Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that includes a shelf board functioning as a light guide plate and performs lighting with less variation in light intensity in a position on a front side of the shelf board.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 2 includes: a shelf board 10 having light transmissivity; and a plurality of light sources 20 that emits light on a front side from a side face 12 on a rear side of the shelf board 10 and is disposed while being arrayed in a width direction of the shelf board 10. Light emitted from the light sources 20 proceeds on the front side through the inside of the shelf board 10 and goes outside while being diffused from a side face 14' on the front side of the shelf board 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a shelf that functions as a light guide plate. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerator has been proposed in which a light source is attached to the rear side of a light-transmitting shelf board, and the shelf board functions as a light guide plate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, a part of the light emitted from the light source and traveling inside the shelf board is reflected upward by diffusion dots provided on the underside of the shelf board, and is emitted outside from the upper surface of the shelf board. This allows the shelf board to be used as lighting to illuminate stored items placed on it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-189297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, LEDs are arranged in a line in the width direction as light sources on the rear side of the shelf, and LEDs have a higher directivity of emitted light than conventional heat-generating light bulbs, fluorescent lights, etc. Therefore, high-intensity light is emitted from the front side of the shelf at the position of the LEDs, and the intensity of the emitted light is weaker in the area between the LEDs. Therefore, the lighting from the front side of the shelf is uneven with a large variation in light intensity depending on the position. For this reason, there is a risk that a user will feel dazzled when looking at the shelf from the front side, and the lighting is inferior in aesthetics and practicality.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a refrigerator that has a shelf that functions as a light guide plate and provides illumination from the front side of the shelf with little variation in light intensity depending on the position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is A light-transmitting shelf board; A plurality of light sources arranged side by side in a width direction of the shelf board, the light sources irradiating light from a rear side surface of the shelf board to a front side thereof; Equipped with In this refrigerator, light emitted from the light source travels forward inside the shelf and exits from the front side of the shelf in a diffused state.

[0007] In this embodiment, the light exits in a diffused state from the front side of the shelf, so that even if highly directional light is emitted from multiple light sources, illumination can be provided with little variation in light intensity depending on the position from the front of the shelf.

[0008] In addition, the second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect, The refrigerator has light diffusing dots on at least one of the lower surface and the upper surface of the shelf, but does not have a light diffusing layer inside the shelf.

[0009] According to this aspect, if light diffusing dots are provided on the underside of the shelf, the upper side of the shelf can be illuminated by reflection from the light diffusing dots.If light diffusing dots are provided on the upper side of the shelf, the lower side of the shelf can be illuminated by reflection from the light diffusing dots.If light diffusing dots are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the shelf, the top and bottom sides of the shelf can be illuminated.

[0010] In addition, the third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect, The refrigerator is provided with a light diffusing member attached to the front side of the shelf and extending in the width direction of the shelf.

[0011] According to this aspect, since a light diffusion member extending in the width direction is attached to the side surface of the front side of the shelf, even if light with strong directionality is emitted from multiple light sources arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf, the light is diffused by the light diffusion member and the diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf. Therefore, in illumination from the front side of the shelf, the variation in light intensity depending on the position can be reduced.

[0012] On the other hand, since there is no light diffusion layer inside the shelf, there is no energy loss due to diffusion particles, and the light emitted from the light source is incident on the light diffusion member arranged on the front side of the shelf while maintaining the light intensity as much as possible. This allows for bright, even illumination from the front side of the shelf.

[0013] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, a protective member attached to the shelf board so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf board; In this refrigerator, an area covering at least the front side surface of the protective member is formed of the light diffusing member.

[0014] The front side surface of the shelf, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces, and the corners between them may come into contact with stored items and be damaged, for example, when storing or removing items. However, in this embodiment, the front side surface of the shelf and the front end areas of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf are protected by a protective member that covers them, so that the front side surface of the shelf, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces, and the corners between them can be prevented from being damaged. Furthermore, because the area covering at least the front side surface of the protective member is made of a light diffusing member, lighting can be provided from the front side of the shelf with little unevenness.

[0015] In addition, the fifth aspect of the present invention is the fourth aspect, In the refrigerator, at least one of the portions covering the front end region of the upper surface and the lower surface of the protective member is also made of the light diffusing member.

[0016] According to this aspect, at least one of the portions covering the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member is made of a light diffusing material, so that diffused light can be emitted from the upper and lower surfaces or the front regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board. This allows for versatile lighting that emits light in multiple directions from the front side of the shelf board. Therefore, this aspect allows for appropriate protection of the front side of the shelf board and versatile lighting from the front side of the shelf board.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the third to fifth aspects, The shelf further includes a protective member attached to 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 and lower surfaces of the shelf, In this refrigerator, the areas covering at least the left and right side surfaces of the protective member are formed of the light diffusing member.

