JP2019154859A - Operation display device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve visibility of an operation display device at low cost.SOLUTION: An operation display panel includes: an operation part for operating equipment; and a display part for displaying information regarding the equipment. A light guide plate is formed by a light transmissive material and arranged by being overlapped with the operation display panel. A light source radiates light toward the inside of the light guide plate from an end surface of the light guide plate. A control part controls the light source. The light guide plate includes a plurality of prisms. The plurality of prisms display a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate by reflecting the light from the light source. The control part controls the light source and switches the display of the predetermined pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation display device.

  An operation display device for operating a device is provided with a display unit for displaying information related to the device. For example, the operation display device of Patent Document 1 includes a liquid crystal panel. In Patent Document 1, a liquid crystal panel is provided in a washing machine, and displays a set time of each process of washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying, an operation course, and the like. In addition, it is described that the color of the backlight is changed for each stroke in order to improve the visibility of the liquid crystal panel.

  The operation display device of Patent Document 2 includes a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying a plurality of types of operation screens. The liquid crystal panel is a touch operation type panel and can change an operation screen to be displayed according to the touch operation.

JP 2013-94218 A JP 2014-033846 A

  In the operation display device of Patent Document 1, the liquid crystal panel is a simple liquid crystal display by a segment method. For this reason, the content of the display and its position are fixed. Therefore, in order to include a plurality of displays within a limited range in the liquid crystal panel, the number of displays and the size of each display are limited. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the visibility of the display in the liquid crystal panel.

  If it is a liquid crystal panel like patent document 2, various displays can be switched and displayed. Therefore, visibility can be easily improved. However, a liquid crystal panel having a high degree of freedom of display as in Patent Document 2 is expensive.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the visibility of an operation display device at low cost.

  One embodiment of the present disclosure is an operation display device for operating an apparatus, and includes an operation display panel, a light guide plate, a light source, and a control unit. The operation display panel includes an operation unit for operating the device and a display unit for displaying information on the device. The light guide plate is made of a translucent material and is disposed so as to overlap the operation display panel. The light source irradiates light from the end face of the light guide plate toward the inside of the light guide plate. The control unit controls the light source. The light guide plate includes a plurality of prisms. The plurality of prisms display a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate by reflecting light from the light source. The control unit controls the light source to switch display of a predetermined pattern.

  In the operation display device according to this aspect, it is possible to display a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate arranged so as to overlap the operation display panel. Further, the operation display panel can be easily visually recognized by not displaying the predetermined pattern when unnecessary. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the size and position of the pattern displayed on the light guide plate is high. Therefore, visibility can be improved easily. The predetermined pattern displayed on the light guide plate can be adjusted by the shape and arrangement of the prisms. Therefore, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a liquid crystal panel having a high degree of display freedom is used.

  The predetermined pattern may be displayed so as to overlap at least a part of the display unit. In this case, the pattern can be displayed in a large and conspicuous manner regardless of the arrangement of the display unit.

  The control unit may switch between display and non-display of a predetermined pattern. In this case, the visibility of the operation display panel can be prevented from being hindered by hiding the pattern when unnecessary.

  The control unit may switch display of a predetermined pattern in accordance with the operation of the operation unit. In this case, the user can easily understand the operation of the operation unit visually.

  The predetermined pattern may highlight at least a part of the display unit. In this case, the visibility of at least a part of the display unit can be improved by the predetermined pattern displayed on the light guide plate.

  The predetermined pattern may include a character, symbol, or icon larger than the character, symbol, or icon included in the display unit. In this case, it is possible to display on the light guide plate a character, symbol, or icon having higher visibility than the character, symbol, or icon included in the display unit.

  The predetermined pattern may include a plurality of mode displays indicating the operation mode of the device. The control unit may switch the mode display according to the operation mode of the device. In this case, the user can easily grasp the operation mode of the device visually.

  The predetermined pattern may include a plurality of warning indications. The control unit may switch the warning display according to the state of the device. In this case, the user can easily grasp the state of the device visually.

