CN218471000U

CN218471000U - Display device for household appliance, human-computer interaction equipment and household appliance

Info

Publication number: CN218471000U
Application number: CN202223077396.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 孙鹏飞; 李忠科; 吴鑫; 陈晓飞
Original assignee: Diehl Abuck Fund Co ltd
Current assignee: Diehl Abuck Fund Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-18
Filing date: 2022-11-18
Publication date: 2023-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-18
Also published as: DE202023106740U1; EP4372728A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display device (10) for domestic appliance, display device includes: the display device comprises a display film (1), a circuit board (2) distributed with light-emitting elements and a support (3) arranged between the display film (1) and the circuit board (2), wherein the display film (1) is provided with a background display area (5) used for displaying a background image (6), the background display area can be illuminated by a plurality of first light-emitting elements (4) in the light-emitting elements together, at least one icon is arranged in the background display area (5), a light guide structure is arranged corresponding to each icon, the light guide structure is used for guiding light emitted by at least one second light-emitting element in the light-emitting elements to the icon, and the height of the light guide structure is smaller than that of the support so that the top end of the light guide structure is spaced apart from the display film. Furthermore, the utility model discloses still relate to a human-computer interaction equipment and a domestic appliance.

Description

Display device for household appliance, human-computer interaction equipment and household appliance

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a display device, a man-machine interaction equipment and domestic appliance for domestic appliance.

Background

Conventional display devices or human-computer interaction devices are commonly used in home appliances to display information, status, functions, etc. to a user, wherein icons in their display films are respectively lit up with LEDs. However, in such cost-effective display devices or human-computer interaction devices, only icons that are separate from each other can be displayed, and the visual effect is tedious and monotonous. However, if expensive display screens (such as TFT display screens, OLED display screens, or dot matrix LED display screens) are not used, it is difficult to present background lighting effects, and the visual impression cannot be improved.

Therefore, how to add the background light effect to the conventional icon display in the display device or the human-computer interaction device without a significant cost increase is an urgent technical problem to be solved.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The task of the utility model lies in that, a display device for domestic appliance, a human-computer interaction equipment and a domestic appliance for domestic appliance are provided, it can add the background light efficiency for display device and human-computer interaction equipment under the condition that is not showing increase manufacturing cost in order to promote the vision impression, and need not to use the display screen that the cost is high.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a display device for a household appliance, the display device comprising: the display device comprises a display film, a circuit board provided with light-emitting elements and a support arranged between the display film and the circuit board, wherein the display film is provided with a background display area used for displaying a background image, the background display area can be commonly illuminated by a plurality of first light-emitting elements in the light-emitting elements, at least one icon is arranged in the background display area of the display film, a light guide structure is arranged corresponding to each icon in the at least one icon, the light guide structure is used for guiding light emitted by at least one second light-emitting element in the light-emitting elements to the icon, and the height of the light guide structure is smaller than that of the support so that the top end of the light guide structure is spaced from the display film.

The utility model discloses an in the category, display device is display film, support and circuit board respectively from top to bottom. The bracket is used for fixing the display film and the circuit board above the circuit board at a distance.

According to the invention, the display film has a background display region for displaying a background image, the background display region being collectively illuminable by a plurality of first ones of the light-emitting elements. Therefore, the background image in the background display area can be integrally illuminated, so that the display device provides abundant and gorgeous background lighting effect for users, and optimizes visual appearance and user experience. Here, the background display area may be configured as a light-transmitting area corresponding to a background image, for example. The light-transmitting region refers to a region configured to transmit light at least partially on the substrate of the display film so that a background image can be visualized to a user when the light-transmitting region is collectively illuminated by the plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged on the circuit board. The background image may preferably be colored or colored. Also preferably, the background display area may occupy a relatively large partial area of the entire surface of the display device. The background image may particularly relate to decorative drawings, such as landscapes (e.g. sea water, sunlight, starry sky, clouds, grasslands, mountains, etc.), continuous patterns, portraits, abstract patterns, caricatures, etc., to convey mood, enhance texture, or add interest. Without being limited thereto, the background image may also relate to a theme painting, such as a sign, a status diagram, a usage step diagram, and the like; but also a plain text layout, such as text identifying the type, purpose or introduction of the operation of the household appliance, may be considered, thereby providing useful information to the user of the household appliance. In particular, the background display region is generally positioned at the center of the display film, but it is also conceivable to position the background display region eccentrically on one side or one corner of the entire display film, or a plurality of background display regions may be provided in one display film.

According to the utility model discloses stipulate be equipped with at least one icon in the background display area. Here, the at least one icon may be understood as an icon surrounded by or superimposed on the background image. The icon may be configured as a light-transmitting area corresponding to the content of the icon, such as an area on the substrate of the display film that is configured to be at least partially light-transmitting, in particular completely light-transmitting, such that when the light-transmitting area is illuminated, the content of the icon, i.e. the characters and/or patterns corresponding to the content of the icon, which may include words, numbers, logos, symbols, etc., are made visible to the user, thereby indicating to the user the information, status, and/or function, etc., of the household appliance. Preferably, the icon can be colored or colored.

