DE102022209562A1 - Household appliance with a light source for emitting ambient light or night light and method for operating a household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a household appliance (1) with at least one light source (4) for emitting light into an environment (5) of the household appliance (1), and with a switching device (6) which can be moved from an off state to an on state. To operate the household appliance (1) as intended, the switching device (6) must be switched on. The household appliance (1) has a control device (8) which is designed to check at least one criterion for fulfillment and, if the at least one criterion is met, to switch on the at least one light source (4) even if the Switching device (6) is in the off state. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a household appliance (1).

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance with at least one light source for emitting light into an environment of the household appliance, and with a switching device which can be moved from an off state to an on state. In order to operate the household appliance as intended, the switching device must be switched on. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a household appliance.

Nowadays, there is a trend to use the home environment as a retreat and to create a feel-good atmosphere in it. This retreat into your own four walls is also known as cocooning. Lighting plays a particularly important role in this context. In particular, LED technology (LED = Light Emitting Diode) allows high illuminance levels at low operating costs due to its comparatively low energy consumption. Such high illuminance levels are useful and useful for a number of purposes. However, there are situations in which high lighting levels are perceived as unpleasant, especially when the aim is to create a comfortable atmosphere or during the night or early in the morning when the eyes are not yet used to bright light.

Different solutions are available to provide pleasant ambient lighting or a night light. For example, permanently installed lamps can be equipped with a dimmer to change the brightness of the lamps. This is disadvantageous in terms of the associated costs and the additional effort required to provide the dimmer. This also limits the selection of light sources or lamps that can be used, since the light sources or lamps must be dimmable.

There are small, portable lamps that can be plugged into a socket, especially to provide nightlights. Here too, however, the disadvantage is that such lamps have to be purchased separately. In addition, such lamps can only be placed where there is a socket. In addition, such a lamp then blocks the socket into which it is plugged.

If a battery-operated night light is used instead, this has the disadvantage that the operating time is limited due to the use of batteries and the batteries also have to be replaced from time to time or charged when using accumulators.

There are also intelligent lighting systems or lighting systems, such as the system sold by the manufacturer Philips under the name Hue. However, such lighting systems or lighting systems are associated with comparatively high purchasing costs and are correspondingly complex.

The object of the present invention is to create a household appliance of the type mentioned at the outset, which has extended usability, and to provide a corresponding method for operating such a household appliance.

This task is solved by a household appliance with the features of patent claim 1 and by a method with the features of patent claim 12. Advantageous embodiments with useful developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

The household appliance according to the invention has at least one light source for emitting light into an environment of the household appliance and a switching device which can be moved from an off state to an on state. To operate the household appliance as intended, the switching device must be switched on. The household appliance has a control device which is designed to check at least one criterion for fulfillment. The control device is further designed to cause the at least one light source to be switched on if the at least one criterion is met, even if the switching device is in the off state.

The light source can therefore be controlled by means of the control device and thus the emission of light into the environment of the household appliance can be effected by the light source, even if the switching device is not in the switched-on state, which is a prerequisite for the intended operation of the household appliance. Accordingly, even if the switching device is in the off state and the intended operation of the household appliance is therefore not possible, the control device can cause the at least one light source of the household appliance to be switched on, provided that at least one criterion is met. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide ambient lighting and/or a night light by switching on the at least one light source. Consequently the household appliance has further usability.

It is not necessary to use an additional light source or a different light source from the household appliance to provide the ambient lighting or an ambient light and/or to provide the night light. Rather, the at least one light source already present in the household appliance, which is designed to emit light into the surroundings of the household appliance, can be used for such purposes. This is advantageous. This means that the ambient lighting and/or the night light can be provided with particularly little effort. Furthermore, the increase in comfort that can be achieved through such lighting can be achieved in a particularly sustainable manner, precisely because no additional light sources are required.

Scenarios in which the extended usability of the household appliance is advantageous include situations in which a person goes to the bathroom at night or wants to take a drink of water in the kitchen. In such situations, it is not necessary to switch on the usually bright room light if instead the at least one light source of the household appliance emits a pleasant, because not too bright, light into the surroundings of the household appliance. However, the person does not need to purchase and install an additional light source in relation to the room light. As a result, the associated effort and costs are eliminated. The light emitted from the at least one light source of the household appliance into the surroundings of the household appliance is also often perceived as more comfortable and pleasant than the usually rather bright room lighting. An increase in comfort associated with the extended usability of the household appliance can therefore be achieved without the need to procure additional light sources and operating resources for such light sources. This is advantageous.

The household appliance can also be used to provide ambient lighting in a very simple way, for example in the kitchen or bathroom, without having to compromise on sustainability to achieve such an increase in comfort. Because there is no need to purchase and install additional light sources.

In addition, increased comfort can be achieved without additional systems or light sources taking up valuable space in the home environment. This is also advantageous. The extended usability or increased functionality of the household appliance thus meets the wishes and ideas of today's users with regard to a feel-good atmosphere in their own four walls to a particularly high degree. The living environment can be particularly easily adapted to needs and moods due to the extended usability of the household appliance.

