JP2012114090A - Signature lighting system for appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signature lighting system for appliance for providing selective lighting patterns while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: The signature lighting system for the appliance includes: a carrier; a light guide part disposed adjacent the carrier; and a light source disposed adjacent the light guide part 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 part, 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 part and the carrier.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to lighting systems. The invention particularly relates to a characteristic lighting system for household appliances such as, for example, refrigerators.

  Characteristic lighting systems are currently used in automotive environments to generate an identifiable (ie characteristic) appearance that is useful in characterizing a brand. However, there are now distinctive lighting systems built into household appliances (eg refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, etc.) to help in characterizing the brand do not do.

  Conventional household appliances (eg, ovens, washing machines) may have an “end of cycle” indicator represented by an audible sound. However, conventional lighting systems for home appliances have environmental characteristics (eg, date and time, ambient temperature) and / or operating characteristics (eg, oven temperature, or washer / dryer cycle status, etc.) of the home appliance. Does not provide a dynamic light indicator to communicate to the user.

  It would be desirable to develop a characteristic lighting system for household appliances to provide selective lighting patterns while minimizing power consumption.

  Consistent with and consistent with the present invention, surprisingly, a distinctive lighting system for household appliances has been developed to provide selective lighting patterns while reducing power consumption.

  In one embodiment, a characteristic lighting system for household appliances includes a carrier, a light guide provided adjacent to the carrier, and an electrical power supply provided adjacent to the light carrier. A light source in communication and selectively activating a light source, a light guide provided adjacent to the carrier, a light housing received in the carrier and substantially surrounding the light source, the light housing And at least one of the carriers comprises a light housing that prevents relative movement between the light guide and the carrier.

  In another embodiment, a characteristic lighting system for household appliances includes a carrier, a light guide portion provided adjacent to the carrier, an adjacent light guide portion, and an electrical energy source and electrical A light source coupled adjacent to the circuit board and the light guide portion, the light source coupled to the circuit board for selectively applying a voltage to the light source so as to emit light into the light guide portion And a light housing provided adjacent to the carrier and substantially surrounding the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier is relative to the light guide portion and the carrier. A carrier housing having an optical housing and an aperture formed therein that impedes movement, wherein the carrier housing at least partially encloses the carrier and the optical housing. Rikakomi, at least a portion of the light emitted from the light guide portion, passes through an aperture formed in the carrier housing, and a carrier housing.

  In yet another embodiment, a characteristic lighting system for household appliances includes a carrier, a light guide portion provided adjacent to the carrier, an electric energy source provided adjacent to the light guide portion, and A circuit board in electrical communication and a light source provided adjacent to the light guide portion, coupled to the circuit board to selectively apply a voltage to the light source to emit light into the light guide portion. And a light housing provided adjacent to the carrier and substantially surrounding at least a portion of the light source and the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier is between the light guide portion and the carrier. A light housing that prevents relative motion and a controller in electrical communication with the light source to selectively apply a voltage to the light source based on an input signal.

  These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when considered in light of the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front view of a characteristic lighting system incorporated in a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the characteristic lighting system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of the characteristic illumination system shown in FIG. 2 showing a light guide assembled to a carrier. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the characteristic lighting system shown in FIG. 2 showing the assembled portion. It is a schematic block diagram of the illumination system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a characteristic lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a characteristic lighting system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the characteristic illumination system shown in FIG. 7 showing a light guide portion assembled to the light housing. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the characteristic illumination system shown in FIG. 7 showing the optical element assembled to the carrier. FIG. 8 is a right cross-sectional view of the characteristic illumination system shown in FIG. 7 showing the carrier spaced from the carrier housing. FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of the characteristic lighting system shown in FIG. 10 showing the carrier assembled to the carrier housing. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the characteristic illumination system shown in FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12.

  The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. The following description and drawings are provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

  1-5 illustrate a characteristic lighting system 10 incorporated into a household appliance 12 (eg, a refrigerator), according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the lighting system 10 is incorporated into a handle 14 that is coupled to a household appliance 12. However, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 10 may be incorporated into any portion of the home appliance 12 such as the outer housing, doors, aesthetic features, etc. of the home appliance 12. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 10 may be incorporated into any household appliance, such as, for example, a washing machine, dryer, oven, range, dishwasher, and the like.

