JP2001060068A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the leakage of light emitted from an LED lamp without requiring a high cost nor lowering the luminance of the LED lamp. SOLUTION: This display device is equipped with a display panel having plural arranged light transmissive display parts and plural LED lamps 25a to 25c provided corresponding to the respective light transmissive display parts. In the device, by providing prisms 29a and 29b between the lamps 25a to 25c, the light going toward the adjacent light transmissive display part out of the light emitted from the lamps 25a to 25c is diffracted or dispersed and reflected by prisms 29a and 29b so that it does not reach the adjacent light transmissive display part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device having a plurality of translucent display portions arranged side by side.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, refrigerators have been provided with a display device for displaying whether or not a desired operation is to be performed in an internal refrigerator, freezer, ice making device, or the like.

In this device, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of translucent display sections 2 are provided side by side on a display panel 1.
A plurality of LED lamps 3 are provided on the back side of each of the translucent display sections 2, and each light emitted from each of the LED lamps 3 corresponds to an operation of an operation switch (not shown). By passing through the translucent display units 2 to the outside individually, the presence or absence of execution of a desired operation for each of the above-described rooms and devices is displayed. However, in this case, when one LED lamp 3 emits light, not only light is emitted from the corresponding translucent display unit 2 but also light reaches the adjacent translucent display unit 2 and leaks. Therefore, there is a possibility that an incorrect display is made.

For this reason, each of the LED lamps 3 is sandwiched between light-shielding walls 4 as shown in FIG. 9 or each of the LED lamps 3 is surrounded by a light-shielding cylinder 5 as shown in FIG. The thickness of the printed layer 1a on the surface of the display panel 1 is increased as shown in FIG. 1 to prevent the light emitted from the LED lamp 3 from leaking from the adjacent translucent display section 2. As a method different from those described above, it is also considered to lower the luminous intensity of the LED lamp 3 to reduce the amount of light leaking from the adjacent translucent display unit 2 from the beginning.

[0005]

FIG. 9 through FIG. 1 described above.
In the case of the method shown in FIG. 1, all of them had a disadvantage that the cost was high. Further, the method of lowering the luminous intensity of the LED lamp 3 has a drawback that the amount of light emitted from the translucent display unit 2 corresponding to the emitted LED lamp 3 is reduced, and the display becomes unclear. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to prevent leakage of light emitted from an LED lamp without increasing the cost and reducing the luminous intensity of the LED lamp. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device capable of preventing the display.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a display device according to the present invention is provided with a display panel having a plurality of translucent display portions arranged side by side and corresponding to each of the translucent display portions. And a plurality of LED lamps, wherein a prism is provided between the LED lamps (the invention of claim 1). According to this, of the light emitted from the LED lamp, the light directed toward the adjacent translucent display section is refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prism, and does not reach the adjacent translucent display section.

In this case, if there are a plurality of prisms, the directions of the plurality of prisms should be the same (the invention of claim 2). By doing so, the direction of refraction of light by the prisms is the same in the plurality of prisms, and consideration for refracted light is facilitated.

Further, in the case where there are a plurality of prisms and a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of prisms formed integrally with the prisms by a light transmitting material, the connecting portion is positioned between the prisms to form a step. It is preferable to provide a portion (the invention of claim 3). In this case, the plurality of prisms can be formed more easily than forming the plurality of prisms one by one. In addition, of the plurality of prisms integrally formed, of the light refracted by one prism, the light that has entered the connecting portion is directed to another prism through the connecting portion, but a step portion exists in the middle thereof. The amount of light that passes through this step and passes through another prism and leaks from another translucent display unit can be reduced.

Further, it is preferable that the width of the prism is larger than the width of the LED lamp. In this device, more of the light emitted from the LED lamp can be refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prism. In addition, the height of the prism is preferably larger than the height of the LED lamp (the invention of claim 5). Even in this case, more of the light emitted from the LED lamp can be refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prism.

Preferably, a plurality of prisms are provided between the LED lamps (the invention of claim 6). In this device, even if there is light that has passed through the LED lamp that emitted light without being refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the nearest prism, it is refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the next prism, and is transmitted to the adjacent prism. It does not reach the optical display.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention applied to a display device of a refrigerator will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 shows a portion where the display device 12 of the refrigerator 11 exists, and the refrigerator 1
1, a refrigerator compartment 14 is formed at the top of the main body cabinet 13, and a vegetable compartment, an ice making compartment, a switching compartment, and a freezing compartment (not shown) are formed below the refrigerator compartment 14. Further, the main body cabinet 13 is provided with a refrigerator compartment door 15, a vegetable compartment door 16, and an ice making compartment door, a switching compartment door, and a freezing compartment door (not shown), corresponding to each of the above rooms. A display device 12 and a handle 17 are provided at a lower portion of the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 15 on the opposite side (left side in the figure) to the pivot portion side.

