JP2001311633A - Indicating instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indicating instrument for making uniform incidence light on the rotary base part of a light-emission indicator. SOLUTION: Each of light sources 82 are provided between both cylindrical bodies 62 and 63 with a gap on the surface of a circuit substrate 70 in the opening of a low wall 62a of the cylindrical body 62, and each of the light sources 82 emits light toward the reverse side of a rotary base part 24a of an emitting indicator 20. A light-guiding member 100 is located between both the cylinders 62 and 63 in its member body 101, and is seated on and engaged by a flange 102 with the outer-periphery part of an opening 11 of a dial plate 20a. Also, the member body 101 is provided with each convex lens part 101b, and each convex lens part 101b is raised for formation in the shape of the convex lens from the bottom surface of the member body 101 toward a lower portion. In this case, each convex lens part 101b is located opposite to each of the light sources 82.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an indicating instrument.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, there is a vehicle indicating instrument as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-327409.

[0003] In this indicating instrument, the light emitting pointer is supported at its pivot base by a tip end of a pointer shaft extending from the rotary inner machine through a through hole of the dial. Further, a light guide wall portion is provided coaxially with a through hole of the scale plate on the back surface side of the rotation base of the light emitting pointer, and this light guide wall portion is provided with a plurality of light sources on the back surface side. The light is guided and enters the light emitting pointer from its pivot base.

[0004]

By the way, in the indicating instrument, each light source is located along the back surface of the light guide wall at intervals in the circumferential direction. The end face is a simple plane. For this reason, the light-guiding walls only perform substantially the same simple optical function as air with respect to the light of each light source.

Therefore, when the light sources are spaced apart from each other as described above, the light guided from each light source and emitted from the light guide wall is uniform over the entire emission surface of the light guide wall. Rather, the light guide wall portion becomes brighter at a portion corresponding to each light source, and the light guide wall portion becomes darker at a portion between adjacent light sources. For this reason, there is a problem that the incident light from the light guide wall to the turning base of the light emitting pointer is not uniform.

[0006] Even when the number of light sources is not a plurality but is, for example, one, as described above, the portion of the light guide wall corresponding to the light source becomes bright, and the portion of the light guide wall that does not correspond to the light source becomes dark. Therefore, the incident light from the light guide wall to the turning base of the light emitting pointer is not uniform.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an indicating instrument which makes the light incident on the rotating base of the light emitting pointer uniform.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the indicating instrument according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a scale plate (20a, 40a) and a scale plate provided on the back side of the scale plate. A rotating inner machine (20b) having a pointer shaft (23) rotatably extending through the opening (11) of
A light emitting pointer (20c, 20c) supported by a rotation base (24a) at the tip of a pointer shaft so as to rotate along the surface of the dial.
40c), and a plurality of light sources (8) arranged on the back side of the scale plate so as to face the rotating base via the opening.
2).

In the indicating instrument, a member main body (101) interposed between the rotation base and each light source and opposed to the rotation base, and each light source is connected to each light source from an end face on each light source side of the member main body. Each convex lens portion (101b, 1
22a to 125a).
20). In addition, each convex lens portion enters the light of each corresponding light source into the member body from each light source side end surface,
The member main body enters the incident light from the rotation base side end face into the light emitting pointer from the rotation base side end face.

Accordingly, the light of each light source is not uniformly darkened in the region corresponding to each light source due to the above-mentioned optical action of each convex lens portion, but is uniformly emitted from the light guide member to the rotating base. May be incident.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the indicating instrument according to the first aspect, an appropriate stationary member (70) located on the outer peripheral portion of the opening portion of the scale and the back surface thereof.
The light guide member includes a cylindrical wall (62) sandwiched between
At the rotation base side end surface of the member main body, it is engaged with the outer peripheral portion of the opening of the scale plate from the surface side. This prevents the scale plate from rising to the light emitting pointer side.
The effects of the invention described in (1) can be achieved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the indicating instrument according to the first or second aspect, the member main body includes:
Each light source is arranged around the pointer shaft, and each convex lens portion is formed so as to protrude toward each light source from each light source side annular end surface of the member main body. I have. This makes it possible to more reliably achieve the operation and effect of the invention of claim 2 while securing the same operation and effect as that of the invention of claim 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the indicating instrument according to the third aspect, the light guide member has a radius from the center of the annular end surface at each light source side annular end surface of the member main body. Each of the reflecting walls (101d) formed so as to face each convex lens portion in the direction and outward, and each of the reflecting walls receives the light of the corresponding light source and enters each of the light sources into the member main body. The light is reflected so as to enter from the side end face.