[0018] The left and right side surfaces of the shelf may also interfere with the inner surface of the refrigerator during assembly, potentially damaging the side surfaces, the adjacent top and bottom surfaces, and the corners between them. However, in this embodiment, the left and right side surfaces of the shelf and the left and right end areas of the top and bottom surfaces of the shelf are protected by protective members that cover them, so that damage to the left and right side surfaces of the shelf, the adjacent top and bottom surfaces, and the corners between them can be prevented. Furthermore, because the areas covering at least the left and right side surfaces of the protective members are made of a light diffusing member, lighting with little unevenness can be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf.

[0019] In addition, the seventh aspect of the present invention is the sixth aspect, In this refrigerator, at least one of the portions covering the left and right end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member is also made of the light diffusing member.

[0020] According to this aspect, at least one of the portions of the protective member covering the left and right end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf is made of a light diffusing material, so that diffused light can be emitted from the left and right end regions of at least one of the left and right side surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf. This allows for versatile lighting that emits light in multiple directions from the left and right sides of the shelf. Therefore, this aspect allows for appropriate protection of the left and right ends of the shelf while providing versatile lighting from the left and right sides of the shelf.

[0021] In addition, the eighth aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect, In this refrigerator, the front side of the shelf has a rounded shape with a convex shape roughly in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities are formed on the surface of the rounded shape to diffuse light.

[0022] When the shelf does not have a light diffusion layer inside, there is no energy loss due to diffusion particles, and the reduction in the light intensity of the light from the light source can be suppressed, but there is still a certain amount of reduction in the amount of light as one moves forward inside the shelf. However, in this embodiment, the rounded shape of the front side of the shelf can provide natural visibility while ensuring the amount of light. Furthermore, even if highly directional light is emitted from multiple light sources arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf, the rounded shape and the fine unevenness of the surface effectively diffuse the light, and the diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf. Therefore, when illuminating the front side of the shelf, the variation in light intensity depending on the position can be reduced.

[0023] In addition, the ninth aspect of the present invention is the eighth aspect, The left and right sides of the shelf have a rounded shape with a convex shape roughly in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

[0024] According to this aspect, the left and right side surfaces of the shelf board are also rounded and have projections and recesses formed on the surface of the rounded shape, so that lighting with little unevenness can be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf board.

[0025] In addition, the tenth aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect, a protective member attached to the shelf board so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board, and an area covering at least the front side surface of the protective member is made of the light diffusing member; The left and right sides of the shelf have a rounded shape with a convex shape roughly in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

[0026] According to the present aspect, a protective member having a light diffusing member covers the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board, and the left and right sides of the shelf board have a rounded shape with fine irregularities, thereby adequately protecting the front side of the shelf board and reducing the variation in light intensity due to position on the front side of the shelf board, and further enabling illumination with little unevenness to be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf board.

[0027] Further, an eleventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to tenth aspects, a protective member attached to the shelf so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf, and the region of the protective member covering at least the front side surface is made of the light diffusing member, or the front side surface of the shelf has a rounded shape with a convex portion at approximately the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape; The refrigerator is provided with a protective member attached to the shelf so as to cover the left and right side surfaces of the shelf and the left and right end regions of the top and bottom surfaces of the shelf, and the areas of the protective member covering at least the left and right side surfaces are made up of the light diffusing material, or the left and right side surfaces have a rounded shape with a convex portion approximately in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

[0028] According to this aspect, it is possible to realize a combination of any shape on the front side surface of the shelf board and any shape on the left and right side surfaces of the shelf board, thereby providing the above-mentioned various operational effects according to the adopted shape. Effect of the Invention

[0029] As described above, the present invention can provide a refrigerator that has a shelf board that functions as a light guide plate and provides illumination with little variation in light intensity depending on the position from the front side of the shelf board. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section AA in FIG. 3, as seen from the side, and is a diagram showing diagrammatically how light travels through the shelf board. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section AA in FIG. 3, as viewed from the side, and shows a modified example of the protection member shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section BB in FIG. 6, as seen from the front, and is a diagram showing typically how light travels through the shelf board. [Figure 8] 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section BB in FIG. 6, and shows a modified example of the protection member shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section CC in FIG. 9, and is a schematic diagram showing how light travels through the shelf board. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section DD in FIG. 11, as seen from the side, and is a diagram showing typically how light travels through the shelf board. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram (photograph) showing a comparative example and an embodiment that were actually prototyped and tested for lighting, where (a) shows the comparative example and (b) shows the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following unless otherwise specified. The size and positional relationship of the members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In the following description and drawings, the refrigerator is placed on a horizontal surface, the side with the door is the front side, the opposite side is the rear side, and the left and right directions as viewed from the front side are the left and right. In the drawings, the way light travels through the shelf board is shown typically by dotted or dashed arrows.

