WO2013126946A1

WO2013126946A1 - Appliance lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2013126946A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mostafa Mohamed; Richard Hogg; Philip Sanders
Original assignee: Electrolux Home Products Pty Limited
Priority date: 2012-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-21
Publication date: 2013-09-06
Also published as: CN104205536A

Abstract

An appliance lighting arrangement (100), said arrangement including a profiled member (24, 172) which forms a part of or is connected to a door (F/C) drawer or wall (50, 30) of an appliance, said member including a cavity (30, 173) accessible from the exterior of said door, drawer or wall, to receive a light emitting means (190, 110, 12).

Description

APPLIANCE LIGHTING SYSTEM

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to appliances and lighting systems in respect thereof, in particular for appliance handles and their construction to enable the handle, or a portion thereof, to provide a feature lighting system, or illuminate the area surrounding the appliance, or a portion of the appliance. The invention further relates lighting systems in portions of cabinets of appliances.

Background of the invention

[002] There has been a market need to provide a better construction method for handles for appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and the like, so that users can have the handles illuminated.

[003] There are prior art handles which are located away from the door or drawer of an appliance, which provide illumination in or around the handle. CN 101231095 discloses a handle where a light such as a light emitting diode (LED) is provided within either the handle or the mounting means which supports the handle on the refrigerator door. CN102235793 discloses a refrigerator handle assembly, where LEDs are included in the decorative parts of the handle which are not used by the user to open the refrigerator. A light guide is provided in the part of the handle grasped by the user, to transmit the light. CN20113912 discloses a refrigerator door having a handle with a clear plastic middle, connected between two end parts within which LEDs are provided, so that the middle part of the handle transmits the light. The middle part of the handle can alternatively be coated with a fluorescent material which absorbs light during the day and emits lights at dark. JP6221747 discloses a double-door refrigerator where the two doors have different thickness, and having a handle that is integrally formed on the^' thicker door. The door includes a recess in which LEDs are mounted, to indicate control or operating parameters such as the storage temperature.

[004] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. Summary of the invention

[005] The present invention provides an appliance lighting arrangement, said arrangement including a profiled member which forms a part of a door, drawer or wall of an appliance, said member including a cavity accessible from the exterior of said door, drawer or wall, to receive a light emitting means.

[006] The profiled member can form a handle by which a door can be handled.

[007] The cavity can include a rearwardly directed opening which projects light towards said appliance and or said door and or said drawer.

[008] The cavity can be closed by means of a light transmission member.

[009] The light transmission member can have a tubular form extending in a same longitudinal direction as said profiled member.

[010] The light transmission member can have a hollow interior which receives said light emitting means.

[011] The light emitting means can be held by a diffusion member that is received within said light transmission member.

[012] End caps can secure said light transmission member relative to said profiled member.

[013] The arrangement as described above can include one or more than one of the following features: a light transmission member which is transparent; a light transmission member which is translucent; a light transmission member which is a combination of transparent and translucent at different locations; a light transmission member which is a light guide; a light transmission member which is a light pipe; a light transmission member which is a lens; a light transmission member which is a light dispersion member; said profiled member includes a reflective portion, so that light from said cavity can be reflected therefrom; said profiled member has a cavity which is of sufficient depth to receive a said circuit board carrying said light emitting means as well as one or more cables to provide operating current and or control signal to said light emitting means; said light emitting means are blue in colour; said light emitting means are any appropriate colour to suit customer requirements; said light emitting means are controllable to indicate a condition of said appliance, the condition being one of an event, a function or a warning; said light emitting means are controllable to indicate a fault condition of said appliance; said light emitting means are used to produce an image, message or other display on said appliance or said door or on an unrelated surface; said light emitting means are used to illuminate a handle portion of an adjacent appliance; said light emitting means are used to illuminate a portion of another door on an adjacent appliance; said light emitting means are controlled to flash or otherwise send a signal that a timer has completed its count down; said light emitting means are used to illuminate said handle and or said appliance or said door or drawer as a user approaches with the illumination being activated by means of a proximity switch; said light emitting means are used to illuminate by the ramping up and or down of the brightness of the light emitting means; said light emitting means are controlled so as to operate in response to the appliance door control system; said cavity has art opening wide enough so said circuit board can pass into said cavity laterally relative to said extrusion; said cavity has at least one end opening so that said circuit board can pass into said cavity longitudinally relative to said extrusion; a light transmission member which is secured with respect to said profiled member or said cavity by means of one or more of the following: adhesive; formations of a light transmission member capture portions said profiled member; formations on said profiled member capture edges of a light transmission member; formations associated with said cavity receive or capture edges or formations of a light transmission member; a light transmission member is secured by means of a screw or other fastener; a light transmission member is slidably inserted into cooperating edges in the profiled member which includes detents; a light transmission member is snap-fit into cooperating edges in the profiled member; said profiled member has a cavity which is off centre with respect to a longitudinal axis of the extrusion; a light transmission member which is oriented toward the furniture or appliance; said profiled member is made from a material which does not conduct electricity; said arrangement includes a power supply, transformer, or inverter for supplying power to said lighting emitting which is located remotely of said profiled member; said profiled member is made from a material which conducts electricity, the profiled member being further connected to an electrical ground; said light emitting mean is separated from the profiled member by an electrically insulating material; lighting emitting means receives power as controlled by a controller; lighting emitting means receives power as controlled by a controller which includes a user-selectable parameter for selecting a colour of the light emitted from the handle. [014] The profiled member can be adapted to be an edge of said do r or drawer or wall of an appliance.

[015] The profiled member can extend substantially the full height or width of said door or said drawer or said wall.

[016] The profiled member can be at a terminal edge of an exterior panel or an interior cabinet separation panel having a forward facing periphery.

