Display device and human-machine interaction system for household appliance, and household appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (10) for a household appliance, the display device comprising: a display film (1), a circuit board (2) provided with light elements, and a carrier (3) provided between the display film (1) and the circuit board (2), wherein the display film (1) has a background display area (5) for displaying a background image (6) which can be illuminated jointly by several first light elements (4) of the light elements, wherein at least one symbol is arranged in the background display area (5), wherein a light guide structure corresponding to each of the at least one symbol is arranged, which serves to guide light emitted by at least one second light element of the light elements to the symbol, and wherein the height of the light guide structure is less than the height of the carrier, so that the upper end of the light guide structure is spaced away from the display film.Furthermore, the invention relates to a human-machine interaction system and a household appliance.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display device for a household appliance, a human-machine interaction system for a household appliance, and a household appliance.

[0002] Household appliances typically use conventional displays or human-machine interaction systems to show users information, statuses, functions, etc., using LEDs to illuminate individual symbols on their display panels. However, such inexpensive displays or human-machine interaction systems can only show separate symbols, resulting in a tedious and monotonous visual effect. Furthermore, without a more expensive display screen (such as a TFT, OLED, or dot-matrix LED display), it is difficult to create a backlighting effect and enhance the visual experience.

[0003] DE 20 2018 001 855 U1 relates to a display device for a control panel of an electronic household appliance.

[0004] CN 211 858 041 U relates to the field of display technology, in particular a display assembly and household appliances.

[0005] WO 2015 / 091806 A1 concerns a display control panel with modulated light.

[0006] Therefore, it is an urgent technical problem how to add the backlighting effect to the conventional symbol display without a significant increase in cost for the display device or the human-machine interaction system.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a display device for a household appliance, a human-machine interaction system for a household appliance and a household appliance which can add a backlighting effect to improve the visual impression without significantly increasing the manufacturing costs of the display device and the human-machine interaction system, and without having to use a complex display screen.

[0008] The first-mentioned problem is solved according to the invention by a display device for a household appliance, comprising a display film, a printed circuit board provided with luminaires, and a carrier provided between the display film and the printed circuit board, wherein the display film has a background display area for displaying a background image, which can be illuminated jointly by several first luminaires of the luminaires, wherein at least one symbol is arranged in the background display area of ​​the display film, wherein a light guide structure corresponding to each of the at least one symbol is arranged, which serves to guide light emitted by at least one second luminaire of the luminaires to the symbol, and wherein the height of the light guide structure is less than the height of the carrier, so that the upper end of the light guide structure is spaced away from the display film.

[0009] In the display device, the display film, the carrier, and the circuit board are arranged from top to bottom. The carrier serves to attach the display film above the circuit board, spaced apart from it.

[0010] The display film has a background display area for showing a background image, which can be illuminated jointly by several first light sources. In this way, the background image in the background display area can be illuminated as a whole, providing the user with a visually rich and brilliant backlighting effect in the display device and optimizing the visual impression and user experience. The background display area can, for example, be configured as a light-transmitting area corresponding to the background image. The light-transmitting area refers to a region on the substrate of the display film that is designed to be at least partially transparent, allowing the background image to be displayed to the user when the light-transmitting area is illuminated jointly by the several first light sources arranged on the circuit board.Preferably, the background image can be colored or feature colors. Preferably, the background image can also occupy a relatively large portion of the total surface of the display device. The background image can, in particular, be decorative images such as landscapes (e.g., seawater, sunlight, starry skies, clouds, meadows, mountains, etc.), continuous patterns, portraits, abstract drawings, cartoon elements, and the like, to convey a mood, enhance the texture, or arouse interest. Without being limited to this, the background image can also be a motif image, such as a sign, a status diagram, a usage step diagram, etc.; however, a plain text layout can also be considered, such as...Texts that identify the model and purpose of the household appliance or describe its operation to provide useful information to the user. It should be noted that the background display area is generally located in the center of the display film. However, it is also possible to position the background display area on a side or corner of the entire display film, or to include multiple background display areas on a single display film.

[0011] At least one symbol is provided in the background display area. This symbol can be understood as a symbol that is surrounded by or overlaid on the background image. The symbol can be designed as a light-transmitting area corresponding to the symbol's content, e.g., as an area on the substrate of the display film that is at least partially, and in particular completely, transparent, so that when the light-transmitting area is illuminated, it is possible to show the user the content of the symbol, i.e., to display characters and / or patterns corresponding to the symbol's content. The characters and / or patterns can include words, numbers, emblems, badges, and the like, to indicate information, states, and / or functions, etc., of the household appliance to the user. Preferably, the symbol can be colored.

[0012] To illuminate the at least one symbol provided in a background display area, a light guide structure corresponding to each of the at least one symbol is provided. This light guide structure is used to direct light emitted by at least one second luminaire to the symbol in a position-dependent manner. The height of the light guide structure is less than the height of the substrate, such that the upper end of the light guide structure is spaced away from the display film. For a more noticeable and easily controllable display of the at least one symbol in the background image, a light guide structure is provided for the at least one second luminaire associated with the symbol, such that the light emitted by the at least one second luminaire is directed specifically to the symbol in the background image.In this way, the user can easily see whether a symbol is illuminated or not, even against the backlit background. The light-guiding structure allows the illuminated symbol to be highlighted with significantly greater brightness against the background, enabling the user to clearly see information, functions, and / or operating procedures of the appliance. Because the height of the light-guiding structure is less than the height of the substrate, and thus its upper edge is spaced away from the display film, the highest point of the light-guiding structure does not touch the display film.A gap exists between the light-guiding structure and the display film, allowing some of the light emitted by the first set of light elements to illuminate the background display area to penetrate beneath the symbol. This ensures that, firstly, the symbol remains faintly visible even when unlit, and secondly, that no dark area is created in the background image that would detract from the overall harmonious appearance. As a result, the symbol is so well integrated into the background image that its illuminated and unlit states are easily distinguishable. This allows the display device to offer a harmonious overall visual effect while maintaining its effective display function.

