JP2002193044A - Electronic equipment for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic equipment for an automobile having high design quality and good space efficiency. SOLUTION: This electronic equipment for an automobile in this invention is the electronic equipment 1 for the automobile provided with a main unit 2 having an operating surface 20 and a cover 3 installed to freely open/close relating to the operating surface 20, a light source 21 is provided in the main unit 2 or its storage space, the cover 3 is characterized by providing a display part 30 and a light guide part 31 guiding light from the light source 21 to the display part 30 when the operating surface 20 is closed by the cover 3. That is, the electronic equipment for the automobile in this invention has the main unit and the cover, the operating surface is provided in the main unit, the light source is provided in the main unit or its storage space, the display part and the light guide part are provided in the cover.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to electronic equipment for automobiles,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic device for a vehicle having a cover provided with a display unit that emits light.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various electronic devices such as a CD player, an MD player, and a navigation system are installed in an automobile or the like. These electronic devices are generally expensive and may be stolen. For this reason, electronic devices for automobiles have been developed in which the operation surface of the main body is covered with a cover for preventing theft. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-183402 discloses an electronic device for a vehicle including a main body and a cover that covers the main body so that the main body can be opened and closed.

[0003]

However, there are cases where it is desired to install a cover on electronic equipment for automobiles not only to prevent theft but also to improve the texture of the interior. In this case, when the cover is provided with a display portion that emits light in conjunction with opening and closing of the cover, the design is improved.

However, the cover described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-183402 does not have a display unit that emits light because its purpose is to prevent theft. Further, there is no description in this publication that suggests that a display section is provided on the cover and that the display section emit light.

[0005] On the other hand, there are many conventional electronic devices for automobiles that emit light on a night operation surface in order to ensure visibility. However, these are merely mechanisms for making the operation surface emit light. In order to obtain a mechanism that allows the display unit to emit light in conjunction with the opening and closing of this cover, a light source installation location for light emission of the display unit of the cover and light guide from the light source to the display unit are provided. It is necessary to further consider a mechanism, an interlocking mechanism between opening and closing of the cover and light emission of the display unit, and the like.

The present inventor has first considered a mechanism in which a light source is provided on the cover itself to cause the display unit to emit light. However, in this mechanism, it is necessary to secure a space for installing the light source and for arranging the wire harness, and the cover becomes thick. When the cover is thickened, the space for accommodating the cover when the cover is opened needs to be enlarged, and the space efficiency is reduced. In addition, if the storage space is large, the impression of a wide gap is given, and the design of the interior is reduced.

Further, when the light source is provided on the cover, the cover becomes heavier, so that the load applied to the motor or the like which is the drive source of the cover increases.

The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device for a vehicle having a high design and a high space efficiency.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device for a vehicle according to the present invention is an electronic device for a vehicle having a main body having an operation surface and a cover which can be freely opened and closed with respect to the operation surface. A light source is provided in the main body or its storage space, and the cover includes a display unit and a light guide unit that guides light from the light source to the display unit when the cover closes the operation surface.

That is, the electronic device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a main body and a cover, the main body has an operation surface, the main body or the main body storage space has a light source, and the cover has a display section and a light guide section. is there. The light source for irradiating the display unit is installed not on the cover but on the main body or the storage space. When the cover is open, light between the light source and the display unit is not guided, so that light from the light source does not reach the display unit. Therefore, the display does not emit light. On the other hand, when the cover is closed, since the light guide section is interposed between the light source and the display section, light from the light source passes through the light guide section and irradiates the display section. Thus, the display unit emits light.

According to the electronic device for a vehicle of the present invention, the display portion of the cover can be turned off and on in accordance with the opening and closing of the cover, and the electronic device for a vehicle with high design quality can be provided. In addition, since the light source for irradiating the display portion of the cover is provided not in the cover but in the main body or the storage space, it is possible to provide an electronic device for a vehicle which is space efficient and has a small load on the cover driving source.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic device for a vehicle of the present invention is an electronic device for a vehicle having a main body having an operation surface and a cover openably and closably provided on the operation surface, wherein the light source is provided in the main body or its storage space, and the cover is The present invention can be implemented in a mode including a display unit and a light guide unit that guides light from a light source to the display unit when the cover closes the operation surface (corresponding to claim 1).

The connection location of the cover is not particularly limited. For example, the present invention can be embodied in a form in which arms provided on both side surfaces of the cover are rotatably connected to a center cluster or the like in which the main body and the electronic device are assembled. Also, the opening direction of the cover is not particularly limited, as long as it covers the operation surface of the main body when closed and exposes the operation surface when opened. For example, there are a form that opens and closes in the vertical direction and a form that opens and closes in the horizontal direction with respect to the operation surface. The drive mechanism and drive force transmission mechanism of the cover are not particularly limited, and may be manual or automatic. In the case of automatic operation, for example, the driving force of a DC motor as a driving source can be transmitted to a cover by a rack and pinion mechanism.

