, and has good dimensional stability, which can maintain the shape and dimensional accuracy of the product. It has good tolerance to water, alkali and dilute inorganic acids.

[0033] See also Figure 2-3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source assembly can be arranged in the following ways: side-entry backlight, direct-down backlight, partitioned local-dimming backlight scheme, etc. Specifically, as an example, the light source assembly may include a light guide plate 4 and a light bar 3 arranged at an edge position of the light guide plate 4. In this case, the light guide plate 4 and the light bar 3 may be preferably fixed by gluing. As another example, the light source assembly may include a light board 5 and a plurality of lamp beads arranged on the light board 5. In this case, the light board 5 may be fixed to the inner tank 1 by screws. Furthermore, a controller may be provided to control the opening and closing of the lamp beads, so that the lighted lamp beads can be designed to form a certain pattern.

[0034] Working principle of the present invention:

[0035] When the same lamp beads are used, the brightness of the light transmitted is tested above the lamp beads at the same position. Compared with the traditional method of using a diffuser plate, the average brightness of the diffuser plate structure solution is 1897nit. Using the technical solution of the present application, the light source assembly is set outside the inner tank 1 and a HIPS plate is formed with HIPS material; the average brightness is measured at 2011nit using the same detection method. After multiple tests and verifications, the brightness of the HIPS plate solution is about 6% higher than that of the diffuser plate structure solution. In terms of lamp shadow, when the OD (i.e., the distance between the diffuser plate / HIPS plate and the lamp bead) height is about 30mm, there is a slight lamp shadow in both solutions. When the OD height is about 40mm, there is no lamp shadow in both solutions.

[0036] In this application, the proposed large flat light source system for the refrigerator liner 1 adopts an innovative external design. Specifically, the entire light source module is completely set outside the refrigerator liner 1, rather than being traditionally embedded inside the liner or in the door shelf.

[0037] This design concept brings multiple significant advantages:

[0038] Completely solve environmental reliability issues:

[0039] Eliminate Icing: Because the light source assembly is completely outside the refrigerator / freezer cavity formed by the inner tank 1, it is completely isolated from the cold, high-humidity air in the refrigerator / freezer environment. Heat generated by the light source is naturally dissipated to the external environment or the refrigerator's insulation, fundamentally eliminating the risk of ice forming on the light source surface or in the gaps between the components due to low-temperature condensation, ensuring long-term stable lighting performance in low-temperature environments.

[0040] Prevent mold: Similarly, the external location avoids the complex environment of the refrigerator room that is humid and may be contaminated by food juice. The space where the light source component is located is relatively dry and has no direct contact with the food, which completely eliminates the possibility of mold growth due to moisture and organic matter, and improves hygiene safety and long-term cleanliness.

[0041] Optimize internal space and structure:

[0042] Reducing Internal Interference: Relocating the lighting system outside the inner container significantly frees up valuable space within the refrigerator's storage compartment. This not only eliminates physical interference with storage baskets, shelf adjustments, or bulky items, but also simplifies the internal structure, resulting in a smoother, flatter surface for easier cleaning. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to intrude into the storage compartment during light source maintenance.

[0043] Significantly reduce material costs:

[0044] Application of non-food-grade materials: Traditional built-in light source components are directly exposed to food storage spaces, and regulations generally require that the contact surfaces or the entire component be made of food-grade materials (such as food-grade PC and PP). These materials are relatively expensive. However, the light source component of this solution is located in a closed space outside the inner container and does not come into direct contact with food or the internal air. Therefore, expensive food-grade certified materials are completely eliminated, and conventional engineering plastics can be used, effectively reducing material costs.

[0045] Structural simplification and integrated innovation (core advantages):

[0046] The inner liner 1 serves as a carrier for optical components: A key innovation of this solution is that the area reserved on the inner liner 1 for installing the light source structure (i.e., the light output window) itself is made of HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) material with good light transmittance and diffusion properties.

[0047] Replacement of independent diffuser: The optical properties (such as haze and light transmittance) of the HIPS material inner wall in this specific area have been specially designed or screened to directly play the role of the independent diffuser in traditional LED surface light sources. This means that there is no need to install a separate plastic diffuser.

[0048] The above-mentioned integrated design (the inner wall is the diffuser) directly leads to a revolutionary simplification of the entire light source assembly structure, eliminating the need for a separate diffuser and its fixing structure (such as a slot and bracket).

[0049] Innovation in installation: Thanks to the simplified structure, the light source fixing method has also been innovated. The LED light source strip (or light panel) and its necessary reflective / light-guiding components (if required) can be directly fixed to the outer wall of the inner tank 1 at the corresponding position using extremely simple mechanical connection methods (such as screws, clips, and adhesives).

[0050] Abandoning the traditional frame: Since there is no longer a need to support and fix the independent diffusion plate, the traditional complex frame structure 2 usually made of metal or plastic is completely abandoned.

[0051] Improved production efficiency and cost-effectiveness:

[0052] Simplified production process: The simplified structure (no independent diffuser, no complex frame) and simplified installation method (directly fixed to the outer wall of the inner tank) have the direct benefit of significantly reducing the production and assembly steps of this part. Steps such as frame assembly, independent diffuser installation and sealing are omitted.

[0053] Lower production costs: Fewer process steps means lower labor costs, equipment investment, and management costs. Furthermore, the reduced number of components (eliminating the frame, independent diffuser, and its fasteners) directly reduces the BOM (bill of materials). Lower material costs (non-food-grade materials) further contribute to the overall cost reduction.

[0054] Improved reliability and yield: The simpler the structure, the fewer potential failure points. Direct mounting is generally more reliable than multi-layer nested structures (such as modules with frames). The assembly process is also easier to control, helping to improve the product's first-pass assembly pass rate and long-term reliability.

[0055] The above is a detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention. However, the content described is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0056] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientation or position relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used to distinguish the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0057] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A large plane light source system for refrigerator liner, characterized in that: The invention comprises a light source assembly, which is fixedly mounted on the outside of the refrigerator inner container, and the material of at least the position of the refrigerator inner container corresponding to the light source assembly is high-impact polystyrene.

2. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 1, characterized in that: An installation position is provided on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container.

3. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The installation position is arranged on the back, side or top surface of the refrigerator inner container.

4. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The installation position is a groove structure formed by the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container, and the size of the groove structure matches the light source assembly.

5. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of positioning protrusions are fixedly provided on the outer wall of the refrigerator inner container, and the positioning protrusions enclose and form an installation position matching the light source assembly.

6. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source assembly is fixedly bonded to the refrigerator inner container or locked with screws.

7. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source assembly includes a light guide plate and a light bar arranged at an edge of the light guide plate.

8. The large plane light source system for refrigerator liner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source assembly includes a lamp board and a plurality of lamp beads arranged on the lamp board.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that: It comprises the large planar light source system for a refrigerator inner container according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The refrigerator is an air-cooled or direct-cooled refrigerator.

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