[0013] The display device is not only capable of producing a brilliant backlighting effect, thereby enriching the display content, creating an impressive visual experience and a design-rich atmosphere, but is also able to harmoniously integrate the symbols, whose illuminated and unilluminated states can be easily distinguished, into the background image, with the symbols and the background image harmonizing with each other and the overall image of the display device forming a harmonious whole.In particular, the display device can produce a display effect similar to that of a display screen, especially a TFT display screen, by merely modifying the structure of a conventional carrier and arranging the lighting elements accordingly, which not only does not significantly increase the manufacturing costs compared to a conventional symbol display device, but also eliminates the need to use an expensive display screen.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the light guide structure is configured as a light guide hole and / or a light guide rod. Various solutions can be considered as light guide structures to direct the light emitted by the at least one second illuminating element to the symbol. If a light guide hole is used, the second illuminating element, located in the lower region of the light guide hole, particularly below the light guide hole, or housed in the base of the light guide hole, can emit its light into the light guide hole, projecting the light intensely onto the symbol. If a light guide rod is used, the second illuminating element, located in the lower region of the light guide rod, particularly below the light guide rod, or housed in the base of the light guide rod, can couple its light into the light guide rod, transmitting the light intensely onto the symbol with less loss.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the light guide hole is formed by hollow structures made of an opaque or translucent material and / or the light guide rod is made of a transparent material. The light guide hole is formed by a hollow structure with a hole extending from top to bottom, which consists of an opaque or translucent material, in particular a plastic material. The hollow structure can, for example, have a laterally closed wall surrounding the light guide hole. In particular, the light guide hole can have a cross-section that resembles the contour of the symbol. For example, a circular light guide hole is formed according to a circular symbol, while a square light guide hole is formed according to a square symbol. Alternatively, the light guide rod can be made of a transparent material, e.g.,Made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resin, glass, or similar materials. Furthermore, the light guide rod can also have a cross-section that resembles the contour of the symbol. For example, a circular light guide rod is designed to match a circular symbol, while a square light guide rod is designed to match a square symbol.

[0016] In a preferred alternative, the second light element is integrated inside the light guide rod. To increase the coupling power of the light guide rod at the input, it is particularly advantageous to integrate the second light element inside or embed it within the rod. This eliminates the need to precisely match the beam angle of the second light element to the light reception angle of the light guide rod. Furthermore, it is conceivable to connect the light guide rod to the second light element, for example, by gluing or snapping it into place, thus simplifying assembly.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, an opening is formed in the carrier corresponding to the background display area. The opening means that a portion of the carrier corresponding to the background display area is hollowed out completely from top to bottom. This allows the multiple first illuminating elements to illuminate the background display area together without obstruction. Furthermore, to increase the structural stability of the carrier, at least one recess can also be formed in the carrier corresponding to the background display area, in the underside of which light transmission openings for the multiple first illuminating elements are provided, the height of which is less than the height of the light guide structure. The recess here means that in an area of ​​the carrier corresponding to the background display area, there is a downwardly recessed area relative to the top of the carrier.A recess is formed, allowing the display film and the substrate to be spaced apart in the background display area. To enable the multiple first light elements to illuminate the background display area together, light transmission openings can be provided in the underside of the recess for these first light elements. These openings extend from the underside of the recess to the underside of the entire substrate. This allows the light emitted by the first light elements, located in or below the light transmission openings, to enter the recess and thus illuminate the background display area on the display film. The height of the light transmission openings can be greater than, equal to, or less than the height of the first light elements, provided that the background image is illuminated as required by the multiple first light elements working together.It should be noted that in many cases, the light transmission openings are not intended to limit the radiation area of ​​the light, but rather to stabilize the mechanical structure of the entire support by means of the underside of the recess. Furthermore, in order to illuminate a background image with a relatively large area using a limited number of primary light elements, it is desirable that the light from these elements be projected into the recess at a wider beam angle. Therefore, it is advantageous to design the light transmission openings to be approximately flush with the primary light elements, or to design the primary light elements to project beyond the light transmission openings on the underside of the recess in order to limit the beam angle of the primary light elements as little as possible.

[0018] Advantageously, the light guide structure is attached to the circuit board or the recess, or connected to the substrate via a connecting bridge, or integrally formed with the substrate. The light guide structure can be attached to the display device in a variety of ways. For example, it can be glued, snapped, riveted, or welded to the underside of the circuit board or recess, or in a through-hole of the recess. It is also possible for the light guide structure to be connected to the substrate via an additional connecting bridge, or for it to be integrally formed with the substrate. Furthermore, when using multiple light guide structures, it is also possible to connect them via connecting bridges to increase stability and simplify assembly.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the upper end of the light guide structure is spaced between 0.8 and 3 mm from the display film. By specifying a gap dimension between the light guide structure and the display film with this distance, it is reliably ensured that the light emitted by the first luminous elements can penetrate at least weakly beneath the symbol.

[0020] Conveniently, the upper end of the light guide structure is spaced 1 mm away from the display film.

[0021] In a further embodiment, a light-transmitting plate is arranged in the opening or recess of the substrate. Since the display film in the background display area cannot be held by the substrate, an external force acting on the background display area can cause the display film to collapse. To prevent collapse, the opening or recess can be filled with the light-transmitting plate, thus compensating for any height difference between the opening or recess and the top surface of the substrate, allowing the display film to be held in place by the filled light-transmitting plate. In particular, the light-transmitting plate can be arranged flush with the top surface of the substrate when inserted into the opening or recess.Preferably, the light-transmitting plate can be connected to the support to avoid vibration of the light-transmitting plate in the opening or recess due to dimensional tolerances.

