Surface light source device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses an area light source device and a refrigerator. The area light source device comprises a diffusion layer, a reflecting layer, a flexible light guide layer, a light-emitting assembly and an electric field assembly. The diffusion layer, the flexible light guide layer and the reflection layer are sequentially arranged in a stacked mode. The light-emitting assembly is matched with the flexible light guide layer in a light guide mode so that the light-emitting assembly can transmit light to the flexible light guide layer. The electric field assembly is connected to the flexible light guide layer and can apply an electric field to the flexible light guide layer so as to adjust the shape of the flexible light guide layer. The area light source device can adjust the brightness and the uniformity of the brightness, and can improve the use experience of a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of lighting, in particular to a surface light source device and a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of social economy and the improvement of people's living standards, the refrigerator has gradually become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily life. The refrigerator is usually provided with a lighting device for illuminating the interior of the refrigerator and increasing the aesthetic appearance of the interior of the refrigerator.

[0003] In the related art, the lighting device of the refrigerator usually uses a single white light source, and the brightness and brightness uniformity are fixed and cannot be adjusted, which is not conducive to the user's use experience. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a surface light source device and a refrigerator, which can adjust the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device and improve the user's use experience.

[0005] Specifically, the present disclosure is realized by the following technical solutions.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a surface light source device is provided, which comprises a diffusion layer, a reflection layer, a flexible light guide layer, a light emitting assembly and an electric field assembly. The diffusion layer, the flexible light guide layer and the reflection layer are sequentially stacked. The light emitting assembly cooperates with the flexible light guide layer to transmit light to the flexible light guide layer. The electric field assembly is connected to the flexible light guide layer, and the electric field assembly can apply an electric field to the flexible light guide layer to adjust the shape of the flexible light guide layer.

[0007] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the following beneficial effects:

[0008] The surface light source device is assembled, the flexible light guide layer is provided with the diffusion layer and the reflection layer on two sides respectively, and the diffusion layer and the reflection layer can clamp and fix the flexible light guide layer. When the surface light source device works, the light emitting assembly can emit light, the light emitting assembly and the flexible light guide layer are combined to guide light, the light emitting assembly can transmit light to the flexible light guide layer, the light is uniformly distributed in the whole flexible light guide layer to form a surface light source, and the flexible light guide layer transmits the light to the outside to realize the lighting function. In the process of light transmission in the surface light source device, the reflection layer can reflect the light on the back of the flexible light guide layer back to the flexible light guide layer, reduce the loss rate of the light on the back of the flexible light guide layer, reflect the light on the back again, and reduce the transmission loss of the light in the inside. The light of the flexible light guide layer is transmitted to the outside through the diffusion layer, the diffusion layer can uniformly radiate the light emitted by the flexible light guide layer to the outside, improve the brightness uniformity of the flexible light guide layer, and improve the brightness uniformity of the surface light source device. When it is necessary to adjust the brightness and the brightness uniformity of the surface light source device, an electric field is applied to the flexible light guide layer by using the electric field assembly, the shape of the flexible light guide layer is adjusted, the brightness and the brightness uniformity of the surface light source device are changed, the brightness and the brightness uniformity of the surface light source device can be adjusted according to the needs of a user, and the use experience of the user is improved.

[0009] The technical scheme of the present disclosure is further described below.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the electric field assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the flexible light guide layer comprises a first side and a second side arranged oppositely, the first electrode is electrically connected to the first side, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the second side.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the first electrode is adapted to the shape of the first side, and the first electrode is arranged on the first side. The second electrode is adapted to the shape of the second side, and the second electrode is arranged on the second side.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, the flexible light guide layer is an electrically controlled liquid layer.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, the surface light source device further comprises a support assembly, and the diffusion layer, the reflection layer and the flexible light guide layer are arranged on the support assembly.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the light emitting assembly comprises a light emitting piece arranged on the support assembly and a power supply piece connected to the light emitting piece, and the light emitting piece is combined to guide light with the flexible light guide layer.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the support assembly comprises a heat dissipation support, and the light emitting piece is arranged on the heat dissipation support.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a first support and a second support disposed opposite to the first support, the first support and the second support being disposed on both sides of the diffusion layer, the reflective layer and the flexible light guide layer, respectively.

[0017] In one embodiment, the surface light source device further includes an outer layer, which is stacked with a diffusion layer, and the diffusion layer is located between the outer layer and the flexible light guide layer.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a cabinet, a door, and a surface light source device as described in any of the above embodiments. The door is movably connected to the cabinet to open or close the cabinet. The surface light source device is disposed in at least one of the cabinet and the door.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The refrigerator uses the surface light source device in any of the above embodiments, and the surface light source device can adjust its brightness and brightness uniformity, which is beneficial to improving the user experience of the refrigerator.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of this disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain this disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the surface light source device.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the surface light source device.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the surface light source device.