[0032] (Refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention) First, a refrigerator 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a shelf board 10 of the refrigerator 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front door 4 is open and the refrigerator compartment 6 is visible from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, the shelf board 10 is a partition board that divides the refrigerator compartment 6, which is the storage area of ​​the refrigerator 2, into an upper and lower part. For example, the shelf board 10 can be placed in the refrigerator compartment 6 by placing it on supports formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the refrigerator compartment 6 so as to protrude inward. Note that the storage area in which the shelf board 10 is placed is not limited to the refrigerator compartment 6, and the shelf board 10 can also be placed in any other storage area, including a freezer.

[0034] The shelf board 10 is made of a light-transmitting material and functions as a light guide plate. The shelf board 10 can be made of a light-transmitting resin material such as acrylic, or can be made of a light-transmitting glass material. The shelf board 10 does not contain light diffusing particles. The light-transmitting shelf board 10 can be transparent or colored.

[0035] A light source body 22 equipped with a plurality of light sources 20 is attached to the rear side of the shelf board 10. The light source body 22 has a U-shaped or C-shaped side shape, and the rear end of the shelf board 10 is inserted into an opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) light source body 22 so that the two fit together.

[0036] The light source body 22 is preferably made of an elastic material such as resin. The opening dimension of the U-shape (C-shape) of the light source body 22 is formed slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf board 10, and when the shelf board 10 is inserted into the U-shape (C-shape) opening of the light source body 22, the light source body 22 elastically deforms slightly outward. This allows the light source body 22 and the shelf board 10 to be tightly attached to each other, and the light source body 22 can be reliably attached to the shelf board 10.

[0037] However, the shape of the light source body 22 is not limited to this. The light source body 22 may have a flat plate shape. In that case, the light source body 22 can be attached to the shelf board 10 using adhesive or other fastening members. Furthermore, each light source 20 may be directly attached to the shelf board 10.

[0038] Six light sources 20 are attached to the surface of the light source body 22 facing the rear side surface 12 of the shelf board 10. The six light sources 20 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf board, and are configured to irradiate light from the rear side surface 12 of the shelf board 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, for example, when a front door of the storage area in which the shelf board 10 is arranged is opened.

[0039] The light emitted by the LED is not limited to white light, and LEDs that emit 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 greater than or equal to two may be arranged.

[0040] In this embodiment, a light diffusing member 30 extending in the width direction of the shelf board 10 is attached to the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10. The light diffusing member 30 according to this embodiment has a plate-like shape, and is attached to the shelf board 10 by a fixing member (not shown) attached to the shelf board 10.

[0041] The light diffusion member 30 is made of a translucent resin material such as acrylic, or a glass material. The light diffusion function of the light diffusion member 30 can be realized by dispersing light diffusion particles inside, or by forming light diffusion dots on the surface that becomes the front face when attached to the shelf board 10, or on the opposite face (the surface facing the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10).

[0042] The manner in which diffused light is emitted from the light diffusing member 30 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0043] (Refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention) Next, a refrigerator 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a shelf board 10 of a refrigerator 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board 10 showing cross section AA in Fig. 3, seen from the side, and is a diagram showing typically how light travels through the shelf board 10.

[0044] In this embodiment as well, a light source body 22 equipped with multiple light sources 20 is attached to the rear side of the shelf board 10. The structure of the light source body 22 according to this embodiment is also similar to that of the above-described first embodiment. The multiple light sources 20 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf board 10 and irradiate light from the rear side surface 12 of the shelf board 10 to the front side.

[0045] In this embodiment, a protective member 40 is attached to the front side of the shelf board 10. The protective member 40 has a U-shaped or C-shaped side shape, and the front end of the shelf board 10 is inserted into an opening of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 40 so that the two fit together.

[0046] The protective member 40 is preferably made of an elastic material such as resin. The dimensions of the U-shaped (C-shaped) opening of the protective member 40 are formed slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf board 10, and when the shelf board 10 is inserted into the U-shaped (C-shaped) opening of the protective member 40, the protective member 40 elastically deforms slightly outward. This allows the protective member 40 and the shelf board 10 to be tightly attached to each other, and the protective member 40 can be securely attached to the shelf board 10.

[0047] As a result, the protective member 40 covers the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, the front end region F1 of the upper surface of the shelf board 10, and the front end region F2 of the lower surface of the shelf board 10. When storing items in and out of the refrigerator 2, there is a risk that the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them may come into contact with the stored items and be damaged. However, in this embodiment, the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them are covered and protected by the protective member 40, so that damage to the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them can be prevented.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member 40 that covers the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 is composed of a light diffusing member 42. The light diffusing function of the light diffusing member 42 can be realized by dispersing light diffusing particles inside, or by forming light diffusing dots on the surface that becomes the front surface when attached to the shelf board 10, or on the opposite surface (the surface facing the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10).

