Patent ID: 12188648

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. In the present embodiment, a refrigerator is illustrated as an aspect of a storage compartment of the present disclosure, and a lighting device for the refrigerator is illustrated as a lighting device for the storage compartment. In addition, in the present embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the lighting device provided at a front portion of a side wall of an accommodation chamber of the refrigerator illuminates the rear side (a depth side) of the accommodation chamber.

Note that the embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and it is sufficient that a configuration be adopted in which an intended portion of the accommodation chamber is illuminated by a lighting device provided at a wall surface of the accommodation chamber. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the rear side of the accommodation chamber is illuminated by a lighting device provided at a front portion of a wall surface of a ceiling of the accommodation chamber. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the upper side of the accommodation chamber is illuminated by a lighting device provided at a lower portion of a side wall of the accommodation chamber. Further, in addition to a refrigerator, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a heating cooking apparatus including an accommodation chamber, such as a microwave oven or a convection microwave oven, and various types of storage compartments including an accommodation chamber.

Overview of Refrigerator1

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator1according to the present embodiment.FIG.2is a view as viewed in the direction of an arrow A inFIG.1. As illustrated inFIG.1, the refrigerator1includes an accommodation chamber2defined by a heat insulating box1afilled with a heat insulating material. Lighting devices10are provided at front portions of left and right side walls8of the accommodation chamber2. As will be described in detail below, the lighting device10has an elongated shape that is long in the up-down direction and short in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated inFIG.2, support portions11protrude from the left and right side walls8, respectively. The support portions11support placement trays9on which objects to be stored are placed. The placement trays9are placed on the support portions11of the left and right side walls8. A cool air passage12, through which cool air circulates, is formed in a rear wall of the accommodation chamber2. The cool air circulating through the cool air passage12is discharged into the accommodation chamber2via a discharge port (not illustrated). A front surface of the cool air passage12is covered by a metal panel13, and cold energy of the cool air circulating through the cool air passage12is radiated into the accommodation chamber2via the metal panel13. As a result, the interior of the accommodation chamber2can be uniformly cooled.

Overview of Lighting Device10

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view as viewed in the direction of arrows along a line B-B inFIG.2. As illustrated inFIG.3, the lighting device10includes at least a light source3and a cover6covering the light source3. The light source3emits light that illuminates the interior of the accommodation chamber2. In the present embodiment, the light source3emits the light in a direction intersecting the side wall8. Further, in the present embodiment, the light source3is constituted by a plurality of LEDs3a, each having a chip-like shape, that are mounted side by side on a mounting substrate7having an elongated shape. The plurality of LEDs3aare arranged side by side in the up-down direction.

The cover6includes, on a side opposing the light source3, a light incident portion in which the light emitted by the light source3enters. Assuming that a surface of the cover6opposing the accommodation chamber2is a front surface6aand a side opposite to the front surface6ais a back surface6b, in the present embodiment, the light incident portion60is provided at a position opposing the light source3at the back surface6bof the cover6. Further, in the present embodiment, a single cover6is provided covering all of the LEDs3a, and the cover6is formed in the same elongated shape as that of the lighting device10(seeFIG.2). Note that it is sufficient that the cover6at least partially cover the light source3.

The lighting device10is provided at the front portion of the side wall8of the accommodation chamber2, and is attached to a recessed portion8aformed in the side wall8. A resin-molded case5is disposed in the recessed portion8a. The mounting substrate7on which the plurality of LEDs3aare mounted is attached to an inner side of the case5, substantially parallel to the side wall8. Note that the color of the case5is preferably a color that reflects light, such as white. As a result, light emitted from the back surface6bof the cover6can be reflected, and caused to once again be incident from the back surface6bof the cover6.

The cover6covers an opening portion, of the case5, that is open toward the accommodation chamber2. The cover6is made of a transparent material such as an acrylic resin, glass, or a polystyrene resin. The cover6is fitted to close the case5. The cover6includes a claw portion (not illustrated). When the claw portion is engaged with a hole portion (not illustrated) provided in the case5, the cover6is latched onto the case5.