In order to illuminate the at least one icon arranged in the background display region, according to the invention, a light-conducting structure is provided for each icon of the at least one icon, which light-conducting structure serves to guide the light emitted by at least one second of the light-emitting elements to the icon in a corresponding manner, and the height of the light-conducting structure is smaller than the height of the carrier, so that the top of the light-conducting structure is spaced apart from the display film. In order to display the at least one icon in the background image in a more prominent and well-controlled manner, a light-conducting structure is designed for the at least one second light-emitting element associated with the icon, so that the light emitted by the at least one second light-emitting element is directed in a targeted manner at the icon located in the background image. In this way, the user can distinguish well whether the icon is lit or unlit even in the case where the illuminated background image surrounds. By means of the light-conducting structure, the icon can be highlighted in the background image with a significantly greater brightness when illuminated, so that the user is clearly aware of the home appliance-related information, functions and/or operations. Furthermore, since the height of the light guiding structure is smaller than the height of the holder and thus the top end of the light guiding structure is spaced apart from the display film by a distance, the highest portion of the light guiding structure does not contact the display film, but there is a gap between the light guiding structure and the display film, such a gap allows light emitted from the first light emitting elements for illuminating the background display area to partially escape under the icon, which allows the icon to appear weakly even if it is not illuminated, and prevents the appearance of dark areas in the background image that would impair the overall harmony. Thus, the icons can be fused in the background image with good distinction and bright and dark, and the display device provides an overall harmonious visual effect while maintaining its good display function.

Through according to the utility model discloses a display device not only can present gorgeous background light efficiency to richen the demonstration content, produce the visual experience that draws attention, and build out the use atmosphere that is rich in the design and feel, can distinguish the icon that goes out moreover and merge harmony in the background image, the icon harmoniously each other with the background image, display device's whole picture is a whole. In particular, in the display device according to the present invention, the display effect similar to the display screen, in particular, the TFT display screen can be exhibited only by improving the structure of the conventional support and correspondingly arranging the light emitting elements, which not only does not significantly increase the manufacturing cost relative to the conventional icon display device, but also can avoid using the display screen with high cost.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-conducting structure can be formed as a light-conducting hole and/or a light-conducting post. In order to guide the light emitted by the at least one second light-emitting element towards the icon, different solutions may be considered as light guiding structures. In the case of the light guide hole, the second light emitting element located in the bottom region of the light guide hole, in particular below the light guide hole or accommodated in the bottom of the light guide hole, can irradiate light into the light guide hole, the light being projected in a concentrated manner toward the icon. In the case of a light guide, a second light-emitting element located in the region of the bottom of the light guide, in particular below the light guide or accommodated in the bottom of the light guide, can couple light into the light guide and transmit it centrally to the icon with little loss.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light guide hole may be formed by a hollow structure made of an opaque or translucent material, and/or the light guide pole may be made of a transparent material. The light guide opening is formed by a hollow structure with an opening extending through it, which is made of an opaque or translucent material, in particular a plastic material. The hollow structure may have, for example, laterally closed walls, the light-guiding aperture being surrounded by said walls. The light guide hole may in particular have a cross section similar to the outline of an icon. For example, a circular light guide hole is configured corresponding to a circular icon, and a square light guide hole is configured corresponding to a square icon. On the other hand, the light guide pole may be made of a transparent material, such as Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy, glass, or the like. Furthermore, the light guide column can in particular also have a cross section similar to the outline of the icon. For example, a circular light guide bar is constructed corresponding to a circular icon, and a square light guide bar is constructed corresponding to a square icon.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second light-emitting element is accommodated inside the light guide column. In order to increase the coupling efficiency of the light guide at the input end, it is particularly advantageous to accommodate or embed the second light-emitting element in the interior of the light guide. Thus, it is not necessary to precisely match the radiation angle of the second light emitting element with the light receiving angle of the light guide pillar. In addition, it is also contemplated to attach, such as adhesively or snap, the light guide to the second light emitting element, thereby reducing assembly difficulties.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a through-opening can be formed in the holder corresponding to the background display region. The through portion means that a portion of the holder corresponding to the background display region is hollowed out to be vertically through. Thereby, the plurality of first light emitting elements can collectively illuminate the background display area without hindrance. In addition, in order to improve the structural stability of the support, a recess may be formed in the support corresponding to the background display region, a light hole may be opened in a bottom surface of the recess for the plurality of first light emitting elements, and a height of the light hole is smaller than a height of the light guide structure. Here, the recess means: a recess or cavity is formed in the region of the support corresponding to the background display area, which recess or cavity is recessed with respect to the top surface of the support, thereby enabling the display film and the support to be spaced apart from each other in the background display area. In order to enable the plurality of first light-emitting elements to jointly illuminate the background display area, a light-transmitting hole is formed in the bottom surface of the concave part for the first light-emitting elements, and the light-transmitting hole penetrates from the bottom surface of the concave part to the bottom surface of the whole support. Thus, light emitted from the first light emitting element located in or below each light transmitting hole can be irradiated into the recess, thereby illuminating a background display area on the display film. Here, the height of the light-transmitting hole may be higher than, equal to, or lower than the height of the first light-emitting element as long as the background image is illuminated by the plurality of first light-emitting elements in common as required. It should be noted that the light hole according to the present invention is not intended to limit the light irradiation range in most cases, and more, the bottom surface of the recessed portion is used to stabilize the overall mechanical structure of the bracket. In order to illuminate a background image having a relatively large area with a limited number of first light-emitting elements, it is more desirable that the first light-emitting elements can project into the recess at a relatively large radiation angle, and therefore it is more desirable to construct a light-transmitting hole that is substantially flush with the first light-emitting elements or a light-transmitting hole that protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess so as to limit the radiation angle of the first light-emitting elements as little as possible.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the light guide structure is connected to the circuit board or to the recess, or the light guide structure is connected to the bracket or integrally formed with the bracket through the connecting rib. Here, the light guide structure may be fixed in the display device in various ways. In this case, for example, it is conceivable for the light-conducting structure to be glued, snapped, riveted or soldered to the bottom of the circuit board or the recess or in the through-opening of the recess, but it is also conceivable for it to be connected to the holder by means of additional connecting ribs or for the light-conducting structure to be formed integrally with the holder. In addition, in the case of a plurality of light-conducting structures, it is also conceivable to connect the individual light-conducting structures to one another by means of connecting ribs in order to increase the positional stability and simplify the assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top end of the light guiding structure is spaced apart from the display film by a distance of between 0.8 and 3 mm. By defining the gap size between the light-guiding structure and the display film by such a spacing distance, it is reliably ensured that light emitted from the first light-emitting element can at least weakly shine under the icon.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the top end of the light-guiding structure is spaced apart from the display film by a distance of 1mm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transparent plate may be filled in the through portion or the recessed portion of the holder. The display film cannot be supported by the support in the background display area, so that the display film can collapse when an external force is applied to the background display area, and in order to avoid the collapse, the through part or the concave part can be filled with the light-transmitting plate to compensate the height difference between the through part or the concave part and the top surface of the support, so that the display film can be supported on the filled light-transmitting plate. In particular, the light-transmitting plate may be flush with the top surface of the holder when received in the through-portion or the recess. Preferably, the light-transmitting plate may be connected with a bracket to prevent the light-transmitting plate from shaking in the through portion or the recess due to dimensional tolerance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light-transmitting plate can be configured with a dome-shaped recess or a projection protruding into the light-transmitting hole for the first light-emitting element. In order to avoid that the light-transmitting plate presses against the first light-emitting element and/or in order to better receive the light emitted by the first light-emitting element, each first light-emitting element is assigned a dome-shaped recess. Alternatively, in the case of a holder configured with a recess together with a light-transmitting hole, it is also conceivable to provide a projection projecting into the light-transmitting hole, in order to better couple the light emitted by the first light-emitting element into the light-transmitting plate.