[0022] Advantageously, the light-transmitting plate is designed with dome-shaped recesses for the first light-emitting elements or with projections extending into the light-transmitting openings. To prevent the light-transmitting plate from displacing the first light-emitting elements and / or to better absorb the light emitted by the first light-emitting elements around the light-transmitting plate, each first light-emitting element is assigned a dome-shaped recess. Alternatively, if the support is designed with a recess containing the light-transmitting openings, it is also conceivable to provide projections extending into the light-transmitting openings, so that the light emitted by the first light-emitting elements is more effectively coupled into the light-transmitting plate.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the display film is provided with at least one pair of attachment points for bonding to the side edges of the substrate. Alternatively or additionally to filling the light-transmitting plate, it is also conceivable to increase the adhesive surface of the display film on the substrate. For this purpose, opposing attachment points extend from the circumference of the display film, in particular from at least two long sides, which can be bonded to the sides of the substrate, thus tautly stretching the display film on the substrate to counteract the external forces that would cause the background display area of ​​the display film to collapse towards the recess.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, several break points are cut between the attachments and the display film. By providing these break points, the substrate of the display film, which has a certain hardness, can be bent more precisely and easily. Preferably, the multiple break points can be cut with a break knife or laser.

[0025] In a preferred alternative, an additional symbol is provided outside the background display area, which can be illuminated individually. This additional symbol can, in particular, be a separate or individually illuminated symbol from conventional display devices. To illuminate this conventional symbol, the additional symbol can be equipped with a further light-guiding structure, which rests on the display film. This additional light-guiding structure can also include a light-guiding hole or a light-guiding rod. The light-guiding hole can, in particular, be designed as a through-hole in the carrier, penetrating the carrier from its top to its underside, so that the third light-emitting element arranged in the through-hole can individually illuminate the additional symbol located above the through-hole.Furthermore, it is also possible to use a light guide bar that is in direct contact with the display film. To prevent such a light guide bar from interacting with the surrounding light-emitting elements, a light-shielding layer can be provided, particularly on the outside of the light guide bar.

[0026] In another embodiment, the switching on and off, brightness, and / or color of the first and / or second light element are adjustable. To display information, functions, and / or operations to the user in different display states, an adjustable light element is advantageously used. These light elements can be the multiple first light elements for jointly illuminating the background display area, the at least one second light element for illuminating the symbol within the background display area, and / or a third light element for illuminating the additional symbol outside the background display area. By means of the adjustable design of the light element, dynamic effects can be added to the display device, particularly its background image.A particularly advantageous feature is the ability to enhance the background image with dynamic change effects by adjusting the multiple first lighting elements that illuminate the background display area. Firstly, it is possible to decide whether the background image should be displayed by switching the first lighting elements on and off. It is also possible to make the background image flicker by switching between on and off. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to selectively switch on some of the first lighting elements and switch off the others to achieve a lighting layout with a contrast between light and dark.It is also advantageous that the first lighting elements are switched on and off alternately at different locations to achieve a constantly changing lighting layout, allowing even a single background image to be animated, thus enriching the visual experience. Secondly, the color of each lighting element can be adjusted; for example, the color of the lighting element can be changed from yellow to red or from warm yellow to cool white, thereby altering the tone of the background image. The brightness of these lighting elements can also be adjusted, for example, by gradually brightening and / or dimming them like breathing lamps, resulting in a more subtle change of light and shadow.Preferably, lighting elements can be used that can be set to several brightness levels, in particular to a dozen different brightness levels, in order to achieve a subtle brightness change effect.

[0027] Advantageously, the display film is a colored film; and / or the substrate is an injection-molded part. The colored display film can be understood, for example, as having colored symbols, a colored background image, or even an additional colored symbol, if present, printed onto the substrate of the display film, while the rest of the display film is printed with opaque ink. This allows the colored symbols and background image to appear when the display film is illuminated by individual light sources. This enables a colorful display effect to be achieved using only monochromatic light sources, which is advantageous for reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture the substrate using an injection molding process, thereby increasing the production cycle and reducing manufacturing costs in mass production.However, other methods such as casting, 3D printing, laser cutting, etc. can also be used.

[0028] To facilitate demolding during injection molding and to diffuse the light from the individual lighting elements as desired, it is conceivable that the light guide hole, the through hole, the light transmission openings, and / or the recess are progressively smaller towards the circuit board. This means that the dimensions of the light guide hole, the through hole, the light transmission openings, and / or the recess are each tapered towards the circuit board. This is achieved, for example, by forming slopes, steps, or curved surfaces, etc., which are inclined accordingly towards the circuit board or the underside of the recess. Furthermore, the inner wall of the light guide hole and the side edges of the carrier can also have similar slopes.

[0029] The second problem is solved according to the invention by a human-machine interaction system for a household appliance, which includes a display device according to the invention as well as touch and / or proximity sensors.

[0030] In an advantageous further development, the human-machine interaction system also provides human-machine interaction functions while adding background light effects and improving visual perception, thus enabling the control of the household appliance and the provision of visual feedback using the human-machine interaction system.