Thus, the light from each light source enters the light guide member not only by each convex lens portion but also by each reflecting wall. Therefore, the light utilization rate of each light source can be increased,
As a result, the function and effect of the invention described in claim 3 can be further improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an indicating instrument, which is provided on a scale plate (20a, 40a) and on the back side of the scale plate and rotates through an opening (11) of the scale plate. A rotating inner machine (20b) having a pointer shaft (23) extending as much as possible, and a light emitting device supported by a rotation base (24a) at the tip of the pointer shaft so as to rotate along the surface of the dial. It has hands (20c, 40c) and at least one light source (82) disposed on the back side of the scale so as to face the pivot base through the opening.

The indicating instrument has a cylindrical light guide member (100, 50a) interposed between the rotating base and the light source so as to surround the pointer shaft. The light guide member is formed so as to protrude toward the light source from the light source side annular end surface of the cylindrical member body (101) facing the rotation base and to transmit the light of the light source into the light guide member. The convex lens portion (53, 101) incident from the light source side annular end surface
c).

Further, the member main body has an inclined surface (55) which is formed in a part of the annular end face on the light source side and which is inclined so as to pass through the member main body and face the turning base side end face and the light source.

Accordingly, the light of the light source is incident on the member main body not only by the convex lens portion but also by the reflection surface of the member main body, so that the convex lens portion and the light source are not separately provided on the reflection surface side of the member main body. The light utilization of the light source can be increased, and the same function and effect as the first aspect can be achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the indicating instrument according to the fifth aspect, the light guide member is arranged radially from a center side of the annular end surface on the light source side annular end surface of the member main body. And a reflecting wall (101d, 54) formed so as to face the convex lens portion toward the outside, and the reflecting wall reflects the light of the light source so as to enter the member main body from the light source side end face. .

Accordingly, the light of the light source is incident on the member main body not only by the convex lens portion and the reflection surface of the member main body but also by the reflection wall, so that the utilization efficiency of the light of the light source can be further increased, and as a result, The operation and effect of the invention described in claim 5 can be further improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the indicating instrument according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising a light guide plate (50, 50A) provided on the scale plate along the back surface thereof. The device has a pointer shaft rotatably extending through openings of the light guide plate and the scale plate, and the light guide plate integrally includes a cylindrical light guide member at the opening. Thereby, the operation and effect of the invention according to claim 5 or 6 can be achieved while effectively utilizing the light guide plate.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 7 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automobile combination meter. The combination meter is provided on an instrument panel in the interior of the vehicle. The combination meter is provided with an instrument panel 10 and a vehicle speed indicator disposed on the instrument panel 10 as shown in FIGS. 20, an indicator 30 and a tachometer 40 are provided.

The speedometer 20 has a scale plate 20a formed on the instrument panel 10 and a scale plate 20 on the back side of the instrument panel 10.
and a rotating inner machine 20b provided at a position corresponding to a. The scale plate 20a is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 10 in FIG. The part of the instrument panel 10 other than the scale plate 20a, the indicator 30a described later, and the scale plate 40a is black.

The scale plate 20a has a substantially arc-shaped scale portion 21 for displaying the speed of the vehicle, and the scale and characters of the scale portion 21 are black. The scale plate 20a transmits light except for the scales and characters of the scale portion 21.

The rotary inner unit 20b includes a drive unit 22 and a pointer shaft 23. The pointer shaft 23 is provided between the drive unit 22 and a through hole 71 of a circuit board 70, which will be described later, and an inner cylindrical body of the reflector 60. 63, opening 51 of light guide plate 50 and instrument panel 10
Opening 11 (also the opening 11 of the scale plate 20a)
, So as to be rotatable upward. However, the rotating inner unit 20b is supported inside the casing 80. The drive unit 22 rotates the pointer shaft 23 based on the electromagnetic force according to the input. In addition, the casing 80 is coaxially assembled to the annular return plate 90 via the circuit board 70, the reflector 60, the light guide plate 50, and the instrument panel 10.

Further, the vehicle speedometer 20 has a light emitting pointer 20c, and the light emitting pointer 20c has a pointer main body 24 and a cover 25. The pointer main body 24 is formed in a longitudinal shape with a transparent light-guiding resin material, and the pointer main body 24 is supported by the tip of the pointer shaft 23 by the boss of the rotation base 24a. As shown in FIG. 2, the turning base 24a of the pointer main body 24 has an inclined surface 24b, and the inclined surface 24b serves as a reflecting surface.

