JP4855744B2 - Instrument - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an instrument mounted on a vehicle or the like, and more particularly, to an instrument having a ring-shaped member having a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of a flat display portion.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in vehicles and the like, instruments having a decorative ring member in a ring shape that circulates a disk-shaped or semi-disk-shaped dial are frequently used. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a conventional instrument of this type. 18 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  This type of meter 9 is also called a combination meter, and includes gauges such as a speed meter 91, an engine tachometer 92, a fuel meter 93, and a water temperature meter 94 as shown in FIGS. These gauges include a pointer 95 and a disk-shaped dial 96 on which a design such as a number indicated by the pointer 95 is formed. The speedometer 91 also incorporates an odd trip meter 911. The pointer 95 is inserted with a rotation shaft of a movement 951 mounted on the substrate 90, and rotates by an angle corresponding to each measurement value. On the substrate 90, electronic parts such as a light source 901 for emitting light to the dial 96 and the pointer and an IC chip (not shown) are mounted. In order to effectively use the light from the light source 901, a reflection surface 973 is also formed integrally with a part of the main body case 970 of the instrument 9. Further, among the gauges, a ring member 97 for decoration that has a ring shape that circulates the dial 96 is attached to the speedometer 91 and the engine tachometer 92.

  Further, the front surface of the instrument 9 (the side close to the viewpoint of the driver or the like) is covered with a black resin facing 98 so as to cut out the gauges, the shift indicator 961, and the warning 962, and the front surface thereof is smoked. The surface glass 99 is covered. A meter mounting portion 971 for mounting the meter on the vehicle side is formed integrally with the main body case 970 on the outer peripheral portion of the meter 9, and a back cover 972 is mounted on the back surface side of the main body case 970. In such a configuration, when the light source 901 is turned on in response to a predetermined trigger signal, the pointer 95 and the dial 96 are illuminated.

However, in the conventional instrument 9 as described above, a ring member 97 that simply circulates the dial 96 is simply attached, which is not sufficient to express a three-dimensional effect. Therefore, only the parts corresponding to the letters and numbers near the outer periphery of the dial plate are formed with an opaque inclined self-luminous ring member, and the letters and numbers are formed in a slit shape so that the following patent is also available. It is proposed in Document 1.
JP 2002-277289 A

  However, even in the instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ring member itself can be visually recognized in three dimensions, but the letters and numbers formed on the ring member are two-dimensional, and a sufficient three-dimensional effect is also expressed. It was hard to say. That is, according to the conventional instrument, it is not possible to express a deep stereoscopic effect.

  In addition, since the ring member is fixed and lacks the freedom of expression in both of the above-mentioned two conventional instruments, for example, in order to differentiate them each time the vehicle type or vehicle type is different, a ring member or a light source is used. There was a need to change significantly. That is, according to the conventional instrument, the degree of freedom of expression is low, and it is not easy to change the ring illumination.

  Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an instrument that can express a deep stereoscopic effect and has a high degree of freedom of expression.

The instrument according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is a flat display unit, a ring-shaped member formed of a transparent member, and having a ring shape along the outer periphery of the display unit. A plurality of light sources that are arranged at equal intervals along the ring-shaped member and emit light for entering the ring-shaped member, and the ring-shaped member is concealed from the occupant side by the ring-shaped member. And a second ring-shaped member having a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of the display unit, and a second light source that emits light in a color different from that of the light source on the second ring-shaped member. The ring-shaped member has a light-transmitting design formed on the surface that is a light exit surface toward the passenger side, and a light-receiving portion is projected in a ring shape on the outer peripheral side of the back surface. A plurality of light sources having a reflective layer formed on the inner peripheral side. Luo emitted light is, the enters the light receiving unit travels through the ring-shaped member, characterized in that it is irradiated to the reflective layer is reflected to the design.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ring-shaped member is formed of a transparent member having a light guide property in a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of the flat plate-like display portion, and receives light from the light source. To shine. A design is formed on the surface of the ring-shaped member, and a reflective layer is formed on the back surface of the ring-shaped member irradiated with light from the light source reflected on the design. Therefore, the light reflected by the design travels in the ring-shaped member and strikes the reflective layer. As a result, the design is visually recognized as being raised from the reflective layer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the second ring-shaped member has a ring shape that is concealed from the viewpoint by the ring-shaped member and circulates around the dial, and has a color different from that of the light source. It shines upon receiving light from the second light source. Both light sources are dimmed by the dimming means. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the ring illumination by combining light of different colors.