  The illumination system 10 includes a carrier 16, a light guide portion 18 provided adjacent to the carrier 16, a plurality of circuit boards 20 provided adjacent to the light guide portion 18, and adjacent to both ends of the light guide portion 18. A plurality of light housings 24 adjacent to the carrier 16 so as to substantially surround each of the light sources 22, and at least partially surround each of the carrier 16 and the light housing 24. Carrier housing 26.

  The carrier 16 is typically formed of a semi-rigid material such as plastic and can be deformed from a stationary shape, such as a substantially flat shape, for example. However, any material having any rigidity may be used. In a non-limiting example, the carrier 16 has a substantially rectangular cubic shape having a channel 28 formed in its first surface 30 and a pair of spaced apart recessed portions 32. It will be appreciated that the carrier 16 can have any size and shape.

  The channel 28 is generally formed centrally along the longitudinal axis AA of the carrier 16. Channel 28 is configured to receive at least a portion of light guide 18 to substantially secure light guide 18 in place relative to carrier 16. In some embodiments, the light guide 18 is provided in the channel 28 and is at least flush with the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. In some embodiments, the light guide 18 is provided in the channel 28 and is recessed from the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. However, the light guide portion 18 may have an arbitrary position with respect to the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. In a non-limiting example, the channel 28 is generally “C” shaped and the opening 34 to the “C” central aperture is smaller than the diameter of the light pipe 18. Accordingly, the opening 34 of the channel 28 functions as a spring clamp for removably fixing the light guide portion 18 in the channel 28.

  Each of the recessed portions 32 includes a portion of the light housing 24 for securing the light housing 24 (eg, including the enclosed circuit board 20 and light source 22) in place relative to the carrier 16 and the light guide portion 18. Configured to accept one of the following: In one embodiment, the recessed portion 32 is an aperture formed through the carrier 16. However, the recess 32 can have any depth with respect to the first surface 30 of the carrier 16.

  The light guide portion 18 is generally formed of a semi-rigid material such as plastic or glass. However, any material that can conduct light through the principle of total reflection may be used. In a non-limiting example, the light guide portion 18 is a substantially cylindrical light pipe. It will be appreciated that the light guide 18 may have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, the light guide portion 18 includes a plurality of light extraction features 36 for directing light through the surface of the light guide portion 18. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 36 may be provided adjacent to the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. Further, it will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 36 may be incorporated into and provided within the light guide 18. In a non-limiting example, the light extraction features 36 can include ridges or teeth formed in the light guide 18 for directing light rays through the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. In a further non-limiting example, the light extraction feature 36 includes a reflective paint for directing light rays through the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 36 may include any means for redirecting the light rays to exit the light guide 18 through any surface. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 36 may be formed in or on any portion of the light guide portion 18. Any number of light extraction features 36 (including one) can be arranged in any configuration to produce the desired illumination pattern.

  Each circuit board 20, as shown in FIG. 5, is a means 42 (eg, an electrical wire or circuit) for telecommunications to provide an electrical interconnection between the circuit board 20 and an electrical energy source 44. Electrical connector 40 coupled to. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of circuit boards, the circuit board 20 is configured to receive at least one of the light sources 22 and selectively apply a voltage to at least one of the light sources 22. . It will be appreciated that any means of telecommunications can be used to selectively apply a voltage to the light source 22, such as an electrical wire having a protective grommet.

  Each of the light sources 22 is typically a light emitting diode coupled (eg, side emitting) to one of the circuit boards 20 to receive current from the electrical energy source 44. In a non-limiting example, each of the light sources 22 is provided adjacent to an end of the light guide portion 18 for emitting light into the light guide portion 18. It will be appreciated that any light source can be used. Further, it will be appreciated that any number of light sources 22 can be used.

  In some embodiments, an optical device (not shown) or element may be coupled to at least one of the light sources 22 and the light guide to direct light emitted from at least one of the light sources 22 into the light guide portion 18. It is provided between the unit 18. It will be appreciated that an optical device can be any means of directing light, such as a lens. Further, it will be appreciated that the optical device may be securely attached to a component of the illumination system 10, such as the light housing 24, for example.