The cover 25 is formed by covering the main body 24 of the pointer.
The upper wall corresponding to the upper surface of 4c has a slit 25a. Thus, in the light emitting pointer 20c, when light enters the rotating base 24a of the pointer main body 24 from its back surface, this light is reflected by the inclined surface 24b and
Proceed inside c. Along with this, the light in the pointer 24c exits through the slit 25a of the cover 25. This means that the pointer 24c shines with the light emitted from the slit 25a. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 26 denotes a balancer.

The light guide plate 50 is disposed on the instrument panel 10 along the rear surface thereof. The light guide plate 50 is positioned concentrically with the pointer shaft at the opening 51 so that the pointer shaft 23 is inserted therethrough. are doing. The light guide plate 50 is formed of a light conductive resin material.

The reflector 60 is, as shown in FIG.
An annular frame 60a is provided, and the annular frame 60a is provided with a reflecting plate 60b at the upper end in FIG. The reflecting plate 60b includes a reflecting plate portion 61 having an eight-shaped cross section. The reflecting plate portion 61 extends downward from the rear surface of the light guide plate 50 in a tapered shape. Here, the reflection plate portion 6
Numeral 1 is formed in an arc shape along the back surface of the light guide plate 50 corresponding to the rotation range of the light emitting pointer 20c in the scale plate 10a.

The reflecting plate 60b has an outer cylindrical body 62 at a position corresponding to the opening 51 of the light guide plate 50. The outer cylindrical body 62 is provided at the opening 11 of the scale plate 10a.
Is sandwiched between the outer peripheral portion of the circuit board and a portion of the circuit board 70 facing the outer peripheral portion. Further, the reflection plate 60b includes the inner cylinder 63, and the inner cylinder 63 is
2 and concentrically with the pointer shaft 23, the outer cylindrical body 62
From the inner peripheral portion of the annular low wall 62a. The surface of the reflecting plate 60b (the side surface of the light guide plate 50), including the surface of the reflecting plate portion 61, the inner surface of the outer cylindrical body 62, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical body 63, is subjected to a printing process using a white printing material.

The circuit board 70 is sandwiched between the casing 80 and the reflector 60. The circuit board 70 is located on the drive unit 22 and parallel to the instrument panel 10.

The plurality of light sources 81 are provided on the surface of the circuit board 70 so as to be positioned in the arc-shaped lower end opening 61a of the reflector portion 61 of the reflector 60 at intervals along the arc direction. Each of these light sources 81 emits light within the arcuate reflector 61.

The three light sources 82 (only one is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) are provided between the two cylindrical bodies 62 and 63.
In the opening of the lower wall 62a of the outer cylindrical body 62, the circuit board 7
The light sources 82 emit light toward the back surface of the turning base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c. However, in the first embodiment, the light emitting pointer 20c is configured to introduce light from a light guide member 100, which will be described later, at a portion of the rotation base 24a on the rear side of the pointer shaft 23. In consideration of the fact that the light emitting pointer 20c rotates over the scale range of the scale portion 21 as shown in FIG. 1, each light source 82 is circular as shown in a broken line in FIG. They are arranged in the direction of an arc at intervals in an arc shape.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light guide member 100 is formed of a cylindrical body made of a light guide material.
The light guide member 100 is housed and assembled between the two cylindrical bodies 62 and 63. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the light guide member 100 includes a member main body 101 and an annular flange 102 protruding outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral portion of the upper end of the member main body 101. Thereby, in the light guide member 100, the member main body 101 is located between the two cylindrical bodies 62 and 63, and the flange 102 is located at the opening 1 of the scale plate 20a.
1 is seated and engaged on the outer periphery.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the member main body 101 has a plurality of projections 101a protruding from the inner peripheral surface thereof.
As shown in FIG. 3, 1 a is engaged with each of the engagement holes 63 a of the inner cylindrical body 63. Each of these engagements is such that the outer peripheral portion of the opening 11 of the scale plate 20 a is pressed against the upper end of the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical body 62 by the flange 102.

The member main body 101 has three convex lens portions 101b.
Is formed to protrude downward from an annular bottom surface (light source side annular end surface) of the member main body 101 in a convex lens shape. Here, each convex lens 101b is located opposite to each light source 82, respectively. As a result, the light guide member 101 receives the light of each light source 82 at each of the convex lens portions 101b opposed to each of the light sources 82, converts the light into parallel light, and guides the light to the inside. The light is emitted from the moving base side annular end surface) toward the back surface of the turning base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c.

