SIGNATURE LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR APPLIANCE

A signature lighting system for an appliance includes 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.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

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 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 2, showing a light guide assembled with a carrier;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 2, showing the portion assembled;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the lighting system of FIG. 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 in FIG. 7, showing a light guide assembled with a light housing;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 7, showing an optical element assembled with the carrier;

FIG. 10 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 7 showing the carrier spaced from a carrier housing;

FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 10 showing the carrier assembled with the carrier housing; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the signature lighting system shown in FIG. 11 taken across line 12-12.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

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.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a signature lighting system 10 integrated with an appliance 12 (e.g. a refrigerator) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the lighting system 10 is integrated with a handle 14 coupled to the appliance 12. However, it is understood that the lighting system 10 can be integrated with any portion of the appliance 12 such as an outer housing of the appliance 12, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that the lighting 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 a carrier 16, a light guide 18 disposed adjacent the carrier 16, a plurality of circuit boards 20 disposed adjacent the light guide 18, a light source 22 disposed adjacent opposite ends of the light guide 18, a plurality of light housings 24 disposed adjacent the carrier 16 to substantially enclose each of the light sources 22, and a carrier housing 26 at least partially enclosing the carrier 16 and each of the light 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, the carrier 16 has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape with a channel 28 formed in a first surface 30 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessed portions 32. It is understood that the carrier 16 can have any size and shape.

The channel 28 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axis A-A of the carrier 16. The channel 28 is configured to receive at least a portion of the light guide 18 to substantially secure the light guide 18 in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 16. In certain embodiments, the light guide 18 is disposed in the channel 28 and is at least flush with the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. In certain embodiments, the light guide 18 is disposed in the channel 28 and is recessed from the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. However, the light guide 18 can have any position relative to the first surface 30 of the carrier 16. As a non-limiting example, the channel 28 is generally “C” shaped, wherein an opening 34 into the central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of the light pipe 18. Accordingly, the opening 34 of the channel 28 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure the light guide 18 in the channel 28.

Each of the recessed portions 32 is configured to receive one of the light housings 24 to secure the light housing 24 (e.g. including the enclosed circuit board 20 and light source 22) in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 16 and the light guide 18. In certain embodiments, the recessed portions 32 are apertures formed through the carrier 16. However, the recessed portions 32 can have any depth relative to the first surface 30 of the carrier 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, the light guide 18 is a light pipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that the light guide 18 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, the light guide 18 includes a plurality of light extraction features 36 to direct light through a surface of the light guide 18. It is understood that the light extraction features 36 can be disposed adjacent an outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. It is further understood that the light extraction features 36 can be integrated with the light guide 18 and disposed within the light guide 18. As a non-limiting example, the light extraction features 36 can include a ridge or a tooth formed in the light guide 18 to direct light rays through the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. As a further non-limiting example, the light extraction features 36 include a reflective paint for directing light rays through the outer surface 38 of the light guide 18. It is understood that the light extraction features 36 can include any means for re-directing light rays to exit the light guide 18 through any surface thereof. It is further understood that the light extraction features 36 can be formed in or on any portion of the light 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 an electrical connector 40 coupled to a means for electrical communication 42 (e.g. electrical wire or circuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between the circuit board 20 and a source of electrical energy 44, as shown in FIG. 5. The circuit boards 20 are configured to receive at least one of the light sources 22 and selectively energize the at least one of the light 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 the light 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 the circuit boards 20 to receive an electric current from the source of electrical energy 44. As a non-limiting example, each of the light sources 22 is disposed adjacent an end of the light guide 18 to emit light into the light guide 18. It is understood that any light source can be used. It is further understood that any number of the light 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 the light guide 18 to direct light emitted from the at least one of the light sources 22 into the light 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 the lighting 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 24B, and wherein the first portion 24A is releaseably coupled to the second portion 24B to substantially enclose at least one of the light sources 22 at the at least a portion of one of the circuit boards 20. As a non-limiting example, the portions 24A, 24B of the light housing 24 cooperate to form a slot feature 46 configured to receive a portion of the light guide 18 to secure the light guide 18 in a pre-determined position relative to the at least one of the light sources 22 disposed in the light housing 24. As a further non-limiting example, the slot feature 46 defines a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure an end of the light guide 18 to the light housing 24. However, it is understood that the light housing 24 and the slot feature 46 can have any size and shape.

In certain embodiments, the carrier housing 26 is a split housing having a first portion 26A and a second portion 26B, wherein the first portion 26A is releaseably coupled to the second portion 26B to substantially enclose the carrier 16.