The handle 17 is of a type in which a user inserts his / her finger between the handle 17 and a recess 18 formed in the front part of the refrigerator compartment door 15 corresponding to the lower part, and the operator puts the inserted finger and pulls it. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment door 15 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 12 has a mounting plate 19 mounted on the bottom of the recess 18 of the refrigerator compartment door 15.
And a wiring board 2 attached to the front side (upper side in FIG. 3)
0, an intermediate member 21 disposed on the front side (same as above) of the wiring board 20, and a display panel 22 covering a part of the intermediate member 21 as main components. It has a large number of electronic components necessary to implement it.

The electronic components include, as operation switches operated by the user, a tact switch 23a for rapidly cooling the refrigerator compartment 14 ("flash refrigeration"), and an ice making mechanism (also shown in the drawing) existing in the ice making compartment. And a tact switch 23c for rapid ice making ("blow icing") and a tact switch 23c for rapid cooling of the freezing room ("blow icing"). Substrate 2
In the upper and lower middle portions of 0, they are arranged in a line in the left and right lateral directions.

As other operation switches, a tact switch 24a for adjusting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 14;
There is a tact switch 24b for setting the specification (temperature zone) of the switching room and a tact switch 24c for adjusting the temperature of the freezing room.
Are arranged in a line in the vertical direction on the upper right side.

LED lamps 25a to 25c are provided above each of the tact switches 23a to 23b, and these are arranged in a row in the left and right lateral directions in parallel with the rows of the tact switches 23a to 23b. Matching. In addition,
In this case, the LED lamp 25a is
L indicates that an operation for rapidly cooling the refrigerator compartment 14 is to be executed based on the operation of L.
The ED lamp 25b indicates that an operation for causing the ice making mechanism in the ice making chamber to make rapid ice is performed based on the operation of the tact switch 23b, and the LED lamp 25c indicates that the tact switch 23c is operated. This indicates that an operation for rapidly cooling the freezer is performed based on the above.

In addition, a liquid crystal display 26 is mounted on the wiring board 20.
Displays the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 14, displays the degree of temperature adjustment of the refrigerator compartment 14 in response to the operation of the tact switch 24a, and switches the room in response to the operation of the tact switch 24b. Display the setting specifications of
In addition to displaying the temperature of the freezer, the tact switch 24c
Is operated to display the degree of temperature adjustment of the freezer compartment in response to the operation of the. Further, a component 42 constituting a control device is mounted on the wiring board 20, and by the control device,
Each operation and each display of the refrigerator are executed.

On the other hand, the intermediate member 21 includes switch operators 27a to 27c and switch operators 28a to 28a.
8c, the prisms 29a and 29b, the frame portion 30, and a number of protrusions 31 corresponding to legs are connected by a runner 32,
It is integrally formed of a translucent material, for example, a transparent plastic, and when it is arranged on the wiring board 20, the switch operators 27a to 27c are connected to the tact switches 23a to 23c.
And the switch operators 28a to 28c correspond to the tact switches 24a to 24c. Therefore, the tact switches 23a to 23c and 24a to 24c can be individually pressed by the switch operators 27a to 27c and 28a to 28c. Like that. Also, prism 2
9a and 29b are positioned between the LED lamps 25a to 25c (see FIG. 1), and the liquid crystal display 26 is surrounded by a frame portion 30. In this state, the tip of the projection 31 contacts the front surface of the wiring board 20. In contact.

Here, the LED lamps 25a to 25c are
As shown by one of them (LED lamp 25a) in FIG. 4, an LED chip made of GaP, GaAsP, GaAlAs or the like is sealed with a transparent resin or the like, and a pair of leads are formed from the resin sealing portion 33. The width w2 and the height h2 of the prisms 29a and 29b are both larger than the overall width w1 and the height h1 on the wiring board 20. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the prisms 29a and 29b have the same orientation, and in particular, are oriented downward facing the liquid crystal display 26 side.

The display panel 22 includes switch operation units 35a to 35c, switch operation units 36a to 36c,
It has a transparent window 37 and translucent display portions 38a to 38c. The switch operation portions 35a to 35c correspond to the switch operators 27a to 27c of the intermediate member 21, and the switch operation portions 36a to 36c are switched. At the same time, the transparent window 37 is made to correspond to the liquid crystal display 26, and the translucent display parts 38a to 38c are made to correspond to the LED lamps 25a to 25c. I have.

In addition, the display panel 22 is located immediately above the switch operating sections 35a to 35c (the translucent display section 38).
a to 38c), there are character displays 39a to 39c indicating the execution contents of the operation by those operations (the above-mentioned "at-a-time refrigeration", "at-a-time ice making", and "at-a-time freezing"), and the switch operation "Refrigerator room" on each surface of the parts 36a to 36c,
A print layer 41 having character displays 40a to 40c indicating the names of the "switch room" and "freezer room" is provided as shown in FIG.