  The predetermined pattern may include a parameter display indicating a predetermined parameter related to the device. The control unit may switch the parameter display according to the change of the parameter. In this case, the user can easily grasp the change of the parameter visually.

  The parameter display may include a plurality of segments. The plurality of prisms may be arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of segments. The control unit may display the parameter by switching between display and non-display of each of the plurality of segments. In this case, the user can easily grasp the change of the parameter visually by displaying and not displaying the plurality of segments.

  The parameter display may include a 7 segment display. The control unit may display the parameters numerically by 7-segment display. In this case, the user can easily grasp the change of the parameter visually by the numerical value by the 7-segment display.

  The predetermined pattern may include a first parameter display indicating a first parameter related to the device and a second parameter display indicating a second parameter different from the first parameter. The control unit may switch and display the first parameter display and the second parameter display. In this case, the first parameter display and the second parameter display which are different from each other can be switched and displayed as necessary.

  The display unit may include a liquid crystal display. The predetermined pattern may be displayed over the liquid crystal display. In this case, the display on the liquid crystal display can be assisted by a predetermined pattern. Therefore, even if a low-cost liquid crystal display is used, the degree of freedom of display can be improved.

  The display unit may include a plurality of print displays. The predetermined pattern may include a plurality of irradiation patterns corresponding to a plurality of print displays. The control unit may irradiate at least one selected from the plurality of print displays by displaying at least one of the plurality of irradiation patterns. In this case, at least one selected from a plurality of print displays can be highlighted and displayed. Further, the cost can be reduced as compared with a device that emits a light source such as a diode corresponding to the indicator selected from the back side of the printed display.

  The light source may emit light of a color different from the display color of the display unit. In this case, display on the display unit can be assisted by the color of the predetermined pattern. Therefore, even when a low-cost display unit, for example, a monochrome display unit is used, the degree of freedom of display can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the visibility of the operation display device can be improved at low cost.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of an operation display apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a light-guide plate. It is a perspective view which shows the shape of a prism. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st pattern displayed on a light-guide plate. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd pattern displayed on a light-guide plate. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 6th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 7th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 8th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 9th example of a display with an operation display panel and a light-guide plate display. It is a perspective view which shows the washing machine which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a perspective view which shows the fan heater which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of the prism which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the light source which concerns on other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an operation display device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation display device 1. The operation display device 1 includes an operation display panel 2 and a light guide plate display 3. The operation display panel 2 includes an operation unit 4 and a display unit 5. The operation unit 4 is a switch for operating a device provided with the operation display device 1. The display unit 5 displays information related to the device.

  The light guide plate display 3 includes a light guide plate 10, a plurality of light sources 11 and 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The light guide plate 10 is disposed so as to overlap the operation display panel 2. The light guide plate 10 is disposed so as to overlap the display unit 5. The light guide plate 10 is made of a translucent material. The light guide plate 10 is formed of a transparent resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, or cycloolefin polymer.

  The plurality of light sources 11 and 12 irradiate light from the end face of the light guide plate 10 toward the inside of the light guide plate 10. The plurality of light sources 11 and 12 include a first light source 11 and a second light source 12. The light sources 11 and 12 are light emitting diodes, for example. However, a light source other than the light emitting diode may be used. The light sources 11 and 12 are turned on or off according to a control signal from the control unit 13.

  The control unit 13 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 14 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The control unit 13 controls the light sources 11 and 12 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 14.

  The light guide plate 10 includes a plurality of prisms 20 that display a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the light guide plate 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the prism 20 is provided on the back surface 15 of the light guide plate 10. The prism 20 is arranged to display a predetermined pattern on the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10 by reflecting light from the light source 11 or 12 toward the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10. In the drawing, since the prism 20 is highlighted, it is different from the actual size.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the prism 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the prism 20 is a triangular pyramid-shaped groove. The prism 20 includes a reflection surface 201 and diffusion surfaces 202 and 203. The reflection surface 201 is disposed so as to totally reflect light from a specific light source (one of the light sources 11 and 12) and emit the light from the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10 within a predetermined visual field range. The predetermined visual field range is a predetermined angle range based on the normal direction of the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10 and is a range in which the user of the operation display device 1 can visually recognize the pattern of the light guide plate 10. The diffusing surfaces 202 and 203 are arranged so as to reflect the light from other than the specific light source toward the direction outside the predetermined visual field range so that the user cannot visually recognize the light.