According to an alternative or additional embodiment of the invention, the display membrane is provided with at least one pair of lugs for attaching to the sides of the support. Alternatively or in addition to filling the light-transmitting plate, it is also conceivable to enlarge the area of the display film attached to the support. For this purpose, opposing lugs project from the periphery of the display film, in particular at least from the two long sides, which lugs can be glued to the side edges of the carrier, so that the display film is stretched on the carrier, whereby the background display region of the display film collapses against external forces into the depression.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of break points are cut between the hanging lug and the display film. The base material with certain hardness of the display film can be bent more accurately and conveniently by setting the break points. Preferably, the plurality of break points may be cut with a break point knife or a laser.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a further icon that can be individually lit may be provided outside the background display area. In this case, reference may be made in particular to icons of a conventional display device which are separate from one another or can be lit individually. In order to illuminate these conventional icons, a further light-conducting structure can be assigned to the further icon, which further light-conducting structure rests on the display film. In this case, the further light-conducting structure can also comprise a light-conducting opening or a light-conducting rod, wherein the light-conducting opening can be designed in particular as a through-opening in the carrier, which extends from the top side of the carrier to the bottom side thereof, which allows a third light-emitting element located in the through-opening to independently illuminate the further icon located above the through-opening. In addition, a light guide post directly against the display film may also be used. In order to avoid the mutual influence between the light guide pillar and the surrounding light emitting elements, a light shielding layer may be provided on the outer side of the light guide pillar.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the on/off, the brightness and/or the color of the first and/or the second light-emitting element are adjustable. In order to be able to indicate information, functions and/or operations to a user in different display states, adjustable light-emitting elements are advantageously used. The light-emitting elements may be the plurality of first light-emitting elements for illuminating the background display area in common, the at least one second light-emitting element for illuminating the icons within the background display area and/or a third light-emitting element for illuminating further icons outside the background display area. By means of the adjustable embodiment of the light-emitting element, a dynamic effect can be added to the display device, in particular to the background image thereof. It is particularly advantageously provided that the background image is made to exhibit a rich dynamic variation effect by adjusting the plurality of first light-emitting elements for jointly illuminating the background display area. First, whether to display a background image in the display device may be decided by changing on/off of the plurality of first light emitting elements; the background image can be flickered by switching back and forth between on and off; it is advantageously possible to selectively switch on some of the first light-emitting elements of the plurality of first light-emitting elements and to switch off the remaining first light-emitting elements, thereby realizing an illumination layout with a difference in brightness; it is also advantageous to alternately switch on and off the first light-emitting elements at different positions in a staggered manner to achieve a constantly changing lighting layout, so that a relatively single background image can also present an animation effect, thereby enriching the visual and sensory experience. Second, the color of the individual light-emitting elements can be adjusted, e.g., the color of the light-emitting elements can change from yellow to red or from warm yellow to cool white, thereby changing the hue of the background image. Again, the brightness of the light emitting elements can be adjusted, for example, by gradually turning the light emitting elements on and off in a breathing lamp manner, thereby presenting a finer change in brightness. Preferably, a light emitting element capable of adjusting a plurality of luminance levels, particularly, dozens of different luminance levels can be used to present a fine luminance change effect.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display film may be a color film; and/or the holder may be designed as an injection-molded part. Here, the display film configured as a color film is understood to be, for example, a display film in which colored icons and background images and other icons (if any) are printed on a base material of the display film and opaque ink is printed on the remaining portion so that the colored icons and background images can be displayed when the display film is illuminated by each light emitting element. Thus, a multicolor display effect can be produced by using only a single-color light-emitting element, and the manufacturing cost can be advantageously reduced. In addition, it is conceivable to manufacture the bracket in an injection molding process, thereby increasing the tact time and reducing the manufacturing cost in mass production. But other processes such as compression molding, 3D printing, laser cutting, etc. may also be used.

In order to facilitate demolding during injection molding and to appropriately diffuse the light of the individual light-emitting elements, it is conceivable to form the light guide holes, the through holes, the light transmission holes and/or the recesses so as to taper in the direction of the circuit board. This means that the sizes of the light guide hole, the through hole, the light transmission hole and/or the recess portion are gradually reduced toward the circuit board, respectively. For this purpose, for example, a slope, a step, a curved surface, or the like is formed, which slopes in the direction of the bottom surface of the circuit board or the recess. In addition, the inner wall of the light guide hole and the side of the bracket can also have similar slopes.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a human-computer interaction device for a household appliance, the human-computer interaction device comprising a display device and a touch and/or proximity sensor.