[0031] Advantageously, the touch and / or proximity sensor comprises a touch-sensitive layer that is adhered or printed onto a display film of the display device. The touch-sensitive layer can, for example, be a touch-sensitive film or a touch-sensitive printed circuit for detecting user touches. In particular, the touch-sensitive film or the touch-sensitive printed circuit can be arranged on either side of the display film of the display device.When the user's finger touches the touch-sensitive film or printed circuit board, a coupling capacitance is formed between the user's finger and the conductive layer within the film or printed circuit. This allows the user's finger position, and consequently their touch operation, to be determined by detecting a change in capacitance. The touch-sensitive film, for example, contains conductive electrodes embedded in a transparent dielectric material. The conductive electrodes themselves are very thin and made of a nearly completely transparent material, giving them high light transmittance, which in turn does not impair the display of the icons and / or background image.Advantageously, the touch and / or proximity sensor is designed as an infrared sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an inductive sensor, a pressure sensor, or an acoustic sensor. This touch and / or proximity sensor can be provided outside or inside the display device, in particular integrated on the circuit board of the display device and accommodated in the light guide hole, the light transmission openings, or the through-hole. For example, an infrared sensor can be accommodated in the light guide hole, the light transmission openings, or the through-hole, wherein the infrared sensor comprises an infrared transmitter tube and an infrared receiver tube spaced apart from each other to detect the touch of a user's finger or the proximity of a user's finger to the surface of the display device.It is also possible to provide a separate infrared light guide hole in the carrier for the infrared sensor. It goes without saying that the display film of the display device must be correspondingly infrared-transparent and that the detection circuitry for the infrared sensor must be integrated into the circuit board accordingly.

[0032] The third problem relates to a household appliance which includes a display device according to the invention or a human-machine interaction system according to the invention.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the household appliance is an air conditioner, a range hood, a stove, a water heater, a refrigerator, an oven, a dishwasher, a food processor, a washing machine, a dryer, a stereo system, a television, a smart tap or a smart toilet.

[0034] Further features can be seen from the figures and the exemplary embodiments. All features and combinations of features mentioned in the description, as well as those mentioned in the exemplary embodiments and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0035] Several examples are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the description. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a display device according to the second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a display film of a display device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective exploded view of a display device according to the third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 a front view of a carrier of a display device according to the third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a carrier of a display device according to the third embodiment of the invention along section line AA; Fig.Fig. 8 a sectional view of a carrier of a display device according to the third embodiment of the invention along section line AA; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a carrier of a display device according to the third embodiment of the invention along section line BB; Fig. 10 a schematic sectional view of a carrier of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a display film of a display device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of a human-machine interaction system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] It should be noted beforehand that essentially the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same components in different embodiments. In each of the accompanying figures, individual components are not shown to scale and / or have been enlarged and / or reduced in size to make the structure of the display device and the human-machine interaction system easily understandable.

[0037] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a first embodiment. A display device 10 for a household appliance comprises: a display film 1, a printed circuit board 2 provided with light elements, and a carrier 3 provided between the display film 1 and the printed circuit board 2. Here, the display film 1 has been lifted from the carrier 3 to show a detailed arrangement beneath the display film 1.

[0038] As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the display film 1 has a background display area 5 for displaying a background image 6, which can be illuminated jointly by several first light elements 4. The background display area 5, which is filled with grid lines in the respective drawings, can be understood, for example, as a light transmission area corresponding to the background image 6, i.e., an area that is at least partially transparent to light on the substrate of the display film 1. Preferably, the background image can be colored or rendered with colors. The background image can, in particular, be decorative paintings, such as landscapes (e.g., seawater, sunlight, starry skies, clouds, meadows, mountains, etc.), continuous patterns, portraits, abstract drawings, cartoon elements, and the like. The background image can also be a motif image, such as a sign, a state diagram, a usage step diagram, etc.; or the background image can be a plain text layout, such as texts that identify the model and purpose of the household appliance or describe its operation. In particular, it should be noted that, although the background display area 5 shown in the drawings is located in the center of the display film 1, it is also conceivable that the background display area 5 is located at a side or corner of the entire display film 1, or that several background display areas 5 may be provided in one display film 1.

[0039] In the background display area 5, at least one symbol, here two black-filled symbols 7, is arranged. The symbol 7 can be understood as a symbol 7 that is surrounded by or overlaid by the background image 6. The symbol 7 can be designed as a light-transmitting area corresponding to the content of the symbol, e.g., as an area on the substrate of the display film 1 that is at least partially, and in particular completely, translucent, so that when the light-transmitting area is illuminated, it is possible to show the user the content of the symbol, i.e., to display characters and / or patterns that correspond to the content of the symbol. The characters and / or patterns can include words, numbers, emblems, badges, and the like, to indicate information, states, and / or functions, etc., of the household appliance to the user. Preferably, the symbol 7 can be displayed in color or with colors.

[0040] Each of the at least one symbol 7 is assigned a light guide structure. In the case of the Fig. 1 In the first embodiment shown, the light guide structure is designed as a light guide hole 8. The light guide hole 8 can be formed by a hollow structure 12 with a hole extending from top to bottom. The light guide hole 8 is used to guide light emitted by at least one (not shown) second luminaire element to the symbol 7. In the assembled state of the display device 10, the height of the light guide structure is less than the height of the carrier 3. The height to the upper end of the light guide hole 8, i.e., the height to the upper end 11 of the hollow structure 12 forming the light guide hole 8, is less than the height to the top 13 of the carrier 3, so that the upper end of the light guide hole 8 is spaced apart from the display film 1. Preferably, the light guide hole 8 can be formed by a hollow structure 12 made of an opaque or translucent material.

[0041] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to a second embodiment. In this second embodiment, a display device 10 for a household appliance also comprises a display film 1, a circuit board 2, and a carrier 3. As in the first embodiment, the display film 1 also has a background display area 5 for displaying a background image 6, which can be illuminated jointly by several first light elements 4 and in which at least one symbol 7 is arranged. Similarly, a light guide structure is also provided, which is assigned to each of the at least one symbol 7. In a second embodiment, alternative to the first embodiment, the light guide structure is designed as a light guide rod 16.The light guide rod 16 serves to direct light emitted by at least one (not shown) second luminaire element of the luminaire elements to the symbol 7. In the assembled state of the display device 10, the upper end 17 of the light guide rod 16 is also spaced apart from the display film 1. Preferably, the light guide rod 16 is made of a transparent material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resin, glass, or the like.

