US20120127696A1 - Signature lighting system for appliance - Google Patents
Signature lighting system for appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120127696A1 US20120127696A1 US12/951,645 US95164510A US2012127696A1 US 20120127696 A1 US20120127696 A1 US 20120127696A1 US 95164510 A US95164510 A US 95164510A US 2012127696 A1 US2012127696 A1 US 2012127696A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- carrier
- light guide
- housing
- lighting system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
- D06F34/32—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress characterised by graphical features, e.g. touchscreens
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/32—Temperature
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/68—Operation mode; Program phase
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
- F21S43/237—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide rod-shaped
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2327/00—Lighting arrangements not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2327/001—Lighting arrangements on the external side of the refrigerator, freezer or cooling box
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a lighting system. In particular, the invention is directed to a signature lighting system for an appliance such as a refrigerator, for example.
- Signature lighting systems are current used in automotive environments to create a distinct (i.e. signature) appearance to aide in defining a brand. However, there are currently no signature lighting systems integrated with appliances (e.g. refrigerators, washing machines, driers, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, and the like) to aid in defining the brand.
- A conventional appliance (e.g. oven, washing machine) may have an “end of cycle” indicator represented by an audible sound. However, a conventional lighting system for an appliance does not provide a dynamic light indicator for communicating to a user an environmental characteristic (e.g. time of day, ambient temperature) and/or an operational characteristic (e.g. oven temperature, or washer/dryer cycle status, etc.) of an appliance.
- It would be desirable to develop a signature lighting system for an appliance to provide selective lighting patterns while minimizing electrical power consumption.
- Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a signature lighting system for an appliance to provide selective lighting patterns while minimizing electrical power consumption, has surprisingly been discovered.
- In one embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliance comprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; a light source disposed adjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy to selectively energize the light source, wherein the light source emits light into the light guide; and a light housing received in the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militates against a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier.
- In another embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliance comprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; a circuit board disposed adjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy; a light source disposed adjacent the light guide and coupled to the circuit board to selectively energize the light source to emit light into the light guide; a light housing disposed adjacent the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militates against a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier; and a carrier housing having an aperture formed therein, wherein the carrier housing at least partially encloses the carrier and the light housing, and wherein at least a portion of a light exiting the light guide passes through the aperture formed in the carrier housing.
- In yet another embodiment, a signature lighting system for an appliance comprises: a carrier; a light guide disposed adjacent the carrier; a circuit board disposed adjacent the light guide and in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy; a light source disposed adjacent the light guide and coupled to the circuit board to selectively energize the light source to emit light into the light guide; a light housing disposed adjacent the carrier and substantially enclosing the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier militates against a relative motion between the light guide and the carrier; and a controller in electrical communication with the light source to selectively energize the light source based upon an input signal.
- The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a signature lighting system integrated with an appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the signature lighting system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 2 , showing a light guide assembled with a carrier; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 2 , showing the portion assembled; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the lighting system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signature lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signature lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 7 , showing a light guide assembled with a light housing; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 7 , showing an optical element assembled with the carrier; -
FIG. 10 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 7 showing the carrier spaced from a carrier housing; -
FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 10 showing the carrier assembled with the carrier housing; and -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown inFIG. 11 taken across line 12-12. - The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
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FIGS. 1-5 illustrate asignature lighting system 10 integrated with an appliance 12 (e.g. a refrigerator) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thelighting system 10 is integrated with ahandle 14 coupled to theappliance 12. However, it is understood that thelighting system 10 can be integrated with any portion of theappliance 12 such as an outer housing of theappliance 12, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that thelighting system 10 can be integrated with any appliance such as a washing machine, a drier, an oven, a range, a dishwasher, and the like, for example. - The
lighting system 10 includes acarrier 16, alight guide 18 disposed adjacent thecarrier 16, a plurality ofcircuit boards 20 disposed adjacent thelight guide 18, alight source 22 disposed adjacent opposite ends of thelight guide 18, a plurality oflight housings 24 disposed adjacent thecarrier 16 to substantially enclose each of thelight sources 22, and acarrier housing 26 at least partially enclosing thecarrier 16 and each of thelight housings 24. - The
carrier 16 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such as plastic and can be deformed from a resting shape such as from a substantially planar shape, for example. However, any materials having any rigidity can be used. As a non-limiting example, thecarrier 16 has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape with achannel 28 formed in afirst surface 30 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessedportions 32. It is understood that thecarrier 16 can have any size and shape. - The
channel 28 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axis A-A of thecarrier 16. Thechannel 28 is configured to receive at least a portion of thelight guide 18 to substantially secure thelight guide 18 in a pre-determined position relative to thecarrier 16. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 18 is disposed in thechannel 28 and is at least flush with thefirst surface 30 of thecarrier 16. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 18 is disposed in thechannel 28 and is recessed from thefirst surface 30 of thecarrier 16. However, thelight guide 18 can have any position relative to thefirst surface 30 of thecarrier 16. As a non-limiting example, thechannel 28 is generally “C” shaped, wherein anopening 34 into the central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of thelight pipe 18. Accordingly, the opening 34 of thechannel 28 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure thelight guide 18 in thechannel 28. - Each of the recessed
portions 32 is configured to receive one of thelight housings 24 to secure the light housing 24 (e.g. including the enclosedcircuit board 20 and light source 22) in a pre-determined position relative to thecarrier 16 and thelight guide 18. In certain embodiments, therecessed portions 32 are apertures formed through thecarrier 16. However, therecessed portions 32 can have any depth relative to thefirst surface 30 of thecarrier 16. - The
light guide 18 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such as plastic or glass. However, any material that allows light to be conducted therethrough by the principle of total internal reflection, can be used. As a non-limiting example, thelight guide 18 is a light pipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that thelight guide 18 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 18 includes a plurality of light extraction features 36 to direct light through a surface of thelight guide 18. It is understood that thelight extraction features 36 can be disposed adjacent anouter surface 38 of thelight guide 18. It is further understood that thelight extraction features 36 can be integrated with thelight guide 18 and disposed within thelight guide 18. As a non-limiting example, thelight extraction features 36 can include a ridge or a tooth formed in thelight guide 18 to direct light rays through theouter surface 38 of thelight guide 18. As a further non-limiting example, the light extraction features 36 include a reflective paint for directing light rays through theouter surface 38 of thelight guide 18. It is understood that thelight extraction features 36 can include any means for re-directing light rays to exit thelight guide 18 through any surface thereof. It is further understood that thelight extraction features 36 can be formed in or on any portion of thelight guide 18. Any number of the light extraction features 36 (including one) can be arranged in any configuration to create a desired lighting pattern. - The
circuit boards 20 each include anelectrical connector 40 coupled to a means for electrical communication 42 (e.g. electrical wire or circuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between thecircuit board 20 and a source ofelectrical energy 44, as shown inFIG. 5 . Thecircuit boards 20 are configured to receive at least one of thelight sources 22 and selectively energize the at least one of thelight sources 22, as understood by one skilled in the art of circuit boards. It is understood that any means of electrical communication can be used to selectively energize thelight sources 22 such as electrical wires having a protective grommet, for example. - Each of the
