Kitchen appliance

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a kitchen appliance comprising: a lighting arrangement comprising: a light pipe (50) having a starting portion (60), a terminating portion (62), and an upper surface (54) and an opposing lower surface (56), where the upper surface (54) comprises a plurality of facets (68) extending along a length of the light pipe (50) between the starting and terminating portions (60, 62); and a light source (75) associated with the light tube (50) and configured to emit light along a length of the light tube (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to kitchen appliances, such as coffee machines. In particular, the present invention relates to a lighting system for a coffee machine.

[0002] The invention has been primarily developed for use with coffee machines and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and may also be used in other applications involving lighting systems in kitchen appliances. Background Art

[0003] Kitchen appliances typically include one or more visual elements to convey information about the status of the kitchen appliance and / or its components. For example, a coffee machine may include a water level window located at the front of the device that provides an indication of the water level in the water container of the coffee machine, and the water container is typically located at the rear of the machine. In a coffee machine without such a water level window, the user would check the water container itself to determine the available water level. It should be understood that the water level in coffee machines and other kitchen appliances is critical to their function.

[0004] The disadvantage of this known visual element in kitchen appliances is that the visibility of this element may be poor, or this visual element may be difficult for the user to easily check in other ways. For example, the water level window of the coffee machine may be located around the poorly lit area of ​​the coffee machine below the head of the coffee machine. This area may also be susceptible to coffee splashes during the coffee extraction process, which may cause the water level window to be obscured over time. In a coffee machine without a water level window, the user needs to remember to check the water container located at the rear of the device, which is a step that is usually omitted, resulting in the coffee extraction process being started without enough water. The lack of an easily obvious display element may also weaken the user's experience of the kitchen appliance. Further, it may not always be possible to sense the water level and prompt the user to fill the water container. In addition to the water level window of the appliance in the example provided above, other user interaction areas of the appliance (such as the coffee preparation area of ​​the coffee machine) may also be located in a poorly lit area. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] The present invention discloses a kitchen appliance, which comprises: A lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement comprising: a light pipe having a starting portion, a terminating portion, and an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of facets extending along the length of the light pipe between the starting portion and the terminating portion; and A light source is associated with the light pipe and is configured to emit light along the length of the light pipe.

[0007] The light pipe may be a generally circular or annular body.

[0008] The light source is a single LED.

[0010] The facets may be arranged along a spiral path that proceeds along the upper surface of the light pipe.

[0011] The facets may be of varying sizes or heights.

[0012] The facets located toward the ending portion may be larger than the facets located toward the starting portion.

[0013] The facets may gradually increase in size between the starting portion and the ending portion.

[0014] The facets have varying angles relative to the horizontal axis of the light pipe.

[0015] Each facet may be disposed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.

[0016] The starting part and the ending part may be separated by a certain height.

[0017] The height of the ending portion may be greater than the height of the starting portion.

[0018] The facets positioned toward the ending portion may have a light reflection efficiency of approximately 100%, and the facets positioned toward the starting portion may have a light reflection efficiency of between approximately 50% and 60%.

[0019] The light pipe may be formed from acrylic or polycarbonate materials.

[0020] The light pipe may be formed from an optically transparent material.

[0021] The kitchen appliance may be a coffee machine, and the lighting arrangement may be mounted below a brew head of the coffee machine and configured to direct light downwardly towards a coffee preparation area.

[0022] The kitchen appliance may be a coffee machine, and the lighting arrangement may be mounted to a bean hopper of the coffee machine and configured to direct light upwards along a wall of the bean hopper.

[0023] The lighting arrangement can be integrated with the bean hopper.

[0024] The lighting arrangement may be arranged around an accessory receiving portion of the appliance.

[0025] The lighting arrangement may be operably associated with a function, mode or operating state of the appliance, and the lighting arrangement is configured to illuminate one or more areas of the kitchen appliance in accordance with changes in the function, mode or operating state of the appliance.

[0026] Also disclosed herein is a method of illuminating a kitchen appliance using a lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement comprising a light pipe having a starting portion, a terminating portion, and an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, wherein the upper surface comprises a plurality of facets extending along a length of the light pipe between the starting portion and the terminating portion, the lighting arrangement comprising a light source, the method comprising: positioning the light pipe about an accessory receiving portion of the kitchen appliance; emitting light from the light source through an initial portion of the light pipe; and A length of the light pipe is illuminated by reflecting the light across the plurality of facets.

[0027] The method may further comprise: The size, height or angle of the facets are varied to change the reflection of the light along the length of the light pipe.

[0028] The method may further comprise: The appliance is controlled to modify the wavelength of the light depending on the function, mode or operating state of the kitchen appliance.