The tachometer 40 has substantially the same configuration as the vehicle speedometer 20. The tachometer 40 is provided on the instrument panel 1.
0, a rotary inner machine arranged on the back side of the instrument panel 10, and a tip end of a pointer shaft extending substantially in the same manner as the pointer shaft 23 from the rotary inner machine. The scale 40a is provided with a substantially arc-shaped scale portion 41 indicating the number of revolutions of the engine of the vehicle.

The indicator 30 has an indicator section 30a formed on the instrument panel 10. 1 and 2, reference numeral 110 indicates a front panel.

In the first embodiment configured as described above, the light guide member 100 having the above-described configuration is provided between the turning base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c and each light source 82. Here, each convex lens portion 101b of the light guide member 100 is located to face each light source 82 so as to exhibit the above-described optical function.

Therefore, when each light source 82 emits light, the light from each light source 82 is converted into parallel light by the corresponding convex lens portion 101b by the light guide member 100 and introduced into the member main body 101. Accordingly, the member body 1
Each parallel light in 01 enters the rotation base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c from the annular upper surface of the member main body 101.

In this case, as described above, the light from each light source 82 is incident on the rotating base 24a as parallel light by the light guide member 100 under the optical action of each convex lens portion 101b. The light can efficiently enter the rotating base 24a as uniform light corresponding to the light of each light source 82 without being darkened in a region between the light sources 82.

Therefore, the light emitting pointer 20c can emit light with uniform brightness through the slit 25a of the cover 25 at the pointer 20c based on the light incident on the rotating base 24a regardless of the rotating position. . In addition, as described above,
Since the reflecting plate portion 61 reflects the light of each light source 81 toward the light guide plate 50 and each of the cylindrical bodies 62 and 63 reflects the light of each light source 82 toward the light guiding member 100, the respective light sources 81 and 82
The above effects can be achieved while further increasing the light utilization rate.

As described above, the light guide member 100 is
Each projection 101a of the member main body 101 forms the inner cylinder 6
3 is engaged in each of the engagement holes 63a, and each of these engagements is performed by the flange 102 so that the outer peripheral portion of the opening 11 of the scale plate 20a is formed on the upper end of the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical body 62. It is made to hold down. For this reason, the light guide member 100 that guides the light of each light source 82 to the rotating base 24b of the light emitting pointer 20c also has a role of preventing the scale plate 20c, and thus the instrument panel 10 from rising from the light guide member 50. Can be combined. The above operation and effect can be similarly achieved in the tachometer 40.
(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment,
The light guide member 100A is employed in the vehicle speedometer 20 and the tachometer 40 instead of the light guide member 100 described in the first embodiment, and among the light sources 82 described in the first embodiment. The light source 8 located at the center on the left and right in FIG.
2 has been abolished.

The light guide member 100A is different from the member body 101 of the light guide member 100 described in the first embodiment in that, instead of the three convex lens portions 101b, two left and right convex lens portions 101c and 101c shown in FIG. Illustrated left and right reflecting walls 101
The configuration adopts d. Biconvex lens part 101c
As can be seen from FIG. 8, are formed on the annular bottom surface of the member main body 101 symmetrically in the drawing, and these convex lens portions 101c are formed in a convex lens shape toward the respective light sources 82 on the left and right sides in the drawing (see FIG. 8). 9 and 10). Thereby, the light guide member 101 is connected to the left and right light sources 8.
2 is received by each convex lens portion 101c facing each of the light sources 82, converted into parallel light, and guided inside, and the rotating base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c is viewed from the annular upper surface.
The light is emitted toward the back surface of.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, both reflecting walls 101d are also formed on the annular bottom surface of the member main body 101 symmetrically in the drawing, and each of these reflecting walls 101d is directed toward the surface of the circuit board 70. It is formed so as to protrude from the annular bottom surface of 101 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The left reflecting wall 101d is substantially semicircular about the optical axis of the left light source 82 (coincident with the optical axis of the left convex lens portion 101c) so that the left convex lens portion 101c faces the left side from the right side in FIG. The right reflective wall 101d is formed in an annular shape,
The optical axis of the right light source 82 (the right convex lens portion 10c) faces the right convex lens portion 101c from the left side to the right side in FIG.
1c).

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the right reflecting wall 101d has a semi-annular surface 101e centered on the optical axis of the right convex lens portion 101c. It extends vertically from the annular bottom surface of the member main body 101. Also, the right reflecting wall 101d is shown in FIG.
As can be seen from FIG. 9 and FIG. 9, a semi-annular inclined surface 101f is provided.
01e is formed so as to be inclined away from the semi-annular surface 101e toward the annular bottom surface of the member main body 101 from the leading edge of the member 101.