[017] The arrangement can have one or more of the following features: more than one cabinet volume formed within the appliance's outer cabinet; said appliance can include said cavity extending along on those portions and sides of said cabinet and or compartments which extend away from a side of said appliance cabinet which has hinges mounted thereto; said appliance has one, two or more doors;

[018] The arrangement can be such that the appliance has one or more profiled members whereby a cavity can be formed with 4 legs of extension which form an Έ' shape or a reversed Έ' shape or said appliance has one or more profiled members whereby a cavity is formed by 3 or 5 legs of extension which form an T shape.

[019] The profiled member can be a handle member mountable to a door or drawer or wall of an appliance.

[020] The profiled member can include a opening for receiving one or more attachment means, for attaching the profiled member and a mount together, for mounting the profiled member to the door or drawer of an appliance.

[021] The profiled member can be mounted to door or drawer or appliance by a pedestal mount.

[022] The light transmission member can be supported by the pedestal mount.

[023] Electrical connections to the profiled member can be made through the mount or through a topmost one of the mounts.

[024] The present invention also provides an appliance having the appliance lighting arrangement described above, the appliance being one of the following types of appliances: a cold appliance; a freezer; a refrigerator; a combination refrigerator and freezer; a bottom mounted freezer fridge combination; a side by side refrigerator and freezer; side by side refrigerators; a top mounted freezer and fridge combination; a chest freezer; three or more door cold appliance; a wine cabinet; a hot appliance; an oven; a microwave oven; a dishwasher; a clothes drier; a fabric care appliance; a washing machine.

[025] The present invention also provides a method of forming a handle for a moving panel of an appliance, including the steps of forming a profiled member having a longitudinal recess, attaching one or more light emitting means into said longitudinal recess, and substantially closing said longitudinal recess with a light transmission member.

[026] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an appliance cabinet, drawer or door, said method including the steps of forming said cabinet, drawer or door so that a side or periphery thereof is formed from a profiled member which includes a cavity.

[027] These methods can include one or more of the following steps: installation of one or more printed circuit boards having light emitting means mounted thereon or electroluminescent material lengths, into said cavity in said profiled member; installation of one or more printed circuit boards or electroluminescent material lengths being performed by a lateral motion of said board relative to said profiled member; installation of said one or more printed circuit boards or electroluminescent material lengths being performed by longitudinal motion of said board or lengths relative to said profiled member; a step of closing said cavity by a light transmitting member, a step of adhering a light transmission member to said profiled member; a step of inter-engaging portions of a light transmission member to portions of said profiled member; passing a wiring harness through said door or drawer or cabinet prior to foaming in or attachment of front and rear panels .

[028] The present invention also provides an appliance lighting arrangement, the arrangement including a profiled extrusion or edge which forms a part of the periphery of a door or wall of an appliance, the extrusion edge including a cavity accessible from the exterior of the door or wall, to receive a circuit board having one or more light emitting means mounted thereon.

[029] The extrusion can form a handle by which a door can be handled.

[030] The cavity can include a rearwardly directed portion which projects light towards the appliance and or the door.

[031] The extrusion can extend substantially the full height of the door. [032] The door can include upper and lower end caps.

[033] The end caps can secure the light transmission member relative to the door.

[034] The extrusion or edge can be at a terminal edge of an exterior panel or an interior cabinet separation panel having a forward facing periphery.

[035] The appliance can be a refrigerator having one or more than one cabinet portions formed within the appliance's outer cabinet.

[036] The appliance can include said cavity extending along on those portions and sides of said cabinet and or compartments which extend away from a side of said appliance cabinet which has hinges mounted thereto.

[037] The appliance can have one, two or more doors.

[038] The cavity can be formed by 4 legs of extension which form an Έ' shape or a reversed Έ' shape.

[039] The cavity can be formed by 3 or 5 legs of extension which form an T shape.

[040] The cavity can be closed by means of a light transmission member.

[041] The light transmission member can be one or more than one of the following: transparent, translucent, or a combination of transparent and translucent in different locations; a light guide; a light pipe; a lens; a light dispersion member.

[042] The extrusion can be manufactured from one of the following: metal, metal alloy, aluminium, polymeric material, injection moulded polymeric material, extruded polymeric material.

[043] The door and or the extrusion can include a reflective portion, so that light from the cavity can be reflected therefrom.

[044] The cavity is of sufficient depth to receive a said circuit board carrying said light emitting means as well as one or more cables to provide operating current and or control signal to said light emitting means.

[045] The light emitting means can be one or more of the following: white, or blue or yellow in colour, or any appropriate colour to suit customer requirements; controllable to indicate a condition of the appliance, the condition being one of an event, a function or a warning; controllable to indicate a fault condition of the appliance; used to produce an image, message or other display on the appliance or the door; used to illuminate a handle portion of an adjacent appliance; used to illuminate a portion of another door on an adjacent appliance; are controlled to flash or otherwise send a signal that a timer has completed its count down; used to illuminate said handle and or said appliance as a user approaches with the illumination being activated by means of a proximity sensor; used to illuminate by the ramping up and or down of the brightness of the light emitting means.

[046] The light emitting means can be controlled so as to operate in response to the appliance door and or control system.

[047] The cavity can have an opening wide enough so the circuit board can pass into the cavity laterally relative to the extrusion.

[048] The cavity can have at least one end opening so that the circuit board can pass into the cavity longitudinally relative to the extrusion.

[049] The light transmission member light transmission member can be secured with respect to the extrusion or the cavity by means of one or more of the following: adhesive; formations of the light transmission member which capture portions the extrusion; formations on the extrusion capture edges of the light transmission member; formations associated with the cavity receive or capture edges or formations of the light transmission member; secured by means of a screw or other fastener.

[050] The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an appliance cabinet or door, the method including the steps of forming the cabinet or door so that a side or periphery thereof is formed from an extrusion or edge which includes a cavity.

[051] The method can include passing a wiring harness through the door prior to foaming in of front and rear panels and the extrusion.

[052] The method can include the installation of one or more circuit boards having light emitting means mounted thereon in to the cavity in the extrusion.