  Each of the light housings 24 is a split housing having a first portion 24A and a second portion, and the first portion 24A includes at least one of the light sources 22 and at least one of the circuit boards 20. Removably coupled to the second portion so as to substantially surround the portion. In a non-limiting example, the portions 24A, 24B of the light housing 24 cooperate to secure the light guide 18 in place relative to at least one of the light sources 22 provided in the light housing 24. In order to do so, a slot feature 46 is formed that is configured to receive a portion of the light guide 18. In a further non-limiting example, the slot feature 46 features a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure the end of the light guide 18 to the light housing 24. However, it will be appreciated that the light housing 24 and the slot feature 46 may have any size and shape.

  In some embodiments, the carrier housing 26 is a split housing having a first portion 26A and a second portion 26B, where the first portion 26A substantially surrounds the carrier 16. It is fixed in a removable manner.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is characterized by a removable cover configured to couple to the handle 14 of the household appliance 12, with a portion of the handle 14 being a carrier Characterize the second portion 26B of the housing. However, it will be appreciated that the carrier housing 26 may have any number of portions (eg, removable or permanent). In a non-limiting example, the first portion 26A (eg, a cover) has an aperture 48 formed therethrough to allow light exiting the light guide portion 18 to pass through the carrier housing 26. Including. It will be appreciated that the aperture 48 may be formed through any portion of the carrier housing 26. In a further non-limiting example, the optical element 50 is provided in the aperture 48 to direct light passing through the aperture 48 with a predetermined illumination pattern. It will be appreciated that any optical feature such as a lens may be used. Further, it will be appreciated that the carrier housing 26 may have any size and shape and may include any number of apertures 48 having any size and shape. In a further non-limiting example, the carrier housing 26 is for electrical communication to provide an electrical interconnection between the circuit board 20 and the electrical energy source 44 to selectively supply current to the light source 22. A cavity 52 formed therein so as to surround the means 42 (for example, wiring, electric circuit, etc.).

  In certain embodiments, the lighting system 10 further includes a sensor 54 in signal communication with the controller 56 that transmits an input signal to the controller 56 to select the light source 22 in response to a predetermined sensed characteristic. Voltage is applied.

  In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, sensor 54 is a motion sensor that senses user movement within the sensing field of sensor 54 and transmits a sensor signal (eg, an input signal) to controller 56. However, the sensor 54 may be configured to detect any environmental characteristics of the household appliance 12, such as, for example, ambient light and ambient temperature. It will be appreciated that the sensor 54 may also be a switch that may be triggered in response to a sensed event or manually triggered by a user.

  In some embodiments, sensor 54 senses operating characteristics of household appliance 12 such as internal temperature or operating status. In a non-limiting example, the household appliance 12 is a washing machine, and the sensor 54 is configured to detect a stage in the wash cycle (eg, rinse, dehydrate, end) and the light source 22 includes a wash cycle. In order to represent the steps in FIG. 5, a voltage is selectively applied to emit a predefined illumination pattern. In a further non-limiting example, the household appliance 12 is an oven and the sensor 54 is configured to sense the internal temperature of the oven, and the light source 22 is activated to represent the sensed internal temperature. The voltage is selectively applied to inject the desired intensity (eg, higher intensity for higher temperatures).

  The controller 56 is adapted to receive an input signal (eg, a sensor signal), analyze the input signal, and configure the light source 22 in response to the analysis of the input signal (eg, via the circuit board 20). Any device or system. In some embodiments, controller 56 is a microcomputer. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 56 receives input signals from at least one of the sensors 54 and inputs provided by a user via a user interface (not shown).

  As shown, the controller 56 analyzes the input signal based on the instruction set 58. The instruction set 58, which can be implemented in any computer-readable medium, includes processor-executable instructions for configuring the controller 56 to perform various tasks. The controller 56 can perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the sensor 54 and the light source 22, for example. It will be appreciated that various algorithms and software may be used to analyze the input signal received from sensor 54.

  In certain embodiments, the controller 56 includes a storage device 60. The storage device 60 may be a single storage device or a plurality of storage devices. Further, the storage 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 will be appreciated that the storage device 60 can be adapted to store the instruction set 58. For example, other data and information, such as data collected by the sensor 54, can be stored and listed in the storage device 60.