[0029] The present invention also discloses a kitchen appliance having a body and comprising: a fluid container mountable to the body; and A lighting arrangement is associated with a fluid container, the lighting arrangement comprising a light source configured to direct light into the fluid container to cause a first portion of the fluid container to have a first visual appearance and to cause a second portion of the fluid container to have a second visual appearance different from the first visual appearance.

[0030] Preferably, when the fluid container is at least partially filled with fluid, the first portion indicates a filled portion of the fluid container and the second portion indicates an empty portion of the fluid container, wherein the filled portion of the fluid container is illuminated and the empty portion of the fluid container is less illuminated to provide contrasting first and second visual appearances.

[0031] Preferably, the fluid container comprises: lower part; a front wall extending upwardly from the lower portion; and an opposing rear wall extending upwardly from the lower portion, Therein, the light source is positioned adjacent to a lower portion of the fluid container and is configured to emit light toward the fluid container.

[0032] Preferably, the light source is mounted adjacent a front wall of the fluid container and is configured to direct light along a first path from the front wall towards a rear wall of the fluid container.

[0033] Preferably, a portion of the rear wall of the fluid container comprises a reflective surface, such that light directed from the light source towards the rear wall reflects from the reflective surface to be subsequently directed along the second path towards the front wall.

[0034] Preferably, the light travelling along the second path is between about 40% and 85% of the light emitted by the light source.

[0035] Preferably, the light source is mounted adjacent a rear wall of the fluid container and is configured to direct light along a first path from the rear wall towards a front wall of the fluid container.

[0036] Preferably, the first portion and the second portion of the fluid container are visible through a water level window of the kitchen appliance.

[0037] Preferably, the light source is in the form of an LED 2835 which emits approximately 100 lumens of light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of a water level window of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 1B is another schematic front view of a water level window of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a water level window of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lighting system for a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of light contrast simulation / diagram of lighting system for kitchen appliance shown;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a lighting system for a kitchen appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of light contrast simulation / diagram of lighting system for kitchen appliance shown;

[0042] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a coffee machine incorporating a lighting system;

[0043] Fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a light pipe arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8B Yes Fig. 8A an enlarged view of a portion of the light pipe arrangement shown;

[0045] Fig. 9A yes Fig. 8A a schematic perspective view of a light pipe arrangement shown, wherein the path of light traveling through the light pipe is visualized;

[0046] Fig. 9B Yes Fig. 9A an enlarged view of a portion of the light pipe arrangement shown;

[0047] Fig.10 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a coffee machine incorporating a light pipe arrangement;

[0048] Fig.11 is another schematic perspective view of a portion of a coffee machine incorporating a light tube arrangement;

[0049] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of a coffee machine incorporating a light pipe arrangement;

[0050] Fig.13 is a schematic exploded view of a portion of a coffee machine showing an incorporated light pipe arrangement; and

[0051] Fig.14 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a bean hopper of a coffee machine incorporating a light tube arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the attached figure Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2, a water level window 10 of a kitchen appliance 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically depicted. In this example, the kitchen appliance 11 is a coffee machine having a water container that stores water that is pumped by a pump of the coffee machine to extract coffee through a brewing head or to steam / foam milk through a steam wand. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not specifically limited to coffee machines and is applicable to other types of kitchen appliances. In the depicted example, the water container is located at the rear of the coffee machine. The water level window 10 is incorporated into the housing of the coffee machine and is associated with the water container so as to provide a user (e.g., from the front of the coffee machine) with a visual indication of the water level in the water container of the coffee machine. For the purposes of this specification, the term 'water container' may be used interchangeably with the term 'fluid container' as it should be understood that the container is not limited to containing a specific type of fluid.

[0053] The water level window 10 provides a visual indication of the first container portion 12 and the second container portion 14 to the user. In the example shown, the water container is partially filled with liquid, and the first container portion 12 represents the filled portion of the container, while the second container portion 14 represents the unfilled or empty portion of the container, or the head space. In other words, the first container portion 12 can be defined by the volume of the water in the container, and the second container portion 14 can be defined by the volume of the air in the container. The water level window 10 can have a width of about 20 mm and a height of about 110 mm. However, it should be understood that the size (and shape) of the water level window 10 is not necessarily limited to the size and shape as shown in the drawings and as described herein, but can be customized according to the design requirements of the coffee machine or other kitchen appliances.

[0054] The coffee machine includes a lighting system having one or more light sources associated with the water container. In a preferred form, the coffee machine includes a light source. Figure 2 In the example of the coffee machine, the coffee machine includes a single light source 16 located at the bottom of the water container and / or below the water level window 10, and the light source 16 is configured to emit or direct light upward into the container. In other examples, the light source 16 can be located on the side or rear of the water container and / or the water level window 10, or at any other location where light emitted by the light source 16 can be directed to help optimize the water in the container.

