WO2019176461A1

WO2019176461A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO2019176461A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/005929
Authority: WO
Inventors: 靖宏田上; 功二瓶; 垣沼　剛; 篠原　正幸; 智和北村
Original assignee: オムロン株式会社
Priority date: 2018-03-14
Filing date: 2019-02-18
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Also published as: JP2019154860A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the visibility on a display device at low cost. The display device is provided on equipment having a storage space inside, the display device including a window, a lightguide plate, a light source, and a control unit. The window is made of a light-transmissive material, thus allowing the storage space to be seen from outside the equipment. The lightguide plate is laminated on the window and made of a light-transmissive material. The light source emits light from the end face of the lightguide plate toward the inside of the lightguide plate. A control unit controls the light source. The lightguide plate includes a plurality of prisms. The plurality of prisms presents a given pattern on the surface of the lightguide plate by reflecting light from the light source. The control unit controls the light source to change the presentation of the given pattern.

Description

Display device

The present invention relates to a display device.

The device is provided with a display device for displaying information about the device. For example, the 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 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 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 a display device at a low cost.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a display device provided in a device having a storage space therein, and includes a window portion, a light guide plate, a light source, and a control portion. A window part is formed with a translucent material, and the accommodation space can be visually recognized from the exterior of an apparatus. The light guide plate is disposed so as to overlap the window portion and is formed of a light transmissive material. 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 reflect light from the light source to display a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate. The control unit controls the light source to switch display of a predetermined pattern.

In the 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 window portion. Further, by not displaying a predetermined pattern when not required, the accommodation space of the device can be easily visually recognized through the window portion. 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 device may include an opening and a door. The opening communicates with the storage space. A door part is provided so that opening can be opened and closed. The window part may be provided in the door part.

The device may be a washing machine. The washing machine may include a washing tub, a main body housing, and a door. The storage space may store a washing tub. The opening may communicate with the accommodation space. The door may be provided so that the opening can be opened and closed. The window part may be provided in the door part. In this case, a predetermined pattern can be displayed with good visibility on the window of the washing machine. Further, when the predetermined pattern is not displayed when not required, the laundry in the accommodation space can be easily visually recognized through the window portion.

The device may be a cooking device. The cooking device may include a heating unit, a main body housing, and a door. The main body housing may include an accommodation space and an opening. An object heated by the heating unit may be arranged in the accommodation space. The opening may communicate with the accommodation space. The door may be provided so that the opening can be opened and closed. The window part may be provided in the door part. In this case, a predetermined pattern can be displayed with high visibility on the window of the cooking device. Further, by not displaying the predetermined pattern when unnecessary, an object such as a dish placed in the accommodation space can be easily visually recognized through the window portion.

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

The device may further include an operation unit. 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 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 predetermined pattern may include a 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 predetermined pattern 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.

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

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of an apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a 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 display example of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 2nd display example of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 6th example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 7th example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a figure which shows the 8th example of a display of a light-guide plate display. It is a perspective view which shows the washing machine which concerns on 1st Example. It is a front view of a washing machine. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display which concerns on 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the heating cooking appliance which concerns on 2nd Example. FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light-guide plate display 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. It is a figure which shows the apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.

Hereinafter, the display device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 100 to which the display device 1 is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 includes a main body housing 101 and a door portion 102. The main body housing 101 includes a storage space S therein. The main body housing 101 includes an opening 103 communicating with the storage space S. The door part 102 is provided so that the opening 103 can be opened and closed. The display device 1 is provided on the door portion 102.

The main body housing 101 includes an operation unit 104. The operation unit 104 includes a plurality of operation switches 105. The operation switch 105 is, for example, a push button type switch. The operation switch 105 may be a mechanical switch such as a slide type or a rotary type. The operation switch 105 may be a touch panel type switch. The operation switch 105 includes a switch for starting processing of the device 100 or inputting settings of the device 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the display device 1. The display device 1 displays information regarding the device 100. The display device 1 includes a window portion 2 and a light guide plate display 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the window portion 2 is provided on the door portion 102 of the device 100. The window portion 2 is made of a translucent material, and the accommodation space S can be visually recognized from the outside of the device 100 through the window portion 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, 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 window portion 2. 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