Details of Cover6

As illustrated inFIG.3, the cover6includes the light incident portion60, a first light guide portion61, a second light guide portion62, a light exit portion63, an end portion light exit shape (light exit shape)64, a light reflection diffusion portion65, and a third light guide portion66. Hereinafter, a configuration of the cover6will be described with reference toFIG.3toFIG.12. Hereinafter, a front end portion of the cover6is referred to as a “front end portion6f”, and a rear end portion of the cover6is referred to as a “rear end portion6r”.

FIG.4is a front view illustrating the front surface6aside of the cover6of the lighting device10provided at the accommodation chamber2of the refrigerator1.FIG.5is a rear view illustrating the back surface6bside of the cover6.FIG.6is an enlarged view of a region A1inFIG.3.FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of recesses74in the light reflection diffusion portion65provided at the back surface6bof the cover6.FIG.8is a diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of the recesses74in the light reflection diffusion portion65provided at the back surface6bof the cover6.FIG.9is a diagram showing luminance measurement results in the arrangement example of the light reflection diffusion portion65illustrated inFIG.7.FIG.10is an enlarged view of a region A2inFIG.3.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an example of the end portion light exit shape64provided at the rear end portion6r, on the front surface6aside, of the cover6.FIG.12is a diagram illustrating another example of the end portion light exit shape64provided at the rear end portion6r, on the front surface6aside, of the cover6.

Light Incident Portion60

The light incident portion60is a portion that takes the light generated by the light source3into the cover6. The light incident portion60may be a portion on which the light generated by the light source3is incident in the direction along the side wall8. As illustrated inFIG.3, the light incident portion60corresponds to a surface, of the back surface6b, opposing the light source3. Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.5, the light incident portion60is provided so as to extend long in the up-down direction, corresponding to the light source3in which the plurality of LEDs3aare arranged side by side in the up-down direction. The light generated by the light source3(LEDs3a) enters the interior of the cover6through the light incident portion60.

First Light Guide Portion61

The first light guide portion61is a portion that changes the travel direction of light incident from the light incident portion60to a first direction along the wall surface of the accommodation chamber2. The first light guide portion61changes the travel direction of the incident light to the first direction, by reflecting the incident light. As described above, in the present embodiment, the lighting device10provided at the front portion of the side wall8of the accommodation chamber2illuminates the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. Thus, the first light guide portion61changes the travel direction of the light incident from the light incident portion60to a direction from the front (front side) to the rear (depth side) along the wall surface of the accommodation chamber2. This direction from the front to the rear is the first direction.

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.6, in the present embodiment, the first light guide portion61is formed by a curved surface over which the front surface6aside, which corresponds to a portion at which the light incident portion60is located, protrudes toward the inner side of the accommodation chamber2and curves toward the rear. The first light guide portion61as described above is formed by a curved surface inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the light incident portion60. Note that, although the first light guide portion61is a curved surface in the example illustrated inFIG.3, the first light guide portion61may be a flat surface inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the light incident portion60.

The first light guide portion61is preferably inclined so that light emitted from the LEDs3aand incident from the light incident portion60is incident on the first light guide portion61at an angle larger than a critical angle. For example, when the cover6is made of an acrylic resin, the critical angle of light incident from the acrylic resin toward the air is approximately 42 degrees. Thus, it is preferable that the first light guide portion61be inclined so that the light incident from the light incident portion60is incident on the first light guide portion61at an angle larger than the critical angle of approximately 42 degrees. When the first light guide portion61is inclined in this manner, most of the light emitted from the LEDs3aand incident from the light incident portion60can be reflected (totally reflected) without being made to exit from the first light guide portion61to the outside, and be sent (guided) toward the rear side (to the rear end portion6rside).

Second Light Guide Portion62

The second light guide portion62is a portion that is located between the first light guide portion61and the light exit portion63, and guides the light from the first light guide portion61to the light exit portion63. At the second light guide portion62, a smaller amount of light (exit amount) exits to the accommodation chamber2than at the light exit portion63.

By providing the second light guide portion62as described above between the first light guide portion61and the light exit portion63, the position of the light exit portion63naturally moves downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear. As a result, the light generated by the light source3can be more effectively utilized by more effectively illuminating the rear side of the accommodation chamber2, which is the intended portion of the accommodation chamber2, using the lighting devices10provided at the side walls8of the accommodation chamber2.