light sources 22 is typically a side-emitting light emitting diode coupled to one of thecircuit boards 20 to receive an electric current from the source ofelectrical energy 44. As a non-limiting example, each of thelight sources 22 is disposed adjacent an end of thelight guide 18 to emit light into thelight guide 18. It is understood that any light source can be used. It is further understood that any number of thelight sources 22 can be used. - In certain embodiments, an optical device (not shown) or element is disposed between at least one of the
light sources 22 and thelight guide 18 to direct light emitted from the at least one of thelight sources 22 into thelight guide 18. It is understood that the optical device can be any means of directing light such as a lens, for example. It is further understood that the optical device can be securely mounted to a component of thelighting system 10 such as thelight housing 24, for example. - Each of the
light housings 24 is a split housing having afirst portion 24A and asecond portion 24B, and wherein thefirst portion 24A is releaseably coupled to thesecond portion 24B to substantially enclose at least one of thelight sources 22 at the at least a portion of one of thecircuit boards 20. As a non-limiting example, theportions light housing 24 cooperate to form aslot feature 46 configured to receive a portion of thelight guide 18 to secure thelight guide 18 in a pre-determined position relative to the at least one of thelight sources 22 disposed in thelight housing 24. As a further non-limiting example, theslot feature 46 defines a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure an end of thelight guide 18 to thelight housing 24. However, it is understood that thelight housing 24 and theslot feature 46 can have any size and shape. - In certain embodiments, the
carrier housing 26 is a split housing having afirst portion 26A and asecond portion 26B, wherein thefirst portion 26A is releaseably coupled to thesecond portion 26B to substantially enclose thecarrier 16. - In the embodiment shown, the
first portion 26A of thecarrier housing 26 is defined by a removable cover configured to couple to thehandle 14 of theappliance 12, wherein a portion of thehandle 14 defines thesecond portion 26B of the carrier housing. As a non-limiting example, thefirst portion 26A (e.g. cover) includes anaperture 48 formed therethrough to allow light exiting thelight guide 18 to pass through thecarrier housing 26. As a further non-limiting example, anoptical element 50 is disposed in theaperture 48 to direct the light passing through theaperture 48 in a pre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood that any optical feature such as a lens can be used. It is further understood that thecarrier housing 26 and the associatedaperture 48 can have any size and shape. As a further non-limiting example, thecarrier housing 26 includes acavity 52 formed therein to enclose the means for electrical communication 42 (e.g. wiring, electrical circuitry, and the like) for providing electrical interconnection between thecircuit board 20 and the source ofelectrical energy 44 to selectively supply an electric current to thelight source 22. - In certain embodiments, the
lighting system 10 further includes asensor 54 in signal communication with acontroller 56, wherein thesensor 54 transmits an input signal to thecontroller 56 to selectively energize thelight sources 22 in response to a pre-determined sensed characteristic. - In certain embodiments as shown in
FIG. 5 , thesensor 54 is a motion sensor which senses a movement of a user within a field of sensing of thesensor 54 and to transmit a sensor signal (e.g. input signal) to thecontroller 56. However, thesensor 54 can be configured to sense any environmental characteristic on theappliance 12 such as an ambient light and an ambient temperature, for example. - In certain embodiments, the
sensor 54 senses an operational characteristic of theappliance 12 such as an internal temperature or operating status. As a non-limiting example, theappliance 12 is a washing machine and thesensor 54 is configured to sense a stage (e.g. rinse, spin, finished) in a washing cycle, wherein thelight sources 22 are selectively energized to emit a pre-defined lighting pattern to represent the stage in the washing cycle. As a further non-limiting example, theappliance 12 is an oven and thesensor 54 is configured to sense an internal temperature of the oven, wherein thelight sources 22 are selectively energized to emit a dynamic intensity (e.g. higher intensity for higher temperature) to represent the internal temperature sensed. - The
controller 56 may be any device or system adapted to receive an input signal (e.g. the sensor signal), analyze the input signal, and configure the light sources 22 (e.g. via the circuit board 20) in response to the analysis of the input signal. In certain embodiments, thecontroller 56 is a micro-computer. In the embodiment shown, thecontroller 56 receives the input signal from at least one of thesensors 54 and a user-provided input via a user interface (not shown). - As shown, the