The meter according to claim 2, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is a light control device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source and the second light source are turned on at different timings in response to a predetermined trigger signal. Means are provided.

According to the second aspect of the invention, both light sources are turned on at different timings in response to a predetermined trigger signal. Therefore, the emission color of the ring illumination can be changed over time.

Instrument according to claim 3 wherein has been made to solve the above described problems is the instrument of claim 1, wherein, in response to a predetermined trigger signal, such that the light source and the luminance of the second light source is gradually changed It is characterized by having a light control means for lighting.

According to the invention described in claim 3 , in response to a predetermined trigger signal, the lights of both light sources are turned on so as to gradually change. Therefore, the emission color of the ring illumination can be changed in more detail.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ring-shaped member is formed of a transparent member having a light guide property in a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of the flat plate-like display portion, and receives light from the light source. To shine. A design is formed on the surface of the ring-shaped member, and a reflective layer is formed on the back surface of the ring-shaped member irradiated with light from the light source reflected on the design. Therefore, the light reflected by the design travels in the ring-shaped member and strikes the reflective layer. As a result, the design is visually recognized as being raised from the reflective layer (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, it is possible to express a three-dimensional feeling that is not found in conventional instruments.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the second ring-shaped member has a ring shape that is concealed from the viewpoint by the ring-shaped member and circulates around the dial, and has a color different from that of the light source. It shines upon receiving light from the second light source. Both light sources are dimmed by the dimming means. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the ring illumination by combining light of different colors. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of expression while expressing a deep stereoscopic effect.

According to the second aspect of the invention, both light sources are turned on at different timings in response to a predetermined trigger signal. Therefore, the emission color of the ring illumination can be changed over time. Therefore, the degree of freedom of expression can be further increased.

According to the invention described in claim 3 , in response to a predetermined trigger signal, the lights of both light sources are turned on so as to gradually change. Therefore, the emission color of the ring illumination can be changed in more detail. Therefore, the degree of freedom of expression can be further increased.

[ Reference example ]
1 to 3 are not related to the present invention but relate to a reference instrument. That is, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a meter of a reference example . FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the operation of the reference example . In the perspective view of FIG. 1, a portion corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 2 is expressed in a cross-sectional shape.

The meter 1 of the reference example is applied to, for example, a monocular meter or a speedometer in a combination meter as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the instrument 1 includes a case 11, a substrate 12, a dial plate (corresponding to the flat display portion of the claims) 13, a diffusion plate 14, a pointer 15, a ring member 17, and a turn-back 19. It is comprised including.

  The case 11 is made of resin, for example, and constitutes the outer shape of the instrument 1. The case 11 is integrally provided with a bowl-shaped inclined surface for efficiently supplying light from the dial light source 121 to the dial 13 and a cylindrical portion 111 for efficiently supplying light from the pointer light source 125 to the pointer 15. Is formed. The case 11 has a receiving structure corresponding to the shapes of the dial plate 13, the diffusion plate 14, the ring member 17, and the like. In particular, the case 11 is provided with a ring-shaped groove portion 13a corresponding to the light receiving portion 17a of the ring member 17 protruding in a ring shape.