[0042] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a display device according to the second embodiment. The figure clearly shows that, in the assembled state of the display device 10, each symbol 7 in the background display area 5 is assigned a light guide bar 16. The height of the light guide bar 16 is less than the height of the support 3, so that the upper end 17 of the light guide bar 16 is spaced away from the display film 1. This means that the upper end 17 of the light guide bar 16 is not in contact with the display film 1, but rather a gap 20 exists between the light guide bar 16 and the display film 1, which allows some of the light emitted by the first luminaires 4 to penetrate below the symbol 7.

[0043] As from the Fig. 1 bis 3 As can be seen, the background display area 5 can be illuminated jointly by several first lighting elements 4. In this way, the background image 6 in the background display area 5 can be illuminated as a whole, providing the user with a visually rich and brilliant backlighting effect in the display device, and optimizing the visual impression and user experience.

[0044] From the Fig. 1 bis 3 It is also known that, in the assembled state of the display device 10, each symbol 7 in the background display area 5 is associated with a light guide structure 16, i.e., a light guide hole 8 or a light guide rod 16. Such a light guide structure 16 can direct the light emitted by the second luminaire 18 more concentratedly to the symbol 7. By means of such an arrangement, the symbol 7, when illuminated, is able to stand out in the background image 6 with significantly greater brightness, enabling the user to clearly recognize the information, functions, and / or operation associated with the household appliance.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper end 17 of the light guide structure, i.e., the upper end 17 of the light guide rod 16, is spaced away from the display film 1, creating a gap 20. This gap allows some of the light emitted by the several first illuminating elements 4 away from the light guide structure to penetrate beneath the symbol 7 and illuminate it slightly. This ensures that, firstly, the symbols 7 are faintly visible even when unilluminated by the second illuminating element 18, and secondly, prevents a dark area from appearing in the background image 6 that would detract from the overall harmonious appearance. Consequently, the symbols 7 are integrated into the background image 6 in such a way that their illuminated and unilluminated states (by the second illuminating element 18) are easily distinguishable. Therefore, the display device 10 provides a harmonious overall visual effect while maintaining its effective display function.

[0046] It should be noted that the carrier 3 itself serves as a light-guiding component to direct the light emitted by the luminaire on the circuit board 2 to the display film 1. The carrier 3 rests against the display film 1, with the contact encompassing both direct and indirect contact, i.e., other functional layers may also be located between the carrier 3 and the display film 1. In the present application, the phrase "spaced apart from the display film 1" refers to the contact of the carrier 3 with the display film 1, i.e., the height of the upper end 17 of the light-guiding structure, corresponding to symbol 7, is less than the height of the carrier 3 as a light-guiding component, so that a gap 20 is formed between the upper end 17 of the light-guiding structure and the display film 1.The gap 20 allows the light emitted by the several first luminaire elements 4 away from the light guide structure to penetrate into the gap 20 and slightly backlight the symbol 7.

[0047] In summary, the display device 10 is not only capable of producing a brilliant backlighting effect, thereby enriching the displayed content, creating an impressive visual experience, and establishing a sophisticated atmosphere, but it is also able to harmoniously integrate the symbols 7, whose illuminated and unilluminated states are easily distinguishable, into the background image 6. The symbols 7 and the background image 6 harmonize with each other, forming a cohesive whole with the overall appearance of the display device 10. In particular, the display device 10 can produce a display effect similar to that of a display screen, which not only does not significantly increase manufacturing costs compared to a conventional symbol display device, but also eliminates the need for an expensive display screen.

[0048] In connection with the in the Fig. 1 bis 3 Further preferred details of the display device 10 are described below in relation to the first and second embodiments shown.

[0049] In the Fig. 1 bis 3 An opening is formed in the carrier 3, corresponding to the background display area 5, so that the background display area 5 can be illuminated jointly by the several first light elements 4. This opening means that a portion of the carrier 3 corresponding to the background display area 5 is hollowed out completely from top to bottom. The carrier 3 is thus designed as a hollow frame. In the first and second embodiments, the carrier 3 is surrounded by four sides 14 and has a top surface 13 and a bottom surface 19. The display film 1 rests against the top surface 13 of the carrier 3, while the circuit board 2 rests against the bottom surface 19 of the carrier 3. This ensures that the display film 1 and the circuit board 2 are reliably spaced apart. In the assembled state of the display device 10, the opening 15, together with the display film 1 and the circuit board 2, forms a cavity.As a result, several first lighting elements 4 can emit light unhindered into the cavity, thereby illuminating the background display area 5 together.

[0050] In order to attach the light guide structure, i.e., the light guide hole 8 or the light guide rod 16, in the display device 10, it is conceivable that the light guide structure is connected to the circuit board 2 or to the support 3 via a connecting bridge. Without being limited to this, the following can be used: Fig. 1 bis 3 The light guide holes 8 and light guide rods 16 shown may also be connected to each other by connecting bridges.

[0051] In Fig. 3 A preferred arrangement of a second lighting element 18 inside the light guide bars 16 is also shown to increase the coupling power of the light guide bars 16 at the input.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the upper end of the light guide structure can be spaced between 0.8 and 3 mm, and in particular between 1 mm, from the display film 1. This space can also be understood as the dimension of the gap between the upper end 11 of the hollow structure forming the light guide hole 8 and the display film 1, the dimension of the gap 20 between the upper end 17 of the light guide rod 16 and the display film 1, or as the height difference between the height of the support 3, measured from the top 13 to the bottom 19, and the height of the light guide hole 8 or the light guide rod 16. This space reliably ensures that the light emitted by the first luminaire elements 4 can penetrate at least weakly beneath the symbol 7.