[0028] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0029] 10. Refrigerator; 100. Cabinet; 200. Cabinet door; 300. Surface light source device; 310. Diffusion layer; 320. Reflective layer; 330. Flexible light guide layer; 331. First side; 332. Second side; 340. Light-emitting component; 341. Light-emitting element; 342. Power supply component; 350. Electric field component; 351. First electrode; 352. Second electrode; 360. Support assembly; 361. Heat dissipation support; 362. First support; 363. Second support; 370. Outer layer; 400. Control device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0031] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, height, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have gradually become an indispensable household appliance. Refrigerators are usually equipped with lighting devices to illuminate the interior and enhance the aesthetics of the refrigerator's interior.

[0033] In related technologies, refrigerator lighting devices typically use a single white light source with fixed brightness and uniformity that cannot be adjusted, which is detrimental to the user experience.

[0034] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a surface light source device and a refrigerator, which can adjust its brightness and brightness uniformity to improve the user experience.

[0035] To better understand the surface light source device of this application, a refrigerator in which the surface light source device is applied will be used as an example.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 includes a cabinet 100, a door 200, and a surface light source device 300. The door 200 is movably connected to the cabinet 100 to open or close the cabinet 100. The surface light source device 300 is disposed on at least one of the cabinet 100 and the door 200. Thus, the surface light source device 300 can provide illumination for the refrigerator 10 and improve the aesthetics of the refrigerator 10.

[0037] Understandably, the surface light source device 300 can be installed on the door 200, on the cabinet 100, or on both the door 200 and the cabinet 100.

[0038] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface light source device 300 includes a diffusion layer 310, a reflective layer 320, a flexible light guide layer 330, a light-emitting component 340, and an electric field component 350. The diffusion layer 310, the flexible light guide layer 330, and the reflective layer 320 are stacked sequentially. The light-emitting component 340 cooperates with the flexible light guide layer 330 to guide light, enabling the light-emitting component 340 to transmit light to the flexible light guide layer 330. The electric field component 350 is connected to the flexible light guide layer 330, and the electric field component 350 can apply an electric field to the flexible light guide layer 330 to adjust the shape of the flexible light guide layer 330.

[0039] Thus, during the assembly of the surface light source device 300, a diffusion layer 310 and a reflective layer 320 are respectively provided on both sides of the flexible light guide layer 330. The diffusion layer 310 and the reflective layer 320 can clamp and fix the flexible light guide layer 330. When the surface light source device 300 is working, the light-emitting component 340 can emit light. By cooperating with the flexible light guide layer 330, the light-emitting component 340 can transmit light to the flexible light guide layer 330 and distribute the light evenly throughout the flexible light guide layer 330, forming a surface light source. The flexible light guide layer 330 then transmits the light to the outside to achieve the illumination function. During the light transmission process within the surface light source device 300, the reflective layer 320 can reflect the light from the back of the flexible light guide layer 330 back to the flexible light guide layer 330, reducing the loss rate of the light from the back of the flexible light guide layer 330 and reusing the reflected light to reduce the transmission loss of light inside. Light from the flexible light guide layer 330 is transmitted to the outside through the diffusion layer 310. The diffusion layer 310 can evenly disperse the light emitted from the flexible light guide layer 330 to the outside, improving the luminance uniformity of the flexible light guide layer 330 and the brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300. When it is necessary to adjust the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300, an electric field is applied to the flexible light guide layer 330 using the electric field component 350 to adjust the shape of the flexible light guide layer 330, thereby changing the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300. This allows the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300 to be adjusted according to user needs, improving the user experience.

[0040] It should be noted that the diffusion layer 310 can be implemented in various ways, including but not limited to PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate) and PS (polystyrene), etc.

[0041] It should be noted that there are many ways to implement the reflective layer 320, including but not limited to PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), metal foil, metal coating, ceramic coating, and multilayer optical films, etc.

[0042] Understandably, applying electrodes to both ends of the flexible light guide layer 330 can change the position and shape of the pits on the flexible light guide layer 330 that play a role in diffuse reflection, thereby changing the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300.

[0043] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the electric field component 350 includes a first electrode 351 and a second electrode 352, and the flexible light guide layer 330 includes a first side surface 331 and a second side surface 332 disposed opposite to each other. The first electrode 351 is electrically connected to the first side surface 331, and the second electrode 352 is electrically connected to the second side surface 332. Thus, by electrically connecting the first electrode 351 and the second electrode 352 to the first side surface 331 and the second side surface 332 respectively, when the first electrode 351 and the second electrode 352 are energized, an electric field is applied to both sides of the flexible light guide layer 330 through the first side surface 331 and the second side surface 332, so that the shape of the flexible light guide layer 330 can change, thereby adjusting the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300.