  The substrate 12 is held by the case 11 and mounts a dial light source 121, a ring light source 122, various electronic components 124 such as an IC chip, a pointer light source 125, a movement 16, and the like. A plurality of each of the light sources 121, 122, and 125 are arranged, and well-known light emitting diodes are used. In particular, a plurality of ring light sources 122 are arranged in a ring shape at equal intervals according to the shape of the ring member 17. Further, the light sources 121, 122, and 125 are separated by a vertical wall and an inclined wall that are integrally formed with the case 11.

  The dial 13 is made of, for example, polycarbonate made of a disc-like or semi-disc-like transparent fabric. The transparent fabric dial 13 has a design such as a numerical design 131 indicating the speed removed and black ink is applied. A diffusion plate 14 is attached to the back surface of the dial 13. The diffusing plate 14 is made of, for example, a white turbid resin, diffuses upon receiving light from the dial light source 121, and applies this to the back surface of the dial 13. The part of the diffusing plate 14 facing the dial light source 121 is convex in order to increase the light receiving efficiency.

  The pointer 15 is inserted into the rotation shaft of the movement 16. The pointer 15 is rotated by the movement 16 by an angle corresponding to the speed signal from the speed sensor, and indicates the numeral design 131 on the dial 13 and the like. For example, a red hot stamp layer is formed on the lower surface of the pointer 15 and receives light from the pointer light source 125 and shines in a color based on the hot stamp layer.

  The ring member 17 has, for example, a transparent resin ring shape that circulates around the dial 13. The ring member 17 is not limited to resin, but may be any material that transmits light from the light source 122 disposed on the back surface side. The ring member 17 may be colored in a light color as long as it has translucency. The surface of the ring member 17 is a light exit surface toward the occupant side, and has an inclined surface shape that gradually rises toward the outside (opposite to the pointer rotation axis) with the portion close to the dial as the lowest portion. ing. On the inclined surface 170, for example, a scale design 171 as a design designated by the pointer 15 is formed by printing. The scale design 171 may be formed in an uneven shape.

  Further, the back surface side of the ring member 17 (on the side opposite to the viewpoint of the driver or the like) is projected in a ring shape so that the light receiving portion 17a narrower than the inclined surface 170 extends to the back surface side. The end of the light receiving portion 17a is planar as shown in the figure, but may be formed in a curved surface in order to improve the light receiving efficiency. A rear inclined surface 173 facing the turn 19 in the ring member 17 is also formed in a ring-shaped plane.

  Further, the scale design 171 is formed on the inclined surface 170 of the ring member 17 as described above. The scale design 171 is printed by, for example, orange or blue. However, the scale design 171 may be other colors as long as it is translucent. Further, the scale design 171 may be provided with irregularities. Further, on the inclined surface 170 of the ring member 17, a numerical design may be formed instead of the scale design 171, or both of these designs may be formed.

  On the other hand, a white reflective layer 172 is printed on the back surface of the ring member 17. The reflective layer 172 is printed and formed in a ring shape on the entire back surface of the ring member 17, but may be formed at least in the reflective region of the scale design 171. The reflection layer 172 is preferably white in consideration of the reflectance, but may be other colors as long as the color is close to this. The reflective layer 172 may be formed by printing, but may be realized by attaching a sheet.

  In addition, the ring-shaped rear inclined surface 173 connected to the inclined surface 170 in the ring member 17 is covered with a facing 19 made of black resin, for example, and is hidden from the driver side or the like. Thereby, only the inclined surface 170 in the ring member 17 is visually recognized from the passenger side. A front glass (not shown) is attached so as to cover the dial plate 13 and the ring member 17 and the like.

  When assembling such an instrument 1, the dial plate 13 is mounted on the case 11, and the light receiving portion 17 a of the ring member 17 is fitted into the groove portion of the case 11, and the ring member 17 is attached to a corresponding portion of the case 11. Then, it is only necessary to insert the pointer 15 and cover the turn 19 from above. Therefore, when the meter 1 is assembled, the assembly of the ring member 17 is very easy.