[0049] 4, in the shelf board 10 according to the second embodiment, light diffusing dots 18 are provided on the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This is similar to the shelf board 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Examples of methods for forming light diffusing dots on the shelf board 10, the above-mentioned light diffusing member 30, the light diffusing members 42 and 52 described below, etc. include the following methods: (1) a method for forming dots with a laser, (2) a method for printing dots, (3) a method for making dots by carving grooves, and (4) a method for forming dots by pouring a resin material or the like into a formwork having an uneven surface.

[0050] Next, referring to FIG. 4, a manner in which light emitted from the light source 20 travels through the shelf board 10 according to the second embodiment, which functions as a light guide plate, will be described. The same applies to the shelf board 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 4, 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 board 10. A part of such light is reflected upward by the light diffusion dots 18 provided on the lower surface 10B, and is emitted outside from the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10. This functions as a light that illuminates the stored items placed on the shelf board 10.

[0051] Incidentally, light diffusing dots 18 may be provided on the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10. In this case, a part of the light emitted from the light source 20 is reflected downward by the light diffusing dots 18 and emitted to the outside from the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This functions as lighting that illuminates the stored items placed on the lower side of the shelf board 10.

[0052] The light diffusing dots 18 may be provided on both the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. In that case, the shelf board 10 functions as a double-sided lighting in which light is emitted from both the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10.

[0053] 4, a portion of the light emitted forward from the light source 20 travels forward while being totally reflected by the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board 10, and enters the light diffusion member 42 of the protection member 40 attached to the front side of the shelf board 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. This functions as lighting for the front side of the shelf board 10.

[0054] The LEDs used as the light sources 20 can emit high-brightness light with little power consumption. On the other hand, the light emitted from the LEDs has a higher directivity than conventional incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, etc. For this reason, if the light diffusion member 42 is not present on the front side of the shelf board 10, high-intensity light is emitted from the front side 14 at the position where the light sources 20 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction are present. On the other hand, the intensity of the emitted light is weak in the area between the light sources 20. For this reason, when a user looks at the shelf board 10 from the front side, there is a risk that the strong light from the LEDs will enter the user's eyes and cause glare, resulting in illumination with uneven light intensity emitted from the front surface of the shelf board 10. Therefore, as illumination for the front side of the shelf board 10, it is inferior in aesthetics and practicality.

[0055] On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the light diffusion member 42 is attached to the front side of the shelf board 10, the light emitted from the light source 20, travels through the shelf board 10 to the front side, and is diffused. Therefore, the light diffusion member 42 can effectively reduce the difference between the light intensity at the position where the light source 20 is present and the light intensity in the area between the light sources 20. Therefore, the difference in the area of ​​the intensity of the light emitted from the front surface of the light diffusion member 42 can be effectively reduced. As a result, when a user looks at the shelf board 10 from the front side, the user does not feel dazzled, and lighting with little variation in light intensity can be performed from the front surface of the shelf board 10. Therefore, the lighting for the front side of the shelf board 10 is excellent in aesthetics and practicality.

[0056] In the shelf board 10 according to the first embodiment to which the flat light diffusing member 30 is attached, the light travels in a similar manner to that shown in FIG. 4 above, and similar functions and effects are achieved.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the light diffusing dots 18 are provided on at least one of the upper surface 10A or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10, but the shelf board 10 does not have a light diffusing layer inside.

[0058] The light diffusing dots 18 provided on the upper surface 10A or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 can make the upper surface 10A or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 function as surface lighting. Meanwhile, since the shelf board 10 does not have a light diffusing layer inside, no energy loss occurs due to diffusing particles, and the light emitted from the light source 20 enters the light diffusing members 30, 42 arranged on the front side of the shelf board 10 while maintaining the light intensity as much as possible. This allows bright, uniform lighting to be provided from the front side of the shelf board 10.

[0059] (Modification of shelf board) Next, a modified example of the protective member 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board 10 taken along cross section AA in Fig. 3, seen from the side, and is a side cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the protective member 40 shown in Fig. 4.

[0060] 5, in addition to the region covering the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 of the protective member 40, a portion covering the front end region F1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10 and a portion covering the front end region F2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 are also made of a light diffusing member 42. Note that there may be cases where either the portion covering the front end region F1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10 or the portion covering the front end region F2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 is made of a light diffusing member 42.

[0061] In this way, since the portion covering the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the protective member 40 is composed of the light diffusing member 42, diffused light can be emitted from the portion covering the front regions F1, F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This allows light to be emitted in multiple directions from the front side of the shelf board 10.

[0062] As described above, the refrigerator 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention, including the above-mentioned modified examples, is provided with a protective member 40 attached to the shelf 10 so as to cover the front side 14 of the shelf 10 and the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper surface 10A and lower surface 10B of the shelf 10, and the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering at least the front side 14 of the shelf 10 is composed of a light diffusing member 42.

