Kitchen appliance

Abstract

A display assembly (200) suitable for a kitchen appliance (1) is disclosed, the assembly (200) comprising: a display panel (201) having an outer surface (203) featuring a display area (204) for presenting visual display information (207) from a display output device (209) and an optical output (210) of the display output device, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) comprises a curved surface, and at least a portion of the inner surface (202) is planar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to kitchen appliances with visual displays. Background Art

[0002] Many kitchen appliances include visual displays to convey information to the user and to facilitate receiving user commands. For example, a visual display can be used to present options for operating the appliance, and the user can select from the options.

[0003] Often, kitchen appliances have limited suitable space for placing visual displays and user controls. Visual displays and user controls may also interfere with the aesthetic and functional design of the appliance, for example by interrupting the outline and creating a cluttered user interface, which detracts from the user experience and ease of use. The materials used for the visual display and controls may also contrast too much with the materials used to form the appliance, which may further complicate the industrial design of the appliance. As a result, it is often difficult to implement displays and controls, particularly more complex displays and controls, in certain appliances.

[0004] Displays and controls may also make cleaning difficult, for example, by creating small gaps and crevices where debris may collect. Similarly, displays and controls may create entry points for materials (such as food splatters), which may damage kitchen appliances.

[0005] There is a need for improved visual displays and / or user controls for kitchen appliances. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising a display assembly, the assembly comprising: a display panel having an outer surface characterized by a display area for presenting visual display information from a display output device and an optical output of the display output device, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the display panel comprises a curved surface and at least a portion of the inner surface is planar.

[0008] In an embodiment, the component is a void junction component.

[0009] In an embodiment, when visual display information is not displayed, the display area has one or more of the following: low transmittance, highly reflective visual properties, or a metallic ambient appearance.

[0010] In an embodiment, when visual display information is not being displayed, low transmittance, high reflective visual properties, or a metallic ambient appearance is provided by a coating on the outer surface of the display panel.

[0011] In an embodiment, the coating is a non-conductive in-mold decoration (IMD) film or a hot embossing film.

[0012] In an embodiment, the IMD film has a transmittance of about 10% to about 40% and has an ambient appearance that simulates stainless steel.

[0013] In an embodiment, the display panel thickness varies laterally along the display area perpendicular to the thickness dimension at a ratio equal to or less than about 0.025.

[0014] In an embodiment, the outer surface has a compound curvature, and wherein the display panel thickness varies at a rate of about 0.02 along a first perpendicular lateral direction of the display area and varies at a rate of about 0.01 along a second perpendicular lateral direction of the display area.

[0015] In an embodiment, the kitchen appliance further comprises a touch-sensitive layer applied to the planar inner surface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the touch-sensitive layer is flat and substantially rigid.

[0017] In an embodiment, the touch sensitive layer is attached to the inner surface.

[0018] In an embodiment, the touch sensitive layer is optically bonded to the inner surface.

[0019] In an embodiment, the touch sensitive layer is attached to the surface using double sided tape.

[0020] In an embodiment, a pigmented resin is used for optical bonding.

[0021] In an embodiment, the brightness of the display area is configured to be between about 150 nits and about 500 nits.

[0022] In an embodiment, the brightness of the display area is configured to be approximately 250 nits.

[0023] In an embodiment, the optical display device has a backlight illumination of less than about 2000 nits.

[0024] In an embodiment, the kitchen appliance further comprises a base having auxiliary features for supporting the display panel.

[0025] In an embodiment, the auxiliary feature includes one or more of a support rib or a threaded tube.

[0026] In an embodiment, a clip feature is used to removably attach the base to the display panel.

[0027] In an embodiment, the display area has an appearance that simulates a surrounding portion of a kitchen appliance.

[0028] In an embodiment, the display area has a first state in which there is no visual display information from the display output device; a second state in which the visual display information includes a mark indicating a power-on operation; a third state in which the visual display information shows a selectable operating mode; and a fourth state in which the visual display information is associated with the selected operating mode.

[0029] In an embodiment, the display area is configured to present a menu of selections available to the user and, upon selection from the menu, present indicia associated with the selection.

[0030] In an embodiment, the display output device is a LED display.

[0031] In an embodiment, the display output device is an LCD display.

[0032] In an embodiment, the display output device is a thin film transistor (TFT) display.

[0033] In an embodiment, the display output device is an in-plane switching (IPS) display.

[0034] In an embodiment, the display output device is an OLED display.

[0035] In an embodiment, the display output device is a negative display, where black pixels are not powered.

[0036] Also disclosed is a void surface display for a kitchen appliance as defined in the above aspects and embodiments.

[0037] Also disclosed is a void surface display assembly for a kitchen appliance, the assembly comprising: a display panel having an outer surface characterized by a display area for presenting visual display information of an optical output from a display output device; wherein, when the visual display information is not displayed, the display area has one or more of the following: low transmittance, high reflective visual characteristics, or a metallic ambient appearance.

[0038] In an embodiment, when visual display information is not being displayed, low transmittance, high reflective visual properties, or a metallic ambient appearance is provided by a coating on the outer surface of the display panel.

[0039] In an embodiment, the coating is a non-conductive in-mold decoration (IMD) film.

[0040] In an embodiment, the IMD film has a transmittance of about 10% to about 40% and has an ambient appearance that simulates stainless steel.

[0041] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface corresponding to the display area has a curved profile.

[0042] In an embodiment, the display panel has an inner surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the display area is planar.

[0043] In an embodiment, the display panel thickness varies laterally along the display area perpendicular to the thickness dimension at a ratio equal to or less than about 0.025.

[0044] In an embodiment, the outer surface has a compound curvature, and wherein the display panel thickness varies at a rate of about 0.02 along a first perpendicular lateral direction of the display area and varies at a rate of about 0.01 along a second perpendicular lateral direction of the display area.

[0045] In an embodiment, the display assembly also includes a touch-sensitive layer applied to the planar interior surface.

[0046] In an embodiment, the touch-sensitive layer is flat and substantially rigid.

[0047] In an embodiment, the touch sensitive layer is optically bonded to the inner surface.

[0048] In an embodiment, a pigmented resin is used for optical bonding.