  In the meter 1 having such a configuration, the dial light source 121, the ring light source 122, the pointer light source 125, and the like are turned on in response to a predetermined trigger signal generated when the ignition is turned on or when the contrite switch is turned on. First, the dial 13 is illuminated by turning on the dial light source 121, and the pointer 15 is illuminated by turning on the pointer light source 125. Since these functions are the same as those in the related art, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the ring light source 122 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 3, the light L1 from the ring light source 122 goes upward in the figure and enters the light receiving portion 17a of the ring member 17. The light L1 travels through the ring member 17, is reflected by the rear inclined surface 173, and travels toward the reflective layer 172 printed on the back surface of the ring member 17. Then, the light L2 reflected by the reflective layer 172 passes through the semi-transparent scale design 171 and travels toward the occupant side. Thereby, for example, a blue scale design 171 is visually recognized from the driver or the like with the white reflective layer 172 as the back.

  A part of the light L2 entering the scale design 171 is reflected by the scale design 171 and reflected again toward the reflection layer 172. The light L2 ′ reflected by the reflective layer 172 is directed upward in the figure, passes through the inclined surface 170 of the ring member 17 or the scale design 171 and travels toward the passenger. Thereby, a shadow 171 ′ of the scale design 171 projected on the white reflective layer 172 is visually recognized from the driver or the like.

  Such light is combined, and from the shadow of the scale design 171 projected onto the white reflective layer 172 from the driver or the like, the blue scale design 171 is raised by the thickness of the ring member 17. Visible. Note that the entire ring member 17 shines in a color that depends on the emission color of the white reflective layer 172 or the light source 122. Accordingly, it is possible to express a three-dimensional feeling that is not found in conventional instruments.

Thus, according to the meter of the reference example , it is possible to express a three-dimensional feeling with a depth that is not found in a conventional meter. Moreover, since the ring member 17 has an inclined surface shape that gradually rises toward the outside with the portion close to the dial 13 as the lowest part, a deeper three-dimensional effect can be expressed.

[ One Embodiment of the Present Invention ]
4 to 16 relate to a meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the meter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. In the perspective view of FIG. 4, a portion corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG.

The meter 2 of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a monocular meter or a speedometer in a combination meter as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the meter 2 includes a case 21, a substrate 22, a dial plate (corresponding to the flat display portion of the claims) 23, a diffusion plate 24, a pointer 25, a first ring member 27, The second ring member 28 and the turnback 29 are included.

  The case 21 is made of resin, for example, and constitutes the outer shape of the meter 2. The case 21 has a bowl-shaped inclined surface for efficiently supplying light from the dial light source 223 to the dial plate 23 and a cylindrical portion 211 for efficiently supplying light from the pointer light source 225 to the pointer 25. Is formed. The case 21 has a receiving structure corresponding to the shapes of the dial plate 23, the diffusion plate 24, the first ring member 27, the second ring member 28, and the like. In particular, the case 21 is provided with a ring-shaped groove portion 23a corresponding to the light receiving portion 27a of the first ring member 27 protruding in a ring shape. Further, a ring-shaped groove portion 23 b is provided so as to correspond to the second ring member 28.

  The substrate 22 is held by the case 21 and mounts a first ring light source 221, a second ring light source 222, a dial light source 223, various electronic components 224 such as an IC chip, a pointer light source 225, a movement 26, and the like. . Each of the light sources 221, 222, 223, and 225 is arranged in plural, and a known light emitting diode is used. In particular, a plurality of first ring light sources 221 and second ring light sources 222 are arranged in a ring shape at equal intervals according to the shapes of the first ring member 27 and the second ring member 28, respectively. Further, the light sources 221, 222, 223, and 225 are separated by a vertical wall or an inclined wall integrally formed with the case 21. The accommodating portions of the first ring light source 221 and the second ring light source 222 formed by being partitioned by the vertical wall constitute the above-described grooves 23a and 23b, respectively.