In the embodiment shown, the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is defined by a removable cover configured to couple to the handle 14 of the appliance 12, wherein a portion of the handle 14 defines the second portion 26B of the carrier housing. As a non-limiting example, the first portion 26A (e.g. cover) includes an aperture 48 formed therethrough to allow light exiting the light guide 18 to pass through the carrier housing 26. As a further non-limiting example, an optical element 50 is disposed in the aperture 48 to direct the light passing through the aperture 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 the carrier housing 26 and the associated aperture 48 can have any size and shape. As a further non-limiting example, the carrier housing 26 includes a cavity 52 formed therein to enclose the means for electrical communication 42 (e.g. wiring, electrical circuitry, and the like) for providing electrical interconnection between the circuit board 20 and the source of electrical energy 44 to selectively supply an electric current to the light source 22.

In certain embodiments, the lighting system 10 further includes a sensor 54 in signal communication with a controller 56, wherein the sensor 54 transmits an input signal to the controller 56 to selectively energize the light sources 22 in response to a pre-determined sensed characteristic.

In certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 54 is a motion sensor which senses a movement of a user within a field of sensing of the sensor 54 and to transmit a sensor signal (e.g. input signal) to the controller 56. However, the sensor 54 can be configured to sense any environmental characteristic on the appliance 12 such as an ambient light and an ambient temperature, for example.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 54 senses an operational characteristic of the appliance 12 such as an internal temperature or operating status. As a non-limiting example, the appliance 12 is a washing machine and the sensor 54 is configured to sense a stage (e.g. rinse, spin, finished) in a washing cycle, wherein the light 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, the appliance 12 is an oven and the sensor 54 is configured to sense an internal temperature of the oven, wherein the light 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, the controller 56 is a micro-computer. In the embodiment shown, the controller 56 receives the input signal from at least one of the sensors 54 and a user-provided input via a user interface (not shown).

As shown, the controller 56 analyzes the input signal based upon an instruction set 58. The instruction set 58, which may be embodied within any computer readable medium, includes processor executable instructions for configuring the controller 56 to perform a variety of tasks. The controller 56 may execute a variety of functions such as controlling the operation of the sensor 54 and the light sources 22, for example. It is understood that various algorithms and software can be used to analyze the input signal received from the sensor 54.

In certain embodiments, the controller 56 includes a storage device 60. The storage device 60 may be a single storage device or may be multiple storage devices. Furthermore, 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 is understood that the storage device 60 may be adapted to store the instruction set 58. Other data and information may be stored and cataloged in the storage device 60 such as the data collected by the sensor 54, for example.

The controller 56 may further include a programmable component 62. It is understood that the programmable component 62 may be in communication with any other component of the lighting system 10 such as the sensor 54 and the light sources 22, for example. In certain embodiments, the programmable component 62 is adapted to manage and control processing functions of the controller 56. Specifically, the programmable component 62 is adapted to modify the instruction set 58 and control the analysis of the signals and information received by the controller 56. It is understood that the programmable component 62 may be adapted to manage and control the sensor 54. It is further understood that the programmable component 62 may 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 disposed in one of the light housings 24. One of the light housings 24 is disposed at each end of the light guide 18. In certain embodiments, a portion of the light guide 18 is enclosed by each of the light housings 24 (e.g. using slot feature 46). The light guide 18 and the light housings 24 are disposed adjacent the carrier 16. In certain embodiments, the channel 28 formed in the carrier 16 receives the light guide 18 and the recessed portions 32 formed in the carrier 16 each receive one of the light housings 24. The carrier 16 is then coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 and the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 to substantially enclose the carrier 16. Once the carrier 16 is in position, a selective energizing of the light sources 22 illuminates the light guide 18, wherein the light extraction features 36 direct light from the light guide 18 and through the aperture 48 formed in the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26. It is understood that the light sources 22 can be selectively energized by the controller 56 or another control device (not shown). As a non-limiting example, the controller 56 selectively energizes the light sources 22 in response to the input signal received from the sensor 54. As a further non-limiting example, the light emitted from the light sources 22 can represent an environmental or operational characteristic of the appliance 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates a signature lighting system 10′ according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to the signature lighting system 10, except as described herein below. As shown, the lighting system 10′ is integrated with the handle 14 coupled to the appliance 12. However, it is understood that the lighting system 10′ can be integrated with any portion of the appliance 12 such as an outer housing of the appliance, a door, an aesthetic feature, and the like. It is further understood that the lighting 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 a carrier 16′ coupled to the second portion 26B (e.g. handle 14) of the carrier housing 26. The carrier 16′ includes a plurality of spaced apart clips 64 or snap features configured to receive the light guide 18. As a non-limiting example, each the clips 64 is generally “C” shaped, wherein an opening 66 into a central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of the light pipe 18. Accordingly, the opening 66 of each of the clips 64 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure the light guide 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 disposed in one of the light housings 24. Each of the light housings 24 is disposed adjacent (e.g. coupled to) the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26. A portion of the light guide 18 is inserted into the slot feature 46 of each of the light housings 24. A portion of the light guide 18 not enclosed by the light housings 24 is then coupled to each of the clips 64 of the carrier 16′. In certain embodiments, the light guide 18 is coupled to the clips 64 of the carrier 16′ and then the light housings 24 are disposed on opposite ends of the light guide 18. It is understood that other assembly procedures can be used. The first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26 is then coupled to the second portion 26B of the carrier housing 26 to substantially enclose the light guide 18 and the carrier 16′. Once the carrier 16′ and the light guide 18 are in position, a selective energizing of the light sources 22 illuminates the light guide 18, wherein the light extraction features 36 direct light from the light guide 18 and through the aperture 48 formed in the first portion 26A of the carrier housing 26. It is understood that the light sources 22 can be selectively energized by the controller 56 or any control device (not shown).