[053] The installation of the one or more printed circuit boards is performed by a lateral motion of the board relative to the extrusion. [054] The installation of the one or more printed circuit boards is performed by longitudinal motion of the board relative to the extrusion.

[055] The cavity can have an opening and a step of closing the opening by a light transmitting member is performed.

[056] The light transmitting member can be secured into the cavity by a step of adhering the member to the extrusion or a step of inter-engaging portions of the member to portions of the extrusion.

[057] The appliance door arrangement or method as described above can be one of: a cold appliance; a refrigerator; a freezer; a side by side refrigerator and freezer; side by side refrigerators; a bottom mounted freezer fridge combination; a top mounted freezer and fridge combination; a chest freezer; any of the preceding with three or more doors; three or more door cold appliances; a hot appliance; a washing appliance.

[058] An appliance door arrangement or method as described above wherein the light emitting means is one of or a combination of one or more of the following: LED; multiple LEDs; multi-colour LEDs; an array of two coloured LEDs; an electroluminescent film; an electroluminescent strip; a circuit board including an electroluminescent- film thereon.

[059] An appliance door arrangement as described above wherein the circuit board is a film which carries an electroluminescent material, or is formed from an electroluminescent material, or is a printed circuit board with an electroluminescent film or material thereon, which can emit light when controlled to do so.

[060] The present invention also provides a handle mountable to a moving panel such as a door or a drawer of an appliance, including an extrusion which forms a partial periphery of the handle, the extrusion including a longitudinal cavity for receiving one or more lighting means, the light from the lighting means being transmissible through a light transmission member that at least partially closes the cavity.

[061] The lighting means can be an electroluminescent film or electroluminescent tape, or printed circuit board (PCB) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[062] A power supply, transformer, or inverter for supplying power to said lighting means is located remotely of said handle and or the moving panel. [063] The handle can be made from a material which does not conduct electricity,

[064] The handle can be made from a material which conducts electricity, the handle being further connected to an electrical ground.

[065] The light transmission member can be one or a combination of one or more of the following: transparent, translucent, or a combination of transparent and translucent in different locations, a light guide, a light pipe; a lens, a light dispersion member; slidably insertable into cooperating edges in the extrusion which form detents; snap-fit into cooperating edges in the extrusion which form detents; secured to the extrusion by an adhesive or by a fastener; off centre with respect to a longitudinal centre of the extrusion; oriented toward the furniture or appliance.

[066] The lighting means can be separated from the extrusion by an electrically insulating material.

[067] The extrusion can include a opening for receiving one ore more attachment means, each for attaching the handle and a mount together, for mounting the handle to the door of the furniture or appliance, the mount and attachment means being attached to a portion of the handle that is adjacent the door.

[068] The handle can be mounted to the moving panel by a pedestal mount.

[069] Electrical connections between the door and the handle are can be made through the mount or through a topmost one of the mounts.

[070] There can be least two lighting means that are adapted to emit lights of different colours.

[071] The or each lighting means can receive power as controlled by a controller.

[072] The controller can include a user-selectable parameter for selecting a colour of the light emitted from the handle.

[073] The lighting means can produce a signal when the door has been opened and remains open after a period of time.

[074] The present invention also provides an appliance having a moving panel such as a door or a drawer, to which is attached a handle as described above, the appliance being one of the following: a cold appliance, a freezer, a refrigerators, a combination refrigerator and freezer, a wine cabinet, a hot appliance, an oven, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a clothes drier, a fabric care appliance, a washing machine.

[075] The present invention also provides a method of forming a handle for a moving panel of an appliance, including the step of forming an extrusion or moulded part having a longitudinal recess, attaching one or more lighting means into the longitudinal recess, at least substantially closing said longitudinal recess with a light transmission member.

Brief description of the drawings

[076] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[077] Figure 1 illustrates a PCB having a series of LEDs mounted thereon and power connection and or control fitting;

[078] Figure 1 A illustrates a perspective view of a door embodying the invention;

[079] Figure 1 B is a front view of the door of Figure 1 A;

[080] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed part cross section through lines ll-ll of figure

1 A,;

[081] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of door end caps which engage and secure and a light transmission member in the extrusion of figure 2;

[082] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of region B of figure 2, of a portion of the light transmitting member of figure 3;

[083] Figure 4A illustrates an enlarged sectional view of region B of figure 2 of another embodiment for securing the light transmitting member in to the cavity;

[084] Figure 5 illustrates an underneath perspective view of a refrigerator showing the position of proximity sensors;

[085] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a recessed handled side by side refrigerator and freezer that can embody the invention; [086] Figure 7 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the upper edges of the doors of the SxS of figure 5 and 6;

[087] Figure 8 illustrates a cabinet edge or periphery which includes a cavity or an extrusion which forms said edge or periphery includes a cavity;

[088] Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a cabinet having two, one above the other compartments, with a cavity as illustrated in figure 8 forming an "E" shape; and

[089] Figure 10 illustrates a front view of a cabinet having two side by side compartments with a cavity as illustrated in figure 8 forming an "I" shape .

[090] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a handle lighting assembly;

[091] Figure 12 is a cross section of the handle lighting shown in Figure 11 ;

[092] Figure 13 is a cross section of the handle light assembly with a pedestal mount;

[093] Figure 14 shows a partial schematic view of another light attachment member; ²

[094] Figure 15 shows a schematic view of an appliance having doors and a drawer fitted with handles;

[095] Figure 16 shows a flow chart depicting a process for making a handle depicted in Figures 11 to 15;

[096] Figure 17 is a cross section of a handle assembly according to a further embodiment;

[097] Figure 18 is a cross section of the handle extrusion shown in Figure 17;

[098] Figure 19 is a cross section of the lens extrusion shown in Figure 17;

[099] . Figure 20 is an exploded elevation view of the handle light assembly depicted in Figure 17;

[0100] Figure 21 is a schematic drawing depicting the electrical connection for the handle assembly.