[0044] Understandably, one of the first electrode 351 and the second electrode 352 is a positive electrode, and the other electrode is a negative electrode.

[0045] It should be noted that the first side 331 and the second side 332 can be arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the flexible light guide layer 330 or along the width direction of the flexible light guide layer 330.

[0046] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the first electrode 351 is shaped to match the first side surface 331, and the first electrode 351 is disposed on the first side surface 331. The second electrode 352 is shaped to match the second side surface 332, and the second electrode 352 is disposed on the second side surface 332. Thus, by adapting the shape of the first electrode 351 to the first side surface 331, the first electrode 351 can cover the first side surface 331 when disposed on it. Similarly, by adapting the shape of the second electrode 352 to the second side surface 332, the second electrode 352 can cover the second side surface 332 when disposed on it. This increases the coverage area of ​​the electric field provided by the electric field component 350 on the flexible light guide layer 330.

[0047] It should be noted that the shapes of the first electrode 351 and the second electrode 352 can be strip-shaped, semi-cylindrical, etc., and can be determined based on the first side 331 and the second side 332.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flexible light guide layer 330 is an electro-hydraulic liquid layer. Thus, the electro-hydraulic liquid layer can change its state under the influence of an electric field, with a short response time, and can return to its original state after the electric field is removed, exhibiting good reversibility. The use of an electro-hydraulic liquid layer in the flexible light guide layer 330 allows for adjustment of the brightness and brightness uniformity of the surface light source device 300.

[0049] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface light source device 300 further includes a support assembly 360, on which the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330 are respectively mounted. Thus, by mounting the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330 onto the support assembly, the installation and fixation of the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330 are achieved, which helps to improve the overall structural reliability of the surface light source device 300. Furthermore, in addition to assembling the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330, the support assembly 360 also serves a decorative purpose, enhancing the aesthetics of the surface light source device 300.

[0050] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the light-emitting component 340 includes a light-emitting element 341 disposed on the support assembly 360 and a power supply element 342 connected to the light-emitting element 341. The light-emitting element 341 cooperates with the flexible light guide layer 330 for light guiding. In this way, the power supply element 342 can provide electrical energy to the light-emitting element 341, which then converts the electrical energy into light energy. By utilizing the light-emitting element 341 and the flexible light guide layer 330 for light guiding, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 341 can be transmitted to the flexible light guide layer 330, thereby realizing the light emission of the surface light source device 300.

[0051] It should be noted that there are many ways to implement the light-emitting element 341, including light strips, etc.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the support assembly 360 includes a heat dissipation support 361, and the light-emitting element 341 is disposed on the heat dissipation support 361. Thus, by disposing the light-emitting element 341 on the heat dissipation support 361, the heat generated by the light-emitting element 341 can be dissipated through the heat dissipation space. This reduces the impact of the heat generated by the light-emitting element 341 on the internal cooling of the refrigerator 10 when the surface light source device 300 is installed in the refrigerator 10, thereby improving the reliability of the refrigerator 10.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the support assembly 360 includes a first support 362 and a second support 363 disposed opposite to the first support 362. The first support 362 and the second support 363 are respectively disposed on both sides of the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330. Thus, by disposing the first support 362 and the second support 363 on both sides of the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330, the diffusion layer 310, the reflective layer 320, and the flexible light guide layer 330 are fixed. This method is simple to implement and easy to achieve.

[0054] It should be noted that there are various ways to implement the materials of the first bracket 362 and the second bracket 363, including metal brackets, ceramic brackets, etc.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface light source device 300 further includes an outer layer 370, which is stacked with a diffusion layer 310, with the diffusion layer 310 located between the outer layer 370 and the flexible light guide layer 330. Thus, by stacking the outer layer 370 and the diffusion layer 310, with the diffusion layer 310 located between the outer layer 370 and the flexible light guide layer 330, when the surface light source device 300 is operating, the light-emitting component 340 transmits light to the flexible light guide layer 330, causing the flexible light guide layer 330 to emit light from the front, thus realizing a surface light source. Then, the flexible light guide layer 330 transmits the light to the diffusion layer 310, allowing the light to diffuse evenly through the diffusion layer 310. Finally, through the outer layer 370, the light can project the pattern of the outer layer 370, enabling the surface light source device 300 to project patterned light, improving the aesthetics of the refrigerator 10 on which the surface light source device 300 is installed.