[0053] In order to be able to display different display states, especially dynamic lighting effects, the switching on and off, the brightness and / or the color of the first lighting elements 4 and / or the second lighting element 18 can be adjusted.

[0054] Preferably, the display film 1 can be a colored film. More preferably, the carrier 3 can be designed as an injection-molded part, in particular as a white injection-molded part favorable for light emission.

[0055] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a display film of a display device according to a third embodiment. The display film 1 in Fig. 4 The display includes a background display area 5 in the center for displaying a background image 6, and within the background display area 5, two black-filled symbols 7 are provided as examples. On the display slide 1, further symbols 21 are also provided outside the background display area 5, which can be individually illuminated. As in Fig. 4 As shown, a total of eleven additional symbols 21 are arranged on both sides of the background display area 5, which are not surrounded or overlaid by the background image 6. The black-filled portion of each additional symbol 21 corresponds to a light transmission area of ​​the symbol content, which, when illuminated, makes the symbol content visible to the user. The additional symbols 21 can also be patterns and / or characters. Fig. 4 In particular, two numeric symbol groups 22 in the form of the digit 8 are also displayed as additional symbols. These numeric symbol groups 22 comprise seven smaller symbols in close proximity to each other (7-segment display), allowing one or more of these smaller symbols to be selectively illuminated to display numerical information to the user. It is also possible to display information, statuses, and / or functions of the household appliance, etc., to the user using these additional symbols 21.

[0056] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a display device according to the third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the display device 10 also comprises, from top to bottom, a display film 1, a circuit board 2 provided with light elements, and a carrier 3 provided between the display film 1 and the circuit board 2. The Fig. 5 The display device 10 shown uses the one described in Fig. 4 Display slide 1 shown, which is why further details are shown on display slide 1 in Fig. 5 are not shown.

[0057] At the in Fig. 5 Each symbol 7 in the background display area 5 on the carrier 3 shown is also assigned a light guide structure, here a light guide hole 8. The light guide hole 8 is also used to guide light emitted by at least one second light element 18 to the symbol 7. The upper end 11 of the light guide hole 8 is spaced away from the display film 1. In contrast to the one shown in Fig. 1 In the first embodiment shown, a recess 23 corresponding to the background display area 5 is formed in the carrier 3. The recess 23 means that in a region of the carrier 3 corresponding to the background display area 5, a downwardly recessed indentation or trough is formed relative to the upper surface 13 of the carrier 3, which allows the display film 1 and the carrier 3 to be spaced apart from each other in the background display area 5. In order to illuminate the background display area 5 together with several first light elements 4, light transmission openings 25 for the first light elements 4 are provided in a lower surface 24 of the recess 23. The light transmission openings 25 extend from the lower surface 24 of the recess 23 to a lower surface 19 of the entire carrier 3. The height of the light transmission openings 25 is less than the height of the light guide structure, here the light guide hole 8, thus allowing light to pass through the recessed surface 19.Light emitted from the first luminaire elements 4 located below the respective light transmission openings 25 can shine into the recess 23, thus illuminating the background display area 5 on the display film 1 and partially penetrating below the symbol 7. The light guide hole 8 is connected to the underside 24 of the recess 23, in particular by its integral part.

[0058] To illuminate the additional symbols 21 on the display film 1 outside the background display area 5, each additional symbol 21 is assigned a further light guide structure that rests against the display film 1. As shown in Fig. 5 As shown, the further light-guiding structure is formed as a through-hole 27 in the carrier 3, i.e., the through-hole 27 is integrally formed in the carrier 3. The through-hole 27 extends from the top 13 of the carrier 3 to its bottom 19, which allows the third lighting elements 26, located in the through-hole 27, to individually illuminate further symbols 21 located above the through-hole 27. In contrast to the light-transmitting openings 25, which only slightly affect or do not affect the illumination range of the first lighting elements 4, the through-hole 27 strongly limits the illumination range of the third lighting elements 26. The through-hole 27 thus acts not only as a light condenser but also as a light shield between various further symbols 21.In the view of the user who is looking at the display device 10, the further symbols 21 can be illuminated independently by the third light elements 26 in the through-hole 27, while the first light elements 4, which are located in or below the light passage openings 25, can jointly illuminate the background image 6 in the background display area 5.

[0059] For the formation of the light guide hole 8, a hollow structure 12 is conceivable, which projects beyond the underside 24 of the recess 23 and surrounds a cavity of the light guide hole 8. Thus, in this embodiment, the carrier 3, the through-hole 27, the recess 23, the light transmission openings 25, and the light guide hole 8 can be manufactured by an integral injection molding process, which is cost-effective with regard to the production material and simple with regard to the process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The shape of the light guide hole 8 can also be adapted to the shape of the symbol 7. In addition to the one described in Fig. 4 In addition to the square shape shown, regular shapes such as circles, ovals or other, even irregular, shapes are also conceivable.

[0060] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a front view of a carrier for a display device according to the third embodiment. A comparison of the figures in Figure 2 clearly illustrates the difference between the two. Fig. 6 depicted carrier 3 with the in Fig. 4 The display slide 1 shows that the background display area 5 of the underside 24 corresponds to the recess 23, and that a multitude of light transmission openings 25 are evenly distributed in the underside 24 of the recess 23. Furthermore, each additional symbol 21 also corresponds to a through-hole 27. The seven smaller symbols from the numerical symbol group 11' in the form of the digit 8 are also provided with seven through-holes 27 in a corresponding shape.