According to the utility model discloses a human-computer interaction equipment can also provide the human-computer interaction function when adding background light efficiency and promoting the vision impression to can realize utilizing human-computer interaction equipment to control domestic appliance and provide visual feedback.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the touch and/or proximity sensing device is a touch sensing layer, which is attached to or printed on a display film of the display device. Here, the touch sensing layer may be, for example, a touch sensing film or a touch printed circuit for detecting a touch operation of a user. The touch sensitive film or the touch printed circuit may be particularly disposed on either side of a display film of the display device. When a finger of a user contacts the touch sensing film or the touch printed circuit, a coupling capacitor is formed between the finger and a conductor layer in the touch sensing film or the printed circuit, so that the position of the finger of the user can be determined by detecting the change of the capacitor, and further the touch operation of the user can be determined. The touch sensitive film, for example, includes conductive electrodes embedded in a transparent dielectric material. These conductive electrodes are themselves very thin and made of an almost completely transparent material, and therefore have a high light transmission, and thus do not affect the display of icons and/or background images.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the touch and/or proximity sensor device is formed as an infrared sensor device, a capacitive sensor device, a resistive sensor device, an inductive sensor device, a pressure sensor device or an acoustic wave sensor device. In this case, these touch and/or proximity sensing means can be arranged outside or inside the display device, in particular integrated on a circuit board of the display device, and accommodated in the light guide opening, the light transmission opening or the through opening. For example, an infrared type sensing device including an infrared transmitting tube and an infrared receiving tube spaced apart from each other may be received in the light guide hole, the light transmission hole, or the through hole to detect that a user's finger touches or approaches the surface of the display apparatus. Or an infrared light guide hole can be independently arranged in the bracket for the infrared type induction device. It goes without saying that the display film of the display device should accordingly be infrared-transparent and that a detection circuit for an infrared-type sensor device is in each case assigned to the circuit board.

A second aspect of the utility model relates to a household appliance, household appliance includes according to the utility model discloses a display device or human-computer interaction equipment.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance is an air conditioner, a range hood, a stove, a water heater, a refrigerator, an oven, a dishwasher, a food processor, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a stereo, a television, an intelligent faucet, or an intelligent toilet.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description. All the features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and also features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description and/or shown in the figures individually can be used not only in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or in isolation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a display film of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 shows a front view of a stand of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7 showsbase:Sub>A perspective view ofbase:Sub>A stand ofbase:Sub>A display device according tobase:Sub>A third embodiment of the invention, cut along the cutting linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A;

fig. 8 showsbase:Sub>A cross-sectional view ofbase:Sub>A stand ofbase:Sub>A display device according tobase:Sub>A third embodiment of the invention alongbase:Sub>A sectional linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A;

fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a stand of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention, cut along the cut line B-B; and

fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a stand of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a display film of a display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a human-computer interaction device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

It is first pointed out that in different embodiments substantially the same components are provided with the same reference signs or the same component names. In the drawings, various components thereof are not shown to scale and/or in larger and/or smaller scale in order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the display device and the human-computer interaction device.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the invention. The display device 10 for a home appliance includes: the display device comprises a display film 1, a circuit board 2 distributed with light-emitting elements and a support 3 arranged between the display film 1 and the circuit board 2. In this case, the display film 1 is lifted off the support 3 in order to show the detailed arrangement below the display film 1.

As can be seen from fig. 1, the display film 1 has a background display area 5 for displaying a background image 6, the background display area 5 being jointly illuminable by a plurality of first light-emitting elements 4 of the light-emitting elements. The background display regions 5 filled with grid lines in the figures can be understood, for example, as light-transmitting regions corresponding to the background image 6, i.e. regions which are at least partially light-transmitting on the substrate of the display film 1. The background image may preferably be colored or colored. The background image may in particular relate to: decorative drawings, such as landscapes (e.g., sea water, sunlight, starry sky, clouds, grasslands, mountains, etc.), continuous patterns, portraits, abstract patterns, caricature elements, and the like; themed drawings such as signage, state diagrams, usage step diagrams, and the like; or a plain text layout such as text identifying the type, purpose, or introduction of the operation of the home appliance. It is to be noted that, although the background display area 5 shown in the drawings is positioned at the center of the display film 1, it is also conceivable to position the background display area 5 eccentrically on one side or one corner of the entire display film 1, or a plurality of background display areas 5 may be provided in one display film 1.

In the background display area 5 at least one icon, here two icons 7 filled in black, is provided. The icon 7 may be understood as an icon 7 surrounded by the background image 6 or superimposed on the background image 6. The icon 7 can be configured as a light-transmitting region corresponding to the icon content, for example as an at least partially light-transmitting, in particular completely light-transmitting, region on the substrate of the display film 1, so that when the light-transmitting region is illuminated, the icon content, i.e. the characters and/or patterns, such as letters, numbers, signs, symbols, etc., corresponding to the icon content, can be made visible to the user, so that information, status, and/or functions, etc., of the household appliance are indicated to the user. The icon 7 can preferably be colored or colored.

