JP2000258051A - Illuminating device of refrigerator or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new illuminating device of a refrigerator or the like which is superior to conventional lights inside refrigerators or the like functionally and from the design point, and which can illuminate brightly and beautifully with low power consumption. SOLUTION: In an illuminating device 25 of a refrigerator or the like which is placed in the interior of a refrigerator or the like to light up and illuminate when a door is opened, an illuminating device which is provided with a light source 26 and a light introducing plate 27 made of resin which introduces light from the light source 26 from one end part to the inside and transmits at least a part of the introduced light toward the opposed other end part through the inside to illuminate surfaces is used. Letters, patterns, designs, etc., comprising a reflecting material are preferably provided on at least a part of the one side surface or both surfaces of the light introducing plate 27 by using a technique such as screen printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lighting device such as a refrigerator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 shows an example of a conventional refrigerator. As shown in FIG. 6, 1 is a refrigerator, and the refrigerator 1 is an outer box 2 that opens forward, an inner box 3 that opens forward, which is incorporated in the outer box 2 at intervals, an outer box 2, and an inner box. 3 and a heat insulating material 4 filled between them. The inside of the inner box 3 is partitioned by partition walls 6 and 7, a refrigerating room 8 is provided on the upper side, and a freezing room 9 is provided in a central portion.
However, a vegetable room 10 is formed on the lower side. The front opening of the refrigerator compartment 8 is the door 11, and the front opening of the freezer compartment 9 is the door 1.
At 2 and 13, the front opening of the vegetable compartment 10 is closed by a door 14 so that it can be opened and closed.

At the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 8 is provided an ice compartment 15 for keeping food at an ice temperature for storage. The freezing compartment 9 is provided with containers 16 and 17 made of transparent resin, and the container 16 can hold ice and frozen food, and the container 17 can hold frozen food and the like. A container 18 for storing vegetables and the like is provided in the vegetable room 10. Then, the cool air is circulated in the order of, for example, the freezing compartment 9, the ice keeping compartment 15, the refrigerating compartment 8, the vegetable compartment 10, and the like, so that each compartment is maintained at an optimum temperature. 19 is a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, 20 is an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant to generate cold heat, 2
1 is a fan for circulating cool air.

A refrigerator light 22 is mounted on the inner wall of the inner box 3 of the refrigerator compartment 8 and is turned on when the door 11 is opened to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator, and is turned off when the door 11 is closed. ing.
Reference numeral 23 denotes an interior light cover, and reference numeral 24 denotes a fluorescent light or an electric light.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a novel lighting device such as a refrigerator which is superior in function and design to a conventional interior lamp.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention of claim 1 is an illumination device such as a refrigerator which is installed in a refrigerator or the like and illuminates when a door is opened. And a light guide plate made of resin for surface-illuminating by introducing at least one part of the light into the inside from one end and transmitting the inside toward the other end facing at least a part of the introduced light. The present invention relates to a lighting device such as a refrigerator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device such as a refrigerator according to the first aspect, a reflecting material is provided on at least a part of one surface or both surfaces of the light guide plate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device such as a refrigerator according to the second aspect, the ratio of the amount of light reflected by the reflector to the amount of light transmitted through the inside of the light guide plate is about one. It is characterized by one-to-one.

[0009] The invention of claim 4 is the invention of claims 1 to 3.
The lighting device such as a refrigerator according to any one of the above, is provided so as to constitute at least a part of at least one member selected from a top surface, a wall surface, a shelf, a container, and the like in the refrigerator. .

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another lighting device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is another lighting device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the device, and FIG. 4 is a sectional explanatory view of a lighting device provided so as to constitute a part of the container.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the lighting device of the present invention provided in the refrigerator compartment. In these drawings, the portions indicated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 are portions having the same functions as those described in the section of the related art, and the description thereof will be omitted within a range not to impair the understanding of the present invention. did.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lighting device 25 such as a refrigerator according to the present invention comprises a light source 26 such as a fluorescent lamp and PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), GPS (general purpose polystyrene), and AS (polyacrylonitrile styrene copolymer). And a light guide plate 27 made of a transparent resin that transmits the light of the light source 26, such as a thermoplastic resin such as PC (polycarbonate), a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, or an allyl resin. Reference numeral 28 denotes a reflection plate, and reference numeral 29 denotes a fixing device that fixes the light source 26 to one end 30 of the light guide plate 27 so that the lighting device 25 can be installed at a predetermined location such as a bottom surface in a refrigerator.