[0055] The light source 16 may be a light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by a controller of the coffee machine to emit or direct light into the water container. When the water container is at least partially filled with water, the light emitted by the light source 16 illuminates the water in the water container, thereby providing a visual indication to the user of the contrast between the filled portion of the container and the unfilled portion of the container. This visual indication is communicated through the water level window 10 of the coffee machine. The visual indication may also be communicated via the water container itself, which typically has a transparent or translucent wall portion. In a water container such as Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 In the example shown, the light emitted by the light source 16 causes the first container portion 12 (which is the filled portion of the container) to have an illuminated appearance, which visually contrasts with the appearance of the second container portion 14 (which is the unfilled portion or head space of the container). This difference or contrast in visual appearance can be seen by the user through the water level window 10. As described above, the user can also see this difference or contrast in visual appearance via the water container itself. It should be understood that this functionality can at least provide a difference from a typical arrangement, whereby the air volume in the container (rather than the water volume in the container) is illuminated, which is counterintuitive. Accordingly, at least in embodiments, the arrangement of the light source 16 of the present invention can at least provide a more unique and user-intuitive means for the user to determine the level of water (or other liquid) available in the container of the kitchen appliance.

[0056] In one embodiment, and as Figure 3 As best shown, a water container 20 having one form of a lighting arrangement is shown. The water container 20 is shown partially filled with water 21. In this embodiment, the light source 16 is positioned at or around the lower (bottom) portion or wall 22 of the water container 20 and is mounted to the coffee machine or water container 20 at a position adjacent to the front portion of the water container 20. In this embodiment, the light source 16 is also located below the water level window 10. The light source 16 is arranged to direct light generally along a first path 25 toward a rear portion or wall 24 of the water container 20. The first path 25 can be angled upward away from the lower portion 22. In this embodiment, the rear wall 24 includes a reflective surface 26. It should be understood that the reflective surface 26 can be positioned along the entire rear wall 24, or can be otherwise positioned along any section or position along the rear wall 24 of the water container 20. In one example, the light source 16 can be in the form of, for example, an LED 2835 to emit 100 lumens (lm) of light. It should be understood that the form of the light source 16 can be configured in other ways according to the design requirements of the coffee machine.

[0057] In the depicted embodiment, light directed from the light source 16 travels along a first path 25 through the water 21 in the container 20, then bounces or reflects from the reflective surface 26, and is then directed generally along a second path 29 toward a front portion or wall 28 of the container 20. In one example, the reflective surface 26 may be in the form of a reflector formed from aluminum. In this example, the reflected light may be approximately 85% of the light emitted by the light source 16. In another example, the reflective surface 26 may be in the form of a white reflective surface, and in this example, the reflected light may be approximately 40% of the light emitted by the light source 16. It should be understood that the reflective surface 26 may be configured in other ways depending on the design requirements of the appliance.

[0058] exist Figure 3In an embodiment of the present invention, the front wall 28 provides or includes a water level window 10 of the appliance. In the depicted figure showing a partially filled container 20, the water level window 10 shows a first (i.e., filled) container portion 12 and a second (i.e., unfilled) container portion 14. It should be understood that with this arrangement, the reflection of light from the reflective surface 26 allows the first (i.e., filled) container portion 12 to be illuminated and visible through the water level window 10, while the second (i.e., unfilled) container portion 14 is barely illuminated or not illuminated. Accordingly, this arrangement can allow a user to easily determine the level of water 21 in the container 20 by visual contrast between the filled portion 12 and the unfilled portion 14. It is important to note that the water 21 in the container 20 serves as a medium for reflection and illumination.

[0059] The water level window 10 can have a diffuse or textured surface. In one example, the surface of the water level window 10 can have a Lambertian reflectivity, which is generally understood to define the characteristics of an ideal "matte" or diffuse reflective surface. A diffuse or textured surface can be a surface that follows Lambert's law, or exhibits Lambertian reflectance. In this example, the diffuse surface of the water level window 10 can be 80% transmissive, similar to a white screen print. It should be understood that the use of a diffuse surface can at least increase the contrast between the illuminated first container portion 12 (which represents the filled (water) portion of the container 20) and the less illuminated second container portion 14 (which represents the unfilled (air) portion of the container 20). The illumination of the water level window 10 in this embodiment can be achieved by, for example, Figure 4 Light contrast simulations / diagrams are shown to illustrate.

[0060] In another embodiment, and as Figure 5 As best shown, the water container 20 is shown in an alternative form of lighting arrangement, with the same reference numerals depicting the same features. The water container 20 is shown as partially filled with water 21. In this embodiment, the light source 16 is positioned at or around the lower (bottom) portion or wall 22 of the water container 20 and is mounted to the coffee machine or water container 20 at a position adjacent to the rear of the water container 20. The light source 16 is arranged to direct light toward the front portion or wall 28 of the water container 20 along a path 31. In one example, the light source 16 can be in the form of an LED (such as LED 2835) to emit 100 lumens (lm) of light. It should be understood that the form of the light source 16 can be configured in other ways according to the design requirements of the appliance.