One light guiding structure is arranged corresponding to each of the at least one icon 7. In the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, the light guide structure is a light guide hole 8. The light guide hole 8 may be constructed by a hollow structure 12 having a hole penetrating up and down. The light guiding hole 8 is used to guide light emitted by at least one (not shown) second of the light emitting elements towards the icon 7. And in the assembled state of the display device 10, the height of the light guiding structure is smaller than the height of the stand 3, specifically, the height of the top end of the light guiding hole 8, that is, the top end 11 of the hollow structure 12 forming the light guiding hole 8 is smaller than the height of the top surface 13 of the stand 3, so that the top end of the light guiding hole 8 is spaced apart from the display film 1. Preferably, the light guide hole 8 may be formed by a hollow structure 12 made of an opaque or translucent material.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this second embodiment, the display device 10 for a home appliance also includes a display film 1, a circuit board 2, and a support 3. As in the first embodiment, the display film 1 also has a background display area 5 for displaying a background image 6, which can be illuminated in common by a plurality of the first light-emitting elements 4, and at least one icon 7 is provided in the background display area 5. Similarly, a light guiding structure is also provided corresponding to each of the at least one icon 7. In this second embodiment, which is an alternative to the first embodiment, the light guiding structure is configured as a light guiding post 16. The light guide 16 also serves to guide light emitted by at least one (not shown) second of the light emitting elements towards the icon 7. And in the assembled state of the display device 10, the tip 17 of the light guide bar 16 is also spaced a distance from the display film 1. Preferably, the light guide bar 16 is made of a transparent material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resin, or glass.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention. It is clear from this figure that: in the assembled state of the display apparatus 10, one light guide bar 16 is provided corresponding to each icon 7 in the background display area 5. And the height of the light guide 16 is less than the height of the support 3 such that the tip 17 of the light guide 16 is spaced a distance from the display film 1. This results in the tip 17 of the light guide 16 not being in contact with the display film 1, but rather there is a gap 20 between the light guide 16 and the display film 1, such gap 20 allowing light emitted from the first light-emitting element 4 to also partially escape under the icon 7.

As can be seen from fig. 1 to 3, the background display area 5 can be illuminated jointly by a plurality of first light-emitting elements 4. This enables the background image 6 in the background display area 5 to be illuminated as a whole, thereby providing the user with a visually rich and gorgeous background light effect in the display apparatus 10, optimizing the visual appearance and user experience.

As can also be well understood from fig. 1 to 3, in the assembled state of the display device 10, one light guiding structure, i.e. a light guiding hole 8 or a light guiding pillar 16, is provided corresponding to each icon 7 in the background display area 5. Such a light guiding structure is capable of guiding the light emitted by the second light emitting element 18 more intensively towards the icon 7. By such an arrangement, the icon 7, when illuminated, can stand out in the background image 6 with a significantly greater brightness, so that the user is clearly aware of the household appliance-related information, functions and/or operations.

Furthermore, the light-guiding structure, i.e. the tip 17 of the light-guiding post 16, is spaced from the display film 1 by a distance, so that a gap 20 is created, such gap 20 allowing light emitted from the first light-emitting element 4 to partially escape under the icon 7, which allows the icon 7 to appear faintly even without being illuminated, and which does not present dark areas in the background image 6 that disrupt the overall harmonious perception. Thus, the icons 7 are fused in the background image 6 with good distinctions, and the display device 10 provides a harmonious visual effect as a whole while maintaining its good display function.

It should be noted that the bracket 3 itself serves as a light guide member for guiding light emitted by the light emitting elements on the circuit board 2 to the display film 1, so that the bracket 3 abuts against the display film 1, and the abutting here includes direct abutting and indirect abutting, that is, other functional film layers may be added between the bracket 3 and the display film 1. The distances from the display film 3 described herein are all compared to the abutment of the holder 3 against the display film 1, i.e. the height of the top end of the light guiding structure corresponding to the icon 7 is smaller than the height of the holder 3 as light guiding means, so that the top end of the light guiding structure creates a gap 20 with the display film 1, such gap 20 allowing light emitted from the first light emitting element 4 to partly escape below the icon 7.

Comprehensively, through according to the utility model discloses a display device 10 not only can present gorgeous background light efficiency to richen the display content, produce the visual experience that draws attention, and build the use atmosphere that is rich in the design and feel, can distinguish the icon 7 harmony ground that goes out moreover and fuse in background image 6, and icon 7 harmony each other with background image 6, display device 10's whole picture is a whole. In particular, according to the present invention, the display device 10 can exhibit a display effect similar to that of a display screen, in particular, a TFT display screen, and not only does not significantly increase the manufacturing cost compared to the conventional icon display device, but also can avoid the display screen with high use cost.

Further preferred details regarding the display device 10 are described below in connection with the first and second embodiments shown in fig. 1 to 3.

In fig. 1 to 3, a through-opening 15 is formed in the holder 3 corresponding to the background display area 5 in order to enable the background display area 5 to be illuminated jointly by the plurality of first light-emitting elements 4. The through portion means that a portion of the holder 3 corresponding to the background display area 5 is hollowed out to penetrate vertically. The holder 3 is thus formed as a hollow frame. In the first and second embodiments, the holder 3 is enclosed by four sides 14 and has a top side 13 and a bottom side 19. The display film 1 rests on the top side 13 of the carrier 3, while the circuit board 2 rests on the bottom side 19 of the carrier 3. Thereby, the display film 1 is reliably spaced from the circuit board 2. The through-opening 15 forms a cavity with the display film 1 and the circuit board 2 in the assembled state of the display device 10. Thereby, the plurality of first light emitting elements 4 can emit light into the cavity without hindrance, thereby collectively illuminating the background display area 5.