[0101] Figure 22 is a cross section through another embodiment which is a combination of the embodiments of Figures 2,4 and 17 to 19. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[0102] Illustrated in Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board 10 which has mounted thereon a series of LEDs 12, in the manner of an LED strip. At one end of the PCB 10, in this instance at the top, there is also mounted on the board a power connector 14 though which control and other signals can also be sent.

[0103] Illustrated in Figure 2 is a cross section through the side of an appliance door, such as a refrigerator or freezer. The arrangement of figure 2 shows an inner door panel or lining 20, which faces rearwardly towards the appliance or appliance cabinet, and a front door lining 22, in this case a bent sheet of glass. Between the inner and front door linings, and forming a side wall of the door, is a profiled member 24. The profiled member 24 is preferably formed by an extrusion process, and may be made of aluminium or polymeric material. While extrusion is the preferred method of manufacture for the profiled member 24, it will be understood that other methods of manufacture could also be used, such as by fabrication or roll forming. However, for the purpose of the following description, the profiled member 24 will be referred to as the extrusion 24.

[0104] The extrusion 24 extends along the whole side of the door, or if desired can be shorter than the door height and located in appropriate locations for prospective users.

[0105] The extrusion 24 serves both the function of a door handle and the means to mount therein the printed circuit board 10 of Figure 1. The door handle is effectively formed as a pocket in the side edge of the door. The extrusion 24 has an inner leg 26 to which the lining 20 can be attached, while an outer leg 28 is provided for the front panel 28 to be secured thereto.

[0106] The extrusion 24 also includes, between the legs 26 and 28, a longitudinal channel or cavity 30 in which the PCB 10 can be located, while a second or deeper channel 32 is also provided, at the rear of the PCB 10, which will allow cables which connect to the connector 14 to pass through. The channel 32 also has a dimension which will allow approx 3 or 4 such cables to be run, as the PCB 10 may be provided so as to only be a proportion of the length of the extrusion 24. In this way a smaller length of pc 10 can be used, but to produce lighting over the whole length of the extrusion 24 will require a multiple number of PCBs 10, and thus capacity to fit a multiple number of wires into cavity 32 will be required.

[0107] The advantage of providing a PCB 10 of a length that is a proportion of the door height, is that it allows a manufacturer to keep less inventory, and keep the PCBs 10 as short as possible, as they can be fragile in relatively long lengths. This means that different height doors can be made using a single PCB 10, or multiple heights by using a multiple number of PCBs 10.

[0108] The extrusion 24 also includes an opening 34 which bounds or borders the outboard side of the cavity 30. The opening 34 includes a side formed from a leg 34.1 and on the opposite side 34.2. To close the opening 34 and to transmit the light from the LEDs 12, an elongated strip 36 is adhered between the free ends of the legs 34.1 and 34.2, as is illustrated in more detail in Figure 4.

[0109] The strip 36 has tapered edges as illustrated in figure 4 so that it cannot be pushed inwardly by a user. While a tapered construction and adhesive can be used to secure the member 36 into the extrusion 24, other means can be used such as providing the member 34 with an H or I section and have the end flanges engage the inner and outer sides of the legs 34.1 and 34.2.

[0110] The cavity 30 and the opening 34 are oriented on the extrusion and relative to the front and rear panels 20 and 22, is rearwardly directed so that the LEDs will project their light when activated towards the appliance and or the door such as towards the leg 26 of the extrusion.

[0111] The light transmission member 36 is able to allow light to transmit through it and or along it. By it being transparent, translucent, or a combination of transparent and translucent in different locations or a light guide or a light pipe or a lens or a light dispersion member, a diffused light effect can be achieved, or a sharper light projection depending on the characteristics of the member 6.

[0112] The extrusion 24 is the full height of the door, and forms the full side as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7. However, the upper and lower ends of the door are finished off by means of end caps 40, which are illustrated schematically in figure 3. Each end cap is respectively secured to both the door upper and lower rims or edges, and further include a securement to the member 36 by means of a screw 42. This secures the member 36 from movement relative to the door and the extrusion 24. [0113] The extrusion can be manufactured from any appropriate material such as metals, metal alloys, or aluminium. Polymeric materials can also be used if of appropriate material property characteristics.

[0114] The door or the extrusion 24 in the form of the leg 26 includes a reflective portion either formed from polishing the material of the extrusion or the adherence of a reflective material, so that light from the LEDs can be reflected therefrom.

[0115] The LEDs are preferably blue or white in colour as these have been found to be appealing colours in low light environments. However, any appropriate colour to suit customer requirements can be used. The printed circuit boards can include multicolour LEDs, which can be operated so that only one colour is energised in one set of circumstances, or another colour operates in another circumstance. For example the colour white LEDS glow when the door is closed, while blue LEDs glow while the door is open. Or all can be made to glow at once or at different times to produce coloured light output which changes or glows steadily depending upon user requirements, or control system requirements.

[0116] Control circuitry can be provided so that the LEDs will indicate a condition of the appliance. Such a condition can be an event or a function or a warning. If desired the LEDs can be made to operate, say in a flashing or intermittent mode so as to indicate a fault condition of the appliance.

[0117] In a more advanced application the control system can be used to produce an image or a message or other display onto the appliance or the door. For example, the LEDs can be used to project a trade mark image or a condition such as the room temperature onto a surface of the appliance cabinet, or an adjacent appliance cabinet.

[0118] A particularly useful arrangement is to provide the appliance, either on the door or at another relocation such as on the door hinge or on the appliance cabinet, with a proximity sensors 33 (cabinet mounted at lower location) and or 34 (door mounted), so that as a user approaches the appliance in the dark, the LEDs are activated to emit light and provide the handle, or the adjacent appliance, or a portion of the door or cabinet with illumination.