In the present embodiment, at least a second light guide portion front surface62ahas a planar shape. As a result, diffusion of light at the second light guide portion front surface62ais suppressed, and a larger amount of light can be sent to the rear side without the light exiting from the second light guide portion front surface62ato the outside. More preferably, a second light guide portion back surface62balso has a planar shape. As a result, diffusion of light at the second light guide portion back surface62bis suppressed, and a larger amount of light can be sent to the rear side without the light exiting from the second light guide portion back surface62bto the outside.

The second light guide portion front surface62ahas a smaller surface roughness than that of the light exit portion63. As a result, diffusion of light at the second light guide portion front surface62ais suppressed, and a larger amount of light can be sent to the rear without the light exiting to the outside. More preferably, the second light guide portion back surface62balso has a smaller surface roughness than that of the light exit portion63. As a result, diffusion of light at the second light guide portion back surface62bis suppressed, and a larger amount of light can be sent to the rear without the light exiting to the outside.

Here, with respect to the second light guide portion62, the light incident on the second light guide portion62from the first light guide portion61is preferably incident on the second light guide portion front surface62alocated at the front surface6aor the second light guide portion back surface62blocated at the back surface6bat an angle larger than the critical angle. With this configuration, most of the light incident from the first light guide portion61can be totally reflected between the second light guide portion front surface62aand the second light guide portion back surface62b, and can be sent to the rear side without the light exiting from the first light guide portion61to the outside.

Thus, in the present embodiment, at least the second light guide portion front surface62ais parallel (substantially parallel) to the direction from the front to the rear (first direction), which is the travel direction of the light changed by the first light guide portion61. As a result, the light incident from the first light guide portion61can be totally reflected at the second light guide portion front surface62a. More preferably, the second light guide portion back surface62bis also parallel (substantially parallel) to the travel direction of the light changed by the first light guide portion61. As a result, the light incident from the first light guide portion61can also be totally reflected at the second light guide portion back surface62b. Further, since both the second light guide portion front surface62aand the second light guide portion back surface62bare provided in parallel with the light incident portion60, even if the second light guide portion62is relatively long in the front-rear direction, the light guided by the second light guide portion62can be totally reflected and sent to the rear side.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.6, the second light guide portion62is located so as to be recessed more deeply toward the wall core side of the side wall8than the front surface6a, which is the portion of the cover6protruding furthest to the inner side of the accommodation chamber2. In other words, the second light guide portion front surface62ais located so as to be recessed more deeply toward the wall core side of the side wall8than the front surface6a, which is the portion of the cover6protruding furthest to the inner side of the accommodation chamber2. Here, it is more preferable that the second light guide portion62be located so as to be recessed more deeply toward the wall core side of the side wall8than the side wall8. In other words, the second light guide portion62is recessed from the side wall8. As a result, protrusion of the second light guide portion62into the accommodation chamber2can be reduced, and it is less likely for the second light guide portion62to come into contact with the placement tray9(seeFIG.1) or the like installed in the accommodation chamber2.

Third Light Guide Portion66

The third light guide portion66is provided on the front surface6aof the cover6, so as to be closer to the front end portion6fthan the first light guide portion61. The third light guide portion66is a portion that guides the light incident from the light incident portion60to the front side (front end portion6fside). The third light guide portion66has an inclined surface66aextending further to the inner side of the accommodation chamber2than a portion corresponding to a front end portion of the light incident portion60, and a flat surface66bcontinuous with the inclined surface66a. The inclined surface66ais connected to the first light guide portion61. An intersection line67at which the first light guide portion61and the inclined surface66aintersect is arranged so as to be biased toward the front side relative to the center of the light incident portion60in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the front end portion6fside of the cover6can also be illuminated by the light from the light source3.

Similarly to the second light guide portion62, it is preferable that the flat surface66bof the third light guide portion66be recessed from the side wall8. With this configuration, protrusion of the flat surface66binto the accommodation chamber2can be reduced, and it is less likely for the flat surface66bto come into contact with the placement tray9(seeFIG.1) or the like installed in the accommodation chamber2.