The structure of the display unit is not particularly limited. For example, the present invention can be implemented in a form in which characters, figures, and the like are displayed by combining a light-transmitting material and a light-blocking material, and in a form in which characters and the like are colorfully displayed by further combining a colored light-transmitting material.

The material of the light guide is not particularly limited as long as it has a constant light transmittance. For example, the present invention can be implemented in a form using acrylic resin, glass, methacrylic resin, or the like. Further, the present invention can be implemented in a mode using a gas such as air. Further, in order to increase the light transmittance, the side surface of the light guide section from the light source to the display section may be covered with a reflective material.

The location of the light source is not particularly limited as long as it is in the main body or the storage space. It may be a place facing the light guide part when the cover is closed, and for example, it can be implemented by being installed on the side surface or the front surface of the main body. The type of the light source is not particularly limited.
A light bulb or the like usually used as a light source, such as D, can be used.

The turning on and off of the light source is not particularly limited. An electronic device for a vehicle having a main body having an operation surface and a cover installed to be openable and closable with respect to the operation surface, comprising a light source in the main body or its storage space,
In a mode in which the cover includes a display unit and a light guide unit that guides light from the light source to the display unit when the cover closes the operation surface, the cover includes a light-blocking unit that is arranged on the front of the light source when the cover is opened. The present invention can be implemented in a form provided (corresponding to claim 3).

That is, in the electronic device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, the light shielding portion is provided on the cover, and the light shielding portion is arranged on the front surface of the light source when the cover is opened, so that the light from the light source does not leak. It is to be.

If the light source is constantly turned on, light from the light source may leak into the passenger compartment when the cover is opened, and the passenger may be dazzled. According to the electronic device for a vehicle of the present embodiment, the light shielding portion is arranged in front of the light source even when the cover is open, so that light does not leak into the vehicle interior. For this reason, glare of a passenger can be suppressed.

The material of the light shielding portion is not particularly limited. An appropriate material having a low light transmittance can be selected and used. In addition, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost and simplify the manufacturing process, the light shielding portion may be integrally formed with the cover.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus for a vehicle having a main body having an operation surface and a cover installed to be openable and closable with respect to the operation surface, wherein a light source is provided in the main body or its storage space. The cover has a configuration in which the cover includes a display unit and a light guide unit that guides light from a light source to the display unit when the cover closes the operation surface, and is further driven by opening and closing movement of the cover to open the operation surface. The light source can be turned off and the switch can be turned on when the cover closes the operation surface.

In other words, the electronic device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment further includes a switch for turning off the light source when the cover is open and turning on the light source when the cover is closed.

The location where the switch is installed is not particularly limited. For example, the present invention can be implemented in a form in which the main body and the electronic device are installed in a center cluster or the like.
However, when the light source is installed in the main body, it is preferable that the switch is also installed in the main body for the sake of wiring.

The ON / OFF mechanism of the switch is not particularly limited. For example, the switch is urged to the ON side and installed on the side of the main unit. When the cover is opened, the switch is pressed by the cover to turn it off and the light source turns off, while when the cover is closed, the cover is separated from the switch The embodiment can be implemented in a mode in which the light source is turned on by being turned on by the urging force. Instead of the physical mechanism as described above, for example, the embodiment may be implemented by using an electrical mechanism that electrically detects opening and closing of the cover and turns off or on the light source in conjunction with the detection.

According to this embodiment, when the cover is open, the light source is turned off, so that glare of the occupant can be prevented. Further, since there is no need to install a light shielding portion on the cover, the embodiment is more space efficient. Further, when the cover is open, the light source is turned off, so that the life of the light source can be prolonged, and the embodiment is more durable.

Although the embodiment of the electronic apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented in a form in which various modifications and improvements routinely made by those skilled in the art can be made. You can also.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the automobile electronic device of the present invention is applied to an automobile audio apparatus will be described below.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an audio apparatus for a vehicle according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the automobile audio apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is installed in a state of being housed in a center cluster of the automobile, and is installed so as to be freely opened and closed with respect to the main body 2 and the operation surface 20 of the main body 2. And a cover 3.

The main body 2 has an LED 21 which constantly emits light at the front end of the upper surface. The arms 33 of the cover 3 are rotatably installed on both side surfaces. The arm 33 is partially drawn by a dotted line for convenience of explanation.

The cover 3 includes a display unit 30, a light guide unit 31, a light shielding unit 32, and an arm 33. The display unit 30 is provided on the surface of the cover 3 and includes a light transmitting material and a light shielding material. When the light from the LED 21 is radiated by these combinations, the vehicle name logo appears. The light guide 31 is provided between the back surface of the cover 3 and the display 30 and is made of acrylic resin. The arm 33 is formed integrally with the cover 3 on the side surface of the cover 3 so as to sandwich the light guide 31. And the light shielding part 3
2 is also formed integrally with the cover 3 at the lower end of the rear surface of the cover 3.

