DE202009019075U1 - Domestic appliance with a light bulb - Google Patents

Abstract

Domestic appliance (1), in particular water-conducting domestic appliance, with a housing part (2), a shell (6) which can be introduced into the housing part (2) and at least one illuminant (15) arranged on the housing part (2), wherein the shell (6) has a Aperture (8), on which at least one light exit (20) is provided, wherein on the shell (6) the light exit (20) of the diaphragm (8) associated light entrance (17) is provided and wherein a light exit (18) of the Illuminant (15) is arranged on the housing part (2) such that the light outlet (18) of the luminous means (15) is assigned to the light inlet (17) of the shell (6), if the shell is at least essentially in the housing part (2). is introduced.

Description

The invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular water-conducting domestic appliance, with a housing part, a shell which can be introduced into the housing part and at least one light source arranged on the housing part.

The domestic appliance can be designed especially as a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry. More generally, the invention relates to the field of domestic appliances, in particular stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and laundry dryers, the latter combining the functions of washing and drying in one appliance.

From the EP 1 884 584 A2 a washing machine is known in which a plurality of containers are provided for receiving laundry treatment means. The stocked laundry treatment products are sufficient for several program runs. This known washing machine has the disadvantage that it is relatively complicated for a user to determine whether the laundry treatment means are exhausted.

The object of the invention is to provide a domestic appliance, which allows an advantageous signaling of an operating condition. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a domestic appliance, in which an intuitive operation, in particular with regard to filling or emptying a shell, is possible.

The object is achieved by an inventive household appliance with the features of the independent protection claim. Preferred developments of the invention are defined in particular in dependent claims.

In the household appliance according to the invention, in particular water-conducting domestic appliance, with a housing part, a shell which can be introduced into the housing part and at least one light source arranged on the housing part, the shell has an aperture on which at least one light outlet is provided, wherein the light exits on the shell The light entrance assigned to the panel is provided and wherein a light outlet of the luminous means is arranged on the housing part such that the light outlet of the luminous means is assigned to the light entrance of the shell, if the shell is introduced at least substantially into the housing part.

Specifically, the invention has the advantage that an optical display on a removable shell is possible without an electrical contact is required.

The shell can be introduced into the housing part. This includes in particular cases in which in each case the shell can be inserted or inserted into the housing part. If necessary, the shell can also be removed completely from the housing part.

The light exit of the luminous means represents the place where the light emitted by the luminous means exits from the housing part and may optionally be perceived by a user if the shell is at least partially removed from its operating position. The luminous means is not necessarily arranged directly on the light exit for the luminous means.

Under the panel of the shell is the part of the shell that is visible to a user in the inserted state. The iris of the shell may be a front surface of the shell. The shell can be configured in one or more parts. In a multi-part embodiment, it is also possible that the diaphragm is designed and manufactured as a separate part and connected, for example, with a base body.

It is preferred that the light entry of the shell is provided on a rear side of the panel. It is further preferred that the light outlet of the luminous means is arranged in the region of a front side of the housing part. As a result, in the case of a partially removed shell, in particular in the case of a shell partially pulled out of the housing part, or in the case of a removed shell, the light emission of the luminous means on the housing part can be clearly perceived. Therefore, the information displayed by the light source is available to the user both in a substantially incorporated tray and in other cases. This ergonomic operation is possible. In this case, the functioning can be reliably fulfilled especially in a water-conducting household appliance, since the light source can be arranged protected against water within the housing part. The operation is then reliably ensured even with an introduced, wet or filled with liquids shell, since an electrical contact between the housing part and the shell with respect to the light source is not required.

It is preferred that a light guide integrated into the shell is provided, that the light entrance of the shell is provided at a first end of the light guide and that the light exit of the aperture is provided at a second end of the light guide. Through the light guide, the light emission can be positioned at the aperture at a desired location. Specifically, a position can be selected that is favorable for the design and / or a good visual perceptibility.

In a particularly preferred manner, an information signal associated with the light exit of the diaphragm is provided. This information sign can for example be designed or attached to the panel. For example, the information sign can be designed in a flower shape, as is customary for a fabric softener serving as laundry conditioner. This further facilitates intuitive operation. The signaled operating state can thereby be assigned intuitively by a user. For example, it may be signaled to the user whether or not a chamber of the tray serving for a softener or the like is empty.