[0049] In an embodiment, the brightness of the display area is configured to be between about 150 nits and about 500 nits.

[0050] In an embodiment, the brightness of the display area is configured to be approximately 250 nits.

[0051] In an embodiment, the optical display device has a backlight illumination of less than about 2000 nits.

[0052] In an embodiment, the air interface display assembly further includes a base having auxiliary features for supporting the display panel.

[0053] In an embodiment, the auxiliary feature includes one or more of a support rib or a threaded tube.

[0054] In an embodiment, a clip feature is used to removably attach the base to the display panel.

[0055] In an embodiment, the display output device is a LED display.

[0056] In an embodiment, the display output device is an LCD display.

[0057] In an embodiment, the display output device is a thin film transistor (TFT) display.

[0058] In an embodiment, the display output device is an in-plane switching (IPS) display.

[0059] In an embodiment, the display output device is an OLED display.

[0060] In an embodiment, the display output device is a negative display, where black pixels are not powered.

[0061] Also disclosed is a kitchen appliance comprising the above disclosed void interface display panel and embodiments thereof, wherein the display area has a metallic appearance simulating a proximal portion of an outer housing of the kitchen appliance formed of a metallic material.

[0062] Also disclosed is a kitchen appliance comprising the above-disclosed free-surface display panel and implementation scheme thereof, wherein the display area has a first state, in which the first state has no visual display information from a display output device; a second state, in which the visual display information includes a mark indicating a power-on operation; a third state, in which the visual display information displays a selectable operating mode; and a fourth state, in which the visual display information is related to the selected operating mode.

[0063] In an embodiment, the display area is configured to present a menu of selections available to the user and, upon selection from the menu, present indicia associated with the selection.

[0064] Also disclosed is a kitchen appliance comprising: an outer housing formed of at least one housing material; a display panel; and a display output device having: an energized state producing an optical output incident on an inner surface of the display panel for viewing from an outer surface of the display panel, thereby defining a display area of ​​the outer surface of the display panel; and an unenergized state, wherein the display area has an ambient appearance similar to that of the at least one housing material.

[0065] In an embodiment, the display area has a substantially opaque ambient appearance.

[0066] In an embodiment, the display area has a metallic ambient appearance.

[0067] In an embodiment, the display area has a diffuse reflective ambient appearance.

[0068] In an embodiment, the display area has an ambient appearance of stainless steel.

[0069] In an embodiment, the display area has an ambient appearance of brushed stainless steel.

[0070] In an embodiment, the display area has the ambient appearance of polished stainless steel.

[0071] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance between about 10% and about 20%.

[0072] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance between about 11% and about 19%.

[0073] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance between about 12% and about 18%.

[0074] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance between about 13% and about 17%.

[0075] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance between about 14% and about 16%.

[0076] In an embodiment, the transmittance of the display panel is between about 15.5 and about 16.5%.

[0077] In an embodiment, the display panel has a transmittance of about 16%.

[0078] In an embodiment, the display output device is an electronic visual display.

[0079] In an embodiment, the display output device is a LED display.

[0080] In an embodiment, the display output device is an LCD display.

[0081] In an embodiment, the display output device is a thin film transistor (TFT) display.

[0082] In an embodiment, the display output device is an in-plane switching (IPS) display.

[0083] In an embodiment, the display output device is an OLED display.

[0084] In an embodiment, the display output device is a negative display, where black pixels are not powered.

[0085] In an embodiment, the brightness from the display area is about 150 cd / m 2 To about 300cd / m 2 between.

[0086] In an embodiment, the brightness from the display area is about 175 cd / m 2 About 275cd / m 2 between.

[0087] In an embodiment, the brightness from the display area is about 200 cd / m 2 About 250cd / m 2 between.

[0088] In an embodiment, the kitchen appliance further comprises a touch-sensitive layer optically bonded to the inner surface of the display panel such that the display area is a touch screen.

[0089] In an embodiment, the display panel is mounted to a base.

[0090] In an embodiment, the display panel is mounted to the base via an adhesive layer.

[0091] In an embodiment, the display output device is mounted to the base opposite the display panel.

[0092] In an embodiment, the base has one or more holes that provide optical communication between the display output device and the display panel.

[0093] In an embodiment, the base has an outer surface configured with a curvature such that a display mounted thereto is similarly configured with the curvature.

[0094] In an embodiment, the radius of curvature is about a horizontal axis.

[0095] In an embodiment, the base has a maximum thickness between about 5 mm and about 7 mm.

[0096] In an embodiment, the base has a maximum thickness between about 4.5 mm and about 5.8 mm.

[0097] In an embodiment, the base has a maximum thickness of about 5.8 mm.

[0098] In an embodiment, the base has a minimum thickness of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm.

[0099] In an embodiment, the base has a minimum thickness of between about 1.2 mm and about 2.2 mm.

[0100] In an embodiment, the base has a minimum thickness of about 2.2 mm.

[0101] In an embodiment, the kitchen appliance includes a plurality of display output devices corresponding to the plurality of display areas.

[0102] In an embodiment, the base has a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of display output devices.

[0103] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display assembly for a kitchen appliance, the display assembly comprising: a display panel having a transmittance of about 16%; and a display output device, the display output device generating a brightness incident on the display panel of at least 1000 cd / m 2 (nits) of optical output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] Figure 1 is a schematic top front perspective view of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of a kitchen appliance, wherein the display area is visible;

[0107] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of a kitchen appliance of , wherein the display area is indistinguishable from a non-display portion of the display panel;

[0108] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a display area of ​​a display panel is indistinguishable from a non-display portion;

[0109] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic front view of a kitchen appliance of , wherein the display area presents visual display information;

[0110] Figure 6 is a schematic front view of a kitchen appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a display area presents visual display information;

[0111] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a display panel, wherein visual display information is presented on a display area;

[0112] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a partially assembled display assembly;

[0113] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial schematic diagram of a display assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein a display output device powered on generates an optical output;

[0114] Fig.10 is a partial schematic diagram of an embodiment of a display assembly according to the present invention;

[0115] Fig.11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a display assembly according to the present invention;

[0116] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A schematic perspective view of an assembled display assembly;

[0117] Fig.13 It is taken along the axis AA Fig.12 A schematic perspective cutaway view of a display assembly of FIG.