[0061] The front wall 28 provides or includes a water level window 10 of the appliance. In the depicted figure showing a partially filled container 20, the water level window 10 shows a first (i.e., filled) container portion 12 and a second (i.e., unfilled) container portion 14. It should be understood that with this arrangement, the light emitted by the light source 16 travels along a path 31 through the water 21 in the container 20, which allows the first (i.e., filled) container portion 12 to be illuminated and visible through the water level window 10, while the second (i.e., unfilled) container portion 14 is barely illuminated or not illuminated. Accordingly, this arrangement can allow a user to easily determine the level of the water 21 in the container 20 by visual contrast between the filled portion 12 and the unfilled portion 14. It is important to note that the water 21 in the container 20 acts as a medium for reflection and illumination.

[0062] The water level window 10 can have a diffuse surface. As discussed above, the surface of the water level window 10 can have a Lambertian reflectivity, which is generally understood to appropriately define an ideal "matte" or diffuse reflective surface. In this example, the diffuse surface of the water level window 10 can be 80% transmissive, similar to a white silk screen print. A diffuse or textured surface can be a surface that follows Lambert's law, or exhibits Lambertian reflectance. In this example, the diffuse surface of the water level window 10 can be 80% transmissive, similar to a white silk screen print. It should be understood that the use of a diffuse surface can at least increase the contrast between the illuminated first container portion 12 (which represents the filled (water) portion of the container 20) and the less illuminated second container portion 14 (which represents the unfilled (air) portion of the container 20). The illumination of the water level window 10 in this embodiment can be achieved by, for example, Figure 6 Light contrast simulations / diagrams are shown to illustrate.

[0063] It should be understood that the illumination of the water 21 in the container 20 is not necessarily limited to the examples as shown in the drawings and as described herein, and may vary depending on, for example, the characteristics (e.g., location, type, intensity, etc.) of the light source 16 and the reflective surface 26. It should be understood that the light source 16 may be positioned anywhere along the lower (bottom) portion 22 or underside of the container 20 (i.e., adjacent the base of the container 20) to provide visually contrasting illumination of the water in the container 20. It will be further understood that some kitchen appliance models may not necessarily include a water level window 10, and in such appliances, the arrangement of light sources 16(s) described above may still provide illumination of the water in the container 20 that is visually contrasting and visible to the user.

[0064] In one embodiment, the illumination of the filled portion of the water container as described above is achieved by a set of calculations based on one or more parameters, including but not limited to the optical properties of liquid water, the dimensions of the container, and the properties of the light source. Additionally, preliminary experimental results indicate that the illumination of the filled portion of the water container may potentially be contrary to the natural dynamics of operation, i.e., if light is emitted through water, the light may act as a 'light pipe', resulting in illumination of the unfilled portion of the water container.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the above arrangement may provide a strong visual indication to the user of the water level in the water container, as the appearance of the water in the container has a more distinctly illuminated appearance, which contrasts strongly with the empty portion of the container.

[0066] In some embodiments, the water level window 10 may have a surface that is textured or otherwise coated with a material that has strong diffusion to assist in providing visual contrast. In other embodiments, only a specific portion of the water level window 10 (such as a graphic or indicator symbol) may include a diffuse or textured surface to provide more targeted lighting. In other embodiments, the water level window 10 may be provided with a perforated stainless steel surface to produce a strong visual effect in combination with the contrast between the illuminated container portion and the less illuminated container portion. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting system may include one or more light prisms of different sizes to assist in visual indication and, for example, be placed at an area of ​​the container opposite to the water level window toward the rear of the container.

[0067] It will be further understood that the above-mentioned lighting system can be operatively associated with one or more sensors in electrical communication with a controller of the coffee machine. Such a sensor can be configured to determine the water level in the container and transmit it to the controller, whereby the controller is configured to enable the light source to pulse or flash to alert a user, for example, when the water level in the container is below a predetermined threshold. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to enable a series of colored lights to be emitted to alert the user of the water level in the container. In this example, one or more light sources do not necessarily need to be located near the water container at the rear of the coffee machine, but can be additionally or alternatively located at the front, side, bottom or top of the coffee machine so that the light can provide a user with a visual reminder function. The controller can be configured to modify or change the wavelength of the light according to the function, mode or operating state of the machine.