In addition, the extended usability can be scaled very easily, for example by having more than one of the user's household appliances have the corresponding function. Furthermore, a scaling option is available if, with a plurality of household appliances present in a household, it is decided for each household appliance whether the respective household appliance has the extended usability or functionality, in which the control device switches on the at least one even when the switching device is in the off state light source can cause.

In the present case, the intended operation of the household appliance is understood to mean the operation of the household appliance which indicates the actual intended purpose of the household appliance. Such a purpose can arise in particular from the name of the household appliance. For example, the intended operation of a household appliance designed as a washing machine is washing laundry, of a household appliance designed as a tumble dryer it is drying laundry and of a washer-dryer it is washing and drying laundry. In an analogous manner, in the case of a household appliance designed, for example, as a cooking appliance, this is cooking food or, in the case of a household appliance designed as a dishwasher, washing dishes or the like.

The switching device can in particular be designed as a so-called main switch of the household appliance, which can be moved from the off state to the on state by pressing and/or turning or similar actuation of the main switch. Even if such a main switch is in the off state and therefore the intended operation of the household appliance is not possible, the control device is active in the present case and can therefore check whether the at least one criterion is met and then cause the at least one light source to be switched on. This advantageously results in the extended usability of the household appliance.

The control device is preferably designed to check a signal from a timer as the at least one criterion. To this In this way, a user of the household appliance can determine when the control device should switch on the at least one light source in a very needs-oriented manner, namely by making appropriate settings on the timer.

In particular, the timer can be designed to specify a start time for switching on the at least one light source and/or an end time of the operation of the light source and/or a period of operation after the start time and/or before the end time. The timer can therefore preferably output corresponding signals indicating the start time and/or the end time and/or the time period to the control device, which then controls the at least one light source in order to switch on or switch off the at least one light source following switching on .

Preferably, the timer can be used to specify a repetition of switching on the at least one light source at predetermined times, for example switching on daily and/or switching on on certain days of the week or the like. This is accompanied by a particularly high level of flexibility in the use of the timer signal.

Furthermore, it can be provided to check the signal of the timer in cooperation with at least one further criterion in order to switch on the at least one light source.

The timer can in particular be designed as a timer of the household appliance. For example, such a timer or timer can be operated by the user of the household appliance by the user making entries on a corresponding operating interface of the household appliance. The integration of the timer into the household appliance makes it particularly easy to have a signal from the timer checked by the control device as at least one criterion for switching on the light source. In the case of a timer external to the device, transmission of the signal to the control device of the household appliance via a wireless communication connection can preferably be provided.

The control device is preferably designed to check the presence of a user input as the at least one criterion, the user input being able to be carried out by a user of the household appliance. To make the user input, the user can in particular operate an operating interface of the household appliance. This makes it particularly easy for the control device to check whether the user input is present.

Additionally or alternatively, the user input may include a voice input made by the user. In this case, the household appliance can be designed to receive the voice input directly. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for a preferably wireless communication connection to be established at least temporarily between a device that is external to the household appliance and is designed to receive voice input, and the household appliance in order to communicate the user input to the control device. This is particularly advantageous if the household in which the household appliance is located already has at least one device-external device designed to receive voice commands. Corresponding facilities are offered by various manufacturers, for example under the name Google Home or in the form of assistants such as Alexa or Siri or the like.

Additionally or alternatively, the user input can be made on a switch that is external to the household appliance, in particular on a programmable switch. This is also convenient for easy handling for the purpose of switching on the at least one light source by the control device.

The control device is preferably designed to check the presence of at least one trigger event as the at least one criterion. Here, the household appliance has a receiving device for receiving a signal indicating the presence of the at least one triggering event. Switching on the at least one light source depending on the presence of the triggering event ensures that the at least one light source emits light that is very appropriate to the situation and therefore advantageous.

For example, closing or shutting down shutters or similar privacy devices in a household in which the household appliance is located can be taken into account by the control device as a triggering event. Additionally or alternatively, the triggering event can be a switching on of a lighting system that is external to the household appliance, in particular an intelligent one. The at least one light source of the household appliance can then advantageously contribute to setting a pleasant lighting situation in the household. This is advantageous.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one alarm can be taken into account by the control device as a triggering event, for example a fire alarm and/or an alarm which indicates an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the household. Furthermore, a disaster alarm such as a flood alarm or storm alarm or the like can be checked as the at least one triggering event by the control device. By using at least one such alarm as a triggering event, emergency lighting can be provided by the at least one light source of the household appliance. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source of the household appliance itself can be used to indicate an alarming condition, for example by periodically flashing the light source, in particular in a warning color or similar conspicuous light color.

Additionally or alternatively, the activation of a doorbell belonging to the household can be taken into account as a triggering event. This is advantageous in view of the fact that in such a constellation a light source does not have to be actively switched on by a person in the household after the doorbell has been pressed, for example in order to go to the door when there is sufficient lighting. Rather, the at least one light source of the household appliance ensures that light is emitted into the surroundings of the household appliance automatically or controlled by the control device.

The control device is preferably designed to check a signal from at least one sensor as the at least one criterion. This is advantageous with regard to activation of the at least one light source of the household appliance as required and well adapted to the respective situation.