  The dial plate 23 is made of, for example, a polycarbonate of a disc-like or semi-disc-like transparent fabric. On the transparent fabric dial 23, a design such as a numerical design 231 indicating the speed is hollowed out and black ink is applied. On the back surface of the dial plate 23, a diffusion plate 24 is attached. The diffusing plate 24 is made of, for example, a white turbid resin, diffuses upon receiving light from the dial light source 223, and applies this to the back of the dial 23. The part of the diffusing plate 24 facing the dial light source 223 is convex in order to increase the light receiving efficiency.

  The pointer 25 is inserted into the rotation shaft of the movement 26. The pointer 25 is rotated by the movement 26 by an angle corresponding to the speed signal from the speed sensor, and indicates the numeral design 231 and the like on the dial 23. For example, a red hot stamp layer is formed on the lower surface of the pointer 25, and the pointer 25 receives light from the pointer light source 225 and shines in a color based on the hot stamp layer.

  The first ring member 27 has a ring shape made of, for example, transparent resin that circulates around the dial plate 23. The first ring member 27 is not limited to resin, but may be any material that transmits light from the light source 221 disposed on the back surface side. The first ring member 27 may be colored in a light color as long as it has translucency. The surface of the first ring member 27 is a light exit surface toward the occupant side, and has an inclined surface shape that gradually rises toward the outside with a portion close to the dial plate 23 as the lowest portion. On the inclined surface 270, a scale design 271 as a design designated by the pointer 25 is printed, for example. The scale design 271 may be formed in an uneven shape.

  Further, the back surface side of the first ring member 27 (the surface opposite to the viewpoint of the driver or the like) is projected in a ring shape so that the light receiving portion 27a narrower than the inclined surface 270 extends to the back surface side. The end of the light receiving portion 27a is planar as shown in the figure, but may be formed in a curved surface in order to improve the light receiving efficiency. In the first ring member 27, the rear inclined surface 273 that faces the turning 29 is also formed in a ring-shaped plane.

  Further, the scale design 271 is formed on the inclined surface 270 of the first ring member 27 as described above. The scale design 271 is printed by, for example, orange or blue. However, the scale design 271 may be other colors. In addition, the scale design 271 may be uneven. In addition, a numerical design may be formed on the inclined surface 270 of the first ring member 27 instead of the scale design 271, or both of these designs may be formed. Although not shown, a reflective layer similar to that of the first embodiment is formed on the back surface of the first ring member 27.

  On the other hand, the second ring member 28 has a ring shape made of, for example, a transparent resin that circulates around the dial plate 23, but is smaller than the first ring member 27 and has a rectangular cross section. That is, the second ring member 28 is shaped to be concealed from the passenger side by the first ring member 27. The second ring member 28 is not limited to resin, but may be any material that transmits light from the light source 222 disposed on the back surface side. The surface of the second ring member 28 has a planar shape that faces or closely contacts the back surface of the first ring light source 221, and emits light from the light source 222 to the back surface of the first ring light source 221. On the back surface of the second ring member 28, that is, the surface facing the light source 222, a diffusion portion 281 for equalizing the light from the light source 222 and emitting it to the front surface is formed. The diffusion portion 281 may be formed by printing, or may be formed by attaching a diffusion sheet. The cross-sectional shape of the second ring member 28 is preferably rectangular as shown in the figure, but the invention is not limited to rectangular. Various modifications will be described later.

  In addition, the ring-shaped rear inclined surface 273 connected to the inclined surface 270 in the first ring member 27 is covered with, for example, a black resin facing 29 and is hidden from the driver side or the like. Thereby, only the inclined surface 270 in the first ring member 27 is visually recognized from the passenger side. A front glass (not shown) is attached so as to cover the dial plate 23, the first ring member 27, and the like.

  When assembling such an instrument 2, the dial 21 is mounted on the case 21, the second ring member 28 is fitted into the groove 23 b, and the light receiving portion 27 a of the first ring member 27 is fitted into the groove 23 a of the case 21 from above. In this manner, the first ring member 27 and the second ring member 28 are attached to corresponding portions of the case 21. Then, it is only necessary to insert the pointer 25 and cover the turning 29 from above. Therefore, when the meter 2 is assembled, the first ring member 27 and the second ring member 28 are very easily assembled.