[0119] Illustrated in Figure 4A is an arrangement whereby the periphery of the cavity has two, vertical or elongated, channels 34.11 and 34.21 on either side of the cavity to receive a respective side of the light transmission member 36, so as to hold same in place, whereby the upper and lower end caps 40 will prevent relative vertical movement between the two components.

[0120] As is illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the embodiment of the invention can be used in a side by side freezer and fridge or dual fridge arrangement. In this scenario the lighting system is used to illuminate a handle portion of an adjacent appliance; used to illuminate a portion of another door on an adjacent appliance; are controlled to flash or otherwise send a signal that a timer has completed its count down.

[0121] The LEDs can be controlled so as to operate in response to the appliance door and or control system, so in the situation where the door to the appliance is left ajar, but is sufficiently closed to turn off the fridge light but not enough to seal the door, then the LEDS can be made to flash so that it attracts the users attention, so as to close the door.

[0122] In another mode of operation the light emitting means or LEDs can be used to provide illumination by ramping up and or down of the brightness of the light emitting means or LEDs. This can be for the purposes of a lighting effect or as a signal.

[0123] The cavity 30 has the opening 34 wide enough so that the printed circuit board 20 passes into the cavity 24 in a lateral direction relative to the extrusion 24. However, as the extrusion 24 extends longitudinally along the edge of the door, single or multiple PCBs 10 can be inserted into the cavity 30 in a longitudinal direction relative to the extrusion 24.

[0124] The above described arrangement can be assembled by the following method after the step of forming the door so that a side thereof is formed from the extrusion 24 which includes the cavity 30. The assembly process includes passing a wiring harness through the door prior to foaming in of the front and rear panels 20 and 22 and the side positioned extrusion 24, which form s the side of the door.

[0125] Once the foaming in has taken place installation of the one or more printed circuit boards 10 having LEDs 12 mounted thereon into the cavity 30. At this point the wiring harness can be connected up to the or each connector 14

[0126] The end caps can be applied prior to the foaming in pace if needed, or can be applied afterwards. If applied before the PCBs are inserted, then the installation of the one or more printed circuit boards can be performed by a lateral motion of the board relative to the extrusion.

[0127] Whereas if the end caps 40 are not yet applied to the door, the installation of the one or more printed circuit boards can be performed by longitudinal motion of the board relative to the extrusion. Once in place and connected then the end caps 40 can be applied.

[0128] After the PCBs 10 are positioned and connected, then the cavity has its opening 34 closed by the installation of the light transmitting member 36. The member 36 is adhered to the extrusion, or if of an H or I section inter-engaging portions of the member can connect with portions of the extrusion. If needed snap in formation along the length of the member 36 can be provided to secure at various locations along the length.

[0129] Illustrated in figures 8 to 10 is an appliance lighting arrangement as applied to an appliance cabinet, in this case a refrigeration appliance. In the embodiment of figures 8 to 10, there is a cavity 30 located on the outer periphery of walls of the cabinet 50. The cavity 30 includes a PCB 10 having one or more LEDs 12 mounted thereon as described above. The cavity 30 is closed by a light lens 36 or similar also as described above It will be noted from figure 9, which illustrates a one on top of the other cabinet, known in the industry as a bottom or top mount freezer system, that the cavity 30 and overlying lens 36 forms a generally Έ' shaped lighting assembly formation, on that side of the appliance opposite to the side which will have the door hinges. This "E" shape is formed from 3 horizontal legs extending from one vertical leg.

[0130] Whereas in respect of figure 10, which illustrates Side by Side freezers or refrigerators or refrigerator and freezer system, that the lighting assembly forms a generally "I" shape, which is made up of either two horizontal cavities meeting a vertical cavity, or two upper and lower oppositely extending horizontal cavities extending from the ends of a vertical cavity. In this instance too the cavities 30 extend away form the outer vertical sides where the hinges would be located for the respective doors.

[0131] Illustrated in Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a handle 100, in the form of a generally pole shaped handle, and mounting means 102 for mounting the handle onto a moving panel, such as a door, or drawer of an appliance. As an example, Figure 15 depicts a refrigerator having double doors and a drawer compartment, each fitted with a handle 100. The handle 100 can also be applied to other appliances, such as, but not limited to, a cold appliance, a freezer, a refrigerators, a combination refrigerator and freezer, a wine cabinet, a hot appliance, an oven, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a clothes drier, a fabric care appliance, a washing machine.

[0132] The moving panels, such as doors or handles, or these appliances are normally closed, and it is undesirable for, e.g. a refrigerator or freezer door to be left open. Also, a user may wish to locate appliance doors etc in the dark, without turning on the lights which may disturb the rest of the household. The handle 100 described herein offers constructions which can facilitate alerting users as to doors or drawers left open, appliances shutting down, night time use of the appliances, etc.

[0133] The handle 100 includes a handle profiled member 104 which can be made by extrusion from a metal, metal alloy, or from a polymeric material with the appropriate material property characteristics. As with the previous embodiment, other processes of manufacture such as fabrication or roll forming could be used to make the profiled member 104, however for the following description the profiled member 104 will be referred to as an extrusion 104.

[0134] The extrusion 104 forms at least a partial periphery of the pole handle 100. The periphery which is formed by the extrusion can alternatively be, e.g. a moulded part. The extrusion 104 further is profiled to have a recess 108 to accept one or more lighting means 110 which can be fitted internally to the handle 100. A light transmission member 106, as shown in Figure 12, closes the recess 108. The light transmission member 106 can be transparent, translucent, or can be transparent or translucent in different locations. Examples of materials that can be used to form the light transmission member include a light guard, a light pipe, a lens, light dispersion member, a layer made from transparent or translucent polymer, such as clear acrylic. The handle 100, in use, is installed so that the light transmission member 106 is generally oriented toward the moving panel. The lighting means 110 are also adapted to emit light in a direction that is generally oriented toward the appliance panel. By providing the lighting means throughout the recess 108, which runs the entire length or substantially the entire length of the handle 100, the entire handle 100 provides even lighting which is more pleasing to the eye. The extrusion 104 also provides a surface that is dedicated for the attachment of electrical lighting means and insulation means for the electrical connections, thus making it safer to use the handle. [0135] As shown in Figure 12, the light transmission member 106 closes the recess 108 formed by the extrusion 104. However, at locations where the handle extrusion 104 is attached to mounting means 102 to be attached to the panel, the light transmission member 106 does not completely close the recess 108. This is shown in Figure 13. As depicted, the light transmission member 106 is located off centre with respect to a longitudinal axis of the extrusion 104. The off-centred location of the light transmission member 106 allows space for an attachment means 112 for attaching the handle extrusion 104 to the mounting means 102. The attachment means 112 can be an attachment screw for any other securing means that are appropriate for fixing the handle extrusion 104 and the mounting means 102 together.