For example, the signal from a light sensor can be checked by the control device in order to switch on the light source. In this way, it can be ensured in particular that as dusk sets in, light is emitted into the surroundings of the household appliance by the at least one light source of the household appliance and thus improved lighting conditions exist in the household in which the household appliance is located. For this purpose, however, no external lighting relative to the household appliance needs to be switched on.

Additionally or alternatively, a signal from a motion sensor can be checked by the control device as the at least one criterion in order to cause the at least one light source to be switched on. In this way it can be ensured that the at least one light source emits light into the surroundings of the household appliance exactly when a person goes into the surroundings of the household appliance and this is detected by the motion sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, a signal from at least one sound sensor can be checked by the control device as the at least one criterion. In this way, the fact can be taken into account that, for example, a user who goes near the household appliance does not usually do so silently. Accordingly, the consideration of noises that can be detected by means of the sound sensor can be used advantageously to switch on the at least one light source as needed.

If the household appliance is located, for example, in a bathroom or in a kitchen, a noise when opening a door of the bathroom or kitchen can be detected using the sound sensor in order to then switch on the at least one light source by transmitting a corresponding signal to the control device cause.

Furthermore, the fact can be taken into account that, for example, unauthorized entry into the household in which the household appliance is located is usually associated with the occurrence of noises, which can be detected by means of the sound sensor. In such a case, too, it is helpful if the at least one light source is switched on by the control device based on the signal from the sound sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a signal from at least one air quality sensor can be checked as the at least one criterion by means of the control device. As a result, the at least one light source of the household appliance can be used in particular to inform the user of the household appliance of inadequate air quality by emitting light. This is also advantageous with regard to a sensible and extended use of the household appliance, in particular if, depending on the air quality, light in different colors or light colors is emitted by means of the at least one light source. For example, a harmless air quality can be brought to the user's attention by emitting green-colored light, a deteriorated air quality by emitting yellow-colored light, and a further deteriorated air quality by emitting red-colored light. This is for the user of the Household appliance is particularly obvious and intuitively easy to understand.

The at least one sensor can be part of the household appliance. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the at least one sensor to be designed as an external sensor in relation to the household appliance, which is designed to transmit the signal to the control device, in particular to transmit it wirelessly.

The control device is preferably designed to change an intensity of the light by controlling the at least one light source. This makes it very easy to ensure that light that the user perceives as pleasant is emitted from the light source during operation of the at least one light source. In particular, different scenarios can be taken into account when emitting light by the control device. For example, in certain situations a low light intensity can be advantageous and in other situations a higher light intensity can be advantageous.

Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be designed to change a light color of the light. This is also advantageous in terms of emitting light that is perceived as pleasant by the user using the at least one light source of the household appliance, taking into account the respective situation. For example, gentle ambient lighting can be provided by emitting warm white light and an atmosphere matching this light can be created by emitting neutral white light.

Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be designed to change a period of time in which the light is emitted. In particular, in this way, for example, a flashing operation of the at least one light source can be effected, in particular periodically, or a continuous operation of the at least one light source over a longer, predetermined period of time. By varying or changing the time period depending on the at least one criterion, specific situations when emitting the light using the at least one light source can be addressed particularly well.

Preferably, when the switching device is in the off state, a control element can be displayed by means of a display of the household appliance.

Here, the control device is designed to detect an operating action carried out on the control element by a user of the household appliance and to determine whether the at least one criterion has been met when the operating action is detected. It can thus advantageously be achieved that such a control element, by actuating which the user can switch on the at least one light source, is not permanently displayed in the display, but only when the switching device is in the off state. As a result, such a control element, in particular a virtual one, does not take up unnecessary and permanent space in the area of the display or such a display device of the household appliance. Nevertheless, in order to provide the control element that can be operated by the user, the switching device of the household appliance does not need to be switched on. This is advantageous.

Furthermore, such an indirect switching on of the light source by carrying out the operating action on the control element shown on the display of the household appliance is technically particularly easy to implement. In addition, by displaying the at least one control element via the display of the household appliance, the user can be informed in an intuitive or easily understandable manner that the household appliance is in standby mode or standby mode, in which the household appliance is not can be operated as intended, but the switching on of the at least one light source can be effected by means of the control device. This is advantageous.

The control device is preferably designed to switch on the at least one light source depending on whether a lighting system and/or music playback system and/or multimedia system that is external to the household appliance is activated. Here, the household appliance has a receiving device which is designed to receive a signal, the signal indicating that the lighting system and/or the music playback system and/or the multimedia system is activated. In this way, synchronization of the emission of light by means of the at least one light source with the activity of the lighting system and/or the music reproduction system and/or the multimedia system can be achieved very easily.

For example, it can be ensured that when listening to music and/or when playing a computer game and/or when watching a film or similar applications of a multimedia system, the at least one light source of the household appliance is switched on, in particular synchronized with the external system. This allows the user's experience when using the device to be external to the household appliance A system, for example the lighting system and/or music playback system and/or multimedia system, can be supported or improved in an advantageous manner.

Preferably, the at least one light source is associated with a display of the household appliance. The at least one light source of such a display or the entire display can be used in an advantageous manner to emit the light into the surroundings of the household appliance, even if the switching device is in the off state. This is advantageous with regard to the efficient use of such a component of the household appliance, which is usually already present.