  The light guide plate 10 can display a plurality of patterns. The plurality of patterns include, for example, a first pattern 31 shown in FIG. 4 and a second pattern 32 shown in FIG. The plurality of prisms 20 of the light guide plate 10 include a plurality of first prisms 21 shown in FIG. 4 and a plurality of second prisms 22 shown in FIG. The plurality of first prisms 21 are arranged along the first pattern 31. The plurality of second prisms 22 are arranged along the second pattern 32. In the drawing, only a part of the first prism 21 and the second prism 22 are denoted by reference numerals.

  The first prism 21 is arranged so as to reflect the light from the first light source 11 and display the first pattern 31 on the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10. The second prism 22 is arranged so as to reflect the light from the second light source 12 and display the second pattern 32 on the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10.

  The control unit 13 controls the turning on and off of the first light source 11 and the second light source 12, and switches the display between the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32. The first light source 11 is turned on and the second light source 12 is turned off. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, only the first pattern 31 is displayed on the light guide plate 10. When the control unit 13 turns on the second light source 12 and turns off the first light source 11, only the second pattern 32 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG.

  When the control unit 13 turns off both the first light source 11 and the second light source 12, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are not displayed. When the control unit 13 lights both the first light source 11 and the second light source 12, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are displayed on the light guide plate 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the light guide plate 10. However, in the light guide plate 10, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 may be arranged apart from each other.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. The operation unit 4 described above includes a plurality of operation switches 17 and 18. The operation switches 17 and 18 are, for example, push button type switches. The operation switches 17 and 18 may be mechanical switches such as a slide type or a rotary type. The operation switches 17 and 18 may be touch panel switches. The operation switches 17 and 18 include switches for starting processing of devices or inputting device settings. The plurality of operation switches 17 and 18 include a first switch 17 and a second switch 18.

  The display unit 5 includes a liquid crystal display 19. The liquid crystal display 19 is, for example, a 7 segment display. The display unit 5 displays, on the liquid crystal display 19, parameters relating to the device as numerical values. The liquid crystal display 19 displays, for example, parameters related to the device time as numerical values. The liquid crystal display 19 displays, for example, parameters relating to the amount of substance used in the device as numerical values.

  The display unit 5 includes a plurality of print displays 33 and 34. Each of the print displays 33 and 34 corresponds to, for example, a setting assigned to the operation switches 17 and 18. The plurality of print displays 33 and 34 include a first display 33 and a second display 34. The first display 33 corresponds to the first setting assigned to the first switch 17. The second display 34 corresponds to the second setting assigned to the second switch 18.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the light guide plate 10 is disposed on the display portion 5 in an overlapping manner. Since the light guide plate 10 is transparent, if the control unit 13 hides the pattern of the light guide plate 10, the user can visually recognize all the displays on the display unit 5.

  When the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11, the first pattern 31 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. The first pattern 31 is displayed so as to overlap the liquid crystal display 19. Therefore, the first pattern 31 can be displayed so as to be conspicuous by using a wide range of the display unit 5.

  When the control unit 13 turns on the second light source 12, the second pattern 32 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. Similar to the first pattern 31, the second pattern 32 is displayed so as to overlap the liquid crystal display 19. Therefore, it is possible to display the second pattern 32 so as to be conspicuous using the wide range of the display unit 5.

  For example, the first pattern 31 is a display indicating the first setting. When the user presses the first switch 17 and selects the first setting, the control unit 13 displays the first pattern 31 on the light guide plate 10. The first pattern 31 is displayed larger than the first display 33. The second pattern 32 is a display indicating the second setting. When the user presses the second switch 18 to select the second setting, the control unit 13 displays the second pattern 32 on the light guide plate 10. The second pattern 32 is displayed larger than the second display 34.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In FIG. 7A, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are not displayed on the light guide plate 10, as in FIG. 6A. When the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11, the first pattern 31 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. In this example, instead of the printed first display 33 in the first display 33 example, the first pattern 31 is displayed on the light guide plate 10. The first pattern 31 is displayed at a position that does not overlap the liquid crystal display 19. Therefore, the first pattern 31 can be displayed without hindering the display of the liquid crystal display 19.