[0136] As depicted in Figure 12, the light transmission member 106 can have profiled edges 120 that can be captured by cooperating edges 122 in the handle extrusion 104. This arrangement allows the light transmission member 106 to be slidably insertable into the cooperating edges 122 in the extrusion. For instance, the edges 120 of the light transmission member 106 can have protrusions 124 that are insertable into cooperating edges 122 in the extrusion which form receiving detents. The locations of the detents and extrusions can be inversed. The protrusions or the detents can be shaped so that the light transmission 106 can be press-fit or snap-fit into the cooperating edges in the extrusion 104, as shown in Figure 14. As a further example, the light transmission member 106 can be attached to the extrusion 104 by an adhesive or a fastener.

[0137] The lighting means 110 can be an electroluminescent film or tape, such as Light Tape® which requires an operating power of about 2.4 to 12.1 watts per square foot, and a power connector for approximately every 75 to 150 feet, depending on the width of the strip used. Therefore for household appliances such as refrigerators, a single connector per electroluminescent tape will suffice. The commercially available electroluminescent tapes or films can be cut to fit the recess 108, but a barrier to seal the cut area would be required, to prevent moisture ingress. Another example is a printed circuit board (PCB) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Electroluminescent films such as Light Tape® have a lower power consumption compared to other lighting means such as fluorescent lights or LEDs, and therefore are the preferred lighting means when energy consumption is considered. One lighting means 110 can be provided in the entire length longitudinal recess 108, or several lighting means can be provided in different longitudinal sections of the recess 108. When several segments of electroluminescent tapes are located in the recess in series, the power connection for the serially arranged electroluminescent tapes can be in parallel where each segment has its own power supply, or in series where the segments form a daisy chain that is powered by a single power supply. In some cases the parallel connection is preferred to prevent overheating of the connectors between the segments. Multiple lighting means 110 can also be provided along the same extent of the handle extrusion 104. These can include electroluminescent tapes which have the same or different electroluminescent materials, so as to emit light of the same or difference colour, or PCB strips with LEDs which emit different colours. Power supplies such as inverter(s), transformers, or the like depending on the lighting means used, used for supplying power to the lighting means can be located outside the handle 100, so as to minimise the electrical circuitry and the accommodating space for same that are required within the handle 100.

[0138] To help insulate the handle 100 and insure that the handle can be used safely, the lighting means 110 can be mounted to an electrical insulator 130 which is then attached to the handle extrusion 104. The handle extrusion 104 can provide a lighting means or insulator mount 132 where the electrical insulator 130 can be attached. For instance, the electroluminescent tape 110 can have an adhesive backing that allows it to be affixed to an insulator 130, which is itself attached to the lighting means or insulator mount 32 by an adhesive. The electrical insulator 130 needs to be of sufficient thickness to comply with safety regulations, and in embodiments with electroluminescent tapes, should have a thickness of 2 mm at the minimum. If the handle extrusion 104 is made from a material which can conduct electricity, the handle 100 can further be connected to an electrical ground to avoid electric shock to a user who touches the handle 100. As another safety consideration, a power supply which powers the lighting means (e.g. which powers the inverter for the electroluminescent tape) can be positioned away from the appliance panel and also away from the handle 100.

[0139] At the location where the extrusion 104 is to be connected to a mounting means 102, such as a pedestal mount for attaching to the appliance panel, the extrusion 104 can further include an opening 140, which in use, is in alignment with a cooperating opening 142 in a mounting means 102, to receive the attachment means 112 for securing the mounting means 102 and the extrusion 104 together. The lighting means mount 132 formed by the extrusion 104 may further include an opening 144 to receive the attachment means 112. For example, the attachment means can be a screw that is drilled into, or is received by the opening 144 in the lighting means attachment location 132 to enhance stability. Further, the provision of the respective openings 140, 142 in the extrusion 104 and mounting means 102 marks the locations of attachment between the mounting means 102 and extrusion 104, to help facilitate the assembly process.

[0140] The handle 100 can have locations for attachment to multiple mounting means 102. The electrical connection which allows the transmission of control signals and power from the appliance to the handle can be made through the top mounting means. Also, any connections between the wall electrical outlet to the power supply, and between the power supply to the lighting means in the handle (through inverters where required) will be shielded in insulating cables. These measures help prevent adverse electrical magnetic compatibility issues, and enhance safety. For example, by locating the electrical connection between the appliance to the handle at the top most mounting means, chances of the electrical connections becoming exposed to pets or children are minimised.

[0141] A control circuitry can be provided so that the lighting means 110 can indicate a condition of the appliance. The control circuitry can receive information from various sensors, such as a door open or door position sensor, or a proximity sensor which senses the approach of a user, etc. Therefore, the control circuitry can allow the indication of an event or a function, or a warning. If desired, the lighting means can be made to operate, say in a flashing or intermittent mode so as to indicate a fault condition or a door left open warning when the door position or door open sensor detects that the door is left open, for the appliance As another example, where proximity sensors are provided, the control circuitry can provide power to the lighting means when a proximity sensor detects the presence of a user in the vicinity of the appliance. This allows the user to, e.g. approach the appliance in the dark, being guided by the light emitted by the lighting means. As a further example, where lighting means which emit different lights (eg. electroluminescence tapes made with different electroluminescent materials) are provided, the control circuitry can include a user selectable parameter to change the colour of the light that is emitted by the lighting means. Based on the colour selected by the user, the control circuitry will route power to the lighting means which emits a light of the user selected colour. This allows further personalisation in the appliance. Also, regardless of whether a control circuitry is provided, the lighting means may be used to create ambient lighting.