Light Exit Portion63

The light exit portion63is a portion at which most of the light, which is incident into the interior of the cover6, emits to the accommodation chamber2. The light incident portion60is provided on the front surface6aof the cover6. As illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.6, in the present embodiment, the light exit portion63is located downstream of the first light guide portion61in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear. Further, the light exit portion63is provided further to the rear side (depth side) of the accommodation chamber2than the second light guide portion62.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the light exit portion63includes protruding portions70formed on the front surface6aof the cover6. Each protruding portion70has a first surface71and a second surface72along the direction from the front to the rear, which is the first direction. When an internal angle formed between the first surface71and a line segment L1is θ1and an internal angle formed between the second surface72and the line segment L1is θ2, θ2>θ1. The line segment L1indicates a plane parallel to the side wall8. The line segment L1is also parallel to the front side6aof the cover6. InFIG.6, the outline of the front surface6aof the cover6is indicated by a line segment L2.

By providing the protruding portion70having the first surface71and the second surface72on the front surface6aside of the cover6as the light exit portion63, the light can effectively be made to exit from the front surface6aside of the cover6. As a result, a larger amount of light generated by the light source3can be made to exit to the interior of the accommodation chamber2.

Here, the first surface71is a surface facing upstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear, and the second surface72is a surface facing downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear. Since the second surface72faces downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear, the light that has exited from the second surface72turns into light traveling toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2, and the light can be sent exclusively toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. As a result, the rear side of the accommodation chamber2can be illuminated with a high illuminance. Note that, since the first surface71faces upstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear, light traveling from the front to the rear is unlikely to exit from the first surface71.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of the first surfaces71and the second surfaces72as described above are alternately arranged along the direction from the front to the rear. By adopting such a configuration, a plurality of light beams can exit from the light exit portion63toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. Further, the light exiting from the second surface72located closer to the front side can illuminate the center, in the left-right direction, of the rear side of the accommodation chamber2, and the light exiting from the second surface72located closer to the rear side can illuminate end portions, in the left-right direction, of the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. As a result, the rear side of the accommodation chamber2can be illuminated over a wide range.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portion70includes a plurality of protrusions73each having a triangular cross-sectional shape along the direction from the front to the rear. Of two inclined surfaces of the protrusion73, the inclined surface located upstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear is the first surface71, and the inclined surface located downstream in the travel direction of the light is the second surface72. By adopting such a configuration, the first surfaces71and the second surfaces72can be densely formed on the front surface6aof the cover6.

Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of protrusions73are provided continuously in the direction from the front to the rear. In other words, the plurality of protrusions73are provided continuously without any gap in the direction from the front to the rear. As a result, the light exiting the light exit portion63toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2is not interrupted in the direction from the front to the rear, suppressing unevenness in brightness when the rear side of the accommodation chamber2is illuminated.

As illustrated inFIG.4, in the present embodiment, each of the protrusions73is provided in a line extending in a direction intersecting the direction from the front to the rear. As a result, the front surface6aof the cover6can be easily cleaned by pressing a wet cloth or the like against the plurality of protrusions73and moving the wet cloth or the like in the direction in which the line of protrusions73extends.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the cover6is elongated (has an elongated shape) so as to be long in the up-down direction and short in the front-rear direction, the line extending in the direction intersecting the direction from the front to the rear is a line extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover6. Therefore, when a wet cloth or the like is moved in the direction in which the line extends, the whole front surface6aof the cover6can be cleaned at the same time in the longitudinal direction, and cleaning can be performed more easily. In this case, the first direction is the lateral direction.

Further, from the viewpoint of ease of cleaning, the height of each of the protrusions73is preferably equal to or less than 2 mm. Further, the apex of each protruding portion70is preferably rounded.

The plurality of protrusions73may include protrusions73having mutually different sizes. Varying the sizes of the protrusions73makes it possible to vary the sizes of the light beams exiting the second surface72at different locations. As a result, the amount of light exiting the light exit portion63can be changed. For example, by making the protrusions73located closer to the rear side separated from the light source3larger than the protrusions73located closer to the front side in the vicinity of the light source3, the light from the light source3can be more effectively sent to the rear side of the accommodation chamber2.