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 for displaying a predetermined pattern on the surface of the light guide plate 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the light guide plate 10. As shown in FIG. 3, 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. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the prism 20. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the prism 20 is a triangular pyramid-shaped groove. The prism 20 includes a reflection surface 20a and diffusion surfaces 20b and 20c. The reflection surface 20a 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 display device 1 can visually recognize the pattern of the light guide plate 10. The diffusing surfaces 20b and 20c 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. 5 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. 5 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 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. 5, 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. 5 and 6, in the light guide plate 10, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 are arranged at positions overlapping each other. However, in the light guide plate 10, the first pattern 31 and the second pattern 32 may be arranged apart from each other.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first display example of the light guide plate display 3. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the light guide plate 10 is disposed on the window portion 2 so as to overlap. 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 easily visually recognize the accommodation space S of the device 100 through the window portion 2.

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 window portion 2. Therefore, the first pattern 31 can be displayed so as to be conspicuous by using a wide range of the window portion 2.

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 window portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to display the second pattern 32 so as to be conspicuous using the wide range of the window portion 2.

For example, the first pattern 31 is a display indicating the first setting of the device 100. When the user presses one of the operation switches 105 to select the first setting, the control unit 13 displays the first pattern 31 on the light guide plate 10. The second pattern 32 is a display indicating the second setting of the device 100. When the user presses any of the operation switches 105 and selects the second setting, the control unit 13 displays the second pattern 32 on the light guide plate 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second display example of 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. 7A. In the present display example, the window unit 2 is provided with a printed first display 33 and a second display 34.

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 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. The

light sources

11 and 12 may irradiate light of a color different from that of the first display 33 and the second display 34.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third display example of the light guide plate display 3. In the third display example, the control unit 13 switches the mode display according to the operation mode of the device 100. 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. 7A.

When the operation mode of the device 100 is the first mode, the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11 and causes the light guide plate 10 to display the first pattern 31 as shown in FIG. When the operation mode of the device 100 is the second mode, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the control unit 13 turns on 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 104 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 showing a fourth display example of the light guide plate display 3. In the fourth 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 100. 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.

When the state of the device 100 becomes the predetermined first state, the control unit 13 turns on the first light source 11 and displays 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 of the device 100. When the state of the device 100 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 of the device 100. The warning display is, for example, a display that prompts the user to respond according to the state of the device 100. 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 fourth 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 showing a fifth display example of the light guide plate display 3. In the fifth 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 control unit 13 displays the parameters of the device 100 as numerical values by switching between display and non-display of each of the first to seventh patterns 41-47. Although not shown, the light guide plate display 3 includes a plurality of light sources corresponding to the first to seventh patterns 41 to 47, respectively.

As shown 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 41-47, the light guide plate 10 displays numerical values corresponding to the lit patterns. The control unit 13 displays a pattern corresponding to the numerical value indicated by the parameter of the device 100 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 showing a sixth display example of the light guide plate display 3. In the sixth display example, the plurality of patterns 41-43 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. 12A to FIG. 12C, 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. The parameters of the device 100 are displayed.

Although not shown, the light guide plate display 3 includes a plurality of light sources corresponding to the first to third patterns 41-43, respectively. 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 showing a seventh display example of the light guide plate display 3. In the seventh 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. The parameters of the device 100 are displayed.

Although not shown, the light guide plate display 3 includes a plurality of light sources corresponding to the first to sixth patterns 41-46, respectively. 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 fifth to seventh display examples, the parameter may be an elapsed time of the operation of the device 100 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 the amount of the substance used in the device 100, 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 a numerical value set by the user operating the operation unit 104 on the light guide plate 10.

The patterns of the light guide plate 10 in the fifth to seventh 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 an eighth display example of 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 100. 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 100, for example. The second parameter may be a parameter related to the amount of material used in the device 100. 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 and display the first parameter display 35 and the second parameter display 36 according to the operation of the operation unit 104 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 sixth display example or the sector shape as in the seventh 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 example to the seventh display example may be combined and displayed on the light guide plate 10.