This applies in particular if the at least one light source is associated with a display of the household appliance, which is designed to operate the household appliance. This is based on the knowledge that a display that can be used to operate the household appliance, for example in the form of a touchscreen, is usually easily accessible to the user and so a light source located there can be used very easily to emit light into the surroundings of the household appliance.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source can be designed to illuminate a receiving space of the household appliance, which can be closed by means of a door of the household appliance. By operating the household appliance as intended, at least one object arranged in the receiving space can be treated. If such a light source designed to illuminate the receiving space is used to emit light into the surroundings of the household appliance while the switching device is in the off state, a particularly diverse use of such a light source is achieved. This is because the light source that is already provided for illuminating the recording space can be used advantageously for other purposes.

The door of the household appliance can have at least one translucent area. Then, even when the door is closed, the at least one light source can be used to emit light into the surroundings of the household appliance. This is advantageous because an open door of the household appliance may be perceived as disturbing by the user of the household appliance. Such a disturbing appearance and the associated disabilities for the user can be avoided if the door of the household appliance has at least one translucent area.

If the household appliance is designed as a washing machine, tumble dryer or washer-dryer, the receiving space can in particular be designed as a drum, which is designed to hold items of laundry. If the household appliance is designed as a cooking appliance, the receiving space can be designed as a cooking space in which objects in the form of food can be treated, in particular by cooking such food. If the household appliance is designed as a dishwasher, the treatment of the at least one object arranged in the receiving space can involve washing dishes. The above list is merely an example to illustrate possible configurations of the recording space.

The at least one light source can be designed to run around a door of the household appliance at least in some areas. This is accompanied by a visually very appealing light impression when the light is emitted by the at least one light source and ensures very gentle but at the same time easily perceptible illumination of the surroundings of the household appliance.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light source can be designed to indicate the intended operation of the household appliance when the switching device is in the switched-on state. For example, a light spot can be projected onto a surface, for example onto a floor, using the light source designed in this way in order to inform the user of the household appliance that the household appliance is operating as intended. Additionally or alternatively, a time and/or a remaining running time of the intended operation of the household appliance can be displayed using the at least one light source. The fact that such a light source can also be used when the switching device is in the off state means that this light source can be used in a particularly diverse manner.

In the method according to the invention for operating a household appliance, at least one light source of the household appliance emits light into an environment of the household appliance. A switching device of the household appliance can be moved from a switched-off state to a switched-on state, with the switching device having to be brought into the switched-on state for the household appliance to be operated as intended. The household appliance has a control device which checks whether at least one criterion is met. If the at least one criterion is met, the control device causes the at least one light source to be switched on while the switching device is in the off state. The tax Cleaning device therefore preferably switches on the at least one light source while the switching device is in the off state and the intended operation of the household appliance is not possible. With such a method, the household appliance has expanded usability.

The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the household appliance according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

Information such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “width direction”, “height direction” and the like are when the household appliance is used and arranged as intended Positions and orientations are given for an observer standing in particular in front of the household appliance and looking in the direction of the household appliance.

The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the scope of to abandon invention. Embodiments which are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments through separate combinations of features and can be generated are therefore also to be regarded as being included and disclosed by the invention. Versions and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are therefore also to be regarded as disclosed. In addition, versions and combinations of features, in particular through the statements set out above, are to be regarded as disclosed, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the references to the claims.

• 1 stark schematisiert ein Haushaltsgerät, welches eine erweiterte Nutzbarkeit aufweist;
• 2 das Haushaltsgerät gemäß 1, wobei bei ausgeschaltetem Hauptschalter des Haushaltsgeräts ein Display des Haushaltsgeräts und eine Trommelbeleuchtung des Haushaltsgeräts Licht in die Umgebung abgeben;
• 3 schematisch die Einbindung einer Mehrzahl von Haushaltsgeräten in ein System zum Bereitstellen einer Ambientebeleuchtung und/oder von Nachtlicht; und
• 4 schematisch ein mobiles Endgerät, mittels welchem Einstellungen vorgenommen werden können, um ein Abgeben von Licht mittels Lichtquellen des wenigstens einen Haushaltsgeräts des Systems bei ausgeschaltetem Hauptschalter des Haushaltsgeräts zu bewirken.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and the drawings. Show:

• 1 a highly schematized household appliance that has extended usability;
• 2 the household appliance accordingly 1 , whereby when the main switch of the household appliance is switched off, a display of the household appliance and a drum lighting of the household appliance emit light into the surroundings;
• 3 schematically the integration of a plurality of household appliances into a system for providing ambient lighting and/or night light; and
• 4 schematically a mobile terminal, by means of which settings can be made in order to cause light to be emitted by means of light sources of the at least one household appliance of the system when the main switch of the household appliance is switched off.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numbers.

In 1 A household appliance 1 is shown in a highly schematic form, which can be designed, for example, as a washing machine. When designing the household appliance 1 as a washing machine, a receiving space 2 is provided in the household appliance 1 by a (in 1 (not explicitly shown) drum provided into which items of laundry can be placed. This receiving space 2 can be closed by means of a door 3 of the household appliance 1, which in 1 is shown in a closed position. How out 1 in conjunction with 2 As can be seen, the household appliance 1 has at least one light source 4.