[0142] A method of forming the handle is depicted in Figure 16. The method includes forming an extrusion which includes a longitudinal recess in step 601 , inserting one or more lighting means into the recess in step 602, closing or substantially closing the recess by affixing a light transmission member in step 603. The extrusion can be formed from sheet metal or polymeric material, or the periphery of the handle can be made from a mounded part. Various lighting means and light transmission members can be used, as described above. Once the handle is formed, it is then attached to mounting means such . as pedestal mounts in step 604, to allow attachment to the appliance's moving panel.

[0143] Figures 17 to 20 depict a further embodiment of a handle assembly 170. The handle assembly 170 includes an extruded handle 172 similar to the extrusion 104 of the embodiment depicted in Figure 12. The extruded handle 172, like the handles of the previous embodiments, can be made of a metallic material such as aluminium, stainless steal, or a polymeric material that can be extruded. As best seen in Figure 18, the handle extrusion 172 has a longitudinal recess 173 defined by insertion edges 174, 175 which are profiled so as to accept and capture a lens and or cover 178 having a complementary profile.

[0144] As shown in Figure 20, the handle extrusion 172 has the same cross section throughout its length, except at its top and bottom ends where the extrusion 172 has a recessed profile 171 so as to accommodate top and bottom mounting pedestals 176, 177, respectively. As seen in Figures 17 to 19, the handle extrusion 172 further has a mount portion 179 located or extending from the front inner edge, so as to provide space for the attachment mechanism (e.g. screws) with the mounting pedestals.

[0145] Referring to Figures 17 and 19, the lens (i.e. "light transmission member") 178 is preferably shaped to receive a lighting means 184. In this embodiment, the lighting means 184 includes a strip 190 of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting means 184 can be obtained from vendors as pre-assembled strips or tubes. For instance, as shown in Figure 17, the lighting means 184 has a diffusing element 186 that in this embodiment is generally square in cross section, and having a hollow interior. A front section 188 of the diffusing element 186 includes a longitudinal groove which receives the LED strip 190. The groove can be located between a pair of retaining arms 192 extending from the front section 188. Alternatively the groove can be formed within the front section 188, or in the side walls or any appropriate location.

[0146] To receive the lighting means 184, the lens 178 has a tubular form which extends in the same longitudinal direction as the handle extrusion 172. The lens 178 has a hollow interior 180. In particular the lens 178 has a front portion 181 that is approximately shaped and sized to match the shape of the lighting means 184. It is preferred that the front portion 181 be of the lens 178 generally matches the size and shape of the front portion of the lighting means 184, so that the lighting means 184 is stably received in the lens 178, for example, without too much lateral movement or freedom of the lighting means 184 being allowed.

[0147] The lens 178 includes a rear portion 182 that is profiled complementary to the longitudinal recess 173 of the handle extrusion 172, so as to be captured in the extrusion 172. This complementarity profiled portion 182 can further be arcuate in shape.

[0148] While the rear portion 182 of the lens 178 is captured by the handle extrusion 172, the front portion 181 of the lens 178 is generally spaced from handle extrusion 172. The lens 178 which surrounds the lighting means 184, and also the gap 185 between the handle extrusion 172 and the lens 178, contribute toward electrical safety of the handle assembly 170.

[0149] The lens 178 can be extruded from acrylic, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other clear and rigid extrudable material. It is further preferred that the material has some chemical resistance against cleaning agents that may be used to clean the refrigerator.

[0150] The assembly for the handle 170 is now described with reference to Figure 20. As described above, the lens 178 is received longitudinally by the handle extrusion 172, the lens 178 and handle extrusion 172 being complementarily profiled so that the lens 178 is further captured by the handle extrusion 178. The lighting means 184 is received longitudinally by the lens 178 having a partially complementary shape. The handle extrusion 172 is mounted to the door of the appliance by the mounts 176, 177, which in this embodiment are pedestal mounts. The lighting means 184 and the lens 178 are supported by the bottom pedestal mount 177. It is not required to provide any other means of attachment or securement between the lighting means 184 and the lens 178, such as e.g. gluing, as the design of the handle assembly 170 enables the stable location for each of the assembly components.

[0151] The electrical connection 200 for powering the lighting means 184 can be provided through the top pedestal mount 176. For instance, as shown in Figure 21 , the top pedestal mount 176 includes a cavity 191 which is aligned with a cavity 192 provided in the appliance door 194. The electrical connection is located through the aligned cavities, and can receive power from, for example, the same circuitry which powers the rest of the appliance. Alternatively the electrical connection 200 can include a separate power source such as a battery for the lighting means 184.

[0152] Although the handle 170 shown in Figure 17 is above described as being supported by a mount such as a pedestal mount located beneath the handle 170, other support arrangement may be used. For instance, the handle extrusion 172 can be a terminating or protruding profile extending from the door or drawer for which the handle 170 is intended, instead of being a separately attachable piece. The lens 178 and the lighting means 184 can still be received within the handle extrusion 172 as previously described. There can be an end cap or another closure means which closes the bottom of the handle extrusion 172 and which supports the lens 178 and the lighting means 184.

[0153] Illustrated in Figure 22 is an embodiment which is similar to figures 2 and 4, in that it relates to a similar location and arrangement as illustrated therein, but is also similar to that of figures 17 to 19, in the construction of the lighting arrangement used. Thus features in figure 22 have item numbers the same as in figures 2 and 4, where like parts have a like function, and similar item numbers as in figures 17 to 19, where like parts have a like function. Thus it will be understood that the embodiment of figure 22 can be used in an external handle arrangement or in an integrally formed handle as specifically illustrated.