[0068] In some embodiments, the coffee maker may include another light source located at the bottom of the coffee maker such that light emitted from the light source is projected onto a surface on which the coffee maker is located. The controller of the coffee maker may be configured to enable the light source to emit red light, for example, to provide a visual reminder to the user that the water level in the container is below a predetermined threshold.

[0069] In another embodiment of a coffee machine incorporating a lighting system, one or more light sources may be associated with other areas of the coffee machine and controlled by a controller to provide targeted lighting of certain areas or zones of the coffee machine to provide a stage or zone lighting effect. For example, during the coffee extraction process, the lighting system may be controlled by a controller to emit light from one or more of the light sources onto the brew head area of ​​the coffee machine. This may at least prompt the user to interact with the brew head area, and may also provide the user with better visibility, particularly of the brew head area of ​​the coffee machine (which is typically located in a poorly lit area of ​​the coffee machine). This may also enhance the drama and user experience of making a beverage. The lighting system may also be controlled by a controller to emit light from one or more of the light sources onto a coffee bean grinding or dispensing area, or an engine compartment of the coffee machine (such as a coffee bean grinder). Figure 7 to provide targeted lighting in these areas.

[0070] The controller may also control one or more light sources to emit light having a specific temperature or temperature range corresponding to the desired visual appearance of the extracted coffee. In this example, the perceived value of the extracted coffee (in the example of the coffee machine described above) may be enhanced.

[0071] It should be understood that targeted lighting of the working area of ​​the coffee machine can at least improve the aesthetics of the coffee machine and highlight the industrial design elements (form, material) of the coffee machine in addition to other areas or zones of the coffee machine. Targeted lighting of certain areas or zones of the coffee machine can also assist or guide the user's interaction with the coffee machine by improving visibility and / or prompting the user to interact with (or avoid interacting with) a certain area or zone being used.

[0072] It is further contemplated that the lighting system described above may be incorporated into multiple kitchen appliances that communicate with each other via a central network. In this manner, the controller of each appliance may be configured to coordinate the operation of the associated lighting system to prompt a user to interact with a certain area or zone of that appliance (e.g., during food preparation for the same meal). As described above, the controller may be configured to modify or change the wavelength of light depending on the function, mode, or operating state of the machine.

[0073] It is envisioned that the one or more light sources may be provided by one or more light pipe arrangements. The light pipe may be a transparent or translucent component, and preferably an optically transparent component. The light pipe may be molded from a plastic (such as acrylic or polycarbonate) that transmits and projects light evenly along a path. Other suitable polymers may be used. It is envisioned that one or more portions of the light pipe (such as an outlet or a terminal portion) may include a diffuse or textured surface. The path of the light traveling along the light pipe may be defined by the design elements and / or structural configuration of the light pipe. As discussed above, such a light pipe arrangement may be configured to guide and project light onto a desired area or zone of a coffee machine (or any other kitchen appliance). In a preferred form, the light pipe arrangement may provide a uniform light distribution on a target area or zone via a minimum number of LEDs. It should be understood that for cost reasons (a smaller number of high-quality components and a larger number of low-quality components) and warranty reasons (reducing the warranty risk of LED component failure), it is desirable to use a minimum number of LEDs to achieve what is usually done with multiple LEDs. For multiple LED arrangements, if one LED fails, a dead spot is created, which is undesirable both from a visual and maintenance / repair perspective. In another embodiment of a coffee machine incorporating a lighting system, a dial or button of the coffee machine (or any other kitchen appliance) may be provided with one or more light sources in the form of light pipes.

[0074] In one embodiment, and as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As best shown, a light pipe 50 having a generally circular or annular body 52 is shown. The body 52 may have an outer diameter of approximately 100 mm, an inner diameter between approximately 90 mm and 95 mm, and a height (i.e., the distance between the upper surface 54 and the lower surface 56 of the body 52) ranging between approximately 5 mm and 30 mm. It should be appreciated that a greater overall height may be more aesthetically pleasing. In a preferred form, the body 52 may have a gradually decreasing height (between the starting portion 60 of the body 52 and the ending portion 62 of the body 52). The width of the upper surface 54 and the lower surface 56 (i.e., the distance between the inner wall 64 and the outer wall 66 of the body 52) may be approximately 7 mm. It should be appreciated that the size of the light pipe 50 is not necessarily limited to the size as shown in the drawings and as described herein, but may be customized according to the design requirements of the coffee machine or other kitchen appliance.