Accordingly, in the case of this configuration, when the switch operating section 35a is pressed, the tact switch 23a is pressed via the switch operating element 27a, thereby rapidly cooling the refrigerator compartment 14 ("one-time refrigeration"). Is performed. At this time, the LED lamp 25a emits light, and the light exits through the translucent display unit 38a.
The execution of the operation for rapidly cooling the refrigerator compartment 14 is displayed.

On the other hand, if the switch operating section 35b is pressed, the tact switch 23b is pressed via the switch operator 27b, whereby the ice making mechanism is made to make rapid ice making ("one-time ice making"). At this time, the LED lamp 25b emits light, and the light goes out through the translucent display portion 38b, thereby indicating that the ice making mechanism is performing an operation for making ice rapidly (“all-at-a-time ice making”). You.

Further, when the switch operating section 35c is pressed, the tact switch 23c is pressed through the switch operating element 27c, whereby an operation for rapidly cooling the freezer compartment ("all-at-a-time freezing") is executed. At this time, the LED lamp 25c emits light and the light goes out through the translucent display unit 38c, thereby indicating that the operation for rapidly cooling the freezer compartment is performed.

In addition, when the switch operating section 36a is pressed, the tact switch 24a is pressed through the switch operating element 28a to change the temperature control degree of the refrigerator compartment 14, and the changed refrigerator compartment 14 is changed. The temperature control degree of 14 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 26, which can be seen through the transparent window 37.

When the switch operation section 36b is pressed, the tact switch 24b is pressed through the switch operator 28b to change the setting specification of the switching room, and the changed setting specification of the switching room is changed. This is displayed on the liquid crystal display 26, and this is seen through the transparent window 37.

Further, when the switch operation part 36c is pressed, the tact switch 24c is pressed through the switch operation member 28c, thereby changing the degree of temperature control of the freezer compartment. The degree is displayed on the liquid crystal display 26, which is visible through the transparent window 37.

Now, as described above, the LED lamps 25a-
When the light 25c emits light, of the emitted light, the light directed to the direction of the adjacent translucent display unit is turned into prisms 29a and 29b.
And does not reach the adjacent translucent display section. FIG.
This is represented by the case where the LED lamp 25b emits light. Of the light emitted by the LED lamp 25b, the light L1, L2 directed toward the adjacent translucent display portions 38a, 38c.
2 is a prism 29 existing between the LED lamp 25a
a and prism 2 existing between LED lamp 25c
9b are refracted by the respective light-transmitting display portions 38
a, 38c is not reached.

In this case, although not shown, the LED lamp 2
In the case where the LED 5a emits light, of the light emitted from the LED lamp 25a, the light directed toward the adjacent translucent display portion 38b is the prism 29 existing between the LED lamp 25b and the prism 29.
The light is refracted by a and does not reach the adjacent translucent display portion 38b.

In the case where the LED lamp 25c emits light, of the light emitted from the LED lamp 25c, the light directed toward the adjacent translucent display portion 38b is the LED lamp 2c.
5b is refracted by the prism 29b existing between
It does not reach the adjacent translucent display portion 38b. In addition, the effects of the prisms 29a and 29b include dispersing light,
It also has the effect of reflecting light,
Light emitted from any of the D lamps 25a to 25c is prevented from reaching the adjacent translucent display unit.

As described above, according to the present configuration, of the light emitted from the LED lamps 25a to 25c, the light directed toward the adjacent translucent display section is refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prisms 29a and 29b. It does not reach the adjacent translucent display section. Thus, it is possible to prevent light from leaking from the adjacent translucent display portion and to prevent an erroneous display. In this case, the LED lamp 25a
25c to 25c, which are formed between the prisms 29a and 29b, respectively.
c is sandwiched between light shielding walls, or the LED lamp 25a
Since it is not necessary to surround each of 〜25c with a light-shielding cylinder and furthermore, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the print layer 41 of the display panel 22, the cost can be reduced.

In this case, the LED lamps 25a to 25a
Since it is not necessary to lower the luminous intensity of c, a large amount of light that can be properly emitted from the translucent display unit corresponding to the emitted LED lamp can be secured, and the display can be made clear.

In addition, in the case of this configuration, the directions of the plurality of prisms 29a and 29b are the same, whereby the direction of refraction of light by the prisms 29a and 29b is not the same direction by the plurality of prisms 29a and 29b. Further, for example, as described above, since the liquid crystal display 26 can be directed downward, it is not necessary to take measures to prevent light from leaking from the transparent window 37 of the display panel 22. It can be done easily.