If the in 1 light source 4 shown is switched on, then in the present case, for example, the recording space 2 designed as the drum is illuminated or illuminated (see 2 ). In the household appliance 1 designed as a washing machine, the door 3 is designed to be translucent in a central area. Accordingly, the light from the light source 4 can reach an environment 5 of the household appliance 1 (cf 2 ), even if the door 3 is closed.

The household appliance 1 has a switching device 6, which in 1 is shown schematically. The switching device 6 can be designed, for example, as a main switch of the household appliance 1. In order to operate the household appliance 1 as intended, it is necessary to put the switching device 6 in a switched-on state.

For example, by actuating the switching device 6 designed as a main switch, the switching device 6 can be moved from an off state to the on state. Then, for example by operating a program selection device 7, a desired washing program can be set, which runs after the program is started. If the household appliance 1 as the in 1 The washing machine shown as an example is designed, so it is when such washing programs are carried out by the household appliance 1 to ensure that the household appliance 1 is operated as intended.

In the present case, the household appliance 1 has a control device 8, which in 1 is shown schematically. The control device 8 is able to switch on the light source 4. In the present case, this is possible even if the switching device 6 of the household appliance 1 is in the off state. In other words, even if the switching device 6 is in the off state, for example in the form of the main switch of the household appliance 1, the control device 8 can cause the light source 4 to be switched on. Therefore, the light source 4 can be used even if the switching device 6 is not in the switched-on state and therefore the intended operation of the household appliance 1 is not possible at all.

In an analogous manner, this switching on of the light source 4 is achieved by controlling the control device 8 of the household appliance 1 when the household appliance 1 is, for example, a dishwasher 9 and/or a cooking appliance 10 and/or another household appliance 11, whereby such devices or household appliances in 3 are illustrated schematically by respective symbols. What these devices have in common is that they each have the (in 3 (not explicitly shown) control device 8, which is designed to switch on the at least one light source 4 even when the switching device 6 is in the off state.

This makes it possible to provide, for example, ambient lighting and/or a night light using the at least one light source 4 of the household appliance 1 that is already present. For this purpose, it is advantageously not necessary to use a separate light source in addition to the household appliance 1. The emission of light into the environment 5 of the household appliance 1 is therefore a useful secondary function, which exists in addition to the actual main function of the household appliance 1. The main function is the intended operation of the household appliance 1.

If the household appliance 1 has the door 3, by means of which the receiving space 2 can be closed, the control device 8 can cause the at least one light source 4 to be switched on, preferably regardless of whether the door 3 is closed or opened or how far the door 3 is open is. This applies in particular when the household appliance 1 is designed as a washing machine (see 1 ) or as a cooking appliance 10 or as a dishwasher 9 (compare 3 ).

According to 3 If the household appliance 1 is designed as a washing machine, the light source 4 used for drum lighting can be used as a light source and/or other light sources. For example, the at least one light source that can be controlled by the control device 8 can be associated with a display 12 of the household appliance 1 or can be provided by the display 12. This is over 2 It can be seen that in addition to or as an alternative to the drum lighting, the luminous display 12 can be used to provide, for example, ambient lighting or night light in a room in which the household appliance 1 is located.

Furthermore, this can be done in 1 Household appliance 1 shown has a door light 13 as the at least one light source (see 3 ), for example in the form of a light ring or the like running around the translucent area of the door 3 or around the door 3. Additionally or alternatively, a status light 14 of the household appliance 1 (see 3 ) can be used as the at least one light source, which can be controlled by means of the control device 8. Such a status light 14 can be used during the intended operation of the household appliance 1 to indicate the intended operation of the household appliance 1. The status light 14 can be arranged, for example, on a front side of the household appliance 1. In particular, in the case of a household appliance 1, in which the front is covered by a cover, the status light 14 can project a spot of light onto a surface in the area 5 of the household appliance 1, for example onto a floor 15 (cf 2 ), on which the household appliance 1 is located.

Even when the household appliance 1 is designed as a cooking appliance 10 (see 3 ), the display 12 of the cooking appliance 10 can be controlled by means of the control device 8 to emit light when the switching device 6 of the cooking appliance 10 is in the off state. The same applies, for example, to a cooking space light 16 of the cooking appliance 10, which is designed to apply light to a receiving space of the cooking appliance 10 designed as a cooking space when the cooking appliance 10 is in normal operation. When the cooking appliance 10 is switched off, i.e. when the (in 3 (not shown) switching device 6 of the cooking appliance 10 is in the off state, the control device 8 can still switch on the display 12 and / or switch on the cooking chamber light 16 so that light is emitted into the environment 5 of this household appliance 1.

For example, as the dishwasher 9 (compare 3 ) designed household appliance, in addition to or as an alternative to the display 12 and / or the status light 14, an interior light 17 can be designed as the at least one light source, which can be controlled by means of the control device 8 of the dishwasher 9 when the switching device 6 of the dishwasher is in the off state 9 the intended operation of the dishwasher 9, i.e. washing dishes, is not possible. This applies in an analogous manner to the at least one light source 4 of the further household appliance 11, which in 3 shown schematically, but its function is not specified in more detail.