In order to be able to fix the light-guiding structure, i.e. the light-guiding hole 8 or the light-guiding post 16, in the display device 10, it is conceivable to attach the light-guiding structure to the circuit board 2 or to the holder by means of not shown connecting ribs. Without being limited thereto, the two light guide holes 8 or the two light guide posts 16 shown in fig. 1 to 3 may also be connected to each other by a connecting rib.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a preferred arrangement for housing the second light emitting element 18 inside the light guide 16 to improve the coupling efficiency of the light guide 16 at the input end.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the tip of the light-guiding structure can be spaced apart from the display film 1 by a distance of between 0.8 and 3mm, in particular by a distance of 1mm. The distance may also be understood as the size of the gap between the top end 11 of the hollow structure forming the light guide hole 8 and the display film 1, the size of the gap 20 between the top end 17 of the light guide bar 16 and the display film 1, or the difference in height of the stand 3 measured from the top surface 13 to the bottom surface 19 and the height of the light guide hole 8 or the light guide bar 16. This distance ensures that the light emitted from the first light-emitting element 4 can at least weakly shine under the icon 7.

In order to be able to present different display states, in particular also dynamic light effects, the switching, brightness and/or color of the first light emitting element 4 and/or the second light emitting element 18 is adjustable.

Preferably, the display film 1 may be a color film. It is also preferred that the holder 3 can be designed as an injection-molded part, in particular as a white injection-molded part, which is advantageous for light emission.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a display film of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The display film 1 in fig. 4 comprises a central background display area 5 for displaying a background image 6, in which background display area 5 there are provided, for example, two icons 7 filled in black. The display film 1 is provided with another icon 21 which can be individually lighted in addition to the background display region 5. As shown in fig. 4, a total of 11 additional icons 21 are arranged on both sides of the background display area 5, and these additional icons 21 are not surrounded by the background image 6 or are not superimposed with the background image 6. The black filled portion of each further icon 21 corresponds to a light-transmitting area of the icon content which, when illuminated, appears to the user. The further icons 21 may equally relate to patterns and/or characters. Fig. 4 particularly also shows two groups 22 of digital icons in the shape of the number 8 as the further icons. The set of digital icons 22 includes seven smaller icons adjacent to one another so that one or more of the smaller icons can be selectively illuminated to indicate digital information to a user. It is also possible to indicate information, status and/or functions etc. of the household appliance to the user by means of these further icons 21.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the third embodiment, the display device 10 also includes, from top to bottom: the display device comprises a display film 1, a circuit board 2 distributed with light-emitting elements and a support 3 arranged between the display film 1 and the circuit board 2. The display device 10 shown in fig. 5 is using the display film 1 shown in fig. 4, and thus further details on the display film 1 are not shown in fig. 5.

In the stand 3 shown in fig. 5, there is also provided one light guiding structure, here a light guiding hole 8, corresponding to each icon 7 within the background display area 5. The light guiding hole 8 is also used for guiding light emitted by the at least one second light emitting element 18 towards said icon 7, and the tip 11 of said light guiding hole 8 is spaced apart from the display film 1. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, recesses 23 are formed in the carrier 3 corresponding to the background display areas 5. The recess 23 means: in the area of the carrier 3 corresponding to the background display area 5, a recess or cavity is formed which is recessed downwards with respect to the top surface 13 of the carrier 3, thereby enabling the display film 1 and the carrier 3 to be spaced apart from one another in the background display area 5. In order to illuminate the background display area 5 in common by the plurality of first light-emitting elements 4, a light-transmitting hole 25 is opened in the bottom surface 24 of the recess 23 for the first light-emitting element 4. The light transmission hole 25 penetrates from the bottom 24 of the recess 23 to the bottom 19 of the entire holder 3. And the height of the light-transmitting holes 25 is smaller than the height of the light-guiding structure, here the light-guiding hole 8, whereby light emitted by the first light-emitting element 4 located in or below each light-transmitting hole 25 can be irradiated into the recess 23, thereby illuminating the background display area 5 on the display film 1 while partly entering below the icon 7. Here, the light guide hole 8 is connected to, in particular integrally molded with, the bottom surface 24 of the recess 23.

In order to illuminate further icons 21 on the display film 1 outside the background display area 5, a further light-conducting structure is assigned to each further icon 21, which further light-conducting structure rests on the display film 1. As shown in fig. 5, the further light-guiding structure is formed as a through hole 27 in the holder 3, i.e. the through hole 27 is integrally formed in the holder 3. The through hole 27 penetrates from the top surface 13 to the bottom surface 19 of the holder 3, which causes the third light emitting element 26 located in the through hole 27 to independently illuminate the further icon 21 located above the through hole 27. The through hole 27 strongly limits the illumination range of the third light emitting element 26 compared to the light transmitting hole 25, which only slightly or not affects the illumination range of the first light emitting element 4. The through-hole 27 thus constructed can perform not only a light-condensing function but also a light-blocking function between different additional icons 21. The further icons 21 can be illuminated independently by the third light-emitting elements 26 in the through holes 27, as seen by a user viewing the display device 10, while the first light-emitting elements 4 located in or below the plurality of light-transmitting holes 25 can collectively illuminate the background image 6 in the background display area 5 as a whole.

For the construction of the light guide opening 8, hollow structures 12 protruding from the bottom 24 of the recess 23 can be considered, by means of which hollow structures 12 the cavity of the light guide opening 8 is enclosed. Thus, the bracket 3, the through hole 27, the recess 23, the light hole 25 and the light guide hole 8 in the present embodiment can be manufactured by an integral injection molding process, and the manufacturing material is cheap and the process is simple, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. The shape of the light guide opening 8 can also be designed to fit the shape of the icon 7. In addition to the square shape shown in fig. 4, regular shapes such as circles, ovals, or other irregular shapes are also contemplated.

Fig. 6 shows a front view of a stand of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention. As is clear by comparing the stand 3 shown in fig. 6 with the display film 1 shown in fig. 4, the background display area 5 corresponds to the bottom 24 of the recess 23, and a plurality of light-transmitting holes 25 are uniformly distributed in the bottom 24 of the recess 23. Furthermore, each further icon 21 also corresponds to one through hole 27. Seven smaller icons in the group 11' of digital icons shaped as the number 8 are also provided with correspondingly shaped seven through holes 27.