[0061] Fig. 7 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a support for a display device according to the third embodiment along section line AA. It can be seen that the light guide hole 8 is surrounded by a hollow structure 12 that protrudes from the underside 24 of the recess 23, and the light guide hole 8 extends from the upper end 11 of the light guide hole 8 to the underside 19 of the support 3. The light transmission openings 25 extend from the underside 24 of the recess 23 to the underside 19 of the support 3, and the through hole 27 extends from the top 13 of the support 3 to its underside 19. The figure illustrates the height relationship of the light guide hole 8, the light transmission openings 25, and the through hole 27: the height of the light guide hole 8 is greater than the height of the light transmission openings 25 and less than the height of the through hole 27.The heights of the holes are measured in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 13 of the support 3, i.e., in a vertical direction.

[0062] Additionally shows Fig. 7 The recess 23 is configured to taper towards the underside 19 of the carrier 3. This means that the area of ​​the recess 23 gradually decreases from the top 13 of the carrier 3 to the bottom 24 of the recess 23. For this purpose, a slope 29 is formed in the recess 23, inclined towards the bottom 24 of the recess 23. This slope 29 facilitates demolding of the carrier 3 during injection molding.

[0063] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a support for a display device according to the third embodiment along section line AA. Fig. 8 The height measured in the vertical direction is designated in each case: the height of the support 3 is designated h; the height of the through-hole 27 is designated h1; the height of the light-transmitting openings 25 is designated h2; the height of the light-guiding hole 8 is designated h3. As in Fig. 8 As can be clearly seen, the height h of the support 3 corresponds to the height h1 of the through-hole 27, and the height h3 of the light-guiding hole 8 is greater than the height h2 of the light-transmitting openings 25 and less than the height h1 of the through-hole 27 or the height h of the support 3. Advantageously, the height h3 of the light-guiding hole 8 is 0.8 mm to 3 mm, in particular 1 mm, less than the height h1 of the through-hole 27.

[0064] In Fig. 8 It is further shown that the plane 30, in which the lower ends of the light transmission openings 25 and the light guide hole 8 are located, is slightly raised compared to the underside 19 of the carrier 3. In this way, on the one hand, unevenness of the circuit board 2 due to manufacturing tolerances prevents the carrier 3 from lying flat against it, and on the other hand, it prevents the carrier 3 from pinching or rubbing the wiring on the circuit board 2 for the respective lighting elements.

[0065] Fig. 9 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a carrier of a display device according to the third embodiment along section line BB. In this figure, it is more clearly visible that the plane 30, in which the lower ends of the light guide hole 8 and the light transmission openings 25 are located, is slightly raised compared to the underside 19 of the carrier 3. It is also evident that the light guide hole 8 tapers towards the underside 19 of the carrier 3. This means that the dimensions of the light guide hole 8 gradually decrease from its upper end 11 towards the underside 19 of the carrier 3, i.e., towards the plane 30. For this reason, a further slope 31, inclined towards the plane 30, is formed in the light guide hole 8. This additional slope 31 also facilitates demolding of the carrier 3 during injection molding.

[0066] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a support for a display device according to a fourth embodiment. The support 3 is essentially constructed the same way as the support in the third embodiment according to the figures. Fig. 6 bis 9 However, with the difference that each symbol 21 is assigned a light guide bar 16. The light guide bar 16 is provided here on a lower surface 24 of the recess 23. Below the light guide bar 16, the light from the second luminaire elements 18 is also coupled into the lower end of the light guide bar 16 via the light transmission openings 25 on the lower surface 24. Furthermore, which is not shown, the light guide bar 16 can also be provided directly in a through-hole in the recess 23, i.e., the recess 23 is provided with a through-hole corresponding to the respective symbol 7, in which the light guide bar 16 is inserted. The upper end 17 of the light guide bar 16 arranged in this way is also spaced from the display film 1 by a gap 20. Preferably, the dimension s of the gap 20 can be between 0.8 mm and 3 mm, in particular 1 mm.To secure the light guide rod 16 in the recess 23, the light guide rod 16 can, for example, be glued, clamped, welded, or riveted to the underside 24 of the recess 23 or to the through-hole of the recess 23. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to connect the light guide rod 16 to the support 3 by means of a connecting bridge (not shown) or to connect several light guide rods 16 to each other with a connecting bridge.

[0067] Of course, the aforementioned recess 23 can also be omitted in the third and fourth embodiments, and, for example, as with reference to the Fig. 1 bis 3 As shown, the light guide hole 8 in the third embodiment or the light guide rod 16 in the fourth embodiment each form a hollow structure in the carrier 3 corresponding to the background display area 5. The through-hole 27 is also formed integrally with the carrier 3, while the light guide hole 8 or the light guide rod 16 are connected to the through-hole 27 and / or the carrier 3 by the fastening methods mentioned above.

[0068] Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a display film of a display device according to a preferred embodiment. The display film 1 shown in this figure is provided with a pair of projections 32 for adhering to the side edges of the carrier, thereby increasing the adhesive area of ​​the display film 1 on the carrier 3. As shown in Fig. 11 As shown, two projections 32 of the two long sides of the display film 1 protrude opposite each other. By adhering such projections 32 to the side edges 14 of the carrier 3, the display film 1 is stretched on the carrier 3 in order to counteract the external forces that cause the background display area 5 of the display film 1 to collapse in the direction of the recess 23. Fig. 11 The figure also shows several break points P that are cut between the attachments 32 and the display film 1. By providing these break points P, the substrate of the display film 1 can be bent more precisely and easily with a certain degree of hardness. The multiple break points P can be cut with a break knife or laser.

