Refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a refrigerator which is provided with a shelf which plays a role as a light guide plate and can carry out illumination which is from the front side of the shelf and has little change in light intensity due to the position. A refrigerator (2) is provided with: a shelf (10) having light transmittance; a plurality of light sources (20) which are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf (10) and which irradiate light to the front side from the rear side surface (12) of the shelf (10); and a light diffusion member (42) which is attached to the front side surface (14) of the shelf (10) and extends in the width direction of the shelf (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a refrigerator comprising a shelf which functions as a light guide plate. Background Art

[0002] The following refrigerator is proposed: in this refrigerator, a light source is installed on the rear side of a light-transmitting shelf, and the shelf functions as a light guide plate (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, a part of the light emitted from the light source and traveling in the shelf is reflected upward by a diffusion point provided on the lower surface of the shelf, and is emitted outward from the upper surface of the shelf. Thus, it can be used as lighting for illuminating the storage items placed on the shelf.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189297 Utility Model Content

[0006] However, in the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, LEDs are arranged side by side in the width direction as light sources on the rear side of the shelf, and the directivity of the light emitted by the LEDs is higher than that of conventional heating bulbs, fluorescent lamps, etc. Therefore, high-intensity light is emitted from the side of the front side of the shelf at the position of the LEDs, while the intensity of the light emitted in the area between the LEDs is weakened. Therefore, the lighting from the front side of the shelf is uneven lighting with large variations in light intensity due to position. Therefore, when a user looks at the shelf from the front, it may feel dazzling, and the lighting is poor in terms of aesthetics or practicality.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that solves the above-mentioned problem and includes a shelf that functions as a light guide plate and can provide lighting from the front side of the shelf with less variation in light intensity due to position.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a refrigerator according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0009] A shelf, which is light-transmissive;

[0010] a plurality of light sources arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf and irradiating light from the side surface of the rear side of the shelf toward the front side; and

[0011] The light diffusion member is mounted on the front side of the shelf and extends along the width direction of the shelf.

[0012] According to this method, a light diffusion component extending in the width direction is installed on the side surface of the front side of the shelf, so even if it is assumed that light with strong directivity is emitted from a plurality of light sources arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf, the diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf due to diffusion by the light diffusion component. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation of light intensity caused by position in the lighting from the front side of the shelf.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator including a shelf that functions as a light guide plate and capable of performing lighting with less variation in light intensity due to position from the front side of the shelf.

[0014] In addition, in the refrigerator of the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a light diffusion point is provided on at least one of the lower surface and the upper surface of the shelf, and a light diffusion layer is not provided inside the shelf.

[0015] According to this method, if a light diffusion point is provided on the lower surface of the shelf, the upper surface side of the shelf can be illuminated by reflection from the light diffusion point. If a light diffusion point is provided on the upper surface of the shelf, the lower surface side of the shelf can be illuminated by reflection from the light diffusion point. If light diffusion points are provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf, the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf can be illuminated.

[0016] On the other hand, since no light diffusion layer is provided inside the shelf, no energy loss is generated due to diffusion particles, and the light emitted from the light source enters the light diffusion component arranged on the front side of the shelf while maintaining the light intensity as much as possible, thereby enabling bright and less uneven lighting from the front side of the shelf.

[0017] In addition, a third aspect of the present invention is a refrigerator in the first aspect or the second aspect, comprising:

[0018] a protective member mounted on the shelf so as to cover the side surface of the front side and the front end area of ​​the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf,

[0019] At least a region of the protection member that covers the front side surface is formed using the light diffusion member.

[0020] The side surface of the front side of the shelf, the upper and lower surfaces adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween may come into contact with the stored items and cause damage when placing or taking out stored items. However, in this embodiment, since the side surface of the front side of the shelf and the front end area of ​​the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf are protected by the protective component, the side surface of the front side of the shelf, the upper and lower surfaces adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween can be prevented from being damaged. Moreover, at least the area of ​​the protective component covering the side surface of the front side is formed by a light diffusion component, so that less uneven lighting can be performed from the front side of the shelf.

[0021] In addition, a refrigerator according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerator according to the third aspect,

[0022] At least one of the portions of the protection member covering the front end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface is also formed using the light diffusion member.