Further, the internal angle θ2formed by the second surface72and the line segment L1is preferably from 90 degrees to 50 degrees. By setting the upper limit of the internal angle θ2 to 90 degrees, the light exiting the second surface72can be directed toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2along the side wall8. If the upper limit of the internal angle θ2is larger than 90 degrees, the light exiting the second surface72is directed to the side wall8side instead of the interior of the accommodation chamber2, which increases the amount of light that is not effectively utilized. By setting the lower limit of the internal angle θ2 to 50 degrees, the light exiting the second surface72can be directed toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. If the lower limit of the internal angle θ2is smaller than 50 degrees, an extent of protrusion of the protrusion increases, which negatively affects ease of cleaning. In the present embodiment, the internal angle θ2is set to 80 degrees.

Further, the internal angle θ1formed by the first surface71and the line segment L1is preferably larger than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees, and more preferably smaller than 45 degrees. By setting the internal angle θ1to an angle smaller than 45 degrees, light is easily guided (easily directed) to the rear side of the accommodation chamber2.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration is illustrated as an example in which the light exit portion63including the protruding portions70is provided as the light exit portion63of the cover6provided with the first light guide portion61and the second light guide portion62. However, the light exit portion63need only be formed at a surface (front surface), of the cover6including the light incident portion60, opposing the accommodation chamber2.

Further, in the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.6, a valley formed between adjacent protrusions73is formed to be deeper than the second light guide portion front surface62a.

Light Reflection Diffusion Portion65

The light reflection diffusion portion65is a portion that sends light guided inside the cover6to the front surface6aside, by reflecting and diffusing the light. As illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.6, the light reflection diffusion portion65is provided on the back surface6bof the cover6. The light reflection diffusion portion65includes a plurality of recesses74provided on the back surface6bof the cover6. The plurality of recesses74diffuse the light guided inside the cover6, and reflect the light toward the front surface6aside. As a result, compared with a configuration in which the back surface6aof the cover6is formed by a flat surface, the guided light can be diffused and reflected before being sent to the front surface6bside.

Since the guided light is reflected by the inner peripheral surface of each of the recesses74, light is less likely to exit to a space inside the recess74. Further, even after the light exits to the space inside the recess74, the light is likely to exit again from the inner peripheral surface of the recess74. As a result, a larger amount of light can be directed toward the front surface6aside.

In the present embodiment, the light exit portion63is provided on the front surface6aside of the cover6corresponding to the light reflection diffusion portion65. In other words, the plurality of recesses74are located on the back side of the light exit portion63. Thus, a larger amount of light can be made to exit from the light exit portion63toward the accommodation chamber2, and the light of the light source3can be effectively utilized.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recesses74are also formed at an end portion, of the second light guide portion62, closer to the light exit portion63. In other words, the plurality of recesses74are also provided at a rear portion of the second light guide portion62(a portion adjacent to the boundary with the light exit portion63), and are distributed so as to include a rear portion of the second light guide portion back surface62b. As a result, light guided from the rear portion of the second light guide portion62can be diffused and reflected before being sent to the front surface6aside, and the light can also be effectively emitted from a front portion of the light exit portion63(a portion close to the boundary with the second light guide portion62).

Further, the inner peripheral surface of each of the recesses74is preferably a curved surface. By forming the inner peripheral surface as a curved surface, the guided light is more easily reflected by the inner peripheral surface and becomes less likely to exit from a space inside the recess. Further, the light guided by the curved inner peripheral surface can be more effectively diffused.

As an example of the recess74having an inner peripheral surface that is a curved surface, a configuration may be adopted in which the recess74is circular when viewed from the back surface6bof the cover6. In that case, the recess74may have a hemispherical or dome-like shape. By forming the recess74in a hemispherical or dome-like shape, light can be diffused more effectively.

The plurality of recesses74may include recesses74having mutually different sizes. Varying the sizes of the recesses74makes it possible to vary the amount of light diffused and reflected at different locations. In other words, a diffusion degree of the light exiting the front surface6aof the cover6, that is, the light exiting the light exit portion63in the present embodiment can be changed. As a result, localized light can be softened, and unevenness in the brightness can be reduced.

The plurality of recesses74may include recesses74having mutually different depths. Similarly to the size, changing the depth of the recesses makes it possible to vary the amount of diffused and reflected light at different locations.