[0063] In this way, the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 and the front end regions F1, F2 of the top surface 10A and bottom surface 10B of the shelf board are protected by the protective member 40, which prevents damage to the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent top and bottom surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them when storing and removing items, etc. Furthermore, since the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering at least the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 is made up of the light diffusing member 42, lighting can be provided from the front side of the shelf board 10 with little unevenness.

[0064] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the portions of the protective member 40 covering the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 can be configured with a light diffusing member 42. In this case, diffused light can be emitted from the portions covering the front regions F1, F2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This allows for versatile illumination that emits light in multiple directions from the front side of the shelf board 10. Therefore, the protective member 40 can appropriately protect the front side of the shelf board 10, and the light diffusing member 42 can provide versatile illumination from the front side of the shelf board 10.

[0065] (Refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention) Next, a refrigerator 2 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a shelf board 10 of a refrigerator 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board 10 showing cross section BB in Fig. 6, seen from the front, and is a diagram showing typically how light travels through the shelf board 10.

[0066] In this embodiment as well, a light source body 22 equipped with a plurality of light sources 20 is attached to the rear side of the shelf board 10. The structure of the light source body 22 according to this embodiment is also similar to that of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, a protective member 40 is attached to the front side of the shelf board 10. The structure of the protective member 40 according to this embodiment is also similar to that of the second embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, protective members 50 are also attached to the right and left sides of the shelf board 10. The protective members 50 have a U-shaped or C-shaped side surface, and the left and right ends of the shelf board 10 are inserted into the openings of the U-shaped (C-shaped) protective member 50 so that the two fit together.

[0068] The protective member 50 is preferably made of an elastic material such as resin. The dimensions of the U-shaped (C-shaped) opening of the protective member 50 are formed slightly smaller than the outer shape of the shelf board 10, and when the shelf board 10 is inserted into the U-shaped (C-shaped) opening of the protective member 50, the protective member 50 elastically deforms slightly outward. This allows the protective member 50 and the shelf board 10 to be tightly attached to each other, and the protective member 50 can be securely attached to the shelf board 10.

[0069] As a result, the protective member 50 covers the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10, the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10, and the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. There is a risk that the left and right end portions of the shelf board 10 may come into contact with the inner surface of the interior of the refrigerator 2 during assembly and be damaged. However, in this embodiment, the left and right side surfaces 16 and end regions S1, S2 of the shelf board 10 are covered and protected by the protective member 50 during assembly, so that damage to the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent upper and lower surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them can be prevented.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member 50 covering the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10 is composed of a light diffusing member 52. The light diffusing function of the light diffusing member 52 can be realized by dispersing light diffusing particles inside, or can be realized by forming light diffusing dots on the surfaces that will become the left and right side surfaces when attached to the shelf board 10, or on the opposite surfaces (the surfaces facing the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10).

[0071] Next, with reference to Fig. 7, a description will be given of how light emitted from the light source 20 travels inside the shelf board 10 according to the third embodiment, which functions as a light guide plate, and is emitted to the outside from the left and right end regions. In the shelf board 10 according to this embodiment, as in the above, the light emitted from the light source 20 travels to the front side inside the shelf board 10 while being totally reflected by the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10.

[0072] 7, part of the light emitted forward from the light source 20 travels diagonally forward inside the shelf board 10 and reaches the left and right ends of the shelf board 1. It then enters the light diffusion member 52 of the protection member 50 attached to the left and right ends of the shelf board 10. The incident light is diffused by the light diffusion member 42, and the diffused light is emitted from the left and right side surfaces of the light diffusion member 52. This functions as lighting for the left and right sides of the shelf board 10.

[0073] (Modification of shelf board) Next, a modified example of the protective member 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board 10 showing cross section BB in Fig. 6, as viewed from the side, and shows a modified example of the protective member 50 shown in Fig. 7.

[0074] 8, in addition to the region covering the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10 of the protective member 50, the portions covering the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10 and the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 are also made of light diffusing material 52. Note that there may be cases where either the portion covering the left and right end regions S1 of the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10 or the portion covering the left and right end regions S2 of the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 is made of light diffusing material 52.

[0075] In this way, the portions covering the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the protective member 40 are made of the light diffusing member 52, so that diffused light can be emitted from the portions covering the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This allows light to be emitted in multiple directions from the right and left sides of the shelf board 10.

[0076] As described above, the refrigerator 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention, including the modified examples, further includes a protective member 50 attached to the shelf 10 so as to cover the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10 and the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper surface 10A and lower surface 10B of the shelf 10, and the area covering at least the left and right side surfaces 16 of the protective member 50 is composed of a light diffusing member 52.