controller 56 analyzes the input signal based upon aninstruction set 58. Theinstruction set 58, which may be embodied within any computer readable medium, includes processor executable instructions for configuring thecontroller 56 to perform a variety of tasks. Thecontroller 56 may execute a variety of functions such as controlling the operation of thesensor 54 and thelight sources 22, for example. It is understood that various algorithms and software can be used to analyze the input signal received from thesensor 54. - In certain embodiments, the
controller 56 includes astorage device 60. Thestorage device 60 may be a single storage device or may be multiple storage devices. Furthermore, thestorage device 60 may be a solid state storage system, a magnetic storage system, an optical storage system, or any other suitable storage system or device. It is understood that thestorage device 60 may be adapted to store theinstruction set 58. Other data and information may be stored and cataloged in thestorage device 60 such as the data collected by thesensor 54, for example. - The
controller 56 may further include aprogrammable component 62. It is understood that theprogrammable component 62 may be in communication with any other component of thelighting system 10 such as thesensor 54 and thelight sources 22, for example. In certain embodiments, theprogrammable component 62 is adapted to manage and control processing functions of thecontroller 56. Specifically, theprogrammable component 62 is adapted to modify theinstruction set 58 and control the analysis of the signals and information received by thecontroller 56. It is understood that theprogrammable component 62 may be adapted to manage and control thesensor 54. It is further understood that theprogrammable component 62 may be adapted to store data and information on thestorage device 60, and retrieve data and information from thestorage device 60. - In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of the light sources 22) is disposed in one of the
light housings 24. One of thelight housings 24 is disposed at each end of thelight guide 18. In certain embodiments, a portion of thelight guide 18 is enclosed by each of the light housings 24 (e.g. using slot feature 46). Thelight guide 18 and thelight housings 24 are disposed adjacent thecarrier 16. In certain embodiments, thechannel 28 formed in thecarrier 16 receives thelight guide 18 and the recessedportions 32 formed in thecarrier 16 each receive one of thelight housings 24. Thecarrier 16 is then coupled to thesecond portion 26B of thecarrier housing 26 and thefirst portion 26A of thecarrier housing 26 is coupled to thesecond portion 26B of thecarrier housing 26 to substantially enclose thecarrier 16. Once thecarrier 16 is in position, a selective energizing of thelight sources 22 illuminates thelight guide 18, wherein the light extraction features 36 direct light from thelight guide 18 and through theaperture 48 formed in thefirst portion 26A of thecarrier housing 26. It is understood that thelight sources 22 can be selectively energized by thecontroller 56 or another control device (not shown). As a non-limiting example, thecontroller 56 selectively energizes thelight sources 22 in response to the input signal received from thesensor 54. As a further non-limiting example, the light emitted from thelight sources 22 can represent an environmental or operational characteristic of theappliance 12. -
FIG. 6 illustrates asignature lighting system 10′ according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to thesignature lighting system 10, except as described herein below. As shown, thelighting system 10′ is integrated with thehandle 14 coupled to theappliance 12. However, it is understood that thelighting system 10′ can be integrated with any portion of theappliance 12 such as an outer housing of the appliance, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that thelighting system 10′ can be integrated with any appliance such as a washing machine, a drier, an oven, a range, a dishwasher, and the like, for example. - The
lighting system 10′ includes acarrier 16′ coupled to thesecond portion 26B (e.g. handle 14) of thecarrier housing 26. Thecarrier 16′ includes a plurality of spaced apart clips 64 or snap features configured to receive thelight guide 18. As a non-limiting example, each theclips 64 is generally “C” shaped, wherein anopening 66 into a central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of thelight pipe 18. Accordingly, theopening 66 of each of theclips 64 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure thelight guide 18 in the second portion 26 b of thecarrier housing 26. - In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of the light sources 22) is disposed in one of the
light housings 24. Each of thelight housings 24 is disposed adjacent (e.g. coupled to) thesecond portion 26B of thecarrier housing 26. A portion of thelight guide 18 is inserted into theslot feature 46 of each of thelight housings 24. A portion of thelight guide 18 not enclosed by thelight housings 24 is then coupled to each of theclips 64 of thecarrier 16′. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 18 is coupled to theclips 64 of thecarrier 16′ and then thelight housings 24 are disposed on opposite ends of thelight guide 18. It is understood that other assembly procedures can be used. Thefirst portion 26A of thecarrier housing 26 is then coupled to thesecond portion 26B of thecarrier housing 26 to substantially enclose thelight guide 18 and thecarrier 16′. Once thecarrier 16′ and thelight guide 18 are in position, a selective energizing of thelight sources 22 illuminates thelight guide 18, wherein the light extraction features 36 direct light from thelight guide 18 and through theaperture 48 formed in thefirst portion 26A of thecarrier housing 26. It is understood that thelight sources 22 can be selectively energized by thecontroller 56 or any control device (not shown). -