In the member main body 101 thus configured, the light from the right light source 82 enters the right convex lens portion 101c (see FIG. 9) as described above.
Is also incident on the right reflective wall 101d from the semi-annular surface 101e, and the member main body 101 is formed by the semi-annular inclined surface 101f.
The positions of the right light source 82 and the right reflecting wall 101d and the degree of inclination of the semi-annular inclined surface 101f are set so that the light is reflected inside and proceeds toward the annular upper surface. On the other hand, the left reflecting wall 101d has the same configuration as the right reflecting wall 101d and is symmetrical to the left reflecting wall 101d.
, The degree of inclination of the semi-annular inclined surface 101f, and the position of the left light source 82 are set in the same manner as described above. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment configured as described above, when the left and right light sources 82 emit light on the vehicle speedometer 20 side,
The light of each of these light sources 82 is applied to the member body 1 of the light guide member 100A.
01 enters from its annular bottom surface. Here, the path of the light entering the member main body 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 taking the light of the right light source 82 as an example.

The light from the right light source 82 is converted into parallel light by the right convex lens portion 101c and enters the member main body 101 of the light guide member 100A (see arrow a in FIG. 9). At the same time, the light from the right light source 82 enters the right reflecting wall 101d of the member main body 101 from the semi-annular surface 101e (see the arrow b in FIG. 9). Then, the incident light is reflected by the semi-annular inclined surface 101f of the right reflecting wall 101d and travels inside the member main body 101 (see arrow b in FIG. 9).

In this manner, each light that has entered the member main body 101 from the right convex lens 101c and the right reflecting wall 101d exits from the annular upper surface of the light guide member 100A and enters the light emitting pointer 20c from its rotating base 24a. I do.

The same applies to the light from the left light source 82 as described above. Therefore, each of the lights that have entered the member main body 101 from the left convex lens 101c and the left reflecting wall 101d also exits from the annular upper surface of the light guide member 100A and enters the light emitting pointer 20c from the rotation base 24a.

As described above, in the second embodiment, in the light guide member 100A, the left and right reflecting walls 101d are formed on the annular bottom surface of the member main body 101 in addition to the left and right biconvex lens portions 101c as described above. did. Accordingly, the light from the left and right light sources 82 enters the member main body 101 through the left and right biconvex lens portions 101c, and also enters the member main body 101 through the left and right reflecting walls 101d.

Therefore, since the utilization ratio of each light source 82 to the light is improved, the amount of light entering the light emitting pointer 20c from the light guide member 100A is increased as compared with the case of the first embodiment. As a result, the light emission luminance of the light emitting pointer 20c can be further increased. (Third Embodiment) FIGS. 11 to 14 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the light guide plate 50
A replaces the light guide plate 50 and the respective light guide members 100A of the vehicle speedometer 20 and the tachometer 40 described in the second embodiment,
Has been adopted.

The light guide plate 50A includes the vehicle speedometer 20 and the tachometer 4
Since each of the portions corresponding to 0 has the same configuration, the configuration of the portion corresponding to the vehicle speedometer 20 of the light guide plate 50A will be described with reference to FIGS.

The light guide plate 50A is provided with a light guide cylinder 50a, which is coaxial therewith so as to surround the pointer shaft 23 at a position corresponding to the opening 11 of the scale plate 20a. It is formed integrally with the light guide plate 50A. The outer peripheral surface 52 of the light guide cylindrical body 50a is
Is located so as to coincide with the inner peripheral surface of the.

The light guide cylinder 50a is similar to that shown in FIGS.
As shown by 2, a convex lens portion 53, a reflecting wall 54, and a reflecting surface 55 are provided. Convex lens part 53 and reflective wall 54
Is formed on the right side of the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a (corresponding to the back surface side of the light guide plate 50A) in FIG. 11, while the reflection surface 55 is formed on the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a. Of these, it is formed on the left side in FIG.

Here, the convex lens portion 53 is
The projection is formed in a convex lens shape from the right side of the bottom surface of FIG. 11A in FIG. 11 toward the right light source 82 described in the second embodiment. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the reflection wall 54 is formed so as to protrude from the right side of the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a toward the surface of the circuit board 70. The portion 53 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape centered on the optical axis of the right light source 82 so as to face the right side in FIG. 11.