FIGS. 7-12 illustrate a signature lighting system 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to the signature lighting system 10, except as described herein below.

As shown, the lighting system 110 includes a carrier 116, a light guide 118 disposed adjacent the carrier 116, a plurality of circuit board 120 disposed adjacent the light guide 118, a light source 122 disposed adjacent opposite ends of the light guide 118, a plurality of light housings 124 disposed adjacent the carrier 116, and a carrier housing 126 at least partially enclosing the carrier 116 and each of the light 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 the carrier 116 has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape with a channel 128 formed in a first surface 130 thereof and a pair of spaced apart recessed portions 132. It is understood that the carrier 116 can have any size and shape.

The channel 128 is typically centrally formed along a longitudinal axis B-B of the carrier 116. The channel 128 is configured to receive at least a portion of the light guide 118 to substantially secure the light guide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 116. In certain embodiments, the light guide 118 is disposed in the channel 128 and is at least flush with the first surface 130 of the carrier 116. In certain embodiments, the light guide 118 is disposed in the channel 128 and is recessed from the first surface 130 of the carrier 116. As a non-limiting example, the channel 128 is generally “C” shaped, wherein an opening 134 of a central aperture of the “C” is smaller than a diameter of the light pipe 118. Accordingly, the opening 134 of the channel 128 operates as a spring clamp to releaseably secure the light guide 118 in the channel 128.

Each of the recessed portions 132 is configured to receive one of the light housings 124 to secure the light housing 124 (e.g. including the enclosed circuit board 120 and light source 122) in a pre-determined position relative to the carrier 116 and the light guide 118. In certain embodiments, the recessed portions 132 are apertures formed through the carrier 116. However, the recessed portions 132 can have any depth relative to the first surface 130 of the carrier 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, the light guide 118 is a light pipe having a substantially cylindrical shape. It is understood that the light guide 118 can have any size and shape. In certain embodiments, the light guide 118 includes a plurality of light extraction features 136 to direct light through a surface of the light guide 118. It is understood that the light extraction features 136 can be disposed adjacent an outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. It is further understood that the light extraction features 136 can be integrated with the light guide 118 and disposed within the light guide 118. As a non-limiting example, the light extraction features 136 can include a ridge or a tooth formed in the light guide 118 to direct light rays through the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. As a further non-limiting example, the light extraction features 136 include a reflective paint for directing light rays through the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118. It is understood that the light extraction features 136 can include any means for re-directing light rays to exit the light 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 the light 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 an electrical connector 140 coupled to a means for electrical communication 142 (e.g. electrical wire or circuitry) to provide electrical interconnection between the circuit board 120 and a source of electrical energy 144. The circuit boards 120 are configured to receive at least one of the light sources 122 and selectively energize the at least one of the light 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 the light 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 the circuit boards 120 to receive an electric current from the source of electrical energy 144. As a non-limiting example, each of the light sources 122 is disposed adjacent an end of the light guide 118 to emit light into the light guide 118. It is understood that any light source can be used. It is further understood that any number of the light sources 122 can be used.

In certain embodiments, an optical element 146 or device is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the outer surface 138 of the light guide 118 to direct light exiting the light guide 118 in a pre-determined lighting pattern. It is understood that the optical element 146 can be any means of directing light such as a lens, for example. It is further understood that the optical element 146 can be securely mounted to a component of the lighting system 110 such as the carrier housing 126, for example. The optical 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 a first portion 124A and a second portion 124B, and wherein the first portion 124A is releaseably coupled to the second portion 124B to substantially enclose at least one of the light sources 122 at the at least a portion of one of the circuit boards 120. As a non-limiting example, the portions 124A, 124B of the light housing 124 cooperate to form a slot feature 148 configured to receive a portion of the light guide 118 to secure the light guide 118 in a pre-determined position relative to the at least one of the light sources 122 disposed in the light housing 124. As a further non-limiting example, the slot feature 148 defines a substantially cylindrical receiver slot configured to secure an end of the light guide 118 to the light housing 124. However, it is understood that the light housing 124 and the slot feature 148 can have any size and shape.