  When the control unit 13 turns on the second light source 12, the second pattern 32 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. In this example, instead of the printed second display 34 in the first display 33 example, the second pattern 32 is displayed on the light guide plate 10. Similar to the first pattern 31, the second pattern 32 is displayed at a position that does not overlap the liquid crystal display 19. Further, the second pattern 32 is displayed at a position different from that of the first pattern 31. However, as in the first display example, the second pattern 32 may be displayed at a position overlapping the first pattern 31.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In FIG. 8A, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are not displayed on the light guide plate 10 as in FIG. 6A. When the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11, the first pattern 31 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. In this example, the first pattern 31 highlights the printed first display 33. The first pattern 31 highlights the first display 33 by irradiating the position corresponding to the first display 33.

  When the control unit 13 turns on the second light source 12, the second pattern 32 is displayed on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. The second pattern 32 highlights the printed second display 34. The second pattern 32 highlights the second display 34 by irradiating the position corresponding to the second display 34. Note that the light sources 11 and 12 may emit light having a color different from the display color of the display unit 5.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In the fourth display example, the control unit 13 switches the mode display according to the operation mode of the device. The operation mode includes, for example, a first mode and a second mode. In FIG. 9A, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are not displayed on the light guide plate 10 as in FIG. 6A.

  When the operation mode of the device is the first mode, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 13 lights the first light source 11 and causes the light guide plate 10 to display the first pattern 31. When the operation mode of the device is the second mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the control unit 13 lights the second light source 12 and causes the light guide plate 10 to display the second pattern 32. In this example, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are characters indicating the operation mode, but may be symbols or icons.

  The control unit 13 may display a pattern corresponding to the operation mode selected by the operation unit 4 on the light guide plate 10. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may automatically switch the operation mode and display a pattern corresponding to the currently executed operation mode on the light guide plate 10.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fifth display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In the fifth display example, the control unit 13 switches and displays a plurality of warning displays on the light guide plate 10 according to the state of the device. In FIG. 10A, both the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are not displayed on the light guide plate 10 as in FIG. 6A.

  When the state of the device becomes the predetermined first state, the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11 to display the first pattern 31 on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. The first pattern 31 is a warning display corresponding to the first state. When the state of the device becomes the predetermined second state, the control unit 13 turns on the second light source 12 to display the second pattern 32 on the light guide plate 10 as shown in FIG. The second pattern 32 is a warning display corresponding to the second state. The warning display is, for example, a display that prompts the user to respond according to the state of the device. The warning display may be an error code. The warning display is not limited to characters, but may be symbols or icons.