When the light source 26 is turned on, light from the light source 26 is introduced into the light guide plate 27 from one end 30 of the light guide plate 27, and the introduced light is directed toward the other end 31 as indicated by a black arrow. Although the light passes through the inside, part of the transmitted light exits from the upper and lower surfaces and edges of the light guide plate 27 as indicated by white arrows, so that the upper and lower surfaces and edges of the light guide plate 27 become brighter. Can be illuminated.

The type, color, power, size, shape, number, and the like of the light sources are not particularly limited, and are preferably determined in consideration of the design and the like so as to illuminate the inside of the refrigerator and the articles to be stored beautifully.

If the light guide plate 27 is mixed with a fluorescent agent or the like, surface light can be emitted.

As in the case of the optical fiber, the light guide plate 27
When a light guide plate whose inner refractive index is larger than the refractive index near the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate 27 is used, most of the light introduced into the light guide plate 27 is totally reflected by the upper and lower surfaces and returns to the inside. , Most of the light introduced into the light guide plate 27 passes through the inside, and the amount of light that goes out from the upper and lower surfaces decreases. By utilizing this, it is possible to control the amount of light passing through the inside and the amount of light going out from the upper and lower surfaces.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a pattern made of a reflective material containing aluminum powder or the like provided on a part of the upper surface of the light guide plate 27 by screen printing or the like. Since the light is reflected by the reflecting material, the light does not go outside from the portion where the pattern 32 is provided, and the pattern 32 can be seen beautifully with the naked eye. The ratio of the amount of light reflected by the reflector and not to the outside and the amount of light transmitted through the light guide plate 27 is not particularly limited, and the design,
It can be appropriately selected from the range of about 99/1 to 1/99 in consideration of beauty and the like. However, this ratio is about 1
In many cases, a ratio of one to one is preferable in terms of design.

In the above example, light is emitted to the outside from the end portion of the light guide plate 27 and the upper and lower surfaces. However, if the above-mentioned reflecting material is provided on the entire end portion of the light guide plate 27, the light is emitted from the end portion. Can be prevented from going outside. If the reflecting material is provided on the entire lower surface, it is possible to prevent light from going out from the lower surface.

The lighting device 25 of the present invention, such as a refrigerator, can be installed at or near a place in the refrigerator where lighting is required. When the door 11 or the like is opened, the lighting device 25 illuminates beautifully. It is turned off when closed.

As shown in FIG. 2, another lighting device 33 such as a refrigerator of the present invention is used for
The light source 26 is attached and fixed to one end 30 of the light guide plate 27.
The lighting device 25 is the same as the lighting device 25 shown in FIG. 1 except that the reflecting material 32 is provided at the other end 31 of the lighting device 25. Since the reflecting material 32 is provided on the other end 31 of the light guide plate 27, this end 3
Light from 1 is not outside.

As shown in FIG. 3, another lighting device 34 such as a refrigerator of the present invention has a vertically arranged light guide plate 27A and a horizontally arranged light guide plate 27B connected by a fixing device 29. The light from the light source 26 is introduced into both the light guide plate 27A and the light guide plate 27B as indicated by the black arrows, and
It is the same as the lighting devices 25 and 33 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that both the light guide plate 27B and the light guide plate 27B can perform surface illumination.

FIG. 4 shows another illumination device 35 of the present invention.
The light source 2 is provided at a position where one end of the bottom 36 of the transparent AS resin container 16 installed in the freezing room 9 is connected to the container inner wall 37.
6 are provided. Then, the light of the light source 26 is introduced into the bottom 36 and the inner wall 37 of the container as indicated by the black arrow,
The bottom 36 and the container inner wall 37 function as a light guide plate. The lighting device 35 such as a refrigerator of the present invention
Is turned on when the user pulls out and opens the bottom 36 of the container 16.
In addition, the container back wall 37 shines beautifully, illuminating the stored articles, and is turned off when the door 12 is closed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of another illumination device of the present invention provided in the refrigerator compartment 8. The illuminating device 38 is provided integrally on the top surface of the refrigerator compartment 8, and when the door 11 is opened, the light source 26 is turned on, and the light of the light source 26 emits light at one end of the light guide plates 27C and 27D as indicated by black arrows. The light guide plates 27C and 27D are both surface-illuminated to beautifully illuminate an article or the like placed in the refrigerator.