[0077] In this embodiment, the shelf board 10 is protected by a protective member 50 that covers the left and right side surfaces 16 and the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the top surface 10A and bottom surface 10B of the shelf board 10, preventing damage to the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10, the adjacent top and bottom surfaces 10A, 10B, and the corners between them. Furthermore, the protective member 50 has an area that covers at least the left and right side surfaces 16 made of a light diffusing member 52, allowing for illumination with little unevenness from the left and right sides of the shelf board 10.

[0078] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the portions of the protective member 50 covering the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 can be made of a light diffusing member 52. In this case, diffused light can be emitted from the portions covering the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper surface 10A and / or the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10. This allows for versatile illumination that emits light in multiple directions from both the left and right sides of the shelf board 10. Therefore, this embodiment allows for appropriate protection of the left and right ends of the shelf board 10 and versatile illumination from the right and left sides of the shelf board 10.

[0079] As described above, the refrigerator 2 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting shelf 10, a plurality of light sources 20 arranged in a line in the width direction of the shelf 10 and irradiating light from the rear side surface 12 of the shelf 10 to the front side, and light diffusing members 30, 42 attached to the front side surface 14 of the shelf 10 and extending in the width direction of the shelf 10.

[0080] In this way, since the light diffusion members 30, 42 extending in the width direction are attached to the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10, even if highly directional light is emitted from multiple light sources 20 arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf board 10, the light is diffused by the light diffusion members 30, 42 and diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf board 10. Since diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf board 10, it is possible to reduce fluctuations in light intensity due to position when illuminating the shelf board 10 from the front side.

[0081] Furthermore, by using the light diffusing members 42, 52 that function as protective members, the number of steps required for processing the edges of the glass plates that make up the shelf board 10 can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Also, the light diffusing members 42, 52 that function as protective members also function as reinforcement for the shelf board 10, so the thickness of the glass plates that make up the shelf board 10 can be reduced. This allows the shelf board 10 to be lighter and the manufacturing costs to be reduced.

[0082] (Refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention) Next, a refrigerator 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section CC in Fig. 9, seen from the side, and is a diagram showing a schematic view of light traveling through the shelf board.

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, the shelf board 10 does not include a light diffusion member 30 or a protective member 40 having a light diffusion member 42, which are separate members. Instead, the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10 has a rounded shape with a convex shape at approximately the center in the height direction. The "rounded shape" can be called a "vault shape" or "arch shape", and may also be called a so-called "semi-cylindrical shape". In this embodiment, the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10 has a curved shape with a convex shape at approximately the center in the height direction over the entire width direction. The curved shape may be an arc shape, or it may be a smoothly curved shape that is not an arc shape.

[0084] In this embodiment, as in the above, 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 board 10. A part of such light is reflected upward by the light diffusion dots 18 provided on the lower surface 10B and is emitted to the outside from the upper surface 10A of the shelf board 10. This functions as lighting that illuminates the stored items placed on the shelf board 10. Then, the light totally reflected by the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10 reaches the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10.

[0085] If there is no light diffusion layer inside the shelf board 10, the light from the light source 20 does not experience energy loss due to diffusion particles, and reduction in light intensity can be suppressed. However, there is a certain degree of reduction in the amount of light as it travels forward inside the shelf board 10. In this embodiment, the rounded shape of the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10 provides natural visibility while ensuring the amount of light.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the rounded surface of the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10. The fine irregularities can be formed, for example, by sandblasting. Furthermore, a frosting process, in which the surface is chemically treated with hydrofluoric acid, can be used to create a fine, milky white surface. Frosting also has the advantage of making the surface less susceptible to dirt such as fingerprints.

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, the side surface 14' on the front side of the shelf board 10 has a rounded shape with a convex shape at approximately the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of this rounded shape. Therefore, even if highly directional light is emitted from multiple light sources 20 arranged side by side in the width direction of the shelf board 10, the light is effectively diffused by the rounded shape and the fine irregularities on the surface, and diffused light is emitted from the front side of the shelf board 10. Therefore, in lighting from the front side of the shelf board 10, fluctuations in light intensity due to position can be reduced without adding other components.

[0088] (Refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention) Next, a refrigerator 2 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf board showing cross section DD in Fig. 11, seen from the side, and is a diagram showing a schematic view of light traveling through the shelf board.

[0089] In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, the front side 14' of the shelf board 10 has a rounded shape with fine irregularities, whereas in the fifth embodiment, in addition to the front side 14' of the shelf board 10, the left and right side surfaces 16' of the shelf board 10 also have a rounded shape with a convex shape approximately in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

[0090] 12, a description will be given of how light emitted from a light source 20 travels inside a shelf board 10 according to the fifth embodiment, which functions as a light guide plate, and is emitted to the outside from the left and right end regions. In the shelf board 10 according to this embodiment, as in the above, light emitted from the light source 20 travels to the front inside the shelf board 10 while being totally reflected by the upper surface 10A and the lower surface 10B of the shelf board 10.