  In the first to fifth display examples, the number of patterns is not limited to two and may be one. Alternatively, the number of patterns may be three or more.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sixth display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In the sixth display example, the predetermined pattern constitutes a 7-segment display. Specifically, the predetermined pattern includes first to seventh patterns 41-47. The light guide plate 10 is provided with a plurality of first to seventh prisms 51 to 57 corresponding to the first to seventh patterns 41 to 47, respectively. The controller 13 displays the device parameters numerically by switching between displaying and hiding each of the first to seventh patterns 41-47. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the light-guide plate display 3 contains the several light source corresponding to each of the 1st-7th patterns 41-47.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11A, when the control unit 13 turns off all of the plurality of light sources, not all patterns are displayed on the light guide plate 10. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the control unit 13 displays part or all of the first to seventh patterns 41 to 47, a numerical value corresponding to the lit pattern is displayed on the light guide plate 10. The control unit 13 displays a pattern corresponding to the numerical value indicated by the device parameter on the light guide plate 10. When the numerical value indicated by the parameter changes, the control unit 13 changes the pattern displayed on the light guide plate 10 in accordance with the changed numerical value. In FIG. 11, a numerical value of one digit is displayed on the light guide plate 10, but a numerical value of two digits or more may be displayed on the light guide plate 10.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a seventh display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In the seventh display example, the plurality of patterns 41 to 43 constitute a plurality of bar-shaped segments. For example, the plurality of patterns include first to third patterns 41-43, and the light guide plate 10 includes a plurality of first to third patterns corresponding to each of the first to third patterns 41-43. Prisms 51-53 are provided. As shown in FIG. 12 (A) to FIG. 12 (C), the control unit 13 switches the display of each of the first to third patterns 41-43 between non-display and the number of segments to be displayed. Display device parameters.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the light-guide plate display 3 contains the some light source corresponding to each of the 1st-3rd patterns 41-43. The number of patterns corresponding to the segment is not limited to three, and may be less than three or more than three.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an eighth display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. In the eighth display example, the plurality of patterns 41 to 46 constitute a plurality of fan-shaped segments. The plurality of fan-shaped segments are circular as a whole. For example, the plurality of patterns 41-46 include first to sixth patterns 41-46. The light guide plate 10 is provided with a plurality of first to sixth prisms 51 to 56 corresponding to the first to sixth patterns 41 to 46, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13 (A) to FIG. 13 (C), the control unit 13 switches the display and non-display of each of the first to sixth patterns 41-46 so that the number of displayed segments is the same. Display device parameters.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the light-guide plate display 3 contains the some light source corresponding to each of the 1st-6th patterns 41-46. The number of patterns corresponding to the segment is not limited to six, and may be less than six or more than six.

  In the sixth to eighth display examples, the parameter may be an elapsed time of the operation of the device or a remaining time, and the control unit 13 displays the parameter on the light guide plate 10 according to the counted values. May be. The parameter may be an amount of a substance used in the device, and may be displayed on the light guide plate 10 by the control unit 13 according to the detected amount of the substance. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may display the numerical value set by the user operating the operation unit 4 on the light guide plate 10.

  The patterns of the light guide plate 10 in the sixth to eighth display examples described above may be selectively displayed on the light guide plate 10 by the control unit 13. For example, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a ninth display example of the operation display panel 2 and the light guide plate display 3. The predetermined pattern may include a first parameter display 35 shown in FIG. 14 (A) and a second parameter display 36 shown in FIG. 14 (B). The first parameter display 35 shows a first parameter related to the device. The second parameter display 36 shows a second parameter different from the first parameter. In this example, the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36 are arranged at positions overlapping each other.

  The first parameter may be a parameter related to the time of the device, for example. The second parameter may be the amount of material used in the instrument. Alternatively, the first parameter and the second parameter may be different types of time. Alternatively, the first parameter and the second parameter may be amounts of different types of substances.

  The control unit 13 switches and displays the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36. The control unit 13 may switch between the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36 according to the operation of the operation unit 4 by the user. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may switch between the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36 according to the determination by the control unit 13.

  Note that the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36 may be arranged at positions that do not overlap each other. The shape of the segment constituting the first parameter display 35 or the second parameter display 36 is not limited to the bar shape as in the seventh display example or the fan shape as in the eighth display example, but may be other shapes. There may be. Alternatively, the first parameter display 35 or the second parameter display 36 may be a 7-segment display. Further, the patterns of the first display 33 to the eighth display example may be combined and displayed on the light guide plate 10.

  In the operation display device 1 according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to display a predetermined pattern on the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10 disposed so as to overlap the operation display panel 2. Further, the operation display panel 2 can be easily visually recognized by not displaying the predetermined pattern when it is unnecessary. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the size and position of the pattern displayed on the light guide plate 10 is high. Therefore, visibility can be improved easily. The predetermined pattern displayed on the light guide plate 10 can be adjusted by the shape and arrangement of the prism 20. Therefore, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a liquid crystal panel having a high degree of display freedom is used.

  Next, an embodiment to which the operation display device is applied will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, an operation display device 1 a is arranged on the upper part of the washing machine 100. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation display device 1a according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the operation display device 1a includes an operation display panel 2a and a light guide plate display 3a. The operation display panel 2a includes an operation unit 4a and a display unit 5a. The operation unit 4a includes a switch for operating the washing machine 100. The switch of the operation unit 4a is a mechanical switch. Alternatively, the switch of the operation unit 4a is a touch panel switch, and a print display indicating the switch may be arranged at a touch position of each switch. The display unit 5a displays information related to the washing machine 100.