[0023] According to this method, at least one of the parts of the front end area of ​​the upper surface and the lower surface of the covering protection member is formed by a light diffusion member, so that diffused light can be emitted from the upper surface, the lower surface, or the front area of ​​the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf. Thus, multi-angle lighting that emits light in multiple directions from the front side of the shelf can be achieved. Therefore, through this method, the front side of the shelf can be properly protected and multi-angle lighting can be performed from the front side of the shelf.

[0024] In addition, a refrigerator according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising:

[0025] a protective member mounted on the shelf so as to cover the left and right side surfaces of the shelf and the left and right end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf,

[0026] At least a region of the protection member covering the left and right side surfaces is formed using the light diffusion member.

[0027] The left and right sides of the shelf may interfere with the inner surface of the refrigerator during assembly, causing damage to the side, the upper and lower surfaces adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween. However, in this embodiment, the left and right sides of the shelf, the upper and lower surfaces adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween are protected by the protective member covering the left and right sides of the shelf and the left and right end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf, so the left and right sides of the shelf, the upper and lower surfaces adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween can be prevented from being damaged. Moreover, at least the region of the protective member covering the left and right sides is formed by a light diffusion member, so that less uneven lighting can be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf.

[0028] In addition, a refrigerator according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerator according to the fifth aspect,

[0029] At least one of the portions of the protection member covering the left and right end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface is also formed using the light diffusion member.

[0030] According to this method, at least one of the parts of the protective component covering the left and right end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf is formed by a light diffusion component, so that diffused light can be emitted from the left and right side surfaces of the shelf, and the left and right end regions of at least one of the upper and lower surfaces. As a result, multi-angle lighting that emits light in multiple directions from the left and right sides of the shelf can be achieved. Therefore, through this method, the left and right ends of the shelf can be properly protected, and multi-angle lighting from the left and right sides of the shelf can be achieved.

[0031] Utility Model Effect

[0032] As described above, the present invention can provide a refrigerator including a shelf functioning as a light guide plate, and capable of performing illumination with less variation in light intensity due to position from the front side of the shelf. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the shelf of the refrigerator which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the shelf of the refrigerator which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

[0036] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 3 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf viewed from the lateral side along the section AA is a diagram schematically showing the travel of light in the shelf.

[0037] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 The side view of the shelf from the horizontal side is a cross-sectional view of the section AA. Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of a modified example of the protective component shown.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the shelf of the refrigerator which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

[0039] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf viewed from the lateral side, which is a diagram schematically showing the travel of light in the shelf.

[0040] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 6 The side view of the shelf from the horizontal side is a cross-sectional view of the section BB. Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the protective component shown.

[0041] Fig. 9 The figures (photographs) show comparative examples and examples that were actually produced and tested for lighting, with (a) showing the comparative example and (b) showing the example.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] 2. Refrigerator

[0044] 4 doors

[0045] 6. Refrigerator

[0046] 10 Shelves

[0047] 10A upper surface

[0048] 10B bottom surface

[0049] 12 Side view of the rear side

[0050] 14Front side

[0051] 16 Left and right sides

[0052] 18 light diffusion points

[0053] 20 Light Sources

[0054] 22 Light source main body

[0055] 30Light diffusion components

[0056] 40 protection parts

[0057] 42Light diffusion components

[0058] 50 protection parts

[0059] 52 Light diffusion components

[0060] The front area of ​​the F1 upper surface

[0061] Front area of ​​the lower surface of F2

[0062] The left and right end areas of the upper surface of S1

[0063] The left and right end areas of the lower surface of S2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment for implementing the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is used to concretize the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Unless there is a specific description, the present invention is not limited to the following description. For the purpose of clear description, the size or positional relationship of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated. In the following description and drawings, when the refrigerator is placed on a horizontal plane, the side with the door is set as the front side, the opposite side is set as the rear side, and the left and right directions when viewed from the front are set as left and right for description. In the drawings, dotted lines or dash-dot arrows are used to schematically indicate the condition of light traveling in the shelf.