  In the meter 2 having such a configuration, the dial light source 223, the first ring light source 221, the second ring light source 222, the pointer light source in response to a predetermined trigger signal generated when the ignition is turned on or when the contrite switch is turned on. 225 etc. are lit. First, the dial plate light source 223 is turned on to illuminate the dial plate 23, and the pointer light source 225 is turned on to illuminate the pointer 25.

  When the first ring light source 221 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 6, the light L1 from the first ring light source 221 goes upward in the figure and enters the light receiving portion 27a of the first ring member 27. The light L1 travels in the first ring member 27 toward the inclined surface 270 on which the translucent scale design 271 is formed while being reflected by the rear inclined surface 273, the back surface, and the like.

  When the second ring light source 222 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 6, the light L2 from the second ring light source 222 enters the second ring member 28 via the diffusion plate 281 toward the upper side in the drawing. The light L2 is equalized by the diffusion plate 281 and travels upward in the figure through the second ring member 28, is emitted from the upper surface of the second ring member 28, and enters the back surface of the first ring member 27. And it progresses in the 1st ring member 27 and goes to the inclined surface 270 in which the translucent scale design 271 is formed.

  Such light caused by the light L1 and L2 is synthesized by hitting a reflective layer or the like formed on the back surface of the first ring member 27, and is directly emitted from the inclined surface 270 or transmitted through the translucent scale design 271. Then head to the passenger side. Therefore, from the driver or the like, the entire first ring member 27 shines with the combined color of the light caused by the lights L1 and L2, and the scale design 271 is visually recognized as shining blue or orange.

The first ring member 27 and the second ring member 28 may be modified as shown in FIGS. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are cross-sectional views showing modifications of the first ring member and the second ring member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the first and second ring members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 7A, the first ring member 27 is relatively larger than the second ring member 28. In particular, the back surface of the first ring member 27 facing the second ring member 28 is made wider than the upper surface of the second ring member 28. Accordingly, the second ring member 28 can be appropriately shifted within a range indicated by S in the drawing, for example, and the light intensity and brightness of the light emitted from the first ring member 27 can be finely adjusted. It is also possible to generate gradation.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 7B, the second ring member 28 ′ having a triangular cross section is formed so that the thickness D gradually decreases inward (in the direction of the pointer axis). It may have a triangular cross section that gradually increases in thickness toward the inside. As a result, it is possible to finely adjust the density and brightness of the light emitted from the first ring member 27. It is also possible to generate gradation.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 7C, a first ring member 27 ″ having a cross-sectional shape whose back surface gradually rises inward and a second ring-shaped second member whose surface gradually rises inward. The ring member is 28 ″. Or you may make it the said back surface and a back surface change reversely. As a result, it is possible to finely adjust the light and shade of light emitted from the first ring member 27 ″. It is also possible to generate gradation.

  In another modification shown in FIG. 8, the first ring member 27X and the second ring member 28X are formed such that the light receiving portions 27Xa and 28Xa are both concentric. Thereby, the first ring member 27 and the compact first ring member 27X shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are obtained. As a result, the arrangement of the first ring light source 221 and the housing portion thereof are also simplified, so that the structure of the instrument case is finally simplified. In addition, you may combine the modification shown in the said FIG. 7 (A)-FIG.7 (C) with the modification shown in FIG.

Then added a more detailed description on how the dimming of the first ring light source and the second ring member as described above. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration for realizing dimming of the first ring light source and the second ring member. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one processing procedure according to the light control method for the first ring light source and the second ring member. 11 and 12 are time charts according to the processing procedure of FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure according to the light control method for the first ring light source and the second ring member. FIG. 14 is a graph showing an xy chromaticity diagram according to the processing procedure of FIG. 15 and 16 are time charts according to the processing procedure of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a CPU (central processing unit) 201 is connected to a 5V power source 202, an interface circuit 203, a first ring light source 221, a second ring light source 222, a dial light source 223, and a pointer light source 225. ing. These are built in the meter 2.