Such light sources 4 of the other household appliances 11 can be considered, for example, a corresponding light source 4 of an extractor hood and/or the light source 4 of a coffee machine and/or the interior light of a wine cooler and/or a light source 4 in the area of a suction nozzle of another household appliance designed as a vacuum cleaner 11 or something like that.

The at least one light source 4 of such a further household appliance 11 can be used as an example with reference to 1 and 2 to the household appliance 1 designed as a washing machine can be used to provide the ambient lighting and / or the night light, without the respective further household appliance 11 being in the intended operation and accordingly the intended for this household appliance 11, preferably indicated by the name of the household appliance 11 Main function fulfilled.

This should be exemplified with reference to the in 1 and 2 illustrated household appliance 1 will be explained in the form of the washing machine. Accordingly, the household appliance 1 has an extended usability in that the at least one light source 4 emits light into the environment 5 independently of the main purpose of the household appliance 1, i.e. independently of the purpose fulfilled in the intended use or intended operation, and thus in the manner of an intelligent Light source 4 serves another purpose.

Preferably, the user can specify operating parameters for the respective household appliance 1 alone or for groups of household appliances 1, 11, for example in the form of the household appliances mentioned here as examples in the form of the dishwasher 9 and/or the cooking appliance 10, when operating the at least one light source 4.

In particular, specifying the at least one operating parameter can include that the light source 4 is actually switched on by the control device 8 when at least one criterion is met. It is advantageous if an intensity of the light emitted by the light source 4 and/or a light color of the light and/or a period of time in which the light is emitted by the control device 8 can also be changed. For example, it can be provided that the control device 8 causes the light source 4 to flash or to glow permanently over a longer, predetermined period of time or the like.

So that the control device 8 switches on the at least one light source 4, even if the switching device 6 is in the off state, the control device 8 checks in the present case whether the at least one criterion is met. If the at least one criterion is met, the control device 8 causes the at least one light source 4 to be switched on. Preferably, a large number of criteria can be checked by the control device 8 in order to cause the at least one light source 4 to be switched on if one or more or all criteria are met.

For example, the control device 8 can check whether the control device 8 is controlled by an in 1 only schematically shown timer 18 or timer of the household appliance 1 and / or from a timer or timer external to the household appliance 1 (not shown here) receives a signal, which, for example, has a start time and / or an end time and / or a time period of switching on Beginning of the start time and / or a period of time of switching on before reaching the end time or the like. Furthermore, the signal from the timer 18 can be used to indicate whether the switching on of the at least one light source 4 should be repeated or not. If such a repetition is provided, the signal supplied by the timer 18 can state, for example, that the switching on of the at least one light source 4 should be repeated daily or on at least one selected day of the week or the like. Furthermore, it is possible to synchronize such repetitions with a trigger event and/or a sensor signal or the like.

As a criterion, the control device 8 can additionally or alternatively check whether a user input from a user of the household appliance 1 is present. Such a user input can be in the form of a voice command and / or the household appliance 1 from a (not shown here), preferably programmable, scarf ter or the like. By the user actuating such a switch that is external to the household appliance 1, the user can inform the control device 8 that the user input is present as the at least one criterion, which then leads to the control device 8 switching on the at least one light source 4.

In 1 It is shown schematically that the household appliance 1 can have a receiving device 19, which is designed to receive a signal. Such a signal can indicate that a specific trigger event has occurred. For example, the triggering event can be that by means of a privacy device 28 (see 3 ) for example in the form of roller shutters or similar windows of a household in which the household appliance 1 is located. If the triggering event consists in the fact that the privacy protection device 28 is actuated in order to darken the windows, this information can be implemented by the control device 8 in such a way that the at least one light source 4 is switched on when this triggering event occurs.

Additionally or alternatively, the triggering event can consist of a lamp external to the device 20 (see 3 ) is switched on, which is in communication connection with a central network device 21. The network device 21 can, for example, be designed as a router located in the household.

In 1 A sensor 22 is also shown schematically, which outputs a signal 23. The signal 23 is transmitted to the control device 8, for example via the receiving device 19. Examples of configurations of the at least one sensor 22 are in 3 a light sensor 24, a motion sensor 25, an air quality sensor 26 and a sound sensor 27 are shown. However, sensors 22 other than those shown here as examples can also be included in the in 3 The system shown can be integrated, in particular via the network device 21.

According to 1 The at least one receiving device 19 of the household appliance 1 can be designed to receive a signal 29 which indicates that a system 30 is activated, which is designed as an external system 30 in relation to the household appliance 1. For example, this external system 30 can be designed as, in particular, an intelligent lighting system 31 and/or as a music playback system 32 and/or as a smart home system 33 or as a multimedia system 34 or the like (cf 3 ). This list also relates to the household appliance 1 external systems 30, which according to 3 can also be designed for communication with the network device 21, but are only to be understood as examples. By coupling, for example, with the music playback system 32 and/or with the multimedia system 34, the control of the at least one light source 4 of the household appliance 1 can advantageously be effected by the control device 8 synchronously with the functions of such external systems 30.