[0091] As shown by the dotted arrows in Figure 12, part of the light emitted forward from the light source 20 travels diagonally forward inside the shelf 10 and reaches the left and right ends of the shelf 10. The light then enters the rounded shape of the left and right side surfaces 16' of the shelf 10, which have fine irregularities formed thereon. The incident light is diffused by the rounded shape with fine irregularities formed thereon, and is emitted from the left and right side surfaces 16'. This functions as lighting for the left and right sides of the shelf 10.

[0092] As a result, according to this embodiment, the variation in light intensity depending on the position can be reduced when illuminating from the front side of the shelf board 10, and since the left and right side surfaces 14' of the shelf board 10 also have a rounded shape and unevenness is formed on the surface of the rounded shape, lighting with little unevenness can be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf board.

[0093] (Refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention) Next, a refrigerator 2 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an overview of a shelf board of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] In the sixth embodiment, a protective member 40 is provided on the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 so as to cover the front side surface 14 and front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board 10. The region covering the front side surface 14 of the protective member 40 is made up of a light diffusing member 42, and the portions covering the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member 40 are also made up of a light diffusing member 42. However, there may be cases where only a portion of the portions covering the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member 40 are made up of the light diffusing member 42. On the other hand, the left and right side surfaces 16' of the shelf board 10 have a rounded shape, and the surface of the rounded shape has fine irregularities formed thereon to diffuse light.

[0095] Thus, according to this embodiment, the shelf board 10 is provided with a protective member 40 having a light diffusing member 42 that covers the front side 14 and the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces, and the left and right side surfaces 16' of the shelf board 10 have a rounded shape with fine irregularities, so that the front side of the shelf board 10 can be adequately protected, and the variation in light intensity due to position on the front side of the shelf board 10 can be reduced, and further, lighting with little unevenness can be achieved from the left and right sides of the shelf board 10.

[0096] (Refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention) In the above, the front side surfaces 14, 14' of the shelf board 10 are as follows: (A1) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 , a configuration in which a protective member 40 is attached to the shelf board 10 so as to cover the front side surface 14 of the shelf board 10 and the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board 10, and the area covering the front side surface of the protective member 40 and the parts covering the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member 40 are composed of a light diffusing member 42; and (A2) A form in which the front side surface 14' of the shelf board 10 has a rounded shape with a convex shape at approximately the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape. is shown, On the left and right side surfaces 16, 16' of the shelf board 10, (B1) A configuration in which a protective member 50 is attached to the shelf board 10 so as to cover the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf board 10, and the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board 10, and the regions covering the left and right side surfaces 16' of the protective member 50 and the portions covering the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the protective member 40 are composed of a light diffusing member 52; (B2) The left and right side surfaces 16' of the shelf board 10 have a rounded shape with a convex shape at approximately the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape. is shown.

[0097] As a refrigerator 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, any of the configurations shown in (A1) and (A2) above on the front side surfaces 14, 14' of the shelf 10 can be combined with any of the configurations shown in (B1) and (B2) above on the left and right side surfaces 16, 16' of the shelf 10.

[0098] As described above, in the refrigerator 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator 2 includes a protective member 40 attached to the shelf 10 so as to cover the front side surface 14 and the front end regions F1, F2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf 10, and the area of ​​the protective member 40 covering at least the front side surface 14 is composed of a light diffusing member 42, or the front side surface 14' of the shelf 10 has a round-shaped surface with a convex shape approximately at the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the round-shaped surface, and the refrigerator 2 includes a protective member 50 attached to the shelf 10 so as to cover the left and right side surfaces 16 of the shelf 10 and the left and right end regions S1, S2 of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf 10, and the area of ​​the protective member 50 covering at least the left and right side surfaces 16' is composed of a light diffusing member 52, or the left and right side surfaces 16' have a round-shaped surface with a convex shape approximately at the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the round-shaped surface.

[0099] This makes it possible to realize a combination of any of the above-mentioned configurations on the front side surfaces 14, 14' of the shelf board 10 and any of the above-mentioned configurations on the left and right side surfaces 16, 16' of the shelf board 10. Therefore, depending on the configuration adopted, the various operational effects described above can be enjoyed.

[0100] As described above, the refrigerator 2 according to all of the above-mentioned embodiments including the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting shelf 10 and a plurality of light sources 20 arranged in a line in the width direction of the shelf 10 and irradiating light from the rear side surface 12 of the shelf 10 to the front side, and the light emitted from the light source 20 travels forward inside the shelf 10 and exits in a diffused state from the front side surfaces 14, 14' of the shelf 10.