[0065] (Refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention)

[0066] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A refrigerator 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the shelf plate 10 of the refrigerator 2 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

[0067] Figure 1 The front door 4 is shown opened so that the refrigerator compartment 6 can be visually recognized from the outside. Figure 1 As shown, the shelf 10 is a partition plate that divides the refrigerator compartment 6, which is a storage area of ​​the refrigerator 2, into upper and lower parts. For example, the shelf 10 can be placed on a support portion that is formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the refrigerator compartment 6 in a manner that protrudes inward, so that the shelf 10 is set in the refrigerator compartment 6. In addition, the storage area where the shelf 10 is arranged is not limited to the refrigerator compartment 6, and the shelf 10 can also be arranged in any other storage area represented by a freezer compartment.

[0068] The shelf 10 is formed of a light-transmitting component and functions as a light guide plate. The shelf 10 can also be formed of a light-transmitting resin material represented by acrylic acid, or a light-transmitting glass material. In addition, no light diffusion particles are contained inside the shelf 10. The light-transmitting shelf 10 can be transparent or colored.

[0069] A light source main body 22 including a plurality of light sources 20 is mounted on the rear side of the shelf 10. The light source main body 22 has a U-shaped or C-shaped side view shape, and the rear end of the shelf 10 is inserted into the opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) light source main body 22 so that the two fit together.

[0070] The light source main body 22 is preferably formed of an elastic material such as resin. The U-shaped (C-shaped) opening size of the light source main body 22 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf 10. When the shelf 10 is inserted into the U-shaped (C-shaped) opening of the light source main body 22, the light source main body 22 is elastically deformed slightly outward. Thus, the light source main body 22 and the shelf 10 can be closely attached, and the light source main body 22 can be reliably mounted on the shelf 10.

[0071] However, the shape of the light source main body 22 is not limited thereto. There is also a case where the light source main body 22 has a flat plate shape. In this case, the light source main body 22 can be mounted on the shelf 10 using an adhesive or other connecting member. In addition, there is also a case where each light source 20 is directly mounted on the shelf 10.

[0072] Six light sources 20 are installed on the surface of the light source main body 22 facing the side surface 12 on the rear side of the shelf 10. The six light sources 20 are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf, and irradiate light from the side surface 12 on the rear side of the shelf 10 to the front side. LEDs that emit white light are used as the light sources 20. The light sources 20 are controlled to light up when the door on the front side of the storage area where the shelf 10 is arranged is opened, for example.

[0073] Furthermore, the light emitted by the LED is not limited to white light, and an LED emitting light of any other color may be used depending on the application. The number of light sources 20 is not limited to six, and any number of light sources 20 of two or more may be arranged.

[0074] In this embodiment, a light diffuser 30 extending in the width direction of the shelf 10 is mounted on the front side 14 of the shelf 10. The light diffuser 30 according to this embodiment has a plate shape and is mounted on the shelf 10 by a fixing member (not shown) mounted on the shelf 10.

[0075] The light diffusion component 30 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material represented by acrylic acid or a glass material. The light diffusion function of the light diffusion component 30 can also be achieved by dispersing light diffusion particles inside, or by forming light diffusion points on the surface serving as the front surface or the surface on the opposite side (the surface facing the side surface 14 on the front side of the shelf 10) when installed on the shelf 10.

[0076] Use later Figure 4 The manner in which the diffused light is emitted from the light diffuser 30 will be described in detail.

[0077] (Refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention)

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4A refrigerator 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the shelf plate 10 of the refrigerator 2 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Figure 4 Yes means Figure 3 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf 10 taken along the section AA is a diagram schematically showing the propagation of light in the shelf 10 .

[0079] In this embodiment, a light source main body 22 including a plurality of light sources 20 is also installed on the rear side of the shelf 10. The structure of the light source main body 22 involved in this embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The plurality of light sources 20 are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf 10, and irradiate light from the side surface 12 on the rear side of the shelf 10 to the front side.

[0080] In this embodiment, a protective member 40 is attached to the front side of the shelf 10. The protective member 40 has a U-shaped or C-shaped side view shape, and the front end of the shelf 10 is inserted into the opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 40 so that the two fit together.