As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 13, the reflecting wall 54 has a semi-annular surface 54a centered on the optical axis of the convex lens portion 53, and the semi-annular surface 54a is a light guide cylinder. 50a vertically extends from the right side of the annular bottom surface. The reflecting wall 54 has a semi-annular inclined surface 54b, and the semi-annular inclined surface 54b has a semi-annular surface 54a.
Is formed to be inclined away from the semi-annular surface 54a toward the right side of the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a from the tip edge of the light guide cylinder 50a. The reflecting wall 54 is formed to have substantially the same optical function as the right reflecting wall 101d described in the second embodiment. The right side portion of the light guide plate 50A of the light guide cylinder 50a in FIG.
In accordance with the shape of the light guide cylinder 50a protruding toward the rear surface side of A, the cross section is inclined toward the rear surface of the scale plate 20a as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the reflecting surface 55 is located on the left side of the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a.
The reflecting surface 55 is formed in an arcuate surface shape centered on the axis 3 as shown in FIG.
From the base end of the inner peripheral surface 56 (the front end of the circuit board 70) to the rear surface of the light guide plate 50A, toward the outer peripheral surface 52 and the annular surface of the light guide cylinder 50a (the annular end surface on the scale plate 20a side). It is formed in an inclined shape. Note that, in the third embodiment, both the cylindrical bodies 62 and 53 of the left light source 82 and the reflector 60 described in the second embodiment are eliminated. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment configured as described above, taking the light guide cylinder 50a of the light guide plate 50A shown in FIG. 12 as an example, when the right light source 82 emits light, this light is transmitted from the right light source 82. The light is emitted radially toward the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a. Therefore, the light from the right light source 82 enters the light guide cylinder 50a via the convex lens portion 53, the reflection wall 54, and the reflection surface 55.

The incident path will be described in detail.
The light incident on the convex lens portion 53 from the right light source 82 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, the light is converted into parallel light by the convex lens portion 53 and travels inside the light guide cylinder 50a toward the annular upper surface thereof. Further, the light incident on the reflecting wall 54 from the right side light source 82 passes through the semi-annular surface 54a, enters the reflecting wall 54, is reflected by the semi-annular inclined surface 54b in the reflecting wall 54, and is shown in FIG. Light guide cylinder 5 as shown by the arrow
The interior of Oa goes towards its annular upper surface. Further, the light incident on the reflection surface 55 from the right light source 82 passes through the hollow portion of the light guide cylinder 50a and enters the light guide cylinder 50a from the inner peripheral surface 56 as shown by an arrow in FIG. The light is reflected by the reflection surface 55 and travels inside the light guide cylinder 50a toward its annular upper surface.

The light from the convex lens portion 53, the reflecting wall 54, and the reflecting surface 55 that travels inside the light guide cylinder 50a in this manner is
The light enters the rotation base 24 of the light emitting pointer 20c from the annular upper surface of the light guide cylinder 50a from the rear surface thereof.

As described above, in the third embodiment, as described above, the convex lens 53 and the reflection wall 54 are formed on the right side of the annular bottom surface of the light guide cylinder 50a, and the reflection surface 55 is formed on the light guide cylinder. 50a was formed on the left side of the annular bottom surface. Therefore, the light from the right light source 82 enters the light guide cylinder 50a through the convex lens 53 and the reflection wall 54, and also enters the light guide cylinder 50a via the reflection surface 55.

Therefore, unlike the second embodiment, although the left light source 82 is eliminated, the utilization efficiency of the right light source 82 with respect to light is improved due to the above-mentioned reflection action of the reflection surface 55 in place of the light source 82. Therefore, the amount of light entering the light emitting pointer 20c from the light guide cylinder 50a also increases as compared with the case of the first embodiment. As a result, the light emission luminance of the light emitting pointer 20c can be further increased substantially similarly to the second embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 15 to 18 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, in the reflector 60b of the reflector 60 described in the first embodiment, the inner cylindrical body 63 is eliminated and the bottom wall 62a of the outer cylindrical body 62 is eliminated ( See FIG. 15). Further, in the fourth embodiment, the light guide member 120 and the four light sources 83 are employed instead of the light guide member 100 and each light source 82 described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 15). .

As shown in FIG. 15, the light guide member 120 is coaxially supported in the outer cylindrical body 62 between the rotation base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20c and each light source 83. The light guide member 120 is formed of a light guide resin material so as to integrally include the annular flange 121 and the four light guide columns 122 to 125 as shown in FIGS. The flange 121 has a hollow hole 121a through which the pointer shaft 23 is inserted (see FIG. 17).
In addition, the plate thickness of the flange 121 is set to each of the light guide columns 122 to 1.
Very thin compared to 25 shaft lengths.