FIGS. 7-12 illustrate asignature lighting system 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to thesignature lighting system 10, except as described herein below. - As shown, the
lighting system 110 includes acarrier 116, alight guide 118 disposed adjacent thecarrier 116, a plurality ofcircuit board 120 disposed adjacent thelight guide 118, alight source 122 disposed adjacent opposite ends of thelight guide 118, a plurality oflight housings 124 disposed adjacent thecarrier 116, and acarrier housing 126 at least partially enclosing thecarrier 116 and each of thelight housings 124. - The
carrier 116 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such as plastic and can be deformed from a resting shape. However, any materials having any rigidity can be used. As a non-limiting thecarrier 116 has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape with achannel 128 formed in afirst surface 130 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessedportions 132. It is understood that thecarrier 116 can have any size and shape. - The
channel 128 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axis B-B of thecarrier 116. Thechannel 128 is configured to receive at least a portion of thelight guide 118 to substantially secure thelight guide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to thecarrier 116. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 118 is disposed in thechannel 128 and is at least flush with thefirst surface 130 of thecarrier 116. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 118 is disposed in thechannel 128 and is recessed from thefirst surface 130 of thecarrier 116. As a non-limiting example, thechannel 128 is generally “C” shaped, wherein anopening 134 of a central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of thelight pipe 118. Accordingly, theopening 134 of thechannel 128 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure thelight guide 118 in thechannel 128. - Each of the recessed
portions 132 is configured to receive one of thelight housings 124 to secure the light housing 124 (e.g. including the enclosedcircuit board 120 and light source 122) in a pre-determined position relative to thecarrier 116 and thelight guide 118. In certain embodiments, the recessedportions 132 are apertures formed through thecarrier 116. However, the recessedportions 132 can have any depth relative to thefirst surface 130 of thecarrier 116. - The
light guide 118 is typically formed from a semi-rigid material such as plastic or glass. However, any material that allows light to be conducted therethrough by the principle of total internal reflection, can be used. As a non-limiting example, thelight guide 118 is a light pipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that thelight guide 118 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, thelight guide 118 includes a plurality of light extraction features 136 to direct light through a surface of thelight guide 118. It is understood that the light extraction features 136 can be disposed adjacent anouter surface 138 of thelight guide 118. It is further understood that the light extraction features 136 can be integrated with thelight guide 118 and disposed within thelight guide 118. As a non-limiting example, the light extraction features 136 can include a ridge or a tooth formed in thelight guide 118 to direct light rays through theouter surface 138 of thelight guide 118. As a further non-limiting example, the light extraction features 136 include a reflective paint for directing light rays through theouter surface 138 of thelight guide 118. It is understood that the light extraction features 136 can include any means for re-directing light rays to exit thelight guide 118 through any surface thereof. It is further understood that the light extraction features 136 can be formed in or on any portion of thelight guide 118. Any number of the light extraction features 138 can be arranged in any configuration to create a desired lighting pattern. - The
circuit boards 120 each include anelectrical connector 140 coupled to a means for electrical communication 142 (e.g. electrical wire or circuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between thecircuit board 120 and a source ofelectrical energy 144. Thecircuit boards 120 are configured to receive at least one of thelight sources 122 and selectively energize the at least one of thelight sources 122, as understood by one skilled in the art of circuit boards. It is understood that any means of electrical communication can be used to selectively energize thelight sources 122 such as electrical wires having a protective grommet, for example. - Each of the
light sources 122 is typically a side-emitting light emitting diode coupled to one of thecircuit boards 120 to receive an electric current from the source ofelectrical energy 144. As a non-limiting example, each of thelight sources 122 is disposed adjacent an end of thelight guide 118 to emit light into thelight guide 118. It is understood that any light source can be used. It is further understood that any number of thelight sources 122 can be used. - In certain embodiments, an