  The light guide plate display 3a includes a light guide plate 10a, a plurality of light sources (not shown), a control unit, and a storage unit. The light guide plate 10a is disposed on the operation display panel 2a. About the structure of the light-guide plate display 3a, since it is the same as that of embodiment mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The operation unit 4a includes a power switch 61, a start switch 62, and a plurality of setting switches 63 and 64. The power switch 61 is a switch for switching the power of the washing machine 100 on and off. The start switch 62 is a switch for starting washing by the washing machine 100. The setting switches 63 and 64 include a stroke setting switch 63 and a course setting switch 64.

  The process setting switch 63 is a switch for selecting each process of washing such as “washing”, “rinsing”, and “dehydration”. When there is no individual stroke setting by the stroke setting, when the start switch 62 is operated, each stroke is automatically executed sequentially.

  The course setting switch 64 is a switch for selecting a washing course such as “Random”, “Speed”, and “Wash wash”. After the course is selected by the course setting switch 64, when the start switch 62 is operated, washing is performed according to the selected course.

  The display unit 5 a includes a liquid crystal display 60 and a plurality of print displays 65. The liquid crystal display 60 is a 7-segment display. The liquid crystal display 60 displays the remaining washing time or the amount of water or time set by the user. Each print display 65 corresponds to a course assigned to the course setting switch 64. In the drawing, only a part of the plurality of print displays 65 is given a reference numeral.

  The light guide plate display 3 a includes a first display area 66 and a second display area 67. The first display area 66 is arranged at a position overlapping the liquid crystal display 60 and the print display 65. The second display area 67 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the liquid crystal display 60 and the print display 65.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the light guide plate display 3 a displays the operation mode of the washing machine 100 in the first display area 66. The light guide plate display 3 a switches the mode display 68 of the first display area 66 according to the operation mode of the washing machine 100. The operation mode is each process of washing such as “washing”, “rinse”, and “dehydration” described above, and the mode display 68 shows each process being executed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the operation mode being executed in the washing machine 100 is displayed in the first display area 66 so as to be conspicuous. Thereby, visibility can be improved.

  The light guide plate display 3a selectively displays a first parameter display 69 shown in FIG. 17 and a second parameter display 70 shown in FIG. 18 in the second display area 67. The first parameter display 69 shows a first parameter related to the washing machine 100. The second parameter display 70 shows a second parameter of the washing machine 100 different from the first parameter.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the first parameter display 69 indicates, for example, a set level for washing. The set level is a level corresponding to the amount of laundry. The first parameter display 69 is indicated by a plurality of bar-type segments. The light guide plate display 3a changes the number of displayed segments according to the set level.

  The operation unit 4 a includes an increase switch 71 and a decrease switch 72 arranged near the second display area 67. The user can change the setting level by operating the increase switch 71 and the decrease switch 72. The increase switch 71 and the decrease switch 72 may be touch panel switches. The light guide plate display 3 a may display a pattern indicating a switch at a position corresponding to the increase switch 71 and the decrease switch 72. Alternatively, the increase switch 71 and the decrease switch 72 may be mechanical switches.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the second parameter display 70 indicates, for example, the remaining time for washing. The second parameter display 70 is indicated by a plurality of bar-type segments. The light guide plate display 3a changes the number of displayed segments according to the remaining time.