Each of the light guide columns 122 to 125 has a flange 12 at its axial center so as to be parallel to each other.
1 and are formed integrally. Further, each of the light guide columns 122 to 125 is located on the same circumference (refer to the reference numeral c in FIG. 17) on the axis thereof, and both the light guide columns 122 and 124 are flanged as shown in FIG. 121 hollow hole 121
It is located symmetrically with respect to the central axis of a. As shown in FIG. 17, both light guide columns 123 and 125 are located on both sides of the hollow hole 121 a of the flange 121, but the axes of both light guide columns 123 and 125 are the same as those of the light guide column 122. It is located closer to the axial side of the light guide column 124 than the light guide column 124 is.

Each of the light guide columns 122 to 125 has, at the lower end thereof, a convex lens portion 122a to 125a. The convex lens portions 122a to 125a are formed so as to protrude toward the corresponding light sources 83 in a convex lens shape. I have. Here, each of the convex lens portions 122a to 125a converts the light of the corresponding light source 83 into parallel light to convert each of the light guide columns 122 to 12a.
After being introduced into the inside 5, the light enters the rotating base 24 a from the back surface thereof.

The upper wall 1 of each of the light guide columns 122 to 125
Reference numerals 22b to 125b are located in the same plane orthogonal to the axes of the light guide columns 122 to 125, and face the back surface of the turning base 23 of the light emitting pointer 20a. Each light source 83 is provided on the surface of the wiring board 70 in the outer cylindrical body 62 so as to face the convex lens portions 122a to 125a of the light guide columns 122 to 125, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, light from the corresponding light source 83 enters the light guide column 125 through the convex lens portion 125a. Then, the light guide column 125 is connected to the convex lens unit 1.
At 25a, the light from the light source 83 is converted into parallel light and then introduced, and then enters the light emitting pointer 20a from the upper wall 125b from the rotating base 24a.

Similarly, the light guide column 122 converts the light of the corresponding light source 83 into parallel light at the convex lens portion 122a, introduces the parallel light, and enters the light guide pointer 20a from the upper wall 122b from the rotation base 24a. , The light guide column 123 is the convex lens unit 1.
At 23a, the light from the corresponding light source 83 is converted into parallel light and then introduced, and enters the light emitting pointer 20a from the upper wall 123b through the pivot base 24a.
At 4a, the light from the corresponding light source 83 is converted into parallel light and then introduced, and enters the light emitting pointer 20a from the upper wall 124b from the rotating base 24a.

Here, each of the light guide columns 122 to 125 is formed integrally with the flange 121,
1 is very thin compared to the axial length of each of the light guide columns 122 to 125. Accordingly, the light guide columns 122 to 125 are optically substantially independent of each other. Therefore, each light guide column 1
Each of the convex lenses 22a to 125a is independently and substantially perpendicularly incident on each of the convex lens portions 122a to 125a and converted into parallel light without causing the spread of the light of the corresponding light sources 83.

As a result, the parallel light in each of the light guide columns 122 to 125 does not enter the adjacent light guide columns, but is independent of each other, and becomes strong uniform light.
To 125, and can enter the rotation base 24a of the light emitting pointer 20a.

In practicing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to a combination meter, but may be applied to a vehicle speed meter or a tachometer.

In practicing the present invention, each light source described in each of the above embodiments is not limited to a light-emitting diode, but may be a light-emitting element such as a lamp, a cold-cathode tube, or an electroluminescent element.

In implementing the present invention, each light source 82
Is not limited to three as described in the first embodiment, and the number may be appropriately changed. Accordingly, the number of the convex lens portions 101b is changed in accordance with this change.

In implementing the present invention, each light source 82
The arrangement position of is not limited to the case described in the first and second embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate according to the position where light is introduced into the turning base of the light emitting pointer 20c.

In practicing the present invention, the light guide cylinder 50a described in the third embodiment may be separate from the light guide plate 50A. In this case, the light guide cylinder 50a is provided with an annular flange in the same manner as in the first embodiment, so that the light guide cylinder 50a is seated in the opening 11 of the scale plate 20a from the front side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially broken front view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the light guide member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the light guide member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the light guide member of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the light guide member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a light guide member according to a second embodiment of the present invention together with a circuit board (excluding a reflector).