When varying the depths of the recesses74, the back surface6bof the cover6may be provided so as to gradually approach the front surface6aof the cover6further downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear. As a result, it is possible to easily create a configuration in which the depths of the recesses74become gradually shallower from upstream to downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.7, the plurality of recesses74are preferably arranged in a staggered manner. By arranging the recesses74in a staggered manner, more of the recesses74can be arranged per unit area, and the recesses74can be densely formed.

Further, when arranging the recesses74in a staggered manner, as illustrated inFIG.8, it is more preferable to arrange the recesses74so that the edge-to-edge distance between adjacent recesses74is equal to or less than the diameter of each recess74. With this configuration, even in the same staggered arrangement, the recesses74can be formed more densely than in the arrangement illustrated inFIG.7. Further, from the viewpoint of densely arranging the recesses74, regardless of the staggered arrangement, it is more preferable to arrange the recesses74so that the edge-to-edge distance between adjacent recesses74is equal to or less than the diameter of each recess74.

When luminance was measured while changing the number of the recesses74with the front surface6aof the cover6formed as a flat surface, it was confirmed that unevenness of brightness (unevenness in luminance) was reduced by increasing the number of the recesses74and densely arranging the recesses74. Also, fromFIG.9which shows the luminance measurement results when the arrangement of the light reflection diffusion portion65is set to the arrangement illustrated inFIG.7, it can be confirmed that the unevenness of brightness is small.FIG.9shows the luminance at the rear surface of the accommodation chamber2, when the LEDs3aare arranged at the front portion of the side wall8to illuminate the rear surface of the accommodation chamber2(depth-side surface inside the compartment). Further, the intersection point inFIG.9indicates the height position of the LED3a.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration is illustrated as an example in which the light reflection diffusion portion65of the cover6provided with the first light guide portion61and the second light guide portion62has a configuration in which the plurality of recesses74are provided on the back surface6bof the cover6, and light is reflected while being diffused toward the front surface6aof the cover6. However, it is sufficient that the light reflection diffusion portion65be formed on a surface opposing the back surface, on the light source3side, of the cover covering at least a part of the light source3.

End Portion Light Exit Shape64

As illustrated inFIG.3,FIG.10, andFIG.11, the end portion light exit shape64is provided at the rear end portion6r. The rear end portion6ris an end portion located further downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear than the light exit portion63, and protrudes from the side wall8toward the inner side of the accommodation chamber2. Then, as illustrated inFIG.10, the end portion light exit shape64has a light exit surface75facing downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear.

By providing the end portion light exit shape64at the rear end portion6r, light having reached the rear end portion6rwithout exiting the light exit portion63can be made to exit from the light exit surface75toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. As a result, the light generated by the light source3can be more effectively utilized by more effectively illuminating the rear side of the accommodation chamber2, which is the intended portion of the accommodation chamber2, using the lighting devices10provided on the side walls8of the accommodation chamber2.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the light exit surface75as described above may be divided into a plurality of stages (three stages inFIG.10). Further, as illustrated inFIG.11, the light exit surface75may be provided in a line extending in a direction intersecting the direction from the front to the rear. When the light exit surface75is provided in a line shape, light can exit without interruption in the direction in which the line extends, and unevenness in the brightness can be suppressed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the cover6has the elongated shape long in the up-down direction and short in the front-rear direction, the line extending in the direction intersecting the direction from the front to the rear is a line extending in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when a wet cloth or the like is moved in the direction in which the line extends, the whole front surface6aof the cover6can be cleaned at the same time in the longitudinal direction, and cleaning can be performed more easily.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.3, in the present embodiment, the rear end portion side6rof the cover6is inclined so as to gradually approach the side wall8further downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear, and a plurality of the light exit surfaces75each having a line shape are provided at the inclined surface of the rear end portion side6r.

Since the inclined surface of the rear end portion6rdiagonally faces the rear side of the accommodation chamber2, light emitted diagonally toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2can be increased. As a result, a central portion, in the left-right direction, of the rear side of the accommodation chamber2can be illuminated. In the present embodiment, an inclination angle θ3of the inclined surface of the rear end portion6rillustrated inFIG.10is 45 degrees, forming a so-called C surface, but no limitation is intended.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.12, the end portion light exit shape64may be a plurality of rectangular block shapes76provided on the inclined surface of the rear end portion6r. Each rectangular block shape76forms a protrusion toward the normal direction of the inclined surface of the rear end portion6r, and the light exit surface75is provided in the rectangular block shape76.