Fig. 7 showsbase:Sub>A perspective view ofbase:Sub>A stand ofbase:Sub>A display device according tobase:Sub>A third embodiment of the present invention, cut alongbase:Sub>A cutting linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A. As can be seen, light guide hole 8 is surrounded by hollow structure 12 protruding from bottom 24 of recess 23, and light guide hole 8 extends from top 11 of light guide hole 8 to bottom 19 of holder 3. The light transmission hole 25 penetrates from the bottom 24 of the recess 23 to the bottom surface 19 of the holder 3. The through-hole 27 extends from the top surface 13 to the bottom surface 19 of the holder 3. From this figure, it can be seen that the height relationship of the light guide holes 8, the light transmission holes 25 and the through holes 27: the height of the light guide hole 8 is greater than the height of the light transmission hole 25 and less than the height of the through hole 27. The height of each bore is measured in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 13 of the carrier 3, i.e. in the vertical direction.

Fig. 7 also shows that the recess 23 is designed to taper in the direction of the base 19 of the holder 3. This means that the area of the recess 23 tapers from the top surface 13 of the carrier 3 to the bottom 24 of the recess 23, for which purpose a ramp 29 is formed in the recess 23, which slopes toward the bottom 24 of the recess 23. The demolding of the carrier 3 is facilitated by means of this ramp 29 when it is injection molded.

Fig. 8 showsbase:Sub>A cross-sectional view ofbase:Sub>A stand ofbase:Sub>A display device according tobase:Sub>A third embodiment of the invention, taken along section linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A. The heights measured in the vertical direction are marked in fig. 8, respectively: the height of the support 3 is marked with h; the height of the through hole 27 is marked with h 1; the height of the light-transmitting hole 25 is marked by h 2; the height of the light guide hole 8 is marked with h 3. This is clearly shown in fig. 8: the height h of the support 3 is equal to the height h1 of the through hole 27, and the height h3 of the light guide hole 8 is greater than the height h2 of the light transmission hole 25 and less than the height h1 of the through hole 27 or the height h of the support 3. It is advantageously provided that the height h3 of the light-guiding opening 8 is 0.8 to 3mm, in particular 1mm, smaller than the height h1 of the through-opening 27.

In addition, it is also shown in fig. 8 that the plane 30 in which the bottom ends of the light-transmitting holes 25 and the light-guiding holes 8 are located is slightly raised with respect to the bottom 19 of the holder 3. This prevents the support 3 from being difficult to be attached in a planar manner due to unevenness of the circuit board 2 caused by manufacturing tolerances, and also prevents the support 3 from pressing or rubbing the wiring for the light-emitting elements on the circuit board 2.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a stand of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, cut along a cut line B-B. The plane 30 in which the bottom ends of the light guide holes 8 and the light transmission holes 25 are located is shown more clearly in this figure as slightly raised relative to the bottom 19 of the holder 3. Furthermore, it can be seen that the light guide opening 8 is also formed so as to taper in the direction of the bottom 19 of the holder 3. This means that the dimensions of the light guide opening 8 taper from its top end 11 to the bottom 19 or plane 20 of the holder 3. For this purpose, a further ramp 31 is formed in the light guide opening 8, which slopes toward the plane 30. The further ramp 31 will also facilitate its removal from the mold during injection molding of the carrier 3.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a stand of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Here, the rack 3 has substantially the same structure as that of the rack in the third embodiment shown in fig. 6 to 9, however, differs in that one light guide bar 16 is provided corresponding to each icon 7. The light guide bar 16 is here arranged on the bottom surface 24 of the recess 23. Below light guide 16, light from second light emitting element 18 is also coupled to the lower end of light guide 16 using light transmissive holes 25 on bottom surface 24. Furthermore, not illustrated, the light guide bar 16 may also be provided directly in a through hole in the recess 23, i.e., the recess 23 is provided with a through hole corresponding to each icon 7, into which the light guide bar 16 is fitted. The tip 17 of the light guide 16 thus positioned is also spaced apart from the display film 1 by a gap 20. Preferably, the gap 20 can have a dimension s of between 0.8 and 3mm, in particular 1mm. In order to fix light guide bar 16 in recess 23, light guide bar 16 may be bonded, snapped, welded, or riveted to bottom surface 24 of recess 23 or to the through-hole of recess 23, for example. In addition to this, it is also conceivable to connect the light guide column 16 to the rack 3 using a connecting rib, not shown, or to connect a plurality of light guide columns 16 to each other via a connecting rib.

Of course, the recess 23 in the third and fourth embodiments may be omitted, and as shown in fig. 1 to 3, for example, the light guide hole 8 in the third embodiment or the light guide post 16 in the fourth embodiment is separately formed in the hollow portion of the holder 3 configured corresponding to the background display region 5. In this case, the through-opening 27 is likewise formed integrally on the carrier 3, while the light-conducting opening 8 or the light-conducting rod 16 is connected to the through-opening 27 and/or the carrier 3 by the aforementioned fastening means.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a display film of a display device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The display film 1 shown in the figure is provided with a pair of hanging lugs 32 for attaching to the side edges of the stand 3, thereby enlarging the attachment area of the display film 1 to the stand 3. As shown in fig. 11, two hangers 32 are projected from both long sides of the display film 1 to be opposed to each other. By attaching such a hanging lug 32 to the side edge 14 of the support 3, the display film 1 is tightened on the support 3, whereby the background display area 5 of the display film 1 can be caused to collapse toward the recess 23 against an external force. Also shown in fig. 11 are a plurality of breakpoints P cut between the hangers 32 and the display film 1. By setting these break points P, the base material having a certain hardness of the display film 1 can be bent more accurately and easily. The plurality of break points P may be cut by a break point knife or a laser.