[0118] Fig.14 yes Fig.12An alternative schematic perspective view of a display assembly of ;

[0119] Fig.15 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a display assembly;

[0120] Fig.16 is a schematic perspective view of a partially assembled display assembly;

[0121] Fig.17 It is taken along line AA Fig.16 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a display assembly of ;

[0122] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 An alternative schematic perspective view of a display assembly of ;

[0123] Fig.19 is a schematic cross-sectional exploded view of an embodiment of a display assembly according to the present invention;

[0124] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 a schematic rear perspective view of a display assembly of;

[0125] Fig.21 yes Fig.19 A schematic front perspective view of a display assembly of ;

[0126] Fig. 22 yes Fig.19 A schematic side perspective cross-sectional view of a display assembly of ;

[0127] Fig.23 yes Fig.19 A schematic top perspective cross-sectional view of a display assembly of ;

[0128] Fig.24 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a display panel of a display assembly according to claim 19 in an exploded format having a display output device;

[0129] Fig.25 is a schematic representation of a display assembly with a shaded optical output. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Reference Figure 1 , a kitchen appliance (1), specifically, an espresso machine (1), is shown having an outer housing (101) defining a body (100). The outer housing (101) is formed of one or more outer housing (101) materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing (101) may be formed entirely or primarily of stainless steel, although other materials, such as various plastics, may also be used alone or in combination.

[0131] The upper, forward-facing portion of the outer housing (101) is configured as a free-standing display panel (201) having a display area (204) in which visual display information (207) can be visually presented, as disclosed in the embodiments herein. Under environmental conditions where no visual display information (207) is shown in the display area (204), the display area (204) appears the same, or at least substantially the same, as the adjacent non-display portion (208), thereby providing, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The seamless impression shown. In this case, the environmental conditions include typical indoor lighting and when viewed no closer than the normal operating distance of the machine (1).

[0132] The display area (204) is associated with a display output device (209) mounted inside the body (100). In an example embodiment, the display output device (209) is a thin film transistor (TFT) electronic display, but other options will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The display output device (209) has an on state that produces an optical output (210) that defines visual display information (207) to be presented in the display area (204). The display output device (209) is arranged so that its optical output (210) is incident on the inner surface (202) of the display panel (201), whereby it is at least partially transmitted so as to be visible from the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201), thereby defining, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 5 The display area (204) is shown. The display panel (201) and the display output device (209) are components of the display assembly (200).

[0133] Figure 2 An example embodiment espresso machine (1) is shown in which three display output devices (209) are powered to transmit visual display information (207) to three display areas (204) within a display panel (201). Figure 3 An espresso machine (1) is shown in which the display output device (209) is not powered and therefore does not produce an optical output (210); therefore, no visual display information (207) is presented in the display area (204). With this arrangement, the display area (204) is indistinguishable from the non-display portion (208) of the display panel (201), so that the display panel (201) gives a seamless or continuous impression. Unless otherwise stated, the ambient appearance of the display area (204) is similar to the ambient appearance of one of the materials of the outer housing (101). In addition, the unpowered display output device (209) is not visible, or at least substantially not visible.

[0134] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the powered-on state, for example, the display area (204) of the display panel (201) appears semi-transparent, allowing optical output (210) from the display output device (209) incident on the inner surface (202) to propagate through the outer surface (203). Figure 3 and Figure 5 In an unpowered state, for example, an outer surface (203) of a display panel (201) including a display area (204) appears opaque. When the display output device (209) is powered to transmit visual display information (207), the display area (204) appears as if it is formed of a translucent material, and when the display output device (209) is not powered, it appears as if it is formed of an opaque material.

[0135] In other words, when the display output device (209) is in an unpowered state, the display area (204) has an ambient appearance that is at least substantially similar to an adjacent or proximal portion of the outer housing (101), such as a non-display portion (208) of the display panel (201). With this arrangement, the display area (204) is substantially discernible only when used with a powered display output device (209). Otherwise, it is disguised as a portion of the outer housing (101), for example, looking like an opaque surface such as stainless steel. The ambient appearance is the impression given to a user of the machine at a normal operating distance from the machine (1) under typical lighting conditions. Thus, the display area (204) is of a type known as a dead face display, in which the display output device (209) is hidden behind the display panel (201) until powered. The visual display information (207) appears to emanate from the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201), rather than being generated from within the panel (201). The sections of the display area (204) that receive only optical output (210) from a powered display output device (209) appear semi-transparent to present visual display information (207); the sections of the display area (204) that do not receive optical output (210) and therefore do not present visual display information (207) appear opaque and appear like ordinary housing (101) material.

[0136] Figure 4 and Figure 5The kitchen appliance (1) is an embodiment having two main display areas (205) arranged around a central vertical axis of a display panel (201) and an auxiliary display area (206) having visual display information (207) in the form of a power button. Here, the outer housing (101) material is stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, the kitchen appliance (1) may feature a proximity sensor (212) adapted to trigger a power button icon displayed as visual display information (207) on the auxiliary display area (206). The auxiliary display area (206) may be a portion of a display assembly (200) having a touch sensor layer (211) so that a user can press a lighted power button on the auxiliary display area (206) to initiate a change of state in the kitchen appliance (1). This change of state may be a startup sequence that may involve, for example, cleaning a line, heating water, or any other function associated with the kitchen appliance (1). The change of state may also cause one or more of the other display areas (204) to energize, wherein the corresponding portion of the display panel (201) appears to the user to transform from opaque stainless steel to a free-standing electronic display presenting visual display information (207).

[0137] Any particular display area (204) or portion of a display area (204) may be configured to present visual display information (207) only as needed, such that those display areas (204) or portions of display areas (204) appear as outer housing (101) material, such as stainless steel, when not in use. As previously described, the espresso machine (1) may have a first state in which the display panel (201) appears to be normal housing (101) material and all of the display area (204) is indistinguishable, such as Figure 4 The machine (1) may have a second state in which only a power button icon is presented on either of the display areas (204). The second state may be triggered by a proximity sensor (212) that detects that a user is near or approaching the machine and thus detects a gradually approaching position over a period of time. In alternative embodiments, the espresso machine (1) may be configured to detect certain gestures to trigger the second state, or the machine (1) may have only a physical power button.