The plurality of rectangular block shapes76may include rectangular block shapes76having mutually different sizes. Varying the sizes of the rectangular block shapes76makes it possible to vary the amount of light emitted from the rear end portion6rat different locations. As a result, since the amount of light exiting the rear end portion6rcan be changed, localized light can be softened, and unevenness in the brightness can be reduced.

Exit of Light Traveling Inside Cover6

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of light that travels inside the cover6exiting the cover6. As illustrated inFIG.13, the light generated by the LEDs3aof the light source3is incident into the interior of the cover6through the light incident portion60, is reflected by the first light guide portion61, and the travel direction thereof is changed to the direction from the front to the rear.

Note that, although not illustrated, some of the light incident into the interior of the cover6from the light incident portion60is reflected by the inclined surface66aof the third light guide portion66, and the travel direction thereof is changed to the direction from the rear to the front. However, since the intersection line67between the first light guide portion61and the inclined surface66ais biased toward the front side relative to the center of the light incident portion60in the front-rear direction, most of the light having entered the cover6from the light incident portion60is reflected by the first light guide portion61. Further, of the light incident into the cover6from the light incident portion60, the light that has reached the first light guide portion61and the inclined surface66aat an incident angle smaller than the critical angle, despite being a small amount, exits from the first light guide portion61and the inclined surface66a, toward the interior of the accommodation chamber2.

The light whose travel direction has been changed by the first light guide portion61is guided to the second light guide portion62. The light guided to the second light guide portion62is reflected by the second light guide portion front surface62aor the second light guide portion back surface62b, or is reflected between the second light guide portion front surface62aand the second light guide portion back surface62b, and travels to the rear side at which the light exit portion63is located.

Of the light having reached the portion at which the light exit portion63is formed, light having reached the second surface72of each of the protrusions73formed on the front surface6aat an incident angle smaller than the critical angle exits from the second surface72toward the interior of the accommodation chamber2. Here, since the internal angle θ2of the second surface72is set to be from 90 degrees to 50 degrees, the light exiting from the second surface72can be directed toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2without causing the protrusions73to protrude to a height that impairs ease of cleaning.

On the other hand, the light having reached the second surface72at an incident angle smaller than the critical angle is reflected by the second surface72, and reaches the back surface6b. The light having reached the back surface6bis diffused and reflected by each of the recesses74of the light reflection diffusion portion65, and travels toward the front surface6aonce again. Then, when the light has satisfied the condition described above, the light exits from the second surface72toward the interior of the accommodation chamber2. When the light has not satisfied the condition, the light returns to the back surface6bonce again, is diffused and reflected once again, and travels toward the front surface6a. Here, since the plurality of protrusions73are provided, a plurality of light beams can be made to exit toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2.

The light having reached the rear end portion6rwithout exiting from the light exit portion63to the accommodation chamber2exits from the light exit surface75of the end portion light exit shape64provided at the rear end portion6r, toward the rear side of the accommodation chamber2. Since the light exit surface75faces downstream in the travel direction of the light traveling from the front to the rear, the light exiting from the light exit surface75travels toward the rear side, and can effectively illuminate the rear corner of the accommodation chamber2.

Second Embodiment

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, for convenience of description, components having the same functions as those described in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference signs, and descriptions of those components will be omitted.

FIG.14is a front view illustrating main portions of the front surface6aside of a cover6′ of a lighting device installed in an accommodation chamber of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.14, at the cover6′, the plurality of recesses74of the light reflection diffusion portion65provided on the back surface6bare arranged corresponding to the plurality of protrusions73of the light exit portion63provided on the front surface6a. Only this point is different from the cover6.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.14, the plurality of recesses74are arranged side by side in a line, corresponding to each of the plurality of protrusions73extending in a line. The rear side (rear end portion6rside) of the inner peripheral surface of each recess74is located on the back side of the second surface72of the corresponding protrusion73, and a bottom portion of a recessed portion of each recess74is located on the rear side of the first surface71of the corresponding protrusion73.