As more clearly shown in FIGS. 10-12, the carrier housing 126 can have a curved shape or other non-planar or irregular shape. As a non-limiting example, the carrier housing 126 is defined by a curved handle coupled to an appliance (not shown). However, it is understood that the lighting 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 the lighting 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 the light guide 118 to pass through the carrier housing 126. As a further non-limiting example, the optical element 146 is disposed in the aperture 150 to direct the light passing through the aperture 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 the carrier housing 126 and the associated aperture 150 can have any size and shape. Additionally, any number of the apertures 150 can be sued to receive any number of the optical elements 146 of any size and shape.

In certain embodiments, a retention device 152 cooperates with the carrier housing 126 to militate against any relative movement between the carrier and the carrier housing 126. The retention device 152 protrudes radially inwardly from an inner surface of the carrier housing 126. Accordingly, when the carrier 116 is disposed in the carrier housing 126, the retention device 152 engages a portion of the carrier 116 to limit a motion of the carrier 116 relative to the carrier housing 126.

In certain embodiments, a protuberance 154 is formed on an inner surface of the carrier housing 126 to engage the carrier 116 and urge the optical element 146 into the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing 126. It is understood that the protuberance 154 can be formed as an integral portion of the carrier housing 126 and aligned with at least a portion of the aperture 150. It is further understood that the protuberance 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 the carrier 116, and thereby urge the optical element 146 into the aperture 150. Other devices and structures can be used to adjust a 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 disposed in one of the light housings 124. One of the light housings 124 is disposed at each end of the light guide 118. In certain embodiments, a portion of the light guide 118 is enclosed by each of the light housings 124 (e.g. using slot feature 148). The light guide 118 and the light housings 124 are disposed adjacent the carrier 116. In certain embodiments, the channel 128 formed in the carrier 116 receives the light guide 118 and the recessed portions 132 formed in the carrier 116 each receive one of the light housings 124. The carrier 116 is then guided into the carrier housing 126 to substantially enclose the carrier 116. In certain embodiments, the protuberance 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.

Once the carrier 116 is in position, a selective energizing of the light sources 122 illuminates the light guide 118, wherein the light extraction features 136 direct light from the light guide 118 and through the aperture 150 formed in the carrier housing 126.

The signature lighting system 10, 10′, 110 of the present invention provides selective lighting patterns throughout the appliance 12 while minimizing electrical power consumption. The signature lighting system 10, 10′, 110 also provides 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 the 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

1. A signature lighting system for an appliance comprising:

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.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a channel formed therein to receive at least a portion of the light guide.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a recessed portion to receive the light housing therein.

4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the carrier includes at least one clip for securing the light guide to the carrier.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is a light pipe having a substantially cylindrical shape.

6. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light guide includes a light extraction feature to direct light through a surface of the light guide.

7. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed adjacent an end of the light guide and configured to emit light into the end of the light guide.

8. The lighting system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element disposed adjacent at least a portion of the light guide to direct a light exiting the light guide in a pre-determined lighting pattern.

9. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light housing is a split housing having a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is releaseably coupled to the second portion to substantially enclose the light source.

10. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light housing includes a slot feature configured to receive a portion of the light guide therein to secure the light guide in a pre-determined position relative to the light source disposed in the light housing.

11. A signature lighting system for an appliance comprising:

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.

12. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is a split housing having a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is releaseably coupled to the second portion to substantially enclose the light source at the at least a portion of the circuit board.

13. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the light guide is disposed adjacent the aperture formed in the carrier housing.

14. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is formed from at least a portion of appliance.

15. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housing is formed from a handle coupled to the appliance.

16. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the carrier housing further comprising a cavity formed therein to enclose an electrical circuitry for providing an electric current to the light source.

17. The lighting system according to claim 11, further comprising an optical element disposed adjacent the light guide to direct the light exiting the light guide and passing through the aperture formed in the carrier housing.

18. A signature lighting system for an appliance comprising:

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.

19. The lighting system according to claim 18, further comprising a sensor in electrical communication with the controller to generate and transmit the input signal to the controller based upon an environmental characteristic of the appliance.

20. The lighting system according to claim 18, further comprising a sensor in electrical communication with the controller to generate and transmit the input signal to the controller based upon an operational characteristic of the appliance.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120127696
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 22, 2010
Publication Date: May 24, 2012
Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Van Buren Twp., MI)
Inventor: Andrew Z. Glovatsky (Plymouth, MI)
Application Number: 12/951,645
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Heater Or Refrigerator (362/92)
International Classification: F25D 27/00 (20060101);