[0138] The machine (1) may have a third state triggered by actuation of a power button. The illuminated power button icon may change color to mark the transition between these second and third states. The third state may involve Figure 5The visual display information (207) presented on one of the two main display areas (205) of the machine (1) is displayed so that it appears to transition from the opaque outer shell (101) material to the illuminated electronic display. In this third state, the other of the two main display areas (205) may be unnecessary and therefore remain unpowered so as to appear to the user of the machine (1) as the opaque outer shell (101) material. The visual display information (207) presented on the powered first main display area (205) may correspond to icons of various beverages or other operating instructions, such as opening a menu, cleaning functions, settings, etc. The display assembly (200) associated with the display area (204) may include a touch sensor layer (211) so that the user can slide the display area (204) to cycle through the list of available beverages, thereby selecting a desired beverage by touching the corresponding icon.

[0139] Selection of a desired beverage may initiate a fourth state, wherein another of the main display areas (205) lights up to transform into what appears to be a normal stainless steel outer housing (101) material to present visual display information (207) from the outer surface (203) of the corresponding portion of the display panel (201). The visual display information (207) may relate to instructions for preparing the selected beverage and is therefore not required until the machine (1) enters the fourth state. These instructions may be in the form of a color animated graphic or video representation of how to operate the machine to produce the selected beverage. In one embodiment, the display assembly (200) corresponding to the display area (204) for instructions may not have touch-sensitive functionality, or may have limited touch-sensitive functionality, for example, only a portion having a touch sensor layer (211).

[0140] When the machine (1) is in the fourth state, only visual display information (207) corresponding to instructions for preparing the selected beverage may be required. Therefore, the machine (1) can be configured to power off the display area (204) corresponding to the operating mode having icons of various beverages when a selection has been made. Therefore, the display area (204) appears to be transformed back to being formed by the ordinary outer shell (101) material. Alternatively, the display area (204) can present visual display information (207) related to the fourth state. By way of non-limiting example embodiments, such visual display information (207) can involve only a portion of the display area (204) being illuminated to present a button icon, wherein the rest of the display area (204) looks like stainless steel outer shell (101) material. Such a button icon can be pressed to return the machine (1) to the third state, so that an alternative selection can be made.

[0141] Figure 6An alternative embodiment is shown in which the display panel (201) includes a display area (204). The size of the single display area (204) can be set to occupy the entire outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) or any part thereof. The depicted display area (204) presents visual display information (207) corresponding to the third state of the machine (1). After selecting the desired beverage, the visual display information (207) presented on the display area (204) can be changed to instructions for preparing the desired beverage, i.e. corresponding to the fourth state as described above.

[0142] Figure 7 A circular display panel (201) is shown in the figure, which is associated with a rectilinear display area (204) defined by a display output device (209) of a commonly available rectilinear scale. Because the unpowered portion of the display output device (209) is not visible through the opaque outer surface (203) of the display panel (201), the display area (204) can give the impression of spanning the entire circular footprint of the display panel (201), despite spanning only a rectilinear subset of the area. Therefore, despite the use of a conventional rectangular display output device (209), the display assembly (200) can also be provided with the impression of a circular display area (204). For example, the assembly is used to present visual display information (207) commonly associated with a dial.

[0143] Figure 8 and Fig. 9An example partial assembly of a display assembly (200) including a display output device (209) mounted to a base (213) is shown in FIG. The larger central display output device (209) is configured to correspond to a primary display area (205) occupying a central position of the display panel (201), and the smaller display output devices are configured to correspond to two secondary display areas (206) located on either side of the primary display area (205). In an example non-limiting embodiment, a single HY 4635-No68 touch controller with a 2IC interface forms the touch sensor layer (211) for all three display output devices (209). The display output device (209) corresponding to the main display area (205) has a horizontal dimension of about 114 mm and a vertical dimension of about 65 mm, and is associated with a 5.0" IPS TFT (MIPi) display output device (209) with a resolution of 1280x750 and a MIPI interface of four channels. The lighting module (221) backlight driving conditions may include: 6x3=18 LEDs, IF=6x50mA=300mA, voltage: 9V (8V to 10V). The main display area (205) can be mainly used to display a "carousel" of icons, which can be slid over to make the desired selection. For example, these icons may correspond to an operating mode of the machine corresponding to a specific beverage or some specific menu options. The optical output (210) of the example schematic representation of the icons is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 Shown in relief.

[0144] The display output device (209) corresponding to the auxiliary display area (206) can have a horizontal dimension of 52 mm and a vertical dimension of 39 mm. According to a non-limiting example embodiment, one of the auxiliary display areas (206) can be associated with a 2.4" segmented LED display output device (209) having a 78-LED matrix with 18 pins and 4x touch points in the segmented LED display. The display output device (209) can generate an optical output (210) corresponding to corresponding time and / or temperature data using a bar graph that moves according to touch, such as Fig. 9 Shown in relief.

[0145] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the display output device (209) corresponding to another of the auxiliary display areas (206) can be associated with a 2.4" TFT with an SPI interface, the lighting module (221) of which has backlight conditions of: 2x3=6 LEDs, IF=2x50mA, voltage: 8V to 10V. The display output device (209) can produce an optical output (210) corresponding to an animated graphic, such as a color video instruction on how to operate the machine to prepare a desired beverage, with an associated touch screen function to pause / play the video. The display output device can be used to display images, icons, sensor data, videos, and any other indicia or information required. The display output device is a device with a screen that displays a rendered electronic image composed of pixels that are lit in a manner that distinguishes text and graphic elements.

[0146] In an embodiment, the display output device is preferably a negative display with a darker background when powered off, such as a TFTIPS display, so that the black space of the display output device is less visible through the display panel, especially when a lighting module with high brightness is used. The advantages of this arrangement are obvious for the display assembly of any example embodiment described herein.