In this case, it is preferable that an information sign associated with the light exit of the light source arranged on the housing is provided which corresponds to the information sign associated with the light exit at the panel. As a result, an intuitive detection is also possible for the light emission in the region of the housing.

It is also preferred that the light exit is arranged on the panel on a handle bar of the panel. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light exit at the diaphragm is designed as an elongated light exit. As a result, an attractive embodiment and a good perceptibility of the light exiting via the light emission can be achieved.

In this case, it is further preferred that a light generated by the luminous means is distributed uniformly in the elongated light exit by means of a light guide of the shell. By a uniform distribution of light in the elongated light exit can on the one hand improved perceptibility and on the other hand the visual impression can be optimized.

It is also preferred that the optical waveguide has a sawtooth profile that light generated by the illuminant is at least partially guided via the optical waveguide to the sawtooth profile and that the sawtooth profile distributes the light at least substantially evenly to the elongated light exit. This allows a homogeneous distribution of the light, d. H. a homogeneous luminance, are achieved at the elongated light emission. The sawtooth profile can in this case be integrated in a cost-effective manner in the light guide, resulting in a compact design and the number of required components is optimized.

On the housing part, it is also possible to provide a plurality of light sources each having a light exit, wherein light exits assigned to the light exits on the shell and light exits corresponding to the panel of the shell are provided on the shell. This makes it possible, for example, to specify for several chambers of the shell whether they are empty or not. It can be stored in the chambers of the shell several laundry treatment agent, with a capacity for several program runs is possible.

It is further preferred that the light entry and the further light entrance to the shell are not arranged one above the other. As a result, interference between the light of the luminous means and the light of the further luminous means, which can be configured in particular as light-emitting diodes, can be avoided.

It is also preferred that an elongated light guide piece, which is preferably cylindrical in shape, and an elongated further light guide piece, which is also preferably designed cylindrical, are provided, that the light exit of the light source configured as a circular light exit and is provided on the light guide piece and that further light outlet of the further light source designed as a circular light exit and is provided on the further light guide piece. As a result, a compact embodiment of the shell is possible, wherein the light generated by the bulbs can be advantageously coupled into the optical fiber of the shell or the like. Specifically, the light can be directed in parallel through the circular light exits in the light guide or the like.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are also explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing, in each of which mutually corresponding elements are provided with matching reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

In the drawing show:

1 a domestic appliance in an excerpt, schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment;

2 this in 1 illustrated domestic appliance in an excerpt from the view designated II;

3 the in 2 shown section of a household appliance with the shell removed;

4 a shell with optical fibers of the domestic appliance according to a second embodiment in a partial, schematic, spatial representation and

5 a shell with optical fibers of the domestic appliance according to a third embodiment in a partial, schematic, spatial representation.

1 shows a designed as a water-bearing household appliance household appliance 1 in a partial, schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment. The water-bearing household appliance 1 can be configured in particular as a laundry treatment appliance and serve for washing and / or drying laundry. Specifically, the water-bearing household appliance 1 be configured as a washing machine, dryer or washer-dryer. The water-bearing household appliance 1 However, it can also be configured as a dishwasher. The household appliance 1 However, it is also suitable for designing for other applications, for example, it can be configured as a stove.

The household appliance 1 has at least one housing part 2 on, on which a front surface 3 is provided. Furthermore, one is opposite the front surface 3 recessed front surface 4 intended. The front surface 3 and the recessed front surface 4 put a front side 5 of the housing part 2 represents.

The household appliance 1 has a shell 6 with a basic body 7 and a panel 8th on. Here is the shell 6 shown in a position in which the shell 6 largely, but not quite in the case 2 is inserted. This obscures the aperture 8th the recessed front surface 4 the front 5 of the housing part 2 , The aperture 8th the Bowl 6 has a front or outside 9 on. In the fully inserted state of the shell 6 is the front side 9 the aperture 8th on the front surface 3 of the housing part 2 aligned, leaving a substantially flat front 5 . 9 of the household appliance 1 results.

The main body 7 the Bowl 6 can one or more chambers 10 exhibit. The chamber 10 serves, for example, to receive a certain amount of a laundry treatment agent, such as a fabric softener. Here, the chamber 10 pick up a lot of the laundry treating agent, which is sufficient for several program runs. For a comfortable use of the household appliance 1 It is beneficial if a user is informed if they are currently in the room 10 stockpiled amount of the laundry treatment agent is sufficient to carry out another program run.