In addition, the prisms 29a and 29b have a width w
2 is larger than the width w1 of the LED lamps 25a to 25c, so that more of the light emitted from the LED lamps 25a to 25c can be refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prisms 29a and 29b. In addition, it is possible to more reliably prevent light from leaking from the adjacent translucent display section.

Further, the prisms 29a and 29b have a height h.
2 is larger than the height h1 of the LED lamps 25a to 25c.
more of the light emitted by the prisms 29a and 29b
Can be refracted, dispersed or reflected by
Leakage of light from the adjacent translucent display portion can be more reliably prevented.

6 and 7 show the second and third embodiments of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, respectively, and will be described. Omitted, and only different parts will be described. [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the above-mentioned runner 32 corresponding to the connecting portion connecting the plurality of prisms 29a and 29b is replaced with a prism 29a, a transparent material.
In the one formed integrally with 29b, a runner 32 is provided with a step 51 located between the prisms 29a and 29b.

In this case, first, a plurality of prisms 29
Since a and 29b are connected and formed integrally by the runner 32, the formation can be performed more easily than forming each one separately. Further, of the plurality of prisms 29a and 29b integrally formed, of the light refracted by one prism, the light entering the runner 32 made of a light-transmitting material may travel to another prism through the runner 32. However, the presence of the step 51 in the middle thereof
A large amount of light is transmitted through the step portion 51, and the amount of light that leaks from another translucent display portion through another prism can be reduced. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent leakage of light from the adjacent translucent display portion.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of, in this case, two prisms 61a, 61 are provided between each of the LED lamps 25a to 25c.
The number of prisms is increased so that b and 61c, 61d are located.

By doing so, the emitted L
Light that has passed through the ED lamp without being refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the nearest prism can be refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the next prism so that it does not reach the adjacent translucent display section. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent light from leaking from the adjacent translucent display portion.

In this case, the intermediate member 21 is provided with the light guide 6 along with the prisms 61a to 61d having the above-mentioned number.
2a to 62c are also integrally formed.
Reference numerals a to 62c denote tubes each covering the LED lamps 25a to 25c, and light emitted from each of the LED lamps 25a to 25c is transmitted to a corresponding one of the translucent display portions 38a to 38c.
Each end face has notches 63a to 63c for increasing brightness.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In particular, as a whole, electric devices other than refrigerators, and those which can be widely applied as general display devices of the devices. In addition, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0043]

The present invention is as described above.
The following effects are obtained. According to the display device of the first aspect, L
Of the light emitted by the ED lamp, light directed toward the adjacent translucent display section can be refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the prism so as not to reach the adjacent translucent display section.
Leakage of the light emitted from the ED lamp from the adjacent translucent display portion can be prevented by a structure that does not increase the cost and does not obscure the display.

According to the display device of the second aspect, the directions of refraction of light by the plurality of prisms can be made the same direction, and consideration for the refracted light can be facilitated. According to the display device of the third aspect, not only can a plurality of prisms be easily formed, but also, in particular, light from one prism toward another prism through a connecting portion that connects the plurality of prisms is generated. Leakage from another translucent display section through the prism can be reduced, and light leakage from the adjacent translucent display section can be more reliably prevented.

According to the display device of the fourth aspect, more of the light emitted from the LED lamp can be refracted, dispersed or reflected by the prism, and the leakage of light from the adjacent translucent display portion can be achieved. Can be more reliably prevented. According to the display device of claim 5, the light emitted from the LED lamp is
More can be refracted, dispersed, or reflected by the prism, and light leakage from the adjacent translucent display portion can be more reliably prevented.

According to the display device of the sixth aspect, the emitted L
For the ED lamp, the light that passed through without being refracted or dispersed or reflected by the nearest prism can be refracted or dispersed and reflected by the next prism so that it does not reach the adjacent translucent display unit, Leakage of light from the adjacent translucent display portion can be more reliably prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion where a display device of the refrigerator exists.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part with a display panel, a handle, and an intermediate member removed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a dimensional relationship between an LED lamp and a prism.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a conventional example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a different conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a different conventional example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a different conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 is a display device, 22 is a display panel, 25a to 25c are LED lamps, 29a and 29b are prisms, 32 is a runner (connecting portion), 38a to 38c are translucent display portions, and w1 is L
ED lamp width, w2 is the prism width, h1 is the LED lamp height, h2 is the prism height, 51 is the step, 61
Reference numerals a to 61d denote prisms.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A display device comprising: a display panel having a plurality of translucent display portions arranged side by side; and a plurality of LED lamps provided corresponding to each of the translucent display portions. A display device, comprising: a prism. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of prisms exist, and the directions of the plurality of prisms are the same. 3. A plurality of prisms, and a connecting portion for connecting the plurality of prisms is formed integrally with the prisms by using a light transmitting material. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the prism is larger than the width of the LED lamp. 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the prism is greater than the height of the LED lamp. 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of prisms are provided between the LED lamps.