[0147] Reference Fig.10 , the display assembly may include a touch sensor layer to enable the display area (204) to have a touch screen function. The touch sensor layer (211) may be optically bonded to the inner surface (202) of the display panel (201) corresponding to the display area (204). The display output device (209) may in turn be optically bonded to the opposite surface of the touch sensor layer (211) relative to the display panel (201). In an embodiment, the touch screen function may be associated with tactile feedback.

[0148] The outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) may be curved. Fig.10 In an embodiment, the outer surface (203) has a continuous and gently curved profile. This particular profile can advantageously promote diffuse reflection of incident light. Spreading the reflected light over a wider range of angles than specular reflection described further herein can serve to minimize the visual display information (207) from being obscured or masked by reflected light at certain viewing angles. In an embodiment, an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the display panel. In an embodiment, the display panel can have a non-glossy or matte appearance, such as a brushed stainless steel or aluminum appearance, thereby having a more diffusely reflective surface rather than a purely spectrally reflective surface.

[0149] Now refer to Figures 11 to 14, a non-limiting example embodiment of a display assembly (200) is shown. The display assembly includes a base (213) that provides structural support for other components of the display assembly (200). In an example form, the base (213) can be formed from transparent nylon, but many other suitable materials will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The interior-facing surface (214) is recessed (216) to receive a display output device (209). The profile of the recess (216) is linear, presenting a flat surface to receive a corresponding flat surface of the display output device (209). The recess (216) is adjacent to a hole (218) through which the optical output (210) from the display output device (209) passes. Figures 11 to 14 Involving two display output devices (209) optically bonded to a base (213). The two display output devices (209) can be arranged in a side-by-side relationship to define a continuous display area (204) so ​​that visual display information (207) can be linked to give the impression of one large display area (204). In an embodiment, the visual display information (207) on different display output devices (209) can be linked. For example, a scrollable list of icons (such as a carousel of selectable icons) can be spread over the area of ​​several linked display output devices (209).

[0150] The outwardly facing surface (215) of the base (213) may be curved to define a curved surface of the outer surface (203) as described above. An adhesive layer (220) may be applied to the perimeter (217) of the outwardly facing surface of the base (213). The adhesive layer (220) may be a double-sided tape, such as 3M VHB double-sided tape, but other suitable adhesive layers will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The double-sided tape may initially be flat, but adopts the contour of the curved outer surface (203) of the base (213) when applied thereto.

[0151] As described above, the touch sensor layer (211) can be optically bonded to the inner surface (202) of the display panel (201). The touch sensor layer (211) can have a smaller size than the display panel (201), so that the perimeter (217) of the display panel (201) is separated from the touch sensor layer (211) and can therefore be used to contact the adhesive layer (220) to attach the display panel (201) (and the bonded touch sensor layer (211)) to the base (213). Both the display panel (201) and the touch sensor layer (211) can be formed of a flexible, generally flat material that conforms to the curvature of the base when applied to the base, thereby defining the curvature of the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201).

[0152] Fig.15An alternative embodiment of a display assembly is shown, which is similar to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A display assembly having a centrally located primary display area (205) flanked by two secondary display areas (206). The embodiment includes support brackets (219) located at both inwardly facing sides of a display output device (209), the brackets (219) acting as a backing to hold the display output device (209) in a position received by a recess (216) in a base (213).

[0153] Figures 16 to 18 Shows something like Fig.15 A view of a partially assembled display assembly without the output device (209) and bracket (219) shown.

[0154] Figures 19 to 24 Another example embodiment of a display assembly (200) also suitable for use in a kitchen appliance (1), including but not limited to a coffee maker or espresso machine, is shown in FIG. This embodiment relates to a single display area (204) associated with a single display output device (209), however, it can be adapted for use with a display output device if desired.

[0155] Reference Fig.19 In particular, the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) has a compound curvature, i.e., is curved in both the x-direction and the y-direction. However, the inner surface (202) is substantially planar, so that the inner surface (202) corresponding to the display area (204) provides a flat surface for associating with other components of the display assembly (200). With this arrangement, a flat touch-sensitive layer (211) and a display output device (208) can be applied to the flat inner surface (202) corresponding to the display area (204), while the actual display area (204) on the outer surface (203) presents a compound curvature profile.

[0156] The display panel may advantageously be formed of a transparent material over which an outer film (223) may be applied to conceal the display output device (209) in an unpowered state, such that the display area (204) is not discernible in the form of an empty interface display. In an embodiment, the display panel (201) may be molded from a transparent polymer, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, a colorant may be applied to the polymer prior to injection molding. In other embodiments, an outer film (223) is not used, and the material of the display panel is selected to produce a desired ambient surface when no visual display information is present, such as a dark polymer having an ambient appearance that disguises the interior of the body (100) and the display output device (209) therein.

[0157] Using typical clamping features Fig.19 The base (213) in the exemplary embodiment is clamped on the display panel (201). The base (213) supports the display panel (201) and can be endowed with auxiliary features (224), such as screw bosses and reinforcing ribs. Since the features (224) such as screw bosses and reinforcing ribs are applied to the clamping portion on the base (213), the need for these features (224) on the display panel (201) itself can be reduced or even completely omitted. This can be beneficial in simplifying the manufacture of the display panel (201) and reducing the incidence of manufacturing defects, such as avoiding partial shrinkage marks that may affect the appearance of the empty interface display area (204). When the display panel (201) has a highly reflective appearance, for example due to the use of a highly reflective outer film (223), such defects may have a detrimental effect on the visual display information (207) and may even impair the empty interface effect of the component (200).

[0158] Furthermore, because the display panel (201) has a varying thickness between the inner surface (202) and the outer surface (203) due to their relative flat and curved profiles, the manufacturing process may have required care to minimize the effects of manufacturing defects, otherwise the deleterious effects of the feature (224) may have a compound effect of distorting the visual display information (207). The uneven wall thickness between the inner surface (202) and the outer surface (203) may cause the molten plastic to flow from the thin sections to the thicker sections during the molding process, and the polymer material may begin to cool in the thinner sections, effectively preventing the flow to the thicker sections. This phenomenon may lead to manufacturing defects such as warping and sinking, which may have a deleterious effect on the transmission of the optical output (210) through the display assembly (200) and therefore the quality of the visual display information (207) presented on the display area (204). Certain methods have been identified that can mitigate these effects to improve the optical properties of a display panel (201) having a curved outer surface (203) and a planar inner surface (202). Increasing the cycle time allows for increased cooling duration to allow the molded part to fully cool after the injection molding process, which can minimize unrestricted movement of the part when used for external cooling of the molding tool. Another approach is to use more concentrated cooling on thicker sections of the part to promote more uniform cooling between thick and thin sections. Auxiliary fixtures or clamps can also be used to hold the part in place while cooling.