The household appliance 1 has a control device 11 on top of that with a suitable level gauge 12 connected is. In this embodiment, the level measuring device measures 12 whether the chamber 10 at least largely empty. However, the level measuring device 12 also be designed so that this measures whether the chamber 10 is largely full. This is, for example, in a designed as a condensate tank shell 6 for a washer-dryer advantage.

Depending on the measurement of the level measuring device 12 controls the controller 11 a bulb 15 at. The light source 15 is in the area of the recessed front surface 4 ie in the area of the front 5 of the housing part 2 arranged. That of the bulb 15 light emitted thereby is at partially or fully drawn-out shell 6 well perceived by a user. For example, the light bulb 15 from the controller 11 be put into a flashing red operating state when the level measuring device 12 a largely empty chamber 10 detected. Otherwise, the bulb can 15 green light up. The light source 15 can be formed for example by a light emitting diode.

In the in the 1 shown position of the aperture 8th or even in a position where the aperture 8th with her backside 16 at the recessed front surface 4 is applied, is the light source 15 largely through the aperture 8th obscured and therefore not or only badly perceived by a user. However, the aperture indicates 8th a light entry 17 in the area of the back 16 on. The light entry 17 is doing a light leakage 18 of the bulb 15 on the housing part 2 assigned. The light entry 17 is about one in the aperture 8th integrated light guide 19 with a light emission 20 the aperture 8th connected. Here is the light entry 17 the aperture 8th at a first end 21 intended. The light emission 20 the aperture 8th is at a second end 22 of the light guide 19 intended. About the light entrance 17 and the light guide 19 at least a substantial part of the light source reaches 15 emitted light to the light exit 20 on the front side 9 the aperture 8th ,

In the inserted state of the shell 6 is the light emission 20 on the front side 9 the aperture 8th well recognized by a user. Here, the light guide allows 19 an advantageous placement of the light exit 20 on the front side 9 regardless of the position of the bulb 15 or the light emission 18 of the bulb 15 on the housing part 2 is.

In this embodiment, the light emission 20 at the aperture 8th on a handle bar 25 the aperture 8th arranged. The handle bar 25 allows an intervention of a user to the shell 6 from the housing part 2 to draw. By the arrangement of the light exit 20 The user can intuitively grasp whether a filling up a chamber 10 the Bowl 6 is required or not. For example, the user is at a red flashing signal at the light exit 20 Immediately realize that he is the shell 6 from the housing part 2 pull to fix the error.

2 shows that in 1 illustrated water-bearing household appliance 1 from the direction of view designated II. Here is the shell 6 in the housing part 2 used. The light emission 20 on the handle bar 25 the aperture 8th is an information sign 26 assigned. In this embodiment, the information sign is 26 on the handle bar 25 arranged. The information sign 26 shows a stylized flower, which indicates a laundry softener serving as a softener. When at the light exit 20 For example, a green light is lit, then the user recognizes that the fabric softener is filled in sufficient quantity. When at the light exit 20 If a flashing red light is recognizable, the user recognizes that softener is to be refilled.

There is also another light emission 20 ' on the handle bar 25 the aperture 8th intended. The design corresponds to that for the light emission 20 , In this case, the control device 11 with another level measuring device another chamber of the shell 6 monitor. The light emission 20 ' is another information sign 26 ' assigned to the handle bar 25 is designed. The information sign 26 ' may illustrate, for example, a refill container for a laundry treatment agent.

Through the light leaks 20 . 20 ' at the aperture 8th with the associated information signs 26 . 26 ' becomes the usability of the household appliance 1 further eased.

3 shows that in 2 shown domestic appliance 1 with the shell removed 6 , At the recessed front surface 4 of the housing part 2 is a light exit 18 associated information sign 27 designed, the information sign 26 on the front side 5 the aperture 8th equivalent. In the remote state of the shell 6 the user can see the current operating state at the light exit 18 read off. Through the information sign 27 is also with the shell removed 6 It can be seen which action is to be performed by the user.

According to the light emission 18 and the information sign 27 that the light comes out 20 and the information sign 26 are assigned, are also a light emission 18 ' and an information sign 27 ' at the recessed front surface 4 intended. In the remote state of the shell 6 the user can also change the operating state at the light exit 18 ' read off. With inserted shell 6 will that be at the light exit 18 ' radiated light over a the light guide 19 corresponding light guide to the light exit 20 ' at the aperture 8th directed.