[0154] In the embodiment of figure 22, the extrusion 24 has a cavity 30, which includes in its side walls barbs 30.1 on either side of the cavity. The barbs 30.1 provide a perpendicular shoulder so that a mating formation or barb 178.1 on the lens 178, will engage and lock with the barbs 30.1 to hold the lens 178 in the extrusion 24. As can be seen from figure 22, the lighting device 184 has surrounding diffuser walls 186 which form a light diffuser so that light emitted from the LED strip 190, will by interference, will exhibit as an even light intensity emitted along the length (into the page of figure 22) of the lens 178. This diffuser 186 is captured within the legs 178.2 on the ends of which are the barb 178.1. In this way the lighting device 184 (diffuser and LED strip) can be pre-assembled and then the lens 178 (with device 184 attached, inserted into the cavity 30. An advantage of the construction of figure 22 is that the diffuser 186 and the lens can be pre-assembled in a lateral direction into the lens 178, before mounting in the cavity, whereas with the embodiment of figure 17 to 19, the lens must first receive the diffuser in a longitudinal direction.

[0155] While the appliance lighting arrangement or method as described above has been described in respect of cold appliances such as refrigerators, freezers etc, these can be in any arrangement such as a side by side refrigerator and freezer; side by side refrigerators; a bottom mounted freezer fridge combination; a top mounted freezer and fridge combination; a chest freezer. While only one or two door systems are generally known for the preceding appliances, the present invention is also applicable to 3 or more door cold appliances. Further, it will be understood that the invention can also be used with hot appliances such as ovens and microwaves or with washing and or drying appliances, range hoods and dish sterilisers.

[0156] Through out the description and claims the expression "circuit board" is used, and as used herein encompasses a film or sheet material which carries, or is made from, an electroluminescent material which will generate light when energised to do so, in addition to printed circuit boards, which may carry such electroluminescent films or material, or other light sources such as LEDs and the like.

[0157] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0158] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [0159] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An appliance lighting arrangement, said arrangement including a profiled

member which forms a part of or is connected to a door, drawer or wall of an appliance, said member including a cavity accessible from the exterior of said door, drawer or wall, to receive a light emitting means.

2. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said member forms a handle by which a door can be handled.

3. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2,

wherein said cavity includes a rearwardly directed opening which projects light towards said appliance and or said door and or said drawer.

4. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cavity is closed by means of a light transmission member.

5. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein said light transmission member has a tubular form extending in a same longitudinal direction as said profiled member.

6. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein said light

transmission member has a hollow interior which receives said light emitting means.

7. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein said light emitting means is held by a diffusion member that is received within said light transmission member.

8. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7,

including end caps which secure said light transmission member relative to said member.

9. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to8, wherein said light emitting means are controllable to indicate a condition of said appliance, the condition being one of an event, a function or a warning.

10. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9,

wherein said profiled member is adapted to be an edge of said door or drawer or wall of an appliance.

11. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein said profiled member extends substantially the full height or width of said door or said drawer or said wall.

12. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 10or 11 , wherein said profiled member can be at a terminal edge of an exterior panel or an interior cabinet separation panel having a forward facing periphery.

13. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said appliance has one or more of the following features: more than one cabinet volume formed within the appliance's outer cabinet; said appliance can include said cavity extending along on those portions and sides of said cabinet and or compartments which extend away from a side of said appliance cabinet which has hinges mounted thereto; said appliance has one, two or more doors;

14. An appliance lighting arrangement wherein said appliance has one or more profiled members whereby a cavity can be formed with 4 legs of extension which form an Έ' shape or a reversed Έ' shape or said appliance has one or more profiled members whereby a cavity is formed by 3 or 5 legs of extension which form an 'I' shape.

15. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said profiled member is a handle member mountable to a door or a drawer or wall of an appliance.

16. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed claim 15, wherein the profiled member includes a opening for receiving one or more attachment means, for attaching the profiled member and a mount together, for mounting the profiled member to the door or drawer of an appliance.

17. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein said profiled member is mounted to door or drawer or appliance by a pedestal mount.

18. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in claim 17, when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said light transmission member is supported by the pedestal mount.

19. An appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein electrical connections between the profiled member are made through the mount or through a topmost one of the mounts.

20. An appliance having an appliance lighting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein said appliance is one of the following: a cold appliance; a freezer; a refrigerator; a combination refrigerator and freezer; a bottom mounted freezer fridge combination; a side by side refrigerator and freezer; side by side refrigerators; a top mounted freezer and fridge combination; a chest freezer; three or more door cold appliance; a wine cabinet; a hot appliance; an oven; a microwave oven; a dishwasher; a clothes drier; a fabric care appliance; a washing machine.

21. A method of forming a handle for a moving panel of an appliance, including the steps of forming a profiled member having a longitudinal recess, attaching one or more light emitting means into said longitudinal recess, and substantially closing said longitudinal recess with a light transmission member.

22. A method of manufacturing an appliance cabinet, drawer or door, said method including the steps of forming said cabinet, drawer or door so that a side or periphery thereof is formed from a profiled member which includes a cavity.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein said method includes one or more of the following steps: installation of one or more printed circuit boards having light emitting means mounted thereon or electroluminescent material lengths, into said cavity in said profiled member; installation of one or more printed circuit boards or electroluminescent material lengths being performed by a lateral motion of said board relative to said profiled member; installation of said one or more printed circuit boards or electroluminescent material lengths being performed by longitudinal motion of said board or lengths relative to said profiled member; a step of closing said cavity by a light transmitting member; a step of adhering a light transmission member to said profiled member; a step of inter-engaging portions of a light transmission member to portions of said profiled member; passing a wiring harness through said door or drawer or cabinet prior to foaming in or attachment of front and rear panels .