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a right side view showing the light guide member of FIG. 8 together with a right light source 82 and a circuit board.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side view seen from the right side in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the light guide member of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the light guide member of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a side view showing a path of light from a light source in one light guide column of the light guide member of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Opening, 20a, 40a: Scale plate, 20b: Rotating inner machine, 20c, 40c: Light emitting pointer, 23: Pointer shaft, 5
0, 50A: light guide plate, 50a: light guide cylinder, 54, 101
d: reflective wall, 55: reflective surface, 62: outer cylinder, 70: circuit board, 82: light source, 100, 100A, 120: light guide member, 101: member body, 101b, 122b to 12
5b: convex lens portion, 102: flange, 122 to 12
5 ... Light guide pillar.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Kobayashi 1-1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Prefecture Inside Denso Corporation (72) Inventor Kozo Ono 1-1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Prefecture Denso Corporation Of which F-term (reference) 2F074 AA04 BB06 DD03 EE02 EE03 FF01 FF10 GG06 3D044 BA21 BB01 BD02 BD13 5C096 AA05 BA01 CA28 CA32 CB01 CC21 CD06 CD16 CD24 CD27 CD43 CD53 CD59 CE03 FA11 FA17 5G435 CC04 GG26 CC04

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A turn having a scale plate (20a, 40a) and a pointer shaft (23) provided on the back side of the scale plate and extending rotatably through an opening (11) of the scale plate. An internal moving machine (20b); a light emitting pointer (20c, 40c) supported by a rotating base (24a) at a tip end of the pointer shaft so as to rotate along the surface of the scale; And a plurality of light sources (82) disposed on the back side of the device so as to face the rotating base through the opening. An indicator interposed between the rotating base and each of the light sources. A guide having a member body (101) opposed to the rotating base and convex lens portions (101b, 122a to 125a) protruding toward the light sources from the respective light source side end faces of the member body. Including optical members (100, 120) Each of the convex lens portions enters the light of the corresponding one of the light sources into the member main body from each light source side end face, and the member main body transmits the incident light from the rotation base side end face into the light emitting pointer. An indicating instrument, which is incident from a moving base. 2. A cylinder (62) sandwiched between an outer peripheral portion of an opening of the scale plate and an appropriate stationary member (70) located on the back side thereof, wherein the light guide member is 2. The indicating instrument according to claim 1, wherein the rotation base side end surface (102) of the member main body is engaged with an outer peripheral portion of an opening of the scale plate from a surface side thereof. 3. 3. The member main body is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the pointer shaft, each of the light sources is arranged around the pointer shaft, and each of the convex lens portions is connected to the member main body. 3. The indicating instrument according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion is formed from each of the light source side annular end faces toward each of the light sources. 4. 4. The light guide member is formed at each of the light source side annular end surfaces of the member main body so as to face the respective convex lens portions in a radial direction and outward from a center side of the annular end surface. The reflecting walls (101d) are provided, and each of the reflecting walls reflects the light of the corresponding one of the light sources so that the light enters the member main body from the light source side end face. Item 3. The indicating instrument according to Item 3. 5. A turn having a scale plate (20a, 40a) and a pointer shaft (23) provided on the back side of the scale plate and extending rotatably through an opening (11) of the scale plate. An internal moving machine (20b); a light emitting pointer (20c, 40c) supported by a rotating base (24a) at a tip end of the pointer shaft so as to rotate along the surface of the scale; An indicating instrument comprising at least one light source (82) disposed on the back side of the rotating base so as to face the rotating base via the opening, wherein the indicator is disposed between the rotating base and the light source. A cylindrical light guide member (100, 50a) is provided so as to surround the pointer shaft. The light guide member includes a cylindrical member main body (101) opposed to the rotation base, and a cylindrical light guide member (100). A bulge is formed from the light source side annular end face of the member body toward the light source. A convex lens portion (53, 101c) for allowing the light of the light source to enter the light guide member from the light source side annular end face, and the member main body is formed in a part of the light source side annular end face so as to be inclined. An indicating instrument provided with an inclined surface facing the light source through the end surface of the member through the member body. 6. The light guide member includes a reflecting wall formed on the light source side annular end surface of the member main body so as to face the convex lens portion radially and outward from a center side of the annular end surface. The indicator according to claim 5, wherein the reflecting wall receives the light from the light source and reflects the light from the light source so as to enter the inside of the member main body from an end face on the light source side. 7. A light guide plate (50, 50A) provided on the scale plate along a back surface thereof, wherein the rotating inner machine rotates a pointer shaft through each opening of the light guide plate and the scale plate. 7. The indicating instrument according to claim 5, wherein the light guide plate is integrally provided with the cylindrical light guide member at the opening.