  The controller 56 can further include a programmable component 62. It will be appreciated that the programmable component 62 can communicate with any other component of the lighting system 10 such as, for example, the sensor 54 and the light source 22. In certain embodiments, programmable component 62 is adapted to manage and control the processing functions of controller 56. Specifically, the programmable component 62 is adapted to modify the instruction set 58 and control the analysis of signals and information received by the controller 56. It will be appreciated that the programmable component 62 can be adapted to manage and control the sensor 54. Further, it will be appreciated that the programmable component 62 can be adapted to store data and information on the storage device 60 and retrieve data and information from the storage device 60.

  In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of the light sources 22) is provided in one of the light housings 24. One of the light housings 24 is provided at each end of the light guide 18. In certain embodiments, a portion of the light guide portion 18 is surrounded by each of the light housings 24 (eg, using a slot feature 46). The light guide portion 18 and the light housing 24 are provided adjacent to the carrier 16. In some embodiments, the channel 28 formed in the carrier 16 receives the light guide 18 and each recess 32 formed in the carrier 16 receives one of the light housings 24. The carrier 16 is then coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 so as to substantially enclose the carrier 16, and the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26. Combined. When the carrier 16 is in place, the light guide portion 18 is illuminated by selectively applying a voltage to the light source 22, and the light extraction feature 36 extends from the guide portion 18 to the first portion 26 </ b> A of the carrier housing 26. Light is directed through an aperture 48 formed therein. It will be appreciated that a voltage may be selectively applied to the light source 22 by the controller 56 or another control device (not shown). In a non-limiting example, the controller 56 selectively applies a voltage to the light source 22 in response to an input signal received from the sensor 54. In a further non-limiting example, the light emitted from the light source 22 can represent environmental or operational characteristics of the home appliance 12.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a characteristic lighting system 10 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the characteristic lighting system 10 except as described herein below. As shown, the lighting system 10 ′ is incorporated into a handle 14 that is coupled to the home appliance 12. However, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 10 'may be incorporated into any part of the home appliance 12, such as the outer housing, door, aesthetic features, etc. of the home appliance. Further, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 10 'can be incorporated into any household appliance, such as, for example, a washing machine, dryer, oven, range, dishwasher.

  The illumination system 10 ′ includes a carrier 16 ′ that is coupled to a second portion 26 B (eg, handle 14) of the carrier housing 26. The carrier 16 ′ includes a plurality of spaced clips 64 or snap features configured to receive the light guide portion 18. In a non-limiting example, each of the clips 64 is generally “C” shaped, and the opening 66 to the “C” central aperture is smaller than the diameter of the light pipe 18. Accordingly, each opening 66 of the clip 64 acts as a spring clamp for removably securing the light guide portion 18 in the second portion 26b of the carrier housing 26.

  In use, each of the circuit boards 20 (including at least one of the light sources 22) is provided in one of the light housings 24. Each of the light housings 24 is provided adjacent to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 (eg, coupled to the second portion 26B). A portion of the light guide portion 18 is inserted into each slot feature 46 of the light housing 24. A portion of the light guide 18 that is not surrounded by the light housing 24 is then coupled to each of the clips 64 of the carrier 16 '. In some embodiments, the light guide 18 is coupled to the clip 64 of the carrier 16 ′, and then light housings 24 are provided at both ends of the light guide 18. It will be appreciated that other assembly procedures may be used. The first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is then coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 so as to substantially surround the light guide 18 and the carrier 16 '. When the carrier 16 ′ and the light guide 18 are in place, the light guide 18 is illuminated by selectively applying a voltage to the light source 22, so that the light extraction feature 36 is removed from the light guide 18 by the carrier housing. Light is directed through an aperture 48 formed in the first portion 26A of 26. It will be appreciated that a voltage may be selectively applied to the light source 22 by the controller 56 or any control device (not shown).

  7-12 illustrate a characteristic lighting system 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the characteristic lighting system 10 except as noted herein below.