In the display device 1 according to the present embodiment described above, a predetermined pattern can be displayed on the surface 16 of the light guide plate 10 disposed so as to overlap the window portion 2. Further, by not displaying the predetermined pattern when unnecessary, the accommodation space S in the device 100 can be easily visually recognized through the window portion 2. 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 display device is applied will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the washing machine 200 according to the first embodiment. The washing machine 200 is a so-called drum type washing machine. As shown in FIG. 15, the washing machine 200 includes a washing tub 201, a main body housing 202, and a door portion 203. The main body housing 202 includes an accommodation space S and an opening 204. The accommodation space S accommodates the washing tub 201. The washing tub 201 is driven by a driving device (not shown) such as an electric motor. The opening 204 communicates with the accommodation space S. The door part 203 is provided so that the opening 204 can be opened and closed.

An operation unit 205 is disposed on the upper part of the washing machine 200. The operation unit 205 includes a plurality of switches for operating the washing machine 200. The switch of the operation unit 205 is a mechanical switch. Alternatively, the switch of the operation unit 205 may be a touch panel switch.

Specifically, the operation unit 205 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 200 on and off. The start switch 62 is a switch for starting washing by the washing machine 200. 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”, “Washing”. 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.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the washing machine 200. FIG. 17 is a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the display device 1 a according to the first example is provided on the door 203 of the washing machine 200. The display device 1a includes a window portion 2a and a light guide plate display 3a. 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 so as to overlap the window portion 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.

As shown in FIG. 18, the light guide plate display 3 a includes a first display area 66 and a second display area 67. The light guide plate display 3 a displays the operation mode of the washing machine 200 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 200. 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. As described above, in this embodiment, the operation mode being executed in the washing machine 200 is displayed in the first display area 66 so as to be conspicuous. Thereby, visibility can be improved.

Further, the light guide plate display 3a selectively displays a first parameter display 69 shown in FIG. 18 and a second parameter display 70 shown in FIG. 19 in the second display area 67. The first parameter display 69 shows a first parameter related to the washing machine 200. The second parameter display 70 shows a second parameter of the washing machine 200 different from the first parameter.

As shown in FIG. 18, 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 user can change the setting level by operating the operation unit 205.

As shown in FIG. 19, 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 operation unit 205. 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 205.

Or as shown in FIG. 20, the light-guide plate display 3a may display the parameter display 73 by 7 segment display. The parameter display 73 may indicate numerical values such as the set level of washing, the remaining time, or the amount of water.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the large space of the window 2a of the washing machine 200 can be used to display the pattern so as to be conspicuous. Thereby, the visibility of the display device 1a of the washing machine 200 can be improved at low cost. Moreover, when the display of a pattern is unnecessary, the accommodation space S of the washing machine 200 can be easily visually recognized through the window 2a by hiding the pattern.

The light guide plate display 3a may display a notification to the user that is different from the operation mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the light guide plate display 3 a may display a filter cleaning notification 74. Alternatively, the light guide plate display 3a may display a detergent replenishment notice, an eccentricity notice, or the like. Alternatively, the light guide plate display 3a may display a guide for explaining the next operation.

The light guide plate display 3a may blink and display the mode display 68, the parameter displays 69, 70, 73, and the notification 74. In that case, the user can easily visually recognize not only these displays but also the state of the accommodation space S through the window portion 2a.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a cooking device 300 according to the second embodiment. The cooking device 300 is a so-called microwave oven or microwave oven. As shown in FIG. 22, the cooking device 300 includes a heating unit 301, a main body housing 302, and a door portion 303. The main body housing 302 includes an accommodation space S and an opening 304. In the accommodation space S, an object to be heated is arranged. The opening 304 communicates with the accommodation space S. The door part 303 is provided so that the opening 304 can be opened and closed.

The heating unit 301 heats an object in the accommodation space S. The heating unit 301 may heat an object in the accommodation space S by generating a microwave. The heating unit 301 may heat an object in the accommodation space S by generating high-temperature steam. The heating unit 301 may heat the object in the accommodation space S by the heat of the heating wire. Or the heating unit 301 may heat the thing in the accommodation space S by another heating method.

An operation unit 305 is disposed in the main body housing 302. Operation unit 305 includes a plurality of switches for operating cooking device 300. The switch of the operation unit 305 is a mechanical switch. Alternatively, the switch of the operation unit 305 may be a touch panel switch.