[0101] Since light is emitted to the outside in a diffused state from the front side surfaces 14, 14' of the shelf board 10, the refrigerator 2 is provided with the shelf board 10 functioning as a light guide plate, and performs illumination with little variation in light intensity depending on the position from the front side of the shelf board 10.

[0102] (Lighting Tests) In order to confirm the above-mentioned effects, glass shelves were prototyped as comparative examples and examples, and lighting tests were conducted. The comparative example shelf was not fitted with a light diffusion member, while the example shelf was fitted with a light diffusion member extending in the width direction of the shelf on the front side. Then, on the rear side of the comparative example and example shelf, multiple LEDs were arranged in the width direction of the shelf, and LED lighting tests were conducted. Specifically, multiple LEDs were used to emit light from the rear side of the shelf, and the appearance from the front side of the opposite shelf was observed, and images were obtained. The obtained images are shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram (photograph) showing the comparative example and the example that were actually prototyped and tested for lighting, (a) showing the comparative example, and (b) showing the example.

[0103] As is clear from Figure 11, since LEDs have high directivity of emitted light, in the comparative example without a light diffusion member, each LED is clearly distinguishable and dazzling. In other words, it was demonstrated that there is a very large difference in the light intensity at the position where the LEDs are present and in the area between the LEDs. This demonstrated that there is a very large difference in the area of ​​the intensity of the light emitted from the front side of the shelf board.

[0104] On the other hand, in the embodiment having the light diffusion member, diffused light is emitted from the front side, so the presence of the LED cannot be identified, and it is clear that the illumination is almost uniform over the entire area. In other words, it was demonstrated that the light diffusion member can effectively reduce the difference in light intensity between the position where the LED is present and the light intensity in the area between the LEDs. This demonstrated that the difference in the intensity of the light emitted from the front side of the shelf board can be effectively reduced. Therefore, it was demonstrated that it is possible to provide illumination with little variation in light intensity from the front of the shelf board without feeling dazzled when viewed from the front side of the shelf board.

[0105] From the lighting test, it was verified that the present invention has the effect of "illuminating from the front side of the shelf with little variation in light intensity depending on the position." It is considered that the same effect can be obtained even when the shelf has light diffusing members on both sides.

[0106] Although the embodiments and modes of implementation of the present invention have been described, the disclosed contents may vary in details of the configuration, and changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments and modes of implementation may be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 2. Refrigerator 4 Doors 6. Refrigerator 10 Shelf 10A top 10B Bottom 12 Rear side 14, 14' Front side 16, 16' Left and right sides 18 Light Diffusion Dots 20 light source 22 Light source main body 30 Light diffusion material 40 Protective materials 42 Light diffusing material 50 Protective materials 52 Light diffusing material F1 Front end area of ​​upper surface F2 Front end area of ​​lower surface S1 Left and right edge areas of the upper surface S2 Left and right edge areas of the lower surface

Claims

1. A light-transmitting shelf board; A plurality of light sources arranged side by side in a width direction of the shelf board, the light sources irradiating light from a rear side surface of the shelf board to a front side thereof; Equipped with The refrigerator is characterized in that light emitted from the light source travels forward inside the shelf board and exits from the front side surface of the shelf board in a diffused state.

2. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein light diffusing dots are provided on at least one of the lower surface and the upper surface of the shelf board, but the shelf board does not have a light diffusing layer inside.

3. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a light diffusing member attached to a front side surface of the shelf board and extending in a width direction of the shelf board.

4. a protective member attached to the shelf board so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the shelf board; 4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein an area covering at least the front side surface of the protection member is formed of the light diffusing member.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the portions covering the front end region of the upper surface and the lower surface of the protection member is also made of the light diffusing member.

6. The shelf further includes a protective member attached to 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 and lower surfaces of the shelf, 5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein an area covering at least the left and right side surfaces of the protection member is formed of the light diffusing member.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the portions covering the left and right end regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the protection member is also made of the light diffusing member.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front side of the shelf has a rounded shape with a convex shape approximately in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities are formed on the surface of the rounded shape to diffuse light.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that the left and right sides of the shelf have a rounded shape with a convex shape approximately at the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

10. a protective member attached to the shelf board so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf board, and an area covering at least the front side surface of the protective member is made of the light diffusing member; The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the left and right sides of the shelf have a rounded shape with a convex shape approximately at the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

11. a protective member attached to the shelf so as to cover the front side surface and the front end regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the shelf, and the region of the protective member covering at least the front side surface is made of the light diffusing member, or the front side surface of the shelf has a rounded shape with a convex portion at approximately the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape; The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a protective member attached to 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 and lower surfaces of the shelf, wherein the areas covering at least the left and right side surfaces of the protective member are made of the light diffusing member, or the left and right side surfaces have a rounded shape with a convex portion approximately in the center in the height direction, and fine irregularities that diffuse light are formed on the surface of the rounded shape.

Images