[0075] The upper surface 54 of the body 52 can include a faceted (stepped) arrangement. The faceted arrangement includes a plurality of facets (steps) 68 and can extend between a starting portion 60 and a terminal portion 62 of the body 52. ​​The facets 68 can be arranged along a spiral path that progresses along the upper surface 54 of the body 52. ​​The facets 68 in the depicted embodiment are shown as being generally rectangular, but it should be understood that other shapes or configurations of the facets 68 (such as circular facets) can be envisioned. The lower surface 56 of the body can be flat or preferably textured, or can provide a suitable surface that produces a diffuse effect or appearance. In one example, the lower surface 56 can be a Lambertian surface. Because the height of the body 52 at the starting portion 60 is greater than the height of the body 52 at the terminal portion 62, at least the upper surface 54 slopes downward from the starting portion 60 to the terminal portion 62. The entrance portion 70 of the light pipe 50 is disposed at or around the junction between the starting portion 60 and the terminal portion 62. The entrance portion 70 can be equipped with a light source 75 (see Fig. 9A ), the light source may include a single LED or a small number of LEDs. The light transmitted from the light source 75 may travel along a generally circular or rotating path between the starting portion 60 and the ending portion 62 of the body 52.

[0076] An exemplary diagram of the path of light transmitted by the light source 75 is shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B . It should be understood that the optical path(s) shown in the drawings and as described herein are merely simplifications of the reflections that occur along the light pipe 50. In the depicted embodiment, the optical path includes a primary path 80 extending between the starting portion 60 and the ending portion 62 and one or more secondary paths 82 extending from the primary path 80. Light transmitted by the light source 75 can travel through the body 52 along the primary path 80, whereby the faceted arrangement of the upper surface 54 can allow the light to be continuously reflected therebetween along the length of the body 52. ​​In other words, light can travel through the light pipe 50 from the starting portion 60 and reflect / bounce between the facets 68 of the upper surface 54 and the lower surface 56 along the continuous primary path 80 until the light reaches the ending portion 62. It should be understood that the faceted arrangement can include smaller facets 77 around or toward the starting portion 60 and larger facets 79 around or toward the ending portion 62. Accordingly, the size of the facets 68 can gradually increase from the starting portion 60 to the ending portion 62, such that the facets 68 become larger along the length of the body 50 as they are farther from the light source 75.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the larger geometry (size, surface) of the facets 68 can more effectively reflect the light that decreases along the length of the body 52. ​​This can be assisted by the height of the starting portion 60 being greater than the height of the ending portion 62. In one example, where the larger facet 79 positioned toward the ending portion 62 can be calculated to have a light reflection efficiency of 100%, the smaller facet 77 positioned toward the starting portion 60 can have a light reflection efficiency of 50% to 60%. The facet 68 can have a width of approximately 7 mm. The height of each facet (step) 68 can be between approximately 1 mm and 1.5 mm. It will be appreciated that the height of each facet (step) 68 contributes to the size of the facet 68 and the amount of dimensional variation of the facet 68 along the length of the light pipe 50. Each of the facets 68 can also be set at an angle between approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the light pipe 50. Each facet 68 can also include one or more angled or curved surfaces.

[0078] The faceted arrangement may also allow light to travel from the primary path 80 along one or more secondary paths 82. As described above, it should be understood that the light path(s) shown in the figures and as described herein are merely simplifications of the reflections that occur along the light pipe 50. As depicted in the figures, each secondary path 82 extends from the primary path 80 in a generally downward direction (i.e., a direction generally transverse to the upper surface 54 and / or the lower surface 56 and generally parallel to the inner wall 64 and the outer wall 66). As described above, light emitted from the light source 75 may travel from the starting portion 60 through the body and reflect / bounce between the facets 68 of the upper surface 54 and the lower surface 56 along the continuous primary path 80 until the light reaches the terminating portion 62. Fig. 9B , an exemplary segment of the light path is shown in FIG. When light from the light source 75 fills the light path, several reflection vectors are generated. The angles of these vectors vary along the path depending on the size of the vectors generated. In the simplified form shown in the accompanying drawings, when light traveling along the main path 80 hits the facet 68 of the upper surface 54, it is reflected into two separate paths: a first path that is a continuation of the main path 80 and a second path defined by the secondary path 82. The first path can be at an angle α relative to the upper surface 54. It will be appreciated that the angle α (and the resulting reflection vector) will vary depending on the number, size, and angle of the facets 68. Light traveling along the first path of the main path 80 from the upper surface 54 toward the lower surface 56 can then be reflected / bounced from the lower surface 56 and continue along the main path 80 at an angle β relative to the lower surface 56 (and the resulting reflection vector) toward another facet of the upper surface 54. It will also be appreciated that the number of segments defined by the light path will vary depending on the number, size, and angle of the facets 68. Thus, the arrangement of facets 68 may allow them to act as prisms that direct light along the length of light pipe 50 and also away from light pipe 50 to illuminate specific areas or zones of the fixture.

[0079] It should be understood that the path of light traveling through the light pipe 50 is not necessarily limited to the configuration shown in the figures and as described herein, and may vary depending on the characteristics of the facets 68 (e.g., number, size, angle, etc.) and the characteristics of the light source 75 (e.g., position, type, intensity, etc.).