The lighting device 39 is a transparent AS resin shelf 40 itself installed in the refrigerator compartment 8, and the light source 26 is provided at one end of the shelf 40. Then, light from the light source 26 is introduced into the shelf 40 from this end, and the shelf 40 itself functions as a light guide plate. When the door 11 is opened, the light source 26 is turned on, the surface of the shelf 40 is illuminated, and the articles placed on the shelf 40 are beautifully illuminated.

The illuminating device 41 is provided integrally with the back wall of the refrigerator compartment 8. When the door 11 is opened, the light source 26 is turned on and the light of the light source 26 is supplied to one end of the light guide plate 27 as indicated by a black arrow. The light guide plate 27 is surface-illuminated by the light guide plate 27 to illuminate an article or the like placed in the refrigerator beautifully.

The illuminating device 42 is provided in the ice temperature chamber 15, and when the door 11 is opened, the light source 26 is turned on and the light source 2 is turned on.
The light of No. 6 is introduced into the inside from one end of the light guide plate 27 as shown by the black arrow, and the light guide plate 27 illuminates the surface, and
It is designed to beautifully illuminate the items inside.

The illuminating device 43 is provided integrally with the side wall of the refrigerator compartment 8. When the door 11 is opened, the light source 26 is turned on and the light of the light source 26 is turned on at one end of the light guide plate 27 as indicated by a black arrow. The light guide plate 27 is illuminated from the inside to illuminate the articles and the like placed in the refrigerator beautifully. The lighting devices 38, 39, 41, 42, 43 of the present invention may be all mounted, but it is preferable to select and install necessary and preferable ones as appropriate.

Since the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the appended claims. For example, although the refrigerator has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator, a freezer, a vending machine, various showcases, and the like. Further, in the above embodiment, the refrigerating room is described, but the present invention is also applicable to a freezing room and a vegetable room.

[0028]

According to the present invention, a light source and a resin-made resin for illuminating a surface by introducing light from the light source into the inside from one end and transmitting at least a part of the introduced light toward the other end facing the light source. The lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention provided with a light guide plate is a novel lighting device that is superior in function and design in comparison with a conventional interior lamp, and is bright with low power consumption.
Can be illuminated beautifully.

The lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention, in which characters, patterns, patterns, and the like made of a reflective material are provided on at least a part of one surface or both surfaces of the light guide plate using a method such as screen printing, is used. And it can be beautifully illuminated.

The amount of light reflected by the reflector;
The lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention, in which the ratio of the amount of light transmitted through the inside of the light guide plate is about 1: 1, is more excellent in design and can provide beautiful illumination with reduced glare.

The lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention provided so as to constitute at least a part of at least one member selected from a top surface, a wall surface, a shelf, a container and the like in the refrigerator is more excellent in design, and You can illuminate beautifully without narrowing the inside of the refrigerator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a lighting device such as a refrigerator of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another illumination device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another illumination device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory sectional view of a lighting device of the present invention provided so as to constitute a part of a container.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lighting device of the present invention provided in a refrigerator compartment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory sectional view showing a conventional refrigerator.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Refrigerator 8 Refrigerator room 9 Freezer room 10 Vegetable room 11, 12, 13, 14 Door 16, 17, 18 Container 15 Ice greenhouse 25, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 41, 42, 4,
3 Lighting device 26 Light source 27, 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D Light guide plate 30, 31 End 32 Reflector 40 shelf

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Fujiko Masuda 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomokazu Hiraishi 2-5-2-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Inside Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Hanmuri 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshiko Tani 2-chome, Keihanhondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture No. 5 F-term in Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (reference) 3L045 AA05 BA01 CA02 DA02 EA01 GA07 HA01 PA04

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An illumination device such as a refrigerator which is installed in a refrigerator or the like and illuminates when a door is opened and illuminates when a door is opened, a light source and light from the light source are introduced into the interior from one end, A lighting device such as a refrigerator, comprising: a light guide plate made of a resin that performs surface illumination by transmitting at least a part of the introduced light toward the other end portion facing the inside. 2. A lighting device for a refrigerator or the like according to claim 1, wherein a reflecting material is provided on at least a part of one surface or both surfaces of the light guide plate. 3. The ratio of the amount of light reflected by the reflector to the amount of light transmitted through the light guide plate is about 1: 1.
The lighting device for a refrigerator or the like according to claim 2, wherein 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is provided so as to constitute at least a part of at least one member selected from a top surface, a wall surface, a shelf, a container, and the like in the refrigerator. Lighting devices such as refrigerators in any of them.