Thus, a warning may be given to a user if at least one chamber 10 the Bowl 6 largely empty and a replenishment with a laundry treatment agent is required. This visual warning is for the user both with inserted shell 6 as well as with the shell removed 6 visible, so regardless of whether the shell 6 closed or opened. It is also visible that the household appliance 1 equipped with a special technology. The light guides 19 may be formed for example by fiber optic cables or light wells.

4 shows the shell 6 of the household appliance 1 according to a second embodiment in an abstract, schematic, spatial representation. In this embodiment, optical fibers 19 . 19 ' as components in the shell 6 integrated. Here, the light guide 19 in the area of his second end 22 an elongated nose 30 on. With the elongated nose 30 is the light guide 19 on a holding element 31 the aperture 8th hooked and locked if necessary. This is a connection of the light guide 19 with the aperture 8th possible. Accordingly, the light guide 19 ' an elongated nose 30 ' on. On the elongated nose 30 ' is the light guide 19 ' with a holding element 31 ' the aperture 8th connected. The light entry 17 of the light guide 19 and another light entry 17 ' of the light guide 19 ' are not superimposed, so that interference between through the light guide 19 led light and through the light guide 19 ' guided light are prevented from the outset.

The light emission 20 at the aperture 8th is as an elongated light emission 20 designed. The light emission is corresponding 20 ' as an elongated light emission 20 ' designed. Here, the light passes through the light guides 19 . 19 ' Guided so that the most uniform illumination or light distribution both at the light exit 20 as well as at the light exit 20 ' achieved. For this purpose, the light guide 19 at its second end 22 a sawtooth profile 32 on. In this embodiment, the sawtooth profile 32 at the second end 22 of the light guide 19 designed. The light is transmitted through the light guide 19 laterally into the second end 22 guided so that it is laterally on the sawtooth profile 32 incident. The sawtooth profile 32 rises in the direction of the incident light. This will be on all teeth of the sawtooth profile 32 a comparable proportion of the light guide 19 led light scattered. The scattering takes place here in the direction of the light emission 20 , The result is the light emission 20 achieves an at least substantially uniform luminance. As a result, a homogeneous distribution of the light is possible.

The light guide 19 ' has a first end 21 ' and a second end 22 ' on. Here is the light entry 17 ' at the first end 21 ' intended. At the second end 22 ' points the light guide 19 ' also one sawtooth 32 ' on. This is also due to the elongated light exit 20 ' achieves an at least substantially uniform luminance.

In the assembled state are the second ends 22 . 22 ' the light guide 19 . 19 ' optionally at least pointwise at the aperture 8th at. In this case, an advantageous reflection within the light guide 19 . 19 ' to allow, the plant is the light guide 19 . 19 ' preferably limited to individual contact points surrounding the light exits 20 . 20 ' are arranged distributed. As a result, light losses occurring due to absorption are largely avoided, so that a large part of the light passes through the light guides 19 . 19 ' guided light at the elongated light exits 20 . 20 ' exit and thus be perceived.

5 shows a bowl 6 of the household appliance 1 according to a third embodiment in a schematic, excerpt, spatial representation. In this embodiment, a cylindrical, elongated optical fiber piece 35 and a cylindrical, elongated further optical fiber piece 35 ' intended. The light guide piece 35 is the light guide 19 and thus the light emission 20 assigned. The light guide piece 35 ' is the light guide 19 ' and thus the light emission 20 ' assigned. The light guide pieces 35 . 35 ' have circular light leaks 18 . 18 ' on. Through the light leaks 18 . 18 ' The light can each be parallel in the respective light guide 19 . 19 ' be steered. The bulbs 15 must not necessarily be centered on entry surfaces or the like, since the illumination at the elongated light exits 20 . 20 ' not necessarily centered on origin coordinates and in this embodiment on the sawtooth profiles 32 . 32 ' ensured in a uniform form.

The bulbs 15 For example, they can emit red and / or blue light.

In the in the 5 illustrated third embodiment, the sawtooth profiles 32 . 32 ' at the second ends 22 . 22 ' the light guide 19 . 19 ' are provided, facing each other.

A homogeneous illumination or a homogeneous luminance at the light exits 20 . 20 ' may additionally or alternatively also by an eroded structure on the surfaces of the light exits 20 . 20 ' be achieved.