  The light guide plate display 3 a may display the set level of washing detected by the control unit 13 using the first parameter display 69. Further, the washing time may be set by the user by operating the increase switch 71 and the decrease switch 72. The light guide plate display 3a may display the washing time set according to the user's operation by the second parameter display 70. Switching between the first parameter display 69 and the second parameter display 70 may be performed by the user operating the operation unit 4a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the light guide plate display 3 a displays a highlight display 73 so as to overlap a part of the print display 65. The light guide plate display 3a displays a highlight display 73 superimposed on the one corresponding to the course selected by the course setting switch 64 among the plurality of print displays 65. The highlight display 73 has a color different from that of the print display 65. Alternatively, the light guide plate display 3a may display the emphasis display 73 superimposed on the one corresponding to the course being executed among the plurality of print displays 65.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the visibility of the operation display device 1a of the washing machine 100 can be improved at low cost. The light guide plate display 3a may display a notification to the user different from the operation mode. For example, the notification may be “detergent replenishment” notification, “filter cleaning” notification, or “eccentricity” notification. Alternatively, the light guide plate display 3a may display a guide for explaining the next operation.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a fan heater 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the operation display device 1 b is disposed on the upper portion of the fan heater 200. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation display device 1b according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the operation display device 1b includes an operation display panel 2b and a light guide plate display 3b. The operation display panel 2b includes an operation unit 4b and a display unit 5b. The operation unit 4 b is a switch for operating the fan heater 200. The display unit 5b displays information related to the fan heater 200.

  The light guide plate display 3b includes a light guide plate 10b, a plurality of light sources (not shown), a control unit, and a storage unit. The light guide plate 10b is disposed on the operation display panel 2b. About the structure of the light-guide plate display 3b, since it is the same as that of embodiment mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The operation unit 4 b includes an operation switch 81 and setting switches 82 and 83. The operation switch 81 is a switch for switching the fan heater 200 on and off. The setting switches 82 and 83 include an increase switch 81 and a decrease switch 82. The user can change the set temperature by operating the increase switch 81 and the decrease switch 82.

  The display unit 5 b includes a liquid crystal display 83. The liquid crystal display 83 is a segment type display. The liquid crystal display 83 includes a 7-segment display unit 84 and a fuel display unit 85. The 7-segment display unit 84 displays the set temperature and the room temperature. The fuel display unit 85 displays the remaining amount of fuel. In this embodiment, the fuel display unit 85 is a bar-shaped segment, but may have a different shape.

  The light guide plate display 3b switches between a plurality of warning displays according to the state of the fan heater 200 and displays it on the light guide plate 10b. As shown in FIG. 22, the light guide plate display 3 b displays a warning display 86 over the liquid crystal display 83. The warning display 86 includes, for example, a ventilation warning display 87 shown in FIG. 22 (A), a filter warning display 88 shown in FIG. 22 (B), an automatic fire warning display 89 shown in FIG. 22 (C), and FIG. The oil warning display 90 shown in FIG.

  The ventilation warning display 87 is displayed when the continuous operation time of the fan heater 200 exceeds a predetermined time. The filter warning display 88 is displayed when the cumulative operation time since the previous filter replacement has become a predetermined time or more. The automatic fire extinguishing warning display 89 is displayed when the continuous operation time of the fan heater 200 becomes a predetermined time or longer in a state where the operation unit 4b is not operated. The oil warning display 90 is displayed when the remaining amount of fuel is exhausted.

  In this manner, the light guide plate display 3b can display the warning display 86 so as to be conspicuously overlaid on the liquid crystal display 83. Thereby, visibility can be improved.

  The light guide plate display 3b may display the warning display 86 in a blinking manner. In that case, the user can easily read not only the warning display 86 but also the display on the liquid crystal display 83.

  The light guide plate display 3b may be displayed by switching between the first parameter display 91 and the second parameter display 92 so as to overlap the display unit 5b. For example, as shown in FIG. 23B, the first parameter display 91 may indicate the remaining amount of fuel by a plurality of segments. The light guide plate display 3 b may display the remaining amount of fuel by the first parameter display 91 instead of the fuel display unit 85 of the liquid crystal display 83 described above or in addition to the fuel display unit 85.