  As illustrated, the illumination system 110 includes a carrier 116, a light guide portion 118 provided adjacent to the carrier 116, a plurality of circuit boards 120 provided adjacent to the light guide portion 118, and a light guide portion. 118 includes a light source 122 provided adjacent to both ends of 118, a plurality of light housings 124 provided adjacent to the carrier 116, and a carrier housing 126 at least partially surrounding each of the carrier 116 and the light housing 124. .

  The carrier 116 is typically formed of a semi-rigid material such as plastic and can be deformed from a stable shape. However, any material having any rigidity may be used. In a non-limiting example, the carrier 116 has a substantially square cubic shape having a channel 128 formed in the first surface 130 and a pair of recessed portions 132 spaced apart from each other. It will be appreciated that the carrier 116 may have any size and shape.

  The channel 128 is generally formed centrally along the longitudinal axis B-B of the carrier 116. Channel 128 is configured to receive at least a portion of light guide 118 to substantially secure light guide 118 in place relative to carrier 116. In some embodiments, the light guide 118 is provided in the channel 128 and is recessed from the first surface 130 of the carrier 116. In a non-limiting example, the channel 128 is generally “C” shaped, and the opening 134 to the “C” central aperture is smaller than the diameter of the light pipe 118. Accordingly, the opening 134 of the channel 128 acts as a spring clamp for removably securing the light guide 118 in the channel 128.

  Each of the recessed portions 132 includes a portion of the light housing 124 to secure the light housing 124 (eg, including the enclosed circuit board 120 and light source 122) in place relative to the carrier 116 and the light guide 118. Configured to accept one of the following: In certain embodiments, the recessed portion 132 is an aperture formed through the carrier 116. However, the recessed portion 132 can have any depth with respect to the first surface 130 of the carrier 116.

  The light guide portion 118 is generally formed of a semi-rigid material such as plastic or glass. However, any material that can conduct light through the principle of total internal reflection may be used. In a non-limiting example, the light guide portion 118 is a substantially cylindrical light pipe. It will be appreciated that the light guide 118 may have any size and shape. In some embodiments, the light guide 118 includes a plurality of light extraction features 136 for directing light through the surface of the light guide 118. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 136 may be provided adjacent to the outer surface 138 of the light guide portion 118. Further, it will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 136 may be incorporated into and provided within the light guide portion 118. In a non-limiting example, the light extraction features 136 can include ridges or teeth formed in the light guide 118 for directing light rays through the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. In a further non-limiting example, the light extraction feature 136 includes a reflective paint for directing light rays through the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 136 may include any means for redirecting the light rays to exit the light guide 118 through any surface. It will be appreciated that the light extraction feature 136 may be formed in or on any portion of the light guide portion 118. Any number of light extraction features 138 can be arranged in any configuration to produce the desired illumination pattern.

  Each of the circuit boards 120 is an electrical connector 140 coupled to a means 142 for electrical communication (eg, electrical wires or circuitry) to provide an electrical interconnection between the circuit board 120 and the electrical energy source 144. including. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of circuit boards, the circuit board 120 is configured to receive at least one of the light sources 122 and selectively apply a voltage to at least one of the light sources 122. . It will be appreciated that the voltage can be selectively applied to the light source 122 using any means of electrical connection, such as, for example, an electrical wire having a protective grommet.

  Each of the light sources 122 is typically a side emitting light emitting diode coupled to one of the circuit boards 120 to receive current from the electrical energy source 144. In a non-limiting example, each of the light sources 122 is provided adjacent to an end of the light guide portion 118 for emitting light into the light guide portion 118. It will be appreciated that any light source can be used. Further, it will be appreciated that any number of light sources 122 can be used.

In certain embodiments, an optical element 146 or device is provided adjacent to at least a portion of the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118 to direct light emitted from the light guide 118 in a predetermined illumination pattern. It will be appreciated that the optical element 146 can be any means of directing light, such as, for example, a lens. Further, it will be appreciated that the optical element 146 may be fixedly mounted to a component of the illumination system 110, such as the carrier housing 126, for example. The optical element 146 can have any shape and size for directing light in any pattern.