  The CPU 201 executes a later-described processing procedure in accordance with a control program stored in a storage circuit (not shown), and corresponds to the light control means in the claims. The 5V power source 202 converts the battery voltage BAT into a 5V DC voltage and supplies it to the power supply terminal VDD of the CPU 201. The 5V power supply 202 gives an abnormal signal to the reset RST terminal of the CPU 201 when the battery voltage BAT becomes abnormally low and cannot supply the 5V DC voltage. When the CPU 201 enters the low power mode, a sleep signal is sent from the sleep signal terminal SLP of the CPU 201. receive.

  The interface circuit 203 converts the ignition signal IGN into a DC signal that can be processed by the CPU 201, and provides the converted signal to the CPU 201. The first ring light source 221, the second ring light source 222, the dial light source 223, and the pointer light source 225 are arranged as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and a driving voltage is applied to one end thereof, Lighting / extinguishing control is performed in response to a command signal from the CPU 201.

  In such a configuration, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10, after the initialization process is executed in step S101, the ignition signal IGN is monitored in step S102 (N in step S102), as shown in FIG. If it is determined that the ignition IGN is ON (Y in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103, where the first ring light source 221 is turned on (ON). In step S104, it is monitored that a certain time has passed (N in step S104), and if it is determined that a certain time has elapsed since the first ring light source 221 is turned on (Y in step S104), step S104 is performed. Proceeding to S105, the second ring light source 222 is turned on.

  In step S106, it is monitored that a certain time has passed (N in step S106), and if it is determined that a certain time has passed since the second ring light source 222 was turned on (Y in step S106), Proceeding to step S107 and step S108, the pointer light source 225 and the dial light source 223 are turned on (ON), respectively.

  By such a processing procedure, the second ring light source 222 is turned on with a delay from the first ring light source 221. By doing so, the color of the ring illumination can be changed from the emission color of the first ring light source 221 to a composite color of the emission color of the first ring light source 221 and the emission color of the second ring light source 222. .

  Further, while diverting the processing procedure of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 12, the first ring light source 221 and the second ring light source 222 are turned on so as to gradually increase the duty. Note that the light source becomes brighter and brighter as the duty is increased. Thus, the ring illumination color is gradually changed to the emission color of the first ring light source 221, and then the ring illumination color is changed from the emission color of the first ring light source 221 to the first ring light source 221. Can be gradually changed to a composite color of the light emission color of the second ring light source 222 and the light emission color of the second ring light source 222.

  Further, in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 13, after the initialization process is executed in step S201, the first ring light source duty change and the second ring light source duty change are set in step S202 and step S203, respectively. These duty changes are stored in advance in a storage device (not shown in FIG. 9), read out, and set on the RAM. The duty change is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

  Next, in step S204, it is monitored that the power is turned on (or off) (N in step S204). If it is determined that the power is turned on (or off) (Y in step S204), step S204 is performed. Proceeding to S205 and S206, the first ring light source 221 and the second ring light source 222 are turned on based on the duty change set in steps S202 and S203. This lighting is continued until there is a predetermined end trigger in step S207.

  The change in the first ring light source duty and the second ring light source duty change between the emission color of the first ring light source 221 and the emission color of the second ring light source 222 as shown in the periods T1 and T2 of FIG. The duty is changed in the opposite tendency to the complementary color relationship, for example, blue and red. Alternatively, as shown in periods T3 and T4 in FIG. 16, the emission color of the first ring light source 221 and the emission color of the second ring light source 222 are different colors of similar colors, for example, blue and green (or yellow and (Duty), and the duty is changed in the opposite tendency.