optical element 146 or device is disposed adjacent at least a portion of theouter surface 138 of thelight guide 118 to direct light exiting thelight guide 118 in a pre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood that theoptical element 146 can be any means of directing light such as a lens, for example. It is further understood that theoptical element 146 can be securely mounted to a component of thelighting system 110 such as thecarrier housing 126, for example. Theoptical element 146 can have any shape and size to direct light in any pattern. - Each of the
light housings 124 is a split housing having afirst portion 124A and asecond portion 124B, and wherein thefirst portion 124A is releaseably coupled to thesecond portion 124B to substantially enclose at least one of thelight sources 122 at the at least a portion of one of thecircuit boards 120. As a non-limiting example, theportions light housing 124 cooperate to form aslot feature 148 configured to receive a portion of thelight guide 118 to secure thelight guide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to the at least one of thelight sources 122 disposed in thelight housing 124. As a further non-limiting example, theslot feature 148 defines a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure an end of thelight guide 118 to thelight housing 124. However, it is understood that thelight housing 124 and theslot feature 148 can have any size and shape. - As more clearly shown in
FIGS. 10-12 , thecarrier housing 126 can have a curved shape or other non-planar or irregular shape. As a non-limiting example, thecarrier housing 126 is defined by a curved handle coupled to an appliance (not shown). However, it is understood that thelighting system 110 can be integrated with any portion of the appliance such as an outer housing of the appliance, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that thelighting system 110 can be integrated with any appliance such as a washing machine, a drier, an oven, a range, a dishwasher, and the like, for example. - As a further non-limiting example, carrier housing 126 (e.g. handle 14) includes an
aperture 150 formed therethrough to allow light exiting thelight guide 118 to pass through thecarrier housing 126. As a further non-limiting example, theoptical element 146 is disposed in theaperture 150 to direct the light passing through theaperture 150 in a pre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood that any optical element such as a lens can be used, for example. It is further understood that thecarrier housing 126 and the associatedaperture 150 can have any size and shape. Additionally, any number of theapertures 150 can be sued to receive any number of theoptical elements 146 of any size and shape. - In certain embodiments, a
retention device 152 cooperates with thecarrier housing 126 to militate against any relative movement between the carrier and thecarrier housing 126. Theretention device 152 protrudes radially inwardly from an inner surface of thecarrier housing 126. Accordingly, when thecarrier 116 is disposed in thecarrier housing 126, theretention device 152 engages a portion of thecarrier 116 to limit a motion of thecarrier 116 relative to thecarrier housing 126. - In certain embodiments, a
protuberance 154 is formed on an inner surface of thecarrier housing 126 to engage thecarrier 116 and urge theoptical element 146 into theaperture 150 formed in thecarrier housing 126. It is understood that theprotuberance 154 can be formed as an integral portion of thecarrier housing 126 and aligned with at least a portion of theaperture 150. It is further understood that theprotuberance 154 can be formed as an adjustable element such as a threaded member (not shown), wherein the threaded member is adjusted to exert a force on thecarrier 116, and thereby urge theoptical element 146 into theaperture 150. Other devices and structures can be used to adjust a position of thecarrier 116 relative to thecarrier housing 126. - In use, each of the circuit boards 120 (including at least one of the light sources 122) is disposed in one of the
light housings 124. One of thelight housings 124 is disposed at each end of thelight guide 118. In certain embodiments, a portion of thelight guide 118 is enclosed by each of the light housings 124 (e.g. using slot feature 148). Thelight guide 118 and thelight housings 124 are disposed adjacent thecarrier 116. In certain embodiments, thechannel 128 formed in thecarrier 116 receives thelight guide 118 and the recessedportions 132 formed in thecarrier 116 each receive one of thelight housings 124. Thecarrier 116 is then guided into thecarrier housing 126 to substantially enclose thecarrier 116. In certain embodiments, theprotuberance 154 guides theoptical element 146 into theaperture 150 formed in thecarrier housing 126 as thecarrier 116 is guided through thecarrier housing 126. - Once the
carrier 116 is in position, a selective energizing of thelight sources 122 illuminates thelight guide 118, wherein the light extraction features 136 direct light from thelight guide 118 and through theaperture 150 formed in thecarrier housing 126. - The
signature lighting system appliance 12 while minimizing electrical power consumption. Thesignature lighting system appliance 12. - From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/951,645 US20120127696A1 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2010-11-22 | Signature lighting system for appliance |
DE102011055279A DE102011055279A1 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2011-11-11 | Signature lighting system for household appliances |