  Each of the light housings 124 is a split housing having a first portion 124A and a second portion 124B, and the first portion 124A includes at least one of the light sources 122 and one of the circuit boards 120. Removably coupled to the second portion 124B so as to substantially surround at least a portion. In a non-limiting example, the portions 124A, 124B of the light housing 124 cooperate to secure the light guide 118 in place with respect to at least one of the light sources 122 provided in the light housing 124. To do so, a slot feature 148 configured to receive a portion of the light guide portion 118 is formed. In a further non-limiting example, the slot feature 148 features a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure the end of the light guide 118 to the light housing 124. However, it will be appreciated that the light housing 124 and the slot feature 148 may have any size and shape.

  As more clearly shown in FIGS. 10-12, the carrier housing 126 may have a curved shape or other non-planar or irregular shape. In a non-limiting example, the carrier housing 126 is characterized by a curved handle coupled to a household appliance (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 110 may be incorporated into any part of the home appliance, such as the outer housing, door, aesthetic features, etc. of the home appliance. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the lighting system 110 may be incorporated into any household appliance, such as, for example, a washing machine, dryer, oven, range, dishwasher, and the like.

  In a further non-limiting example, the carrier housing 126 (eg, handle 14) includes an aperture 150 formed therethrough to allow light exiting the light guide portion 118 to pass through the carrier housing 126. Including. In a further non-limiting example, an optical element 146 is provided in the aperture 150 to direct light passing through the aperture 150 with a predetermined illumination pattern. It will be appreciated that any optical element may be used, for example a lens. Further, it will be appreciated that the carrier housing 126 and associated aperture 150 may have any size and shape. Further, any number of apertures 150 may be required to receive any number of optical elements 146 of any size and shape.

  In certain embodiments, the retention device 152 cooperates with the carrier housing 126 to prevent any relative movement between the carrier and the carrier housing 126. The retaining device 152 projects radially inward from the inner surface of the carrier housing 126. Accordingly, when the carrier 116 is provided within the carrier housing 126, the retention device 152 engages a portion of the carrier 116 to limit the movement of the carrier 116 relative to the carrier housing 126.

  In certain embodiments, the protrusions 154 are formed on the inner surface of the carrier housing 126 to engage the carrier 116 and propel the optical element 146 into the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing 126. It will be appreciated that the protrusion 154 may be formed as an integral part of the carrier housing 126 and aligned with at least a portion of the aperture 150. Further, the protrusion 154 can be formed as an adjustable element, such as a screw member (not shown), which is adjusted to apply a force to the carrier 116, thereby causing the optical element 146 to be apertured. It will be appreciated that it can be pushed through 150. Other devices and structures may be used to adjust the position of the carrier 116 relative to the carrier housing 126.

  In use, each of the circuit boards 120 (including at least one of the light sources 122) is provided in one of the light housings 124. One of the light housings 124 is provided at each end of the light guide portion 118. In certain embodiments, a portion of the light guide portion 118 is surrounded by each of the light housings 124 (eg, using a slot feature 148). The light guide 118 and the light housing 124 are provided adjacent to the carrier 116. In some embodiments, the channel 128 formed in the carrier 116 receives the light guide portion 118, and each recess portion 132 formed in the carrier 116 receives one of the light housings 124. The carrier 116 is then guided into the carrier housing 126 so as to substantially surround the carrier 116. In certain embodiments, the protrusion 154 guides the optical element 146 into the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing 126 as the carrier 116 is guided through the carrier housing 126.

  When the carrier 116 is in place, the light guide 118 is illuminated by selectively applying a voltage to the light source 122, and a light extraction feature 136 is formed from the light guide 118 into the carrier housing 126. Directs light through aperture 150.

  The characteristic lighting system 10, 10 ', 110 of the present invention provides a selective lighting pattern throughout the home appliance 12 while minimizing power consumption. The characteristic lighting system 10, 10 ′, 110 may also be an environmental characteristic (eg, date and time, ambient temperature) and / or operating characteristic (eg, oven temperature, or washer / dryer cycle status) of the home appliance 12. A dynamic light indicator for communicating to a user.

  From the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the essential features of the present invention can be readily ascertained and adapted to various uses and situations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention.