[0081] The protective member 40 is preferably formed of an elastic material such as resin. The U-shaped (C-shaped) opening size of the protective member 40 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf 10. When the shelf 10 is inserted into the opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 40, the protective member 40 is elastically deformed slightly outward. Thus, the protective member 40 and the shelf 10 can be closely attached, and the protective member 40 can be reliably mounted on the shelf 10.

[0082] Thus, the protective member 40 covers the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10, the front end region F1 of the upper surface of the shelf 10, and the front end region F2 of the lower surface of the shelf 10. When taking out the storage objects from the refrigerator 2 or putting the storage objects into the refrigerator 2, the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10, the upper and lower surfaces 10A and 10B adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween may touch the storage objects and cause damage. However, in the present embodiment, the protective member 40 covers and protects, so that the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10, the upper and lower surfaces 10A and 10B adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween can be prevented from being damaged.

[0083] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10 is formed by a light diffusion member 42. The light diffusion function of the light diffusion member 42 can also be achieved by dispersing light diffusion particles inside, and can also be achieved by forming light diffusion points on the surface serving as the front surface or the surface on the opposite side thereof (the surface facing the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10) when installed on the shelf 10.

[0084] like Figure 4As shown, in the shelf plate 10 according to the second embodiment, light diffusion points 18 are provided on the lower surface 10B of the shelf plate 10. The same is true for the shelf plate 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0085] As a method of forming light diffusion dots on the light diffusion member 30 described above, the light diffusion members 42 and 52 described later, etc. of the shelf 10, the following methods can be cited as examples: (1) a method of forming dots by laser, (2) a method of printing dots, (3) a method of forming dots by cutting, and (4) a method of forming dots by injecting a resin material or the like into a template having a concave-convex surface.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 4 The following describes how the light emitted from the light source 20 travels in the shelf 10 according to the second embodiment that functions as a light guide plate. The same is true for the shelf 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Figure 4 As shown by the dotted arrows, most of the light emitted from the light source 20 travels forward while being totally reflected by the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. A portion of such light is reflected upward by the light diffusion point 18 provided on the lower surface 10B, and is emitted outward from the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10. Thus, it functions as lighting for illuminating the storage items placed on the shelf 10.

[0087] In addition, there is also a case where a light diffusion point 18 is provided on the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10. In this case, a part of the light emitted from the light source 20 is reflected downward by the light diffusion point 18 and emitted outward from the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. Thus, it functions as a lighting that illuminates the storage items placed on the lower side of the shelf 10.

[0088] The light diffusion points 18 may be provided on both the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. In this case, the shelf 10 functions as a double-sided lighting that emits light from both the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B.

[0089] Moreover, if Figure 4 As shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 1 , a part of the light emitted from the light source 20 toward the front side moves toward the front side while being totally reflected by the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf 10, and enters the light diffusion member 42 of the protective member 40 installed on the front side of the shelf 10. The incident light is diffused by the light diffusion member 42, and the diffused light is emitted from the front surface of the light diffusion member 42. Thus, it functions as lighting for the front side of the shelf 10.

[0090] The LED used as the light source 20 can emit high-brightness light with less power consumption. On the other hand, the light emitted from the LED can emit light with higher directivity compared to the previous incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc. Therefore, assuming that the light diffusion component 42 is not provided on the front side of the shelf 10, high-intensity light is emitted from the side surface 14 of the front side at the position where the light sources 20 arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction are located. On the other hand, in the area between the light sources 20 and the light sources 20, the intensity of the emitted light is weakened. Therefore, when the user looks at the shelf 10 from the front side, the stronger light from the LED may enter the eyes and feel dazzling, resulting in uneven light intensity of the emitted light from the front surface of the shelf 10. Therefore, as the lighting of the front side of the shelf 10, it is poor in terms of aesthetics or practicality.

[0091] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the light diffusion component 42 is installed on the front side of the shelf 10, the light emitted from the light source 20 and entering the shelf 10 toward the front side is diffused. Therefore, the difference between the light intensity at the location of the light source 20 and the light intensity in the area between the light source 20 and the light source 20 can be effectively reduced by the light diffusion component 42. Therefore, the difference in the intensity of the light emitted from the front surface of the light diffusion component 42 within the area can be effectively reduced. As a result, when the user looks at the shelf 10 from the front side, he will not feel dazzled, and the front surface of the shelf 10 can be illuminated with less uneven light intensity. Therefore, as the lighting of the front side of the shelf 10, it is excellent in terms of aesthetics or practicality.