[0069] To better hold the display film 1 on the carrier 3, in addition to the one in Fig. 11 In the solution shown, it is considered to fill the opening 15 or recess 23 of the carrier 3 with a light-transmitting plate to prevent the display film 1 from collapsing in the event of an external force acting on the background display area 5. The light-transmitting plate can be held on the circuit board 2 or on the underside 24 of the recess 23 and can accordingly be provided with a structure that recesses the light guide hole 8 or the light guide rod 16, so that the display film 1 can also be securely held in the background display area 5. Preferably, the light-transmitting plate is further configured with dome-like recesses for the first luminaire elements 4 or with projections extending into the light-transmitting openings 25.

[0070] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a human-machine interaction system according to an exemplary embodiment. The human-machine interaction system 100 comprises a display device 10 and touch and / or proximity sensors. The touch and / or proximity sensors in Fig. 12 is designed as a touch-sensitive layer 33, which is, for example, adhered or printed onto a display film 1 of the display device 10. In Fig. 12 The touch-sensitive layer 33 is shown on a bottom side of the display film 1, but it is also conceivable to place it on a top side of the display film 1.

[0071] Without being limited to this, touch and / or proximity sensors can be designed as infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, inductive sensors, pressure sensors or acoustic sensors.

[0072] Furthermore, in Fig. 12 It has been shown that in an assembled state of the display device 10 or the human-machine interaction system 100, the underside 24 of the recess 23 of the display device 10 is approximately flush with the first light elements 4 on the circuit board 2, here slightly lower than the underside 24 of the recess 23 or than the light transmission openings 25. This allows the light from the first light elements 4 to be projected into the recess 23 at a comparatively large beam angle, so that the background image 6 is illuminated with a comparatively large area.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but encompasses and extends to all technical equivalents that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the positional terms used in the description, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and can be applied analogously to any change in position.

[0074] The features disclosed in the application documents can be important and implemented not only individually, but also in any combination, for the realization of an embodiment in its various configurations.

[0075] Although the invention has been disclosed with the optimal embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the embodiments shown here. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution using the methods and technical content disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any content that does not deviate from the technical solution, and all simple variations, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the embodiments mentioned above based on the technical substance, fall within the scope of protection of the technical solution.

Claims

1. Display device (10) for a household appliance, comprising: a display film (1), a printed circuit board (2) equipped with luminous elements and a carrier (3) provided between the display film (1) and the printed circuit board (2), characterized in that the display film (1) comprises a background display region (5) that serves to display a background image (6) and is jointly illuminable by multiple first luminous elements (4) of the luminous elements, wherein at least one symbol (7) is arranged in the background display region (5), wherein a light-guide structure is arranged in a manner corresponding to each of the at least one symbols (7) and serves to guide a light emitted by at least one second luminous element (18) of the luminous elements to the symbol (7), and in that the height of the light-guide structure is smaller than the height of the carrier (3) such that the upper end of the light-guide structure is spaced apart from the display film (1).

2. Display device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the light-guide structure takes the form of a light-guide hole (8) and / or a light-guide rod (16).

3. Display device (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the light-guide hole (8) is formed by a hollow structure (12) made of an opaque or translucent material and / or the light-guide rod (16) is produced from a transparent material.

4. Display device (10) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the second luminous element (18) is accommodated in the interior of the light-guide rod (16).

5. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a perforation (15) or a recess (23) is formed in the carrier (3) in accordance with the background display region (5), wherein light-passage openings (25) for the multiple first luminous elements (4) are provided in the underside (24) of the recess (23) and wherein the height of the light-passage openings (25) is smaller than the height of the light-guide structure.

6. Display device (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the light-guide structure is connected to the printed circuit board (2) or to the recess (23), or in that the light-guide structure is connected to the carrier (3) by way of a connecting piece or formed in one piece with the carrier (3).

7. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper end of the light-guide structure is spaced apart from the display film (1) at a distance of 0.8 mm to 3 mm.

8. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper end of the light-guide structure is spaced apart from the display film (1) at a distance of 1 mm.

9. Display device (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that a light-passage plate is arranged in the perforation (15) or the recess (23) of the carrier (3).

10. Display device (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the light-passage plate is formed with dome-like recesses for the first luminous elements (4) or with projections projecting into the light-passage openings (25).

11. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display film (1) is provided with a pair of attachments (32) for adhesive bonding to the side edges of the carrier (3).

12. Display device (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that multiple interruption points (P) are cut between the attachments (32) and the display film (1).

13. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a further symbol (21) which is individually illuminable is provided outside of the background display region (5).

14. Display device (10) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the further symbol (21) is assigned a further light-guide structure, which abuts against the display film (1).

15. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switching on and off, the brightness and / or the colour of the first luminous elements (4) and / or the second luminous element (18) is adjustable.

16. Display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the display film (1) is a colour film, and / or the carrier (3) is formed as an injection moulding part.

17. Human-machine interaction system (100) for a household appliance, characterized in that the human-machine interaction system (100) comprises: a display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 16; and a touch and / or proximity sensor system.

18. Human-machine interaction system (100) according to Claim 17, characterized in that the touch and / or proximity sensor system comprises a touch-sensitive layer (33), which is adhesively bonded to or printed on a display film (1) of the display device (10); and / or in that the touch and / or proximity sensor system is formed as an infrared sensor system, a capacitive sensor system, a resistive sensor system, an inductive sensor system, a pressure sensor system or an acoustic sensor system.

19. Household appliance, characterized in that the household appliance comprises a display device (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 16 or a human-machine interaction system (100) according to Claim 17 or 18.

20. Household appliance according to Claim 19, characterized in that the household appliance is an air conditioning unit, an extractor, a cooker, a water heater, a refrigerator, an oven, a dishwasher, a food processor, a washing machine, a dryer, a stereo system, a television set, a smart tap or a smart toilet.

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