[0056] It should be noted that the appearance layer 370 can be implemented in various ways, including using film, etc. Specifically, the pattern on the appearance layer 370 can be designed according to actual needs.

[0057] likeFigures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 further includes a control device 400, which is communicatively connected to the surface light source device 300. The control device 400 can be used to control the opening or closing of the surface light source device 300. Thus, the control device 400 can flexibly control the opening or closing of the surface light source device 300, improving the user experience of the refrigerator 10.

[0058] Understandably, the communication connection between the control device 400 and the surface light source device 300 can be an electrical connection or a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which uses electromagnetic waves to transmit information.

[0059] Specifically, the control device 400 may include components such as a switch, a timer, an intelligent control system, and a light detection sensor. Users can operate the control device 400 to control the operating mode of the surface light source device 300, such as setting a timer switch, light detection, and door 200 opening / closing detection, so as to turn the lighting function of the surface light source device 300 on or off under specific conditions.

[0060] Specifically, the control device 400 can control the surface light source device 300 to turn on or off according to the user's actual needs. The control device 400 may also include one or more interactive modules, such as a touch screen, operation input keys, etc., to facilitate interaction with the surface light source device 300.

[0061] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 further includes a door opening / closing detection element (not shown), which can detect the opening and closing of the door 200. When the user opens the door 200, the door opening / closing detection element detects that the door 200 is open, and the control device 400 controls the surface light source device 300 to turn on. When the user closes the door 200, the door opening / closing detection element detects that the door 200 is closed, and the control device 400 controls the surface light source device 300 to turn off. Thus, when the user opens the refrigerator 10, the surface light source device 300 can turn on promptly for illumination, which improves the user experience. When the user closes the refrigerator 10, the surface light source device 300 turns off, saving energy and reducing the operating cost of the refrigerator 10.

[0062] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 10 further includes a vision detection component (not shown), which is connected to the control device 400. The vision detection component can detect whether a user is present. When the vision detection component detects a user, the control device 400 controls the surface light source device 300 to turn on. When the vision detection component detects no user, the control device 400 controls the surface light source device 300 to turn off. Thus, by utilizing the vision detection component, the surface light source device 300 can be flexibly turned on or off when a user opens the refrigerator 10, providing timely illumination and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the surface light source device 300 can be turned off promptly, saving energy and reducing the operating costs of the refrigerator 10.

[0063] It should be noted that there are various ways to implement a visual inspection device, including cameras, visual sensors, and so on.

[0064] Understandably, the door opening and closing detection device and the visual detection device can be installed separately to the refrigerator 10, or they can be installed together in the refrigerator 10.

[0065] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A surface light source device characterized by comprising: The surface light source device comprises: a diffusion layer; a reflection layer; a flexible light guide layer, the diffusion layer, the flexible light guide layer and the reflection layer being stacked in sequence; a light emitting assembly, which is in light guide cooperation with the flexible light guide layer, so that the light emitting assembly can transmit light to the flexible light guide layer; and an electric field assembly, which is connected to the flexible light guide layer, and can apply an electric field to the flexible light guide layer to adjust the shape of the flexible light guide layer. The electric field assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, and the flexible light guide layer comprises a first side and a second side arranged oppositely, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first side, and the second electrode being electrically connected to the second side.

2. The surface light source device according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode is adapted to the shape of the first side and is arranged on the first side, and the second electrode is adapted to the shape of the second side and is arranged on the second side.

3. The surface light source device according to claim 2, wherein The flexible light guide layer is an electrically controlled liquid layer.

4. The surface light source device according to claim 1, wherein The surface light source device further comprises a support assembly, and the diffusion layer, the reflection layer and the flexible light guide layer are arranged on the support assembly.

5. The surface light source device according to claim 1, wherein The light emitting assembly comprises a light emitting element arranged on the support assembly and a power supply element connected to the light emitting element, and the light emitting element is in light guide cooperation with the flexible light guide layer.

6. The surface light source device according to claim 5, wherein The support assembly comprises a heat dissipation support, and the light emitting element is arranged on the heat dissipation support.

7. The surface light source device according to claim 6, wherein The support assembly comprises a first support and a second support arranged oppositely to the first support, and the first support and the second support are arranged on two sides of the diffusion layer, the reflection layer and the flexible light guide layer respectively.

8. The surface light source device according to claim 5, wherein The surface light source device further comprises an appearance layer, which is stacked with the diffusion layer, and the diffusion layer is arranged between the appearance layer and the flexible light guide layer.

9. The surface light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The surface light source device comprises a box body, a box door and the surface light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the box door is movably connected with the box body to open or close the box body, and the surface light source device is arranged on at least one of the box body and the box door.

10. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: ​

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