[0092] In the shelf 10 according to the first embodiment, to which the flat plate-shaped light diffusion member 30 is attached, Figure 4 The same light travels in the same way and has the same effect.

[0093] As described above, in the present embodiment, the light diffusion dots 18 are provided on at least one of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf plate 10 , but no light diffusion layer is provided inside the shelf plate 10 .

[0094] By providing the light diffusion points 18 on the upper surface 10A or the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10, the upper surface 10A or the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10 can be made to function as surface lighting. On the other hand, since no light diffusion layer is provided inside the shelf 10, no energy loss is generated due to diffusion particles, and the light emitted from the light source 20 is incident on the light diffusion components 30 and 42 arranged on the front side of the shelf 10 while maintaining the light intensity as much as possible. Thus, bright and less uneven lighting can be performed from the front side of the shelf 10.

[0095] (Modification of the shelf)

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 5Modifications of the above-described protection member 40 will be described. Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf 10 viewed from the lateral side along the section AA is a representation of Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of a modified example of the protection member 40 is shown.

[0097] Figure 5 The protective member 40 shown in the figure, in addition to the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering the side surface 14 on the front side of the shelf 10, the portion covering the front end area F1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10 and the portion covering the front end area F2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10 are also formed by the light diffusion member 42. In addition, there is also a case where the light diffusion member 42 is formed on either the portion covering the front end area F1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10 or the portion covering the front end area F2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10.

[0098] In this way, since the portion of the protective member 40 covering the front end regions F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B is formed by the light diffusion member 42, diffused light can be emitted from the portion covering the front end regions F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. Thus, light can be emitted from the front side of the shelf 10 in multiple directions.

[0099] As described above, the second embodiment of the present invention including the above-mentioned modified example involves a refrigerator 2 including: a side surface 14 on the front side of the shelf 10; and a protective component 40, which is installed on the shelf 10 in a manner covering the front end areas F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10, and the area of ​​the protective component 40 that at least covers the side surface 14 on the front side of the shelf 10 is formed by a light diffusion component 42.

[0100] In this way, since the protective member 40 covering the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10 and the front end areas F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf are protected, it is possible to prevent damage to the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10, the upper and lower surfaces 10A and 10B adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween when placing or taking out storage objects, etc. In addition, since at least the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10 is formed by the light diffusion member 42, less uneven lighting can be performed from the front side of the shelf 10.

[0101] Moreover, in the refrigerator 2 involved in the second embodiment of the utility model, at least one of the parts of the front end areas F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the protective component 40 covering the shelf 10 can also be formed by a light diffusion component 42. In this case, diffused light can be emitted from the parts of the front end areas F1 and F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B covering the shelf 10. Thus, multi-angle lighting of emitting light in multiple directions from the front side of the shelf 10 can be achieved. Therefore, the front side of the shelf 10 can be appropriately protected by the protective component 40, and multi-angle lighting can be performed from the front side of the shelf 10 by the light diffusion component 42.

[0102] (Refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention)

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A refrigerator 2 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the shelf plate 10 of the refrigerator 2 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf 10 taken along the cross section BB is a diagram schematically showing the propagation of light in the shelf 10 .

[0104] In this embodiment, a light source main body 22 including a plurality of light sources 20 is also installed on the rear side of the shelf 10. The structure of the light source main body 22 involved in this embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above. In addition, a protective component 40 is installed on the front side of the shelf 10. The structure of the protective component 40 involved in this embodiment is also the same as that of the second embodiment described above.

[0105] In this embodiment, protective members 50 are also installed on the right and left sides of the shelf 10. The protective member 50 has a U-shaped or C-shaped side view shape, and the left and right ends of the shelf 10 are inserted into the openings of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 50 so that the two are fitted.

[0106] The protective member 50 is preferably formed of an elastic material such as resin. The U-shaped (C-shaped) opening size of the protective member 50 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf 10. When the shelf 10 is inserted into the opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 50, the protective member 50 is elastically deformed slightly outward. Thus, the protective member 50 can be closely attached to the shelf 10 and the protective member 50 can be reliably mounted on the shelf 10.