10, 110 Lighting system 12 Household appliances 14 Handle 16, 116 Carrier 18, 118 Light guide section 20, 120 Circuit board 22, 122 Light source 24, 124 Light housing section 26, 126 Carrier housing 28, 128 Channel 30, 130 First 1 surface 32, 132 recessed portion 34, 134 opening 36, 136 light extraction feature 38, 138 outer surface 40, 140 electrical connector 42, 142 means for electrical communication 44, 144 electrical energy source 46, 148 slot feature 48 , 150 Aperture 50, 146 Optical element 52 Cavity 54 Sensor 56 Controller 58 Instruction set 60 Storage device 62 Programmable component 64 Clip 152 Holding device 154 Protrusion

Claims (20)

A characteristic lighting system for household appliances,
A carrier,
A light guide provided adjacent to the carrier;
A light source provided adjacent to the light guide portion, wherein the light source is in electrical communication with an electrical energy source to selectively apply a voltage to the light source, the light source in the light guide portion. Shining light on
And a light housing that is received within the carrier and substantially surrounds the light source, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier prevents relative movement between the light guide portion and the carrier. , Lighting system.   The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a channel formed therein to receive at least a portion of the light guide portion.   The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a recess for receiving the light housing therein.   The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes at least one clip for securing the light guide to the carrier.   The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the light guide portion is a substantially cylindrical light pipe.   The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the light guide portion includes a light extraction feature for directing light through a surface of the light guide portion.   The illumination system according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided adjacent to an end portion of the light guide portion and configured to emit light into the end portion of the light guide portion.   The illumination system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element provided adjacent to at least a portion of the light guide portion to direct light emitted from the light guide portion in a predetermined illumination pattern.   The light housing is a split housing having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being detachably coupled to the second portion so as to substantially surround the light source. The lighting system according to claim 1.   The light housing includes a slot feature configured to receive a portion of the light guide portion therein for securing the light guide portion in place with respect to the light source provided in the light housing. The lighting system according to claim 1. A characteristic lighting system for household appliances,
A carrier,
A light guide provided adjacent to the carrier;
A circuit board provided adjacent to the light guide portion and in electrical communication with an electrical energy source;
A light source provided adjacent to the light guide portion, the light source coupled to the circuit board for selectively applying a voltage to the light source to emit light into the light guide portion;
A light housing provided adjacent to the carrier and substantially surrounding the light source and at least a portion of the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier includes the light guide portion and the light guide portion. Preventing relative movement with the carrier,
And a carrier housing having an aperture formed therein, the carrier housing at least partially surrounding the carrier and the light housing, wherein at least a portion of the light emitted from the light guide portion is in the carrier housing. A lighting system that passes through the aperture formed in.   The carrier housing is a split housing having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion substantially surrounds the light source and the at least a portion of the circuit board. The illumination system of claim 11, wherein the illumination system is detachably coupled to a portion of   12. The illumination system of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the light guide portion is provided adjacent to the aperture formed in the carrier housing.   The lighting system of claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is formed from at least a portion of the household appliance.   The lighting system of claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is formed from a handle coupled to the household appliance.   The illumination system of claim 11, wherein the carrier housing further comprises a cavity formed therein to enclose an electrical circuit for providing current to the light source.   12. An optical element provided adjacent to the light guide to further direct the light exiting the light guide and passing through the aperture formed in the carrier housing. Lighting system. A characteristic lighting system for household appliances,
A carrier,
A light guide provided adjacent to the carrier;
A circuit board provided adjacent to the light guide portion and in electrical communication with an electrical energy source;
A light source provided adjacent to the light guide portion, the light source coupled to the circuit board for selectively applying a voltage to the light source to emit light into the light guide portion; ,
A light housing provided adjacent to the carrier and substantially surrounding at least a portion of the light source and the circuit board, wherein at least one of the light housing and the carrier comprises the light guide portion and the carrier. Preventing relative movement between
An illumination system further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the light source to selectively apply a voltage to the light source based on an input signal.   The lighting system of claim 18, further comprising a sensor in electrical communication with the controller to generate the input signal and send the input signal to the controller based on environmental characteristics of the household appliance. .   The lighting system of claim 18, further comprising a sensor in electrical communication with the controller to generate the input signal and send the input signal to the controller based on operating characteristics of the household appliance. .

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