[0080] It is conceivable that the arrangement of the light pipe 50 described above, which allows the use of a minimum number of LEDs, can be used as an alternative to multiple LED arrays to illuminate the appliance. Known lighting arrangements with arrays / multiple LEDs typically produce hot spots along the length of the arrangement (i.e., the area just around the LED is brighter, while the area away from the LED is darker). This is particularly noticeable when used in scenes where the light source is visible. Further, known lighting arrangements with arrays / multiple LEDs may be prone to failure. In order to achieve a uniform lighting effect along the length of the arrangement, many LEDs are required, which increases the possibility of failure. The use of multiple LEDs may also be inefficient in terms of cost (multiple LEDs are more expensive than one or two LEDs) and space (multiple LEDs on board may limit the application of lighting because more space is required). Using a light pipe 50 with a minimum number of LEDs can at least alleviate one or more of the above problems. The use of a light pipe 50 can also allow the light source 75 to be positioned away from the visible portion being illuminated, which can help facilitate packaging, thereby allowing designers to package components more freely in their designs. This arrangement can also allow electronic components to be kept away from heat and / or moisture generated by the appliance. The use of light pipe 50 as a visible illuminated component of a fixture may also increase the aesthetic appeal of the fixture to a user, further improving visibility of particular areas of the fixture and / or assisting or guiding a user's interaction with the fixture.

[0081] Fig.10 In an example of , illumination of an area of ​​an appliance is shown whereby the light pipe 50 is located at or below the brew head 90 of the coffee machine to illuminate the area around and directly below the brew head 90. In this case, the light pipe 50 is also a visible component of the appliance so as to serve as a design element of the coffee machine. However, it should be understood that in this example (and in other examples whereby the light pipe 50 is assembled into a kitchen appliance), the facets 68 of the light pipe 50 (which are disposed on the upper surface 54) face the underside surface of the machine and are therefore hidden from the user's view. In this example, the user only sees the exposed lower surface 56, which may have a diffuse or textured surface as described above. In another example where the light pipe 50 is located below the brew head of a coffee machine, Fig.11 As can be seen in this example, the light source 75 is well positioned away from heat and / or moisture that may be generated by the brew head 92 during operation of the coffee machine. In other examples, the light pipe 50 can be arranged to surround one or more portions of the appliance that receive accessories (e.g., a filter bowl handle, a hopper, a vertical mixing head).

[0082] Fig.12 A cross-sectional view showing an arrangement of a light pipe 50 in a coffee machine, and Fig.13 As can be seen from the exploded view, the light source 75 can be supported by the housing 76 , and the printed circuit board 77 of the light source 75 can be accurately aligned with the light pipe 50 via the housing 76 .

[0083] It should be understood that the configuration of the light pipe 50 is not necessarily limited to the arrangement, size, and shape as shown in the figures and as described herein, but can be customized according to the design requirements of the fixture.

[0084] As briefly discussed above, using a lighting arrangement with a kitchen appliance can provide targeted lighting of certain areas or zones of the appliance to provide a stage or zone lighting effect. For a coffee machine, for example, many user interaction areas of the machine are located in a typically poorly lit area below the head. Since the lighting provides better visibility, the use of a lighting arrangement such as the light pipe 50 described above can improve the user's interaction with the coffee machine. As described above, the light pipe 50 can be a visible component of the kitchen appliance to serve as a design element of the kitchen appliance, and in an example where the light pipe 50 is assembled to the kitchen appliance, the facets 68 of the light pipe 50 (these facets are located on the upper surface 54) face the lower side surface of the machine and are therefore hidden from the user's field of vision. In this example, the user only sees the exposed lower surface 56, which can have a diffuse or textured surface as described above. Further, the food result (e.g., espresso being extracted) can be illuminated in a display manner to improve the process of refining the result for the user. The lighting arrangement can also be configured so that a specific temperature or temperature range of the light corresponds to the desired visual appearance of the food result. In this example, the perceived value of the food result can be enhanced. Such a lighting arrangement that provides an evenly distributed stage or zone lighting effect can also improve the overall aesthetics or impression of the appliance and can be configured to best highlight the industrial design elements (e.g., form and material) of the appliance. Such a lighting arrangement can also assist or guide the user's interaction with the appliance by improving visibility and / or prompting the user to interact with (or avoid interacting with) a certain area or zone of the appliance being used.