[0107] Thus, the protective member 50 covers the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10, the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10, and the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. The left and right ends of the shelf 10 may touch the inner surface of the refrigerator 2 during assembly and cause damage. However, in this embodiment, since the left and right side surfaces 16 and the end regions S1 and S2 of the shelf 10 are covered and protected by the protective member 50 during assembly, it is possible to prevent the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10, the upper and lower surfaces 10A and 10B adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween from being damaged.

[0108] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member 50 covering the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10 is formed by a light diffusion member 52. The light diffusion function of the light diffusion member 52 can also be achieved by dispersing light diffusion particles inside, and can also be achieved by forming light diffusion points on the surface serving as the left and right side surfaces or the surface on the opposite side thereof (the surface facing the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10) when installed on the shelf 10.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 7 The following describes a case where the light emitted from the light source 20 travels inside the shelf 10 according to the third embodiment that functions as a light guide plate and is emitted outward from the left and right end regions. In the shelf 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the light emitted from the light source 20 travels toward the front side inside the shelf 10 while being totally reflected by the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10.

[0110] Moreover, if Figure 7 As shown by the dotted arrows, part of the light emitted from the light source 20 toward the front side travels obliquely toward the front side in the shelf 10 and reaches the left and right ends of the shelf 1. Then, it is incident on the light diffusion component 52 of the protective component 50 installed on the left and right ends of the shelf 10. The incident light is diffused by the light diffusion component 42, so that the diffused light is emitted from the left and right sides of the light diffusion component 52. Thus, it functions as lighting for the left and right sides of the shelf 10.

[0111] (Modification of the shelf)

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 8 Modifications of the above-described protection member 50 will be described. Figure 8 Yes means Figure 6 The side cross-sectional view of the shelf 10 viewed from the lateral side of the section BB is a representation of Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the protection member 50 shown.

[0113] Figure 8In the protective member 50 shown, in addition to the area of ​​the protective member 50 covering the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10, the portion covering the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10 and the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10 is also formed by the light diffusion member 52. In addition, there is also a case where the light diffusion member 52 is formed on either the portion covering the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf 10 or the portion covering the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10.

[0114] In this way, since the portion of the protective member 50 covering the left and right end regions S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B is formed by the light diffusion member 52, diffused light can be emitted from the portion covering the left and right end regions S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10. Thus, light can be emitted from the right and left sides of the shelf 10 in multiple directions.

[0115] As described above, the refrigerator 2 involved in the third embodiment of the present invention including the modified example also includes a protective component 50, which is installed on the shelf 10 in a manner of covering the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10 and the left and right end areas S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10, and the area of ​​the protective component 50 that at least covers the left and right side surfaces 16 is formed by a light diffusion component 52.

[0116] In this embodiment, the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10 and the left and right end regions S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf 10 are protected by the protective member 50, so that the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10, the upper and lower surfaces 10A and 10B adjacent thereto, and the corners therebetween can be prevented from being damaged. Furthermore, since at least the region of the protective member 50 covering the left and right side surfaces 16 is formed by the light diffusion member 52, less uneven lighting can be performed from the left and right sides of the shelf 10.

[0117] In addition, in the refrigerator 2 involved in the third embodiment of the utility model, at least one of the parts of the left and right end regions S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the protective member 50 covering the shelf 10 can also be formed by a light diffusion member 52. In this case, diffused light can be emitted from the left and right end regions S1 and S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B covering the shelf 10. Thus, multi-angle lighting that emits light in multiple directions from the left and right sides of the shelf 10 can be achieved. Therefore, the left and right ends of the shelf 10 can be properly protected by this embodiment, and multi-angle lighting can be performed from the right and left sides of the shelf 10.

[0118] As described above, the refrigerator 2 involved in the first to third embodiments of the utility model includes: a light-transmitting shelf 10; a plurality of light sources 20, which are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf 10 and irradiate light from the side surface 12 on the rear side of the shelf 10 to the front side; and light diffusion components 30, 42, which are installed on the side surface 14 on the front side of the shelf 10 and extend along the width direction of the shelf 10.