In a manner analogous to that described here for the triggering events, the switching on of the at least one light source 4 can be terminated when the receiving device 19 of the household appliance 1 detects a corresponding event. For example, the triggering event can become invalid and therefore an event exists which is checked by the control device 8 in order to then stop the emission of light by the at least one light source 4. If, for example, the privacy protection device 28 is opened in the form of at least one window shutter and/or roller shutter, this can be recorded as an event which causes the end of the light emission by the at least one light source 4 through the control device 8.

The same applies if, for example, external systems 30 such as the, preferably intelligent, lighting system 31 and/or the music playback system 32 and/or the multimedia system 34 are switched off. Likewise, bringing the switching device 6 into the switched-on state can ensure that the at least one light source 4 is initially switched off by means of the control device 8. However, the at least one light source 4 of the household appliance 1 can be active, particularly during the intended use or operation of the household appliance 1.

Examples of applications for operating the light source 4 based on activation by the control device 8 will be described below. If, for example, a night light and/or ambient lighting is to be provided by the household appliance 1 designed as a washing machine, this can be done according to 2 For example, the light source 4 serving as drum lighting can be switched on. Here, a plurality of operating parameters can preferably be set as desired. For example, it can be specified that the light source 4 is operated at its maximum intensity. For example, a neutral white can be specified as the light color, such as a neutral white with a color temperature of 4,000 K. The frequency or period of time can be specified as the fact that the light source 4 lights up permanently during the light source 4 is used as ambient lighting or night light. A time around sunset can be selected as the start time and a time around sunrise can be selected as the end time of the operation of the light source 4. Furthermore, a daily repetition can be set, for example, so that the use of the light source 4 of the household appliance 1 to provide the ambient lighting and/or the night light is available daily.

To set the aforementioned operating parameters, a mobile terminal 35 can be used, for example, which in 3 and in 4 is shown schematically. On the mobile device, for example in the form of a smartphone and/or table computer, according to 3 an application program 36 may be installed, which can be used, for example, to control smart home devices in the household network. However, a separate application program 37 can also be installed on the terminal 35 for the purpose of setting the operating parameters. In other words, the own or separate application program 37 does not need to be designed to control other smart home devices in the network. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the aforementioned settings can be made via an operating interface of the household appliance 1, such as the display 12.

Another use case that should be considered is a visual fire alarm. In particular, it can be provided that all light sources, such as the display 12 and the at least one further light source 4 of the household appliance 1, are switched on when activated by the control device 8. Preferably, further parameters or operating parameters can be specified here. For example, the function of providing the ambient lighting and/or the night light can be switched on and the intensity of the respective light source can be set to maximum. For example, red can be considered as the light color, provided that the light source 4 and/or the display 12 is capable of emitting red light. Otherwise, a neutral or white light can be emitted by these light sources if the user is to be notified of the visual fire alarm using the light sources.

With such a visual fire alarm, it does not make sense to specify an end time and a start time. Rather, endless operation of the at least one light source 4 can be set, whereby the presence of the alarm can be indicated in particular by flashing, i.e. by alternately switching on and off the at least one light source 4 or the display 12. A repetition of this visual fire alarm can be set to "once", as such a fire alarm is event-dependent and therefore regular activation does not make sense. For example, a signal that indicates the presence of the fire alarm can be used as a trigger event.

Such a signal can, for example, be issued by a smoke detector, preferably an intelligent one, located in the same household and/or via the application program 37, for example if the application program 37 includes the function of warning of events such as a fire alarm or similar emergency.

The operating parameters described for the visual fire alarm can be set by the user via the display 12 and/or via the mobile terminal 35 and (in the latter case) can be transmitted to the household appliance 1, for example using the network device 21 (see 3 ).

Another use case can be to provide an additional light source in the kitchen. In this case, the at least one light source of the cooking appliance 10 can be used, for example in the form of the display 12 and/or the cooking chamber light 16, for example as a night light. Like that in 1 Household appliance 1 shown can also have the cooking appliance 10, which is designed in particular as a touchscreen display 12. A virtual control element 38 can be displayed on the display 12 (see 1 ) when the switching device 6 is in the off state. By operating this virtual control element 38, the at least one light source, for example in the form of the cooking chamber light 16, can be switched on or off. In this application, too, certain operating parameters can preferably be specified as settings.

For example, the operating parameters can include that the cooking appliance 10 can actually be used to provide the ambient lighting or the night light. A maximum intensity can be set as the illuminance of the light source, for example in the form of the cooking chamber light 16. Furthermore, a light color can be set which corresponds to the color temperature of neutral white, for example at a color temperature of 4,000 K. The operating parameter can be set to “continuous” as the switch-on and off frequency, so that the cooking space light 16 does not flash, but rather the cooking space light 16 remains permanently switched on as soon as the virtual control element 38 has been actuated. A period of operating time does not need to be specified to be, since switching on and off can be effected using the control element 38. Furthermore, no repetition needs to be set. Because the additional light source in the kitchen, for example in the form of the cooking space light 16, can be switched on as required by the user of the cooking appliance 10 by actuating the virtual control element 38.