[0159] Because the inner surface (202) corresponding to the display area (204) is flat, a flat touch-sensitive layer (211) can be used since it must follow the shape of the surface to which it is applied. If the inner surface (202) is curved so that the thickness of the display panel (201) is consistent across the display area (204), then a curved touch-sensitive layer would need to be considered, or an attempt would be made to laminate a film-based touch-sensitive layer onto the inner surface. However, curved and film-based touch-sensitive layers are more complex and expensive than typical flat touch-sensitive layers, which have substantially rigid and inflexible properties, and cannot be used for inner surfaces (202) having more complex compound curvatures to match similar to those of a flat surface. Figures 19 to 24 The compound curved outer surface (203) of the embodiment.

[0160] The touch sensitive layer (211) can be applied to the flat inner portion (202) using optical bonding. Such optical bonding can involve the process of having a resin with high transmittance between the display panel and the touch sensitive layer. Such a resin can be a transparent adhesive that forms a film with a transmittance of about 85% to about 95%. For example, optical bonding of a resin film with a transmittance of about 92% has been successfully used.

[0161] Optical bonding (225) can be used to ensure that the touch-sensitive layer (211) is as close to the flat inner surface (202) as possible. Ideally, there should be substantially no gaps between the inner surface (202) of the display panel (201) and the touch-sensitive layer (211) to facilitate the formation of a solid laminate layer without gaps, air pockets, dust or other defects or debris that can interrupt the transmission of the optical output (210) from the display output device (209) to the display area (204). In addition, the close proximity between adjacent components of the display assembly (200) including the display panel (201) and the touch-sensitive layer (211) can prevent parallax problems, which is particularly useful for devices having similar Fig.19 This may be particularly relevant for display panels (201) having a composite curved outer surface (203) and a flat inner surface (202). Other methods of attaching the touch sensitive layer to the inner surface may also be used. Another such example is the use of double sided tape as a cost saving option, although the same advantages as optical bonding are not achieved.

[0162] The touch-sensitive layer (211) may also have a high transmittance to limit the deleterious effects of transmission of the optical output (210) from the display output device (209) through the display assembly (200) (to be viewed on the display area (204)), such as a touch-sensitive layer (211) having a transmittance of about 85% to about 95%. In an example embodiment, a touch-sensitive layer (211) having a transmittance of about 88% has achieved good results.

[0163] Optical bonding (225) may also be used between the touch sensitive layer (211) and the display output device (209). Fig.19 In an exemplary embodiment, the flat touch sensitive layer (211) is simply bonded to the display output device (209) using double sided tape. This arrangement has been found to produce acceptable results for attaching the two components of the free-standing display assembly (200) and can simplify manufacturing.

[0164] The display output device (209) can be a flat LCD TFT panel. It has been found that using a display output device (209) with an illumination module (221) that produces a backlight luminance of less than about 2000 nits surprisingly produces good results for an air interface display using a low transmittance film (223). Backlight luminances of about 1400 nits to about 1600 nits or about 1500 nits have been used to provide effective air interface display effects on a display area (204) having an IMD film (225) that simulates steel as described below or about 1500 nits.

[0165] It has surprisingly been found that materials with low transmittance and reflective surface qualities can be used to form effective dead-end display areas (204). For example, a film (223) with a transmittance between about 10% and 40% can be used.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, the display area (204) and any non-display portion (208) of the display assembly (200) appear as a metallic material in an ambient unpowered state. This can be advantageous because many kitchen appliances (1) have a metallic construction, such as stainless steel. In this way, the empty surface display area (204) having a metal visual property that simulates the same metal as the adjacent portion of the external housing (101) greatly enhances the empty surface properties of the display area (204), looks like an ordinary part of the external housing (101) in an unpowered state, and the visual display information (207) appears to be presented on an ordinary metal part of the external housing (101), wherein the display output device (209) within the external housing (101) is substantially indistinguishable.

[0167] However, a dead-end display assembly (200) having a display area (204) of stainless steel character may be considered unsuitable because polished or even brushed stainless steel is susceptible to surface reflections which may obscure any visual display information (207) on the display area (204), and attempts to increase the brightness of the visual display information (207) by increasing the illumination of the backlight (221) may cause the black space of the display output device (209) to become visible on the display area (204), thereby reducing the dead-end effect. In addition, the conductivity of the metal surface does not appear to support the use of a capacitive touch sensitive layer (211), and the metal appearance finish may be considered to have such a low transmittance as to be unsuitable for a dead-end type display.

[0168] In the embodiments described herein, the translucent film (223) applied to the outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) has a finish that is consistent with the industrial design of the kitchen appliance (1) by replicating the surrounding finish, and which allows for an effective free-standing display area (204). In particular, the film (223) can have a metallic finish. The film (223) material can include a non-conductive in-mold decoration (IMD). The IMD can be applied to a PMMA or nylon substrate, or any other suitable material. If a touch-sensitive layer is to be used, a metal simulation ink can be used. The material can be formed by a rolling hot embossing process.

[0169] Effective free-standing display assemblies (200) have been produced using such metal look films (223) having a transmittance of about 10% to 40% using backlight (221) illumination of less than 2000 nits and about 1500 nits. In one non-limiting example, effective results have been achieved using a metal look film (223) having a transmittance of about 28% and a TFT LCD display output device (209) having a backlight (221) brightness of about 1500 nits. This arrangement uses a backlight similar to Fig.19 Embodiments, wherein the optical bonding (225) adhesive has a transmittance of about 92% and the touch sensitive layer (211) has a transmittance of about 89%. It has been found through extensive experiments that when the metal simulation film (223) is used, the target brightness on the display area (204) is about 200 nits to 400 nits, wherein a target brightness of about 250 nits provides good results.