  By doing so, the color of the ring illumination can be gradually changed from a composite color having a strong influence of the emission color of the first ring light source 221 to a composite color having a strong influence of the emission color of the second ring light source 222. . In particular, a dramatic color change is obtained with a composite color having a complementary color relationship, and a gentle color change is obtained with a composite color having a similar color relationship.

  The ring illumination color may be changed through a color locus such as indigo (near c1 in the figure) → white → orange (near c2 in the figure) as shown in the xy chromaticity diagram of FIG. Good.

Thus, according to the meter of the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately adjust the ring illumination by synthesizing light of different colors. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the degree of freedom of expression. Further, the first ring member 27 has an inclined surface shape that gradually rises toward the outside with the portion close to the dial plate 23 as the lowest portion, so that a deep three-dimensional effect can be expressed. it can.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to express a deep stereoscopic effect and provide an instrument with a high degree of freedom of expression.

  The ring member, the first ring member, and the second ring member exemplified in the embodiment do not need to be completely closed rings, and may have a horseshoe shape. That is, the ring-shaped member in the claims includes such a ring shape. The design formed on the ring member may be not only a scale design but also a numerical design or the like, or may be formed in a convex shape or a concave shape. The dial may be a perfect circle or an ellipse. The meter of the present invention is not limited to a speedometer, and can be applied to other gauges such as an engine tachometer. It can also be applied to digital gauges other than analog gauges. Furthermore, it is applicable also to the instrument mounted in other than a vehicle.

It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the meter of a reference example . It is sectional drawing of the meter of FIG. It is principal part sectional drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of a reference example . It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the meter which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the meter of FIG. It is a fragmentary cross-sectional view for explaining a work of the present invention. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C are cross-sectional views showing modifications of the first ring member and the second ring member according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of the 1st ring member and 2nd ring member which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure for implement | achieving light control of the light source for 1st rings, and a 2nd ring member. It is a flowchart which shows one process sequence which concerns on the light control method of the light source for 1st ring, and the 2nd ring member. It is a time chart which concerns on the process sequence of FIG. It is a time chart which concerns on the process sequence of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence which concerns on the light control method of the light source for 1st ring, and the 2nd ring member. 14 is a graph showing an xy chromaticity diagram according to the processing procedure of FIG. 13. It is a time chart which concerns on the process sequence of FIG. It is a time chart which concerns on the process sequence of FIG. It is a front view which shows this kind of conventional instrument. It is the XX sectional view taken on the line in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, Instrument 11, 21 Case 12, 22 Substrate 13, 23 Dial (Plate display)
14, 24 Diffuser 15, 25 Pointer 17 Ring member (ring-shaped member)
27 First ring member (ring-shaped member)
28 Second ring member (second ring member)
19, 29 look back 201 CPU (light control means)
202 5V power supply 203 interface circuit

Claims (3)

A flat display section;
A ring-shaped member formed of a transparent member, having a ring shape along the outer peripheral portion of the display unit,
A plurality of light sources arranged at equal intervals along the ring-shaped member and emitting light for entering the ring-shaped member;
A second ring-shaped member arranged on the back side of the ring-shaped member so as to be concealed from the passenger side by the ring-shaped member, and having a ring shape along the outer periphery of the display unit;
A second light source that emits light in a color different from that of the light source on the second ring-shaped member;
I have a,
The ring-shaped member is
A translucent design is formed on the surface that is the light exit surface to the passenger side,
A light receiving part is projected in a ring shape on the outer peripheral side of the back surface,
A reflective layer is formed on the inner peripheral side of the light receiving portion on the back surface,
The instrument , wherein the light emitted from the plurality of light sources enters the light receiving portion, travels through the ring-shaped member, is reflected by the design, and is applied to the reflective layer . The instrument of claim 1 ,
A meter comprising: a light control means for lighting the light source and the second light source at different timings in response to a predetermined trigger signal. The instrument of claim 1 ,
A meter comprising: a light control means for lighting so that the luminance of the light source and the second light source gradually changes in response to a predetermined trigger signal.

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