As a further application, integration into the lighting system 31 and/or the music playback system 32 will be explained as an example. It can be provided here that the at least one light source 4 of the in 1 shown household appliance 1 and / or the dishwasher 9 and / or the cooking appliance 10 is operated synchronized with the lighting system 31 and / or the music playback system 32. Here too, it can initially be specified that the provision of ambient lighting and/or night light is fundamentally possible by the corresponding device. However, when specifying the intensity and/or the light color and/or a frequency when switching on and off, for example in the form of a flashing, the synchronization with the at least one system 30 can be set, for example in the form of the lighting system 31 and/or the music playback system 32.

Such intelligent and dynamic lighting concepts, described above as examples, can increase security, in particular by issuing an alarm, and/or comfort when using the household appliance 1.

According to 3 The network device 21 can be connected to a server 39, which is assigned to the household appliances 1, 11 and the dishwasher 9 mentioned here as an example as well as the cooking appliance 10. Furthermore, the network device 21 can be connected to a music server 40, which can in particular provide a music streaming service, for example when operating the music playback system 32. By way of example and schematically, FIG 3 In addition, at least one further server 41 is shown, via which the network device 21 can access further services.

According to 4 The individual household appliances 1, 11 or the dishwasher 9 and/or the cooking appliance 10 can be accessed on the mobile terminal 35 via individual menu items 42 in order to make the operating parameter settings mentioned above as examples on these devices. Furthermore, for example, by accessing higher-level menu entries 43, it can be determined whether the at least one light source 4 of the household appliance 1 should provide ambient lighting or a night light.

Overall, the examples show how in particular the display 12 and/or other light sources 4 of the household appliance 1 can be used to provide ambient lighting and/or a night light.

Reference symbol list

1

household appliance

2

Recording room

3

door

4

light source

5

Vicinity

6

Switching device

7

Program selection facility

8th

Control device

9

dishwasher

10

cooking device

11

household appliance

12

display

13

door light

14

Status light

15

Floor

16

Cooking compartment light

17

Interior light

18

Timer

19

Reception facility

20

Light bulbs

21

Network device

22

sensor

23

signal

24

Light sensor

25

Motion sensor

26

Air quality sensor

27

Sound sensor

28

Privacy protection device

29

signal

30

system

31

Lighting system

32

Music playback system

33

Smart home system

34

Multimedia system

35

End device

36

Application program

37

Application program

38

Control element

39

server

40

Music server

41

server

42

Menu item

43

Menu entry

Claims (12)

Household appliance (1) with at least one light source (4) for emitting light into an environment (5) of the household appliance (1), and with a switching device (6), which can be moved from an off state to an on state, for intended operation of the household appliance (1), the switching device (6) is to be brought into the switched-on state, characterized in that the household appliance (1) has a control device (8) which is designed to check at least one criterion for fulfillment and, if the at least one criterion to cause the at least one light source (4) to be switched on even when the switching device (6) is in the off state. household appliance (1). Claim 1 , characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to check a signal from a timer (18), in particular a timer (18) of the household appliance (1), as the at least one criterion. household appliance (1). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to check the presence of a user input as the at least one criterion, the user input being able to be made by a user of the household appliance (1). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to check the presence of at least one trigger event as the at least one criterion, the household appliance (1) having a receiving device (19) for receiving a the presence of the signal indicating at least one trigger event. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to use as the at least one criterion a signal of at least one sensor (22), in particular a light sensor (24) and / or a motion sensor (25 ) and/or a sound sensor (27) and/or an air quality sensor (26). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to control an intensity and/or a light color of the light and/or a period of time in which the light is emitted by controlling the at least one light source (4). to change. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the switching device (6) is in the off state, a control element (38) can be displayed by means of a display (12) of the household appliance (1), the control device (8) is designed to detect an operating action carried out by a user of the household appliance (1) on the control element (38) and to determine whether the at least one criterion has been met when the operating action is detected. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to activate the at least one light source (4) depending on the activation of an external lighting system (31) in relation to the household appliance (1) and / or music playback system (32) and/or multimedia system (34), the household appliance (1) having a receiving device (19) which is designed to receive a signal (29), the signal (29) indicating that the lighting system (31 ) and/or music playback system (32) and/or multimedia system (34). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source is associated with a display (12) of the household appliance (1), in particular a display (12) designed to operate the household appliance (1). Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source (4) is designed to illuminate a receiving space (2) of the household appliance (1), which is opened by means of a door (3), in particular having at least one translucent area ) of the household appliance (1) can be closed, with at least one object arranged in the receiving space (2) being able to be treated by operating the household appliance (1) as intended. Household appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source (4) is designed to run at least partially around a door (3) of the household appliance (1), and / or the at least one light source (4) is designed to do so is to indicate that the household appliance (1) is being operated as intended when the switching device (6) is switched on. Method for operating a household appliance (1), in which at least one light source (4) of the household appliance (1) emits light into an environment (5) of the household appliance (1), wherein a switching device (6) of the household appliance (1) switches from a switched-off state can be brought into a switched-on state, wherein the switching device (6) must be brought into the switched-on state for the intended operation of the household appliance (1), characterized in that the household appliance (1) has a control device (8) which has at least one criterion Checks whether the at least one criterion is fulfilled and causes the at least one light source (4) to be switched on while the switching device (6) is in the off state.

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