[0170] The curved outer surface (203) of the display panel (201) is ideal because the very nature of an air-faceted display involves seemingly seamless integration with the surrounding portions of the kitchen appliance (1), making the display area (204) appear to disappear when not powered in an ambient state. Since the industrial design of the kitchen appliance (1) generally involves contoured surfaces, a similarly curved air-faceted display (204) is required to blend in, which is not the case for a flat air-faceted display area (204).

[0171] However, certain challenges are encountered when pursuing a cost-effective dead-end display assembly (200) having a curved outer surface (203), such as the problem described above where manufacturing defects potentially affect optical quality.

[0172] Furthermore, since a flat inner surface (202) is provided to advantageously use a flat touch sensitive layer (211) as described herein, the display panel (201) will have a variable wall thickness across its lateral extent between the inner surface (202) and the outer surface (203). If the outer surface (203) is characterized by something like Fig.19 In the example embodiments of compound curvature, the wall thickness may vary in the perpendicular x and y lateral directions.

[0173] Varying wall thicknesses may present certain challenges in addition to the manufacturing defects described above. For example, varying thickness between the flat inner surface (202) and the curved outer surface (203) may cause distortion of the optical output (210) traveling from the visual display device (209) to the display area (204).

[0174] The varying thickness between the flat inner surface (202) and the curved outer surface (203) can also cause issues with the sensitivity of the flat touch sensitive layer (211) which utilizes the electrical properties of the human body or a dedicated input device (such as a stylus) for input. This effect can be seen in Fig. 22 and Fig.23 Seen in Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The touch sensitive layer (211) is shown to read the electrical properties of a human finger through different wall thicknesses at different lateral points, which can lead to frustrating inaccuracies when using the touch screen.

[0175] It has been found that limiting the range of curvature can produce a free-standing display assembly (200) having a profile that blends in with the surrounding portions of the kitchen appliance (1) and the outer housing (101), but mitigates the deleterious effects and disadvantages to an acceptable level. For example, it has been found that limiting the variance ratio between the wall thickness across the lateral direction to about 0.025 provides a suitable compromise. A variance ratio of 0.025 (1 / 40) represents a 1 mm variation in wall thickness between two lateral points 40 mm apart.

[0176] Fig.24 Shows Fig.19 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel. In this non-limiting example embodiment, the thickness between the inner surface (202) and the outer surface (203) plus the film (223) is about 4 mm at the center of the display area (204), and decreases to a thickness of about 1.8 mm at 100 mm from the edge of the display area (204) in the horizontal lateral direction. This corresponds to a variance ratio of about 0.022, so that the wall thickness between two points separated by about 46 mm in the horizontal direction is reduced by about 1 mm. The radius of curvature can be considered to be about R3000 mm.

[0177] The thickness between the inner surface (202) and the outer surface (203) plus the membrane is about 4 mm at the center of the display area and decreases to a thickness of about 3.2 mm at 66 mm from the edge of the display area in the vertical lateral direction. This corresponds to a variance ratio of about 0.012, so that the wall thickness between two points separated by about 83 mm in the horizontal direction decreases by about 1 mm. The radius of curvature can be considered to be about R100000 mm.

[0178] It has been surprisingly discovered that a slight curvature of the dead-end display area (204) can have a beneficial effect on the visibility of the visual display information (207). This beneficial effect can be particularly pronounced when the display area (204) has a metallic appearance finish, such as those described above. However, this beneficial effect can also be experienced with other surface finishes, such as glossy plastic finishes. Specifically, the curved display area (204) can act as a diffuse reflector, making the visual display information more easily discernible from the reflective display area (204). Otherwise, such reflections may require the use of a more powerful illumination module (211), thereby adding additional cost and increasing the likelihood that portions of the display output device (209) will be grayed out and therefore visible on the display area (204) when not desired, which can reduce the dead-end effect.

[0179] Furthermore, if a user has difficulty discerning the visual display information (207), the detrimental effects of the reflections may be overcome by making only slight adjustments to their viewing position compared to a flat display area (204) with less diffuse reflections. Since the ambient lighting that causes reflections may not be adjustable in a user's kitchen, and countertop space for positioning appliances is often very limited, being able to make slight adjustments to the viewing position to avoid reflections obscuring the visual information (207) may be particularly advantageous in this application.

[0180] In certain embodiments involving the use of a reflective outer film (223), at certain viewing angles, a doubling of the visual display information may be encountered, with a shifted low-brightness shadow or ghost image of the visual display information (207). While not wishing to be bound by theory, this phenomenon may be caused by a portion of the optical information being reflected internally by the film (223) and then reflected back from another component, such as the display panel (201). Fig.25 A schematic diagram showing this phenomenon is shown.

[0181] Several solutions to this problem have been identified. The polymer used to form the air interface panel can be tinted prior to molding to reduce the transmittance. Similarly, the optical bonding (225) resin can be tinted to reduce the transmittance. In view of these lower transmittances, the backlight (221) illumination can be increased to achieve the desired illumination of the visual display information on the display area (204).

[0182] It should be understood that any exemplary features discussed with respect to a specific embodiment should not be considered to be limited to use with that embodiment. Those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure as a whole will be able to use their ordinary abilities to easily identify the advantageous features discussed in one embodiment as having utility with another embodiment. For example, any embodiment may use a touch-sensitive layer with tactile feedback, or use a metal simulated IMD film, or have a display area with another ambient appearance, for example, by using black plastic to form a display panel, such as glossy black plastic. Any embodiment may be combined with sensors such as ambient light sensors or motion sensors in the manner described, or a voice sensor may alternatively be used to power on an optical output device or otherwise change the operating state of a display output device. Any embodiment may be configured to present an option for selection on a display area, and then present other marks associated with the selection when selected.