With such a configuration, at each of the protrusions73, light diffusion and reflection effects achieved by the plurality of recesses74can be made uniform. As a result, in the direction along which the protrusions73are arranged, unevenness in the brightness caused by a difference in the positional relationship with the plurality of recesses74can be suppressed.

Further, in the example illustrated inFIG.14, by arranging the plurality of recesses74in a staggered manner, the front side (front end portion6fside) of the inner peripheral surface of the recess74can be located on the back side of the second surface72of the protrusion73adjacent to the front side of the corresponding protrusion73.

Supplement

A lighting device10according to a first aspect of the present invention is a lighting device provided on a wall surface (side wall8) in an interior of a storage compartment (refrigerator1), and includes a light source3configured to generate light, and a cover6including a light incident portion60on which the light generated by the light source3is incident. A plurality of recesses74are formed at a back surface6bfacing the light source3side of the cover6.

With respect to the first aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a second aspect of the present invention, the cover6includes a light exit portion63at a front surface6afacing the interior of the storage compartment, the light exit portion63being configured to cause the light incident from the light incident portion60to exit to the interior of the storage compartment. The plurality of recesses74are located on the back side of the light exit portion63.

With respect to the first aspect or the second aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a third aspect of the present invention, each of the recesses74of the plurality of recesses74has an inner peripheral surface formed as a curved surface.

With respect to the third aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, each of the recesses74of the plurality of recesses74is circular when viewed from the back surface6b.

With respect to the fourth aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, each of the recesses74of the plurality of recesses74has a hemispherical shape.

With respect to any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, in a lighting device10according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of recesses74include the recesses74having mutually different sizes.

With respect to any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, in a lighting device10according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of recesses74include the recesses74having mutually different depths.

With respect to the seventh aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the back surface6bapproaches the front surface6afacing the interior of the storage compartment further downstream in a travel direction of light of a first direction along the wall surface.

With respect to any one of the first to eight aspects described above, in a lighting device10according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the recesses74of the plurality of recesses74are arranged in a staggered manner with respect to each other.

With respect to the ninth aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an edge-to-edge distance between adjacent recesses74, of the plurality of recesses74, is equal to or less than the diameter of each of the recesses74.

With respect to the second aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the light exit portion63includes a plurality of protrusions73respectively provided in a line extending in a direction intersecting the first direction along the wall surface, and the plurality of recesses74are arranged corresponding to the plurality of protrusions73.

With respect to the second aspect or eleventh aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cover6includes a first light guide portion61that changes, to a first direction along the wall surface, a travel direction of light incident from the light incident portion60, and the light exit portion63is located downstream of the first light guide portion61in the travel direction of the light of the first direction.

With respect to the twelfth aspect described above, in a lighting device10according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the cover6further includes a second light guide portion62located between the first light guide portion61and the light exit portion63, and guiding light from the first light guide portion61to the light exit portion63, and the plurality of recesses74are also formed at an end portion, on a side of the light exit portion63, of the second light guide portion62.

A storage compartment according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes a lighting device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects described above.

A cover6according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is provided in an interior of a storage compartment and includes a light incident portion60on which light generated by the light source3is incident. A plurality of recesses74are formed at a back surface6bfacing a side of the light source3.

Note that the present disclosure includes a technical idea deriving from a focus on the hollow structure of the hair of the polar bear. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes a technical idea deriving from a focus on the shape of the comb plate of the comb jellyfish. In other words, the present disclosure relates to biomimetics.

The present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments. It is possible to make various modifications within the scope of the claims. An embodiment obtained by appropriately combining technical elements disclosed in different embodiments falls also within the technical scope of the present invention. Further, technical elements disclosed in the respective embodiments may be combined to provide a new technical feature.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1Refrigerator (storage compartment)2Accommodation chamber3Light source3aLED6,6′ Cover6aFront surface6bBack surface6fFront end portion6rRear end portion8Side wall (wall surface)10Lighting device60Light incident portion61First light guide portion62Second light guide portion62aSecond light guide portion front surface62bSecond light guide portion back surface63Light exit portion64End portion light exit shape65Light reflection diffusion portion70Protruding portion73Protrusion74Recess75Light exit surface76Rectangular block shapeL1, L2Line segmentθ1, θ2Internal angleθ3Angle