The sawtooth profiles 32 . 32 ' Make reflection surfaces for that through the light guides 19 . 19 ' guided light dar. By the design of the sawtooth profiles 32 . 32 ' can optimize the homogeneity of the luminance at the light exits 20 . 20 ' be achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water-conducting household appliance

2

housing part

3

front surface

4

recessed front surface

5

front

6

Bowl

7

body

8th

cover

9

Front side (outside)

10

chamber

11

control device

12

Level measuring device

15

Lamp

16

back

17, 17 '

light entry

18, 18 '

light output

19, 19 '

optical fiber

20, 20 '

light output

21

first end

22, 22 '

second end

25

handle bar

26, 26 '

information signs

27, 27 '

information signs

30, 30 '

elongated nose

31, 31 '

retaining element

32, 32 '

sawtooth

35, 35 '

Optical fiber piece

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1884584 A2 [0003]

Claims (15)

Domestic appliance ( 1 ), in particular water-conducting household appliance, with a housing part ( 2 ), one in the housing part ( 2 ) insertable shell ( 6 ) and at least one on the housing part ( 2 ) arranged bulbs ( 15 ), whereby the shell ( 6 ) an aperture ( 8th ), at which at least one light exit ( 20 ) is provided, wherein on the shell ( 6 ) the light exit ( 20 ) the aperture ( 8th ) associated light entry ( 17 ) and wherein a light exit ( 18 ) of the illuminant ( 15 ) on the housing part ( 2 ) is arranged so that the light exit ( 18 ) of the illuminant ( 15 ) the light entry ( 17 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) is assigned, if the shell at least substantially in the housing part ( 2 ) is introduced. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the light entry ( 17 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) on a back side ( 16 ) the aperture ( 8th ) is provided. Domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the light exit ( 18 ) of the illuminant ( 15 ) in the area of a front side ( 5 ) of the housing part ( 2 ) is arranged. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one in the shell ( 6 ) integrated light guide ( 19 ) is provided that the light entry ( 17 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) at a first end ( 21 ) of the light guide ( 19 ) is provided and that the light exit ( 20 ) at the aperture ( 8th ) at a second end ( 22 ) of the light guide ( 19 ) is provided. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light exit ( 20 ) the aperture ( 8th ) associated information character ( 26 ) is provided. Domestic appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that a light exit ( 20 ) of the illuminant ( 15 ) associated information character ( 27 ) provided to the information sign ( 26 ) corresponding to the light exit ( 20 ) at the aperture ( 8th ) assigned. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light exit ( 20 ) at the aperture ( 8th ) on a handle strip ( 25 ) the aperture ( 8th ) is arranged. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light exit ( 20 ) at the aperture ( 8th ) as an elongated light exit ( 20 ) is configured. Domestic appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the lighting means ( 15 ) generated light by means of a light guide ( 19 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) evenly distributed in the elongated light exit ( 20 ). Domestic appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the light guide ( 19 ) a sawtooth profile ( 32 ), that of the lighting means ( 15 ) generated light via the optical fiber ( 19 ) at least partially on the sawtooth profile ( 32 ) and that the sawtooth profile ( 32 ) the light at least substantially evenly on the elongated light exit ( 20 ). Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell ( 6 ) at least one chamber ( 10 ), which is designed to accommodate laundry treatment means for a plurality of program runs, that a control device ( 11 ) and that the control device ( 11 ) depending on a level of the chamber ( 10 ) the Bowl ( 6 ) the illuminant ( 15 ). Domestic appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the control device ( 11 ) the illuminant ( 15 ) when the chamber ( 10 ) is at least largely empty. Domestic appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing part ( 2 ) at least one further illuminant is provided that on the shell ( 6 ) a further light entry is provided, the further light emission ( 20 ' ) at the aperture ( 8th ) and that a light exit ( 18 ' ) of the further illuminant the further light entry of the shell ( 6 ) is assigned when the shell ( 6 ) at least substantially in the housing part ( 2 ) is introduced. Domestic appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that the light entry ( 17 ) and another light entry ( 17 ' ) on the shell ( 6 ) are not arranged one above the other. Domestic appliance according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a preferably cylindrical, elongated light guide piece ( 35 ) and a preferably cylindrical, elongated further optical fiber piece ( 35 ' ) are provided, that the light exit ( 18 ) of the illuminant ( 15 ) as a circular light exit ( 18 ) and at the light guide piece ( 35 ) is provided and that the further light emission ( 18 ' ) of the further illuminant as a circular light exit ( 18 ' ) and at the further light guide piece ( 35 ' ) is provided.

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