Specifically, the operation unit 305 includes a start switch 306 and a plurality of setting

switches

307 and 308. The start switch 306 is a switch for starting processing by the cooking device 300. The setting switches 307 and 308 include switches for setting the heating temperature and the heating time. The setting switches 307 and 308 may include a switch for setting a menu corresponding to the type of the object to be heated.

FIG. 23 is a BB cross section in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the display device 1 b according to the second embodiment is provided on the door 303 of the cooking device 300. The display device 1b includes a window portion 2b and a light guide plate display 3b. 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 so as to overlap the window portion 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.

As shown in FIG. 24, the light guide plate display 3b displays a parameter display 75. The parameter display 75 may indicate a numerical value such as a remaining heating time or a heating temperature by a 7-segment display. Alternatively, the parameter display 75 may indicate parameters such as the remaining heating time or the heating temperature by the number of displayed segments, as in the sixth to eighth display examples described above.

The light guide plate display 3b may switch and display a plurality of warning displays on the light guide plate 10b according to the state of the cooking device 300. As shown in FIG. 25, the light guide plate display 3 b displays a warning display 76. The warning display 76 is indicated by an error code, for example. The warning display 76 may indicate a failure of the cooking device 300. The warning display 76 may be for prompting the user to respond, for example, when the heat treatment is being performed in a state where nothing is placed in the storage space. The warning display 76 is not limited to an error code, and may be a character or icon indicating the state of the cooking device 300.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the large space of the window 2b of the cooking device 300 can be used to display the pattern so as to be conspicuous. Thereby, the visibility of the display device 1b of the cooking device 300 can be improved at low cost. Moreover, when the display of a pattern is unnecessary, the heating cooking appliance 300 accommodation space S can be easily visually recognized through the window part 2b by hiding a pattern.

In addition, the light guide plate display 3b may blink and display the parameter display 75 and the warning display 76. In that case, the user can easily visually recognize not only the warning display 76 but also the state of the accommodation space S through the window portion 2b.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The display device can be applied to various devices other than the

devices

200 and 300 described above. 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. 26A 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 in FIG. 27A, the

light sources

11 and 12 may be arranged to emit light from two directions. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27B, a plurality of light sources 111 to 114 may be arranged to emit light 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. 27A, the light guide plate display 3 includes collimating lenses 121-122. In FIG. 27B, 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.

The arrangement of the display device 1 in the device 100 may be changed. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the display device 1 may be disposed in a portion other than the door portion 102 in the device 100. For example, the window part 2 may be fixedly attached to the main body housing 101.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus 2 Window part 10 Light-

guide plate

11, 12 Light source 13 Control part 20 Prism 103 Opening 102 Door part S Storage space

Claims

A display device provided in a device including a storage space therein,
A window portion that is formed of a light-transmitting material and allows the accommodation space to be visually recognized from the outside of the device;
A light guide plate that is placed over the window and formed of a translucent 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;
Display device.
The device includes an opening communicating with the storage space, and a door provided to be able to open and close the opening.
The window is provided in the door.
The display device according to claim 1.
The device is a washing machine;
The washing machine
A washing tub,
A main body housing including a storage space for storing the washing tub, and an opening communicating with the storage space;
A door provided to be able to open and close the opening;
Including
The window is provided in the door.
The display device according to claim 1.
The device is a cooking device,
The cooking device is
A heating unit;
A main body housing including a housing space in which an object to be heated by the heating unit is disposed, and an opening communicating with the housing space;
A door provided to be able to open and close the opening;
Including
The window is provided in the door.
The display device according to claim 1.
The control unit switches between display and non-display of the predetermined pattern;
The display device according to claim 1.
The device further includes an operation unit,
The control unit switches the display of the predetermined pattern according to the operation of the operation unit.
The 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 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 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 display device according to claim 1.
The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of segments,
The control unit displays the parameter by switching between display and non-display of each of the plurality of segments.
The display device according to claim 9.
The predetermined pattern includes a 7-segment display;
The control unit displays the parameters numerically by the 7-segment display.
The 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 display device according to claim 1.