  As shown in FIG. 23B, the second parameter display 92 may indicate the remaining time until automatic fire extinguishing by a plurality of segments. The light guide plate display 3b can improve the visibility by displaying the first parameter display 91 and the second parameter display 92 so as to be more conspicuous than the display of the liquid crystal display 83.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the light guide plate display 3b may display the remaining time until automatic fire extinguishing is performed as the warning display 93. Thus, the visibility can be improved by displaying the warning display 93 so as to be largely conspicuous.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

  The operation display device can be applied to various devices other than the devices described above. For example, the operation display device can be applied to kitchen equipment such as a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a rice cooker, an IH cooker, and a dishwasher. The operation display device can be applied to video / audio equipment such as a television, a Blu-ray player, and a DVD player. The operation display device can be applied to communication devices such as telephones and fax machines. The operation display device can be applied to residential equipment such as a remote controller for a water heater, an air conditioner, an air purifier, and a humidifier. The operation display device can be applied to health equipment such as a blood pressure monitor and a massage chair. In addition, the operation display device is not limited to the home appliances described above, and may be applied to other devices such as industrial devices and in-vehicle devices.

  The display of the light guide plate display is not limited to the display examples and examples described above, and may be changed. The configuration of the light guide plate display is not limited to that described above, and may be changed. For example, the shape of the prism is not limited to the triangular pyramid shape described above, and may be changed. The prism may be a triangular prism type as shown in FIG. 25A or another polyhedral type. Alternatively, the prism may have a tapered shape at both ends as shown in FIG.

  The arrangement of the plurality of light sources is not limited to that described above, and may be changed. For example, as shown to FIG. 26 (A), the light sources 11 and 12 may be arrange | positioned so that light may be irradiated from two directions. Or as shown to FIG. 26 (B), the some light source 111-114 may be arrange | positioned so that light may be irradiated from four directions. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, a some light source may be arrange | positioned so that light may be irradiated from three directions. Each of the light sources 11, 12, 111-114 may include a plurality of light emitting elements.

  In FIG. 26A, the light guide plate display 3 includes collimating lenses 121-122. In FIG. 26B, the light guide plate display 3 includes collimating lenses 121-124. The collimating lens collimates light from the light source in a predetermined direction. However, the collimating lens may be omitted.

  According to the present invention, the visibility of the operation display device can be improved at low cost.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation display apparatus 2 Operation display panel 4 Operation part 5 Display part 10 Light guide plates 11 and 12 Light source 13 Control part 20 Prism

Claims (15)

An operation display device for operating a device,
An operation display panel including an operation unit for operating the device, and a display unit for displaying information on the device;
A light guide plate that is arranged over the operation display panel and formed of a light-transmitting material;
A light source that emits light from the end face of the light guide plate toward the inside of the light guide plate;
A control unit for controlling the light source;
With
The light guide plate includes a plurality of prisms for displaying a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate by reflecting light from the light source,
The control unit controls the light source to switch the display of the predetermined pattern;
Operation display device. The predetermined pattern is displayed overlaid on at least a part of the display unit.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The control unit switches between display and non-display of the predetermined pattern;
The operation display device according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit switches the display of the predetermined pattern according to the operation of the operation unit.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The predetermined pattern highlights at least a part of the display unit;
The operation display device according to claim 1. The predetermined pattern includes a character, symbol, or icon that is larger than a character, symbol, or icon included in the display unit.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of mode displays indicating an operation mode of the device,
The control unit switches the mode display according to the operation mode of the device.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of warning indications;
The control unit switches the warning display according to the state of the device.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The predetermined pattern includes a parameter display indicating a predetermined parameter related to the device,
The control unit switches the parameter display according to a change in the parameter.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The parameter display includes a plurality of segments,
The plurality of prisms are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of segments,
The control unit displays the parameter by switching between display and non-display of each of the plurality of segments.
The operation display device according to claim 9. The parameter display includes a 7 segment display,
The control unit displays the parameters numerically by the 7-segment display.
The operation display device according to claim 9 or 10. The predetermined pattern includes a first parameter display indicating a first parameter relating to the device, and a second parameter display indicating a second parameter different from the first parameter;
The control unit switches and displays the first parameter display and the second parameter display.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display,
The predetermined pattern is displayed superimposed on the liquid crystal display.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The display unit includes a plurality of print displays,
The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of irradiation patterns corresponding to the plurality of print displays,
The controller irradiates at least one selected from the plurality of print displays by displaying at least one of the plurality of irradiation patterns.
The operation display device according to claim 1. The light source emits light of a color different from the display color of the display unit;
The operation display device according to claim 14.

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