In order to better support the display film 1 on the support 3, it is conceivable to fill the through-hole 15 or the recess 23 of the support 3 with a light-transmitting plate in addition to the embodiment shown in fig. 11, so as to prevent the display film 1 from collapsing when an external force is applied to the background display region 5. The light-transmitting plate may be supported on the circuit board 2 or the bottom surface 24 of the recess 23, and may have a structure in which the light guide hole 8 or the light guide pillar 15 is avoided, whereby the display film 1 can be supported well in the background display region 5. It is also preferred that the light-transmitting plate is constructed with a dome-shaped recess for the first light-emitting element 4 or a protrusion protruding into the light-transmitting hole 25.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a human-computer interaction device, according to an embodiment of the invention. The human-computer interaction device 100 here comprises a display means 10 and touch and/or proximity sensing means. In fig. 12, the touch and/or proximity sensor device is configured as a touch sensor layer 33, and the touch sensor layer 33 is, for example, bonded to or printed on the display film 1 of the display device 10. In fig. 12, it is shown that the touch sensing layer 33 is positioned at the lower side of the display film 1, but it is also conceivable to place it at the upper side of the display film 1.

Without being limited thereto, the touch and/or proximity sensing device may be configured as an infrared type sensing device, a capacitive type sensing device, a resistive type sensing device, an inductive type sensing device, a pressure type sensing device, an acoustic wave type sensing device, or the like.

Fig. 12 also shows that, in the assembled state of the display device 10 or of the human-computer interaction device 100, the base 24 of the recess 23 of the display device 10 is approximately flush with the first light-emitting element 4 on the circuit board 2, here slightly shorter than the base 24 of the recess 23 or than the light-transmitting opening 25. Thereby, the first light emitting element 4 can be projected into the recess 23 at a large radiation angle, thereby illuminating the background image 6 having a relatively large area.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that may fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. The positional references selected in the description, such as, for example, upper, lower, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and to the illustrated drawings and can be transferred to new positions in the event of a change in position.

The features disclosed in the present document can be essential for the implementation of the embodiments in terms of different embodiments and can be implemented both individually and in any combination.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and any person skilled in the art can use the above-mentioned method and technical contents to make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, therefore, any simple modification, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments by the technical substance of the present invention all belong to the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device (10) for a household appliance, the display device comprising:

the display film (1) is provided,

a circuit board (2) provided with light-emitting elements, and

a support (3) arranged between the display film (1) and the circuit board (2),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the display film (1) has a background display area (5) for displaying a background image (6), which can be illuminated jointly by a plurality of first (4) of the light-emitting elements, at least one icon (7) being provided in the background display area (5), a light-guiding structure being provided corresponding to each of the at least one icon (7) for guiding light emitted by at least one second (18) of the light-emitting elements towards the icon (7), and the height of the light-guiding structure being smaller than the height of the holder (3) so that the tip of the light-guiding structure is spaced apart from the display film (1).

2. A display device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light guiding structure is configured as a light guiding hole (8) and/or a light guiding post (16).

3. A display device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the light guiding hole (8) is constituted by a hollow structure (12) made of an opaque or translucent material and/or the light guiding pole (16) is made of a transparent material.

4. The display device (10) of claim 3 wherein said second light emitting element (18) is housed within said light guide (16).

5. A display device (10) as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a through-opening (15) or a recess (23) is formed in the holder (3) in correspondence with the background display area (5), in the bottom surface (24) of which recess a light-transmitting hole (25) is provided for the first light-emitting element (4), and in that the height of the light-transmitting hole (25) is smaller than the height of the light-guiding structure.

6. A display device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the light guiding structure is connected to the circuit board (2) or to the recess (23), or wherein the light guiding structure is connected to the holder (3) by means of connecting ribs or is integrally formed with the holder (3).

7. A display device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top end of the light guiding structure is spaced from the display film (1) by a distance of between 0.8 and 3 mm.

8. A display device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top end of the light guiding structure is spaced from the display film (1) by a distance of 1mm.

9. The display device (10) according to claim 5, wherein a light transmitting plate is filled in the through portion (15) or the recessed portion (23) of the holder (3).

10. A display device (10) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the light-transmitting plate is constructed with a dome-shaped recess for the first light-emitting element (4) or a projection projecting into the light-transmitting aperture (25).

11. A display device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said display film (1) is provided with at least one pair of lugs (32) for attachment to the side edges of said support (3).

12. A display device (10) according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of interruptions (P) are cut between the ears (32) and the display film (1).

13. Display device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a further icon (21) is provided outside the background display area (5) which can be lit up individually.

14. A display device (10) as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that a further light-conducting structure is assigned to the further icon (21), which further light-conducting structure bears against the display film (1).

15. Display device (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switching, brightness and/or color of the first light emitting element (4) and/or the second light emitting element (18) is adjustable.

16. The display device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display film (1) is a color film; and/or the support (3) is designed as an injection-molded part.

17. A human-computer interaction device (100) for a household appliance, characterized in that said human-computer interaction device (100) comprises:

display device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16; and

touch and/or proximity sensing devices.

18. A human-computer interaction device (100) according to claim 17,

the touch and/or proximity sensing means is a touch sensing layer (33) applied or printed to a display film (1) of the display device (10); and/or

The touch and/or proximity sensing device is configured as an infrared sensing device, a capacitive sensing device, a resistive sensing device, an inductive sensing device, a pressure sensing device, or an acoustic wave sensing device.

19. A household appliance, characterized in that it comprises a display device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16 or a human-computer interaction device (100) according to claim 17 or 18.

20. The household appliance of claim 19, wherein the household appliance is an air conditioner, a range hood, a stove, a water heater, a refrigerator, an oven, a dishwasher, a food processor, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a stereo, a television, an intelligent faucet, or an intelligent toilet.