[0085] It should also be understood that a display is not always the best way to communicate to a user to perform a particular action. The portion of the appliance that requires attention may be located on a completely different portion of the appliance than the display (e.g., a coffee machine where the water reservoir is located at the back of the machine and the display is located at the front). In the example of a coffee machine, it is contemplated that the use of the above lighting arrangement may improve user interaction with the machine in areas not limited to the brew head or water reservoir. In one example and as Fig.14As best shown, the coffee bean hopper 92 of the machine (which typically has transparent / translucent walls) can be illuminated with a pulsed light to prompt the user to refill the hopper 92 with coffee beans before problems occur during the grinding process. In this example, light from the light pipe 50 can also be projected upward into the transparent / translucent wall of the hopper 92 to increase the visibility of the lighting. In this example, the light pipe 50 is preferably battery powered. In another example, the light pipe 50 can be incorporated into the hopper 92 to provide a single component. It should be understood that the configuration of the light pipe 50 of the coffee bean hopper 92 is not necessarily limited to the arrangement, size and shape as shown in the drawings and as described herein, but can be customized according to the design requirements of the coffee machine.

[0086] The lighting of certain areas or parts of the machine can also convey a certain state of the machine (function, mode, operating state), or otherwise improve the safety of the machine by conveying warnings (e.g., hot surfaces). In one example, the lighting of certain areas or parts of the machine can convey food types, recipes, or other functions or modes. In another example, lighting the machine in one color can indicate that the door of the machine is open. The controller of the machine can be further configured to modify or change the wavelength of light according to the function, mode or operating state of the machine. As briefly described above, the above-mentioned lighting system can be incorporated into multiple kitchen appliances that communicate with each other through a central network. In this way, the controller of each appliance can be configured to coordinate the operation of the associated lighting system to prompt the user to interact with a certain area or zone of that appliance (e.g., during the preparation of food for the same meal).

[0087] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that there are a variety of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments. It should be understood that an exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing overview and detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement at least one exemplary embodiment, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents. In general, the present application is intended to cover any adaptation or variation of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0088] It should also be understood that in this document, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having" and any variations thereof are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, or systems described herein are not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps that are listed, but may include other elements, features, parts, or steps that are not expressly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or devices. In addition, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood to mean one or more. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or establish a hierarchy of importance to their objects.

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance, comprising: A lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement comprising: a light pipe having a starting portion, a terminating portion, and an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of facets extending along the length of the light pipe between the starting portion and the terminating portion; and A light source is associated with the light pipe and is configured to emit light along the length of the light pipe.

2. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The light pipe has a generally circular or annular body.

3. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light source is a single LED.

4. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The facets are arranged along a spiral path that proceeds along the upper surface of the light pipe.

5. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The facets have varying sizes or heights.

6. The kitchen appliance according to claim 5, wherein: The facets located toward the terminal portion are larger than the facets located toward the initial portion.

7. The kitchen appliance according to claim 6, wherein: The facets gradually increase in size between the starting portion and the ending portion.

8. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The facets have varying angles relative to the horizontal axis of the light pipe.

9. The kitchen appliance according to claim 8, wherein: Each facet is disposed at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.

10. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The starting portion and the ending portion are separated by a certain height.

11. The kitchen appliance according to claim 10, wherein: The height of the terminating portion is greater than the height of the starting portion.

12. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The facets positioned toward the terminating portion have a light reflection efficiency of approximately 100%, while the facets positioned toward the starting portion have a light reflection efficiency between approximately 50% and 60%.

13. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The light pipe is formed from acrylic or polycarbonate material.

14. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The light pipe is formed from an optically transparent material.

15. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The kitchen appliance is a coffee machine, and the lighting arrangement is mounted below a brew head of the coffee machine and is configured to direct light downwardly towards a coffee preparation area.

16. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The kitchen appliance is a coffee machine, and the lighting arrangement is mounted to a bean hopper of the coffee machine and is configured to direct light upwards along a wall of the bean hopper.

17. The kitchen appliance according to claim 16, wherein: The lighting arrangement is integrated with the bean hopper.

18. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The lighting arrangement is arranged to surround an accessory receiving portion of the appliance.

19. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The lighting arrangement is operably associated with a function, mode or operating state of the appliance, and the lighting arrangement is configured to illuminate one or more areas of the kitchen appliance in accordance with changes in the function, mode or operating state of the appliance.

20. A method of illuminating a kitchen appliance using a lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement comprising a light pipe having a starting portion, a terminating portion, and an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, wherein: The upper surface comprises a plurality of facets extending along the length of the light pipe between the starting portion and the ending portion, the lighting arrangement comprises a light source, the method comprising: positioning the light pipe about an accessory receiving portion of the kitchen appliance; emitting light from the light source through an initial portion of the light pipe; and A length of the light pipe is illuminated by reflecting the light across the plurality of facets.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The size, height or angle of the facets are varied to change the reflection of the light along the length of the light pipe.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The appliance is controlled to modify the wavelength of the light depending on the function, mode or operating state of the kitchen appliance.

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