[0119] In this way, since the light diffusion components 30 and 42 extending in the width direction are installed on the side surface 14 of the front side of the shelf 10, even if it is assumed that light with strong directivity is emitted from the plurality of light sources 20 arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf 10, the diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf 10 due to diffusion by the light diffusion components 30 and 42. Since the diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf 10, the variation of the light intensity caused by the position in the illumination from the front side of the shelf 10 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator 2 having a shelf 10 functioning as a light guide plate, which can illuminate from the front side of the shelf 10 with less variation of the light intensity caused by the position.

[0120] Furthermore, by using the light diffusion components 42 and 52 that function as protection components, the man-hours for end surface processing of the glass plate constituting the shelf 1 can be reduced, thereby achieving a reduction in manufacturing cost. In addition, the light diffusion components 42 and 52 that function as protection components also function as reinforcement components of the shelf 10, thereby also being able to thin the thickness of the glass plate constituting the shelf 10. Therefore, the shelf 10 can be made lighter and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0121] (Tests related to lighting)

[0122] In order to confirm the above-mentioned effects, glass shelves were trial-made as comparative examples and embodiments, and tests related to lighting were carried out. The shelf as the comparative example was not equipped with a light diffusion component, while the shelf as the embodiment was equipped with a light diffusion component extending along the width direction of the shelf on the side of the front side. In addition, a plurality of LEDs were arranged side by side along the width direction of the shelf on the side of the rear side of the comparative example and the embodiment, and an LED lighting test was carried out. Specifically, light was emitted from the side of the rear side of the shelf by a plurality of LEDs, and the viewing condition was observed from the front side of the shelf as the opposite side, and its image was obtained. Fig. 9 The acquired image is shown. Fig. 9 The figures show comparative examples and working examples which were actually produced and tested for lighting, with (a) showing the comparative example and (b) showing the working example.

[0123] from Fig. 9It is clear that, since the directivity of the emitted light of the LED is high, in the comparative example without the light diffusion component, each LED is clearly identified and dazzled. In other words, it is confirmed that the difference between the light intensity at the position where the LED is located and the light intensity in the area between the LEDs is very large. Therefore, it is confirmed that the intensity of the light emitted from the side of the front side of the shelf is very different in the area.

[0124] On the other hand, in the embodiment with the light diffusion component, it is clear that since the diffused light is emitted from the side of the front side, the presence of the LED cannot be identified, and the lighting is roughly uniform in the entire area. In other words, it is confirmed that the light diffusion component can effectively reduce the difference in light intensity at the location of the LED and the light intensity in the area between the LEDs. Therefore, it is confirmed that the difference in the intensity of light emitted from the side of the front side of the shelf can be effectively reduced within the area. Therefore, it will not feel dazzling when viewed from the front side of the shelf, and it is confirmed that the front surface of the shelf can be illuminated with less uneven light intensity.

[0125] Based on the experiment related to the lighting, it is confirmed that the utility model can achieve the effect of "lighting with less variation of light intensity due to position from the front side of the shelf". In addition, it can be considered that the same effect can be obtained when there are light diffusion components on both sides of the shelf.

[0126] The embodiments and implementation methods of the present invention have been described, but the disclosed contents may be changed in structural details, and the combination or order of elements in the embodiments and implementation methods may be changed without departing from the scope and concept of the present invention as required.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: A shelf, which is light-transmissive; A plurality of light sources are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the shelf and irradiate light from the side surface of the rear side of the shelf to the front side; as well as The light diffusion member is mounted on the front side of the shelf and extends along the width direction of the shelf.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A light diffusion point is provided on at least one of the lower surface and the upper surface of the shelf, and a light diffusion layer is not provided inside the shelf.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a protective member mounted on the shelf in a manner covering the side surface of the front side and the front end areas of the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf. At least a region of the protection member that covers the side surface on the front side is formed using the light diffusion member.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the portions of the protection member covering the front end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface is also formed using the light diffusion member.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Also includes: a protective member mounted on the shelf so as to cover the left and right side surfaces of the shelf and the left and right end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf, At least a region of the protection member covering the left and right side surfaces is formed using the light diffusion member.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least one of the portions of the protection member covering the left and right end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface is also formed using the light diffusion member.

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