JP2011255255A JP2012114090A (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2011-11-22 | Signature lighting system for appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/951,645 US20120127696A1 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2010-11-22 | Signature lighting system for appliance |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120127696A1 true US20120127696A1 (en) | 2012-05-24 |
Family
ID=46021453
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/951,645 Abandoned US20120127696A1 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2010-11-22 | Signature lighting system for appliance |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120127696A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2012114090A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102011055279A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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EP3136002A1 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-03-01 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Door handle for a door of a domestic appliance |
US20170307286A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2017-10-26 | Electraled, Inc. | Led lighting array system for illuminating a display case |
US10837650B2 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2020-11-17 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Domestic appliance and door for a domestic appliance |
CN113330175A (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2021-08-31 | Bsh家用电器有限公司 | Handle for a door of a domestic appliance with specific light guidance, door and domestic appliance |
US11419434B1 (en) * | 2018-10-03 | 2022-08-23 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door with door handle camera |
US11650628B1 (en) | 2018-10-03 | 2023-05-16 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door with touch screen |
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JP4062703B2 (en) * | 2004-04-28 | 2008-03-19 | スタンレー電気株式会社 | Lighting unit |
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2011
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- 2011-11-22 JP JP2011255255A patent/JP2012114090A/en active Pending
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US6553629B2 (en) * | 2001-02-26 | 2003-04-29 | Fleming Sales Company, Inc. | Illuminated grab handle assembly |
US8113695B2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2012-02-14 | Adac Plastics, Inc. | Trim component with concealed indicium |
US20080244869A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2008-10-09 | Sung-Wook Bae | Door Handle for Refrigerator |
US20070247831A1 (en) * | 2006-04-24 | 2007-10-25 | Buelow Roger F Ii | Lighted Refrigerated Display Case with Remote Light Source |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170307286A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2017-10-26 | Electraled, Inc. | Led lighting array system for illuminating a display case |
US10139156B2 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2018-11-27 | Electraled, Inc. | LED lighting array system for illuminating a display case |
US11029084B2 (en) | 2014-10-30 | 2021-06-08 | Electraled, Inc. | LED lighting array system for illuminating a display case |
EP3136002A1 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-03-01 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Door handle for a door of a domestic appliance |
WO2017032515A1 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-03-02 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Door handle for a door of a domestic appliance |
US10837650B2 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2020-11-17 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Domestic appliance and door for a domestic appliance |
US11419434B1 (en) * | 2018-10-03 | 2022-08-23 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door with door handle camera |
US11650628B1 (en) | 2018-10-03 | 2023-05-16 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door with touch screen |
CN113330175A (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2021-08-31 | Bsh家用电器有限公司 | Handle for a door of a domestic appliance with specific light guidance, door and domestic appliance |
US20220136706A1 (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2022-05-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Handle for a door of a domestic appliance with specific light guidance, and door and domestic appliance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102011055279A1 (en) | 2012-05-24 |
JP2012114090A (en) | 2012-06-14 |
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Owner name: VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED, INDIA Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855 Effective date: 20130630 Owner name: VARROCCORP HOLDING BV, NETHERLANDS Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855 Effective date: 20130630 Owner name: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC Free format text: AMENDMENT TO ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031332/0855 Effective date: 20130630 |
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Owner name: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS S.R.O., CZECH REPUBLIC Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VARROCCORP HOLDING BV;VARROC ENGINEERING PRIVATE LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:031719/0045 Effective date: 20131101 |