[0183] Although the above embodiments have been described with respect to a dead-end type display, the present disclosure may be applied to non-dead-end displays. For example, the display panel may be configured so that when the display output device is not powered on, it does not appear opaque as would normally be the case if the display output device were mounted inside an external housing. While such an embodiment would not be endowed with the advantages associated with a dead-end type display as disclosed herein, it would still be endowed with the other advantages disclosed herein. For example, depending on the details of manufacturing, by selecting the display panel material and / or the outer film / coating, or by simply omitting the dead-end coating, Fig.19 Embodiments of can be provided as non-voided interface displays. Such a component would still have the advantages of a curved outer surface as disclosed herein, while still allowing touch sensitive capabilities by providing a flat inner surface and a wall thickness variance ratio.

[0184] Unless otherwise specified, references to curved surfaces refer to any type of curved surface, including conical curved surfaces such as a cylinder curved in one direction, or compound curved surfaces such as a sphere curved in two directions. Although certain embodiments are described with respect to specific curvatures, such examples should not be construed as limiting the disclosure of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can readily apply the teachings herein to different curved surfaces, for example, adapting embodiments having conical curved surfaces to compound curved surfaces, and vice versa.

[0185] For the avoidance of doubt and for the sake of brevity, references to a display panel and / or outer surface may or may not include any outer film, deemed to be clear from the context of use, as would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0186] In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance (1) may include a sensor (222) to measure the ambient brightness of the room and adjust the control lighting module (221) to control the brightness of the visual display information (207) presented on the display area (204).

[0187] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in many other forms. As non-limiting examples, the present invention can be applied to any suitable kitchen appliance, including microwave ovens, kettles, toasters, conventional ovens and refrigeration equipment.

[0188] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, when ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc. are used to describe common objects, this merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given order temporally, spatially, hierarchically, or in any other respect.

[0189] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an example" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or example, but rather may, and furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0190] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in order to simplify the disclosure and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single preceding disclosed embodiment. Any claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0191] Unless otherwise expressly stated, as will be apparent from the following discussion, it should be understood that throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," etc. refer to the actions and / or processes of a microprocessor, controller or computing system or similar electronic computing or signal processing device for manipulating and / or transforming data.

[0192] In addition, although some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments but do not include other features included in other embodiments, the combination of features of different embodiments is intended to be within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any claimed embodiment can be used in any combination.

[0193] Therefore, while there has been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

[0194] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific details of construction, these should be understood to have been provided by way of example and not as limitations on the scope of the invention.

[0195] In the above description of the preferred embodiment, specific terms are used for the sake of clarity. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar technical purposes. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "above" and "below" are used as convenient terms to provide reference points and should not be interpreted as limiting terms.

[0196] Parts List

[0197] Kitchen appliances1

[0198] Main body 100

[0199] External housing 101

[0200] Display assembly 200

[0201] Display panel 201

[0202] Inner surface 202 of display panel

[0203] The outer surface 203 of the display panel

[0204] Display area 204

[0205] Main display area 205

[0206] Auxiliary display area 206

[0207] Visual display information 207

[0208] Non-display portion 208

[0209] Display output device 209

[0210] Optical output 210

[0211] Touch sensor layer 211

[0212] Proximity sensor 212

[0213] Base 213

[0214] The interior facing surface 214 of the base

[0215] The outwardly facing surface 215 of the base

[0216] Recess 216 in base

[0217] The perimeter 217 of the outwardly facing surface of the base

[0218] Hole in base 218

[0219] Display output device support bracket 219

[0220] Adhesive layer 220

[0221] Lighting module 221

[0222] Ambient light sensor 222

[0223] Outer membrane 223

[0224] Auxiliary feature 224

[0225] Optical Bonding 225

Claims

1. A kitchen appliance comprising a free-standing display assembly, the assembly comprising: A display panel having an outer surface characterized by a display area for presenting visual display information as an optical output from a display output device, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the display panel comprises a curved surface and at least a portion of an inner surface is planar.

2. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The display area has one or more of the following when not displaying visual display information: low transmittance, high reflective visual properties, or a metallic ambient appearance.

3. The kitchen appliance according to claim 2, wherein: The low transmittance, high reflectance visual characteristics or metallic ambient appearance is provided by a coating on the outer surface of the display panel when no visual display information is being displayed.

4. The kitchen appliance according to claim 3, wherein: The coating is a non-conductive in-mold decoration (IMD) film or a hot embossing film.

5. The kitchen appliance according to claim 4, wherein: The coating has a transmittance of about 10% to about 40% and has an ambient appearance simulating stainless steel.

6. The kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display panel thickness varies laterally along the display area perpendicular to the thickness dimension at a ratio equal to or less than about 0.

025.

7. A kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer surface has a compound curvature, and wherein the display panel thickness varies at a rate of about 0.02 along a first perpendicular lateral direction of the display area and varies at a rate of about 0.01 along a second perpendicular lateral direction of the display area.

8. The kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a touch-sensitive layer applied to the planar inner surface.

9. The kitchen appliance according to claim 8, wherein: The touch-sensitive layer is flat and substantially rigid.

10. The kitchen appliance according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The touch sensitive layer is optically bonded to the inner surface.

11. The kitchen appliance according to claim 10, wherein: Pigmented resins are used for optical bonding.

12. The kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The brightness of the display area is configured to be between about 150 nits and about 500 nits.

13. A kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The brightness of the display area is configured to be approximately 250 nits.

14. A kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The optical display device has a backlight illumination of less than about 2000 nits.

15. The kitchen appliance of any preceding claim, further comprising a base having auxiliary features for supporting the display panel.

16. The kitchen appliance according to claim 15, wherein: The auxiliary features include one or more of support ribs or threaded tubes.

17. The kitchen appliance according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: Clip features are used to removably attach the base to the display panel.

18. A kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display area has an appearance simulating a surrounding portion of the kitchen appliance.

19. A kitchen appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display area has a first state in which there is no visual display information from the display output device; a second state in which the visual display information includes an indicia indicating a power-on operation; a third state in which the visual display information displays a selectable operating mode; and a fourth state in which the visual display information is associated with the selected operating mode.

20. A free-standing display assembly for a kitchen appliance as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A kitchen appliance comprising a display assembly, the assembly comprising: A display panel having an outer surface characterized by a display area for presenting visual display information as an optical output from a display output device, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the display panel comprises a curved surface and at least a portion of an inner surface is planar.

22. The kitchen appliance according to claim 21, wherein: The display assembly is a dead-end assembly.

Images