The audio device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.
Corresponds to the electronic device for automobile of the present invention. LED2
1 corresponds to a light source.

When the cover 3 is closed, the operation surface 20 of the main body 2 is covered by the cover 3, and the surface of the cover 3 is exposed in the vehicle interior. Further, a light guide section 31 is arranged in front of the LED 21. The light of the LED 21 is the light guide unit 31
The display unit 30 is illuminated from the back side through the. Thus, the vehicle name logo is displayed on the display unit 30.

On the other hand, when the cover 3 is open, the operation surface 20 of the main body 2 is exposed in the vehicle compartment as shown in FIG. Further, the cover 3 is rotated around the arm 33 as shown by an arrow in the figure, and is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 2. LED2
Although 1 emits light, the display unit 30 is not irradiated with light because the light guide unit 31 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 2 together with the cover 3. Therefore, the vehicle name logo is not displayed on the display unit 30. Further, a light-shielding portion 32 is arranged on the front surface of the LED 21 by the rotation of the cover 3. Therefore, the light of the LED 21 is not blocked by the light shielding portion 32 and does not leak into the vehicle interior. In addition,
The opening and closing of the cover in this embodiment was performed by a DC motor (not shown).

<Embodiment 2> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an automobile audio apparatus according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the automobile audio apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is installed in a state of being housed in a center cluster of the automobile, and is installed so as to be freely opened and closed with respect to the main body 2 and the operation surface 20 of the main body 2. And a cover 3.

The main body 2 includes an LED 21 and a switch mounting portion 2.
2, a switch 23 and a rail 24. On the upper surface of the main body 2, a rail 24 provided with an LED 21 on the operation surface 20 side end
Is installed. A switch mounting portion 22 is installed above the upper surface of the main body 2 while holding both side surfaces of the main body 2. A groove (not shown) is formed on the upper surface of the switch mounting portion 22, and a pin 230 is inserted into the groove to install the switch 23. Switch 23 is LED
When the pin 230 is directly below, the LED 21 is lit.
On the other hand, when the pin 230 faces obliquely rearward, it is in the OFF state, and at this time, the LED 21 is turned off. Pin 2
Since the pin 30 is urged by a spring so as to face directly downward, it is always on when no external force is applied to the pin 230.
State. Arms 33 of the cover 3 are rotatably installed on both side surfaces of the main body 2. Note that the switch mounting portion 22 and the arm 33 are partially drawn by dotted lines for convenience of explanation.

The cover 3 includes a display unit 30, a light guide unit 31, an arm 33, a moving unit 34, and a connecting unit 35. Display 3
Numeral 0 is provided on the surface of the cover 3 and includes a light transmitting material and a light shielding material. When the light from the LED 21 is radiated by these combinations, the vehicle name logo appears. The light guide 31 is provided between the back surface of the cover 3 and the display 30 and is made of acrylic resin. The arm 33 is formed integrally with the side surface of the cover 3 so as to sandwich the light guide 31. The moving unit 34
Is mounted on a rail 24 so as to be movable in the front-back direction of the main body 2. The connecting portion 35 rotatably connects the upper end of the rear surface of the cover 3 and the moving portion 34.

The main difference between the first and second embodiments is that the light shielding portion formed integrally with the cover of the first embodiment is not formed on the cover of the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the LED that is always lit corresponds to the point that the switch that is not installed in the main body of the first embodiment is installed in the main body of the second embodiment, and that these two points are corresponded.
The point 21 is that the light can be turned off in the second embodiment.

The audio device 1 for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.
Corresponds to the electronic device for automobile of the present invention. LED2
1 corresponds to a light source.

When the cover 3 is closed, the operation surface 20 of the main body 2 is covered with the cover 3, and the surface of the cover 3 is exposed in the vehicle interior. In addition, a light guide section 31 is disposed in front of the LED 21, and irradiates the light of the LED 21 from the back side of the display section 30. Thus, the vehicle name logo is displayed on the display unit 30.

When the cover 3 is to be opened by a drive mechanism (not shown), the cover 3 is
3, and at the same time, the moving part 34 moves rearward of the main body 2 on the rail 24. And when cover 3 opens completely,
As shown in FIG.
Flip 0 backward. As a result, the switch 23 is turned off, and the LED 21 is turned off.

When the cover 3 is to be closed again,
The moving unit 34 moves on the rail 24 to the front of the main body 2.
When the moving part 34 is separated from the pin 230, the pin 230 is directed directly downward by the urging force. That is, the switch 23 is turned on, and the LED 21 is turned on again. The opening and closing of the cover in this embodiment was also performed by a DC motor (not shown).

[0042]

According to the electronic equipment for a vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic equipment for a vehicle having a high design and a high space efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an audio device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a cover of the automobile audio apparatus according to the first embodiment is opened.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an automobile audio device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a vehicle audio device according to a second embodiment with a cover opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: audio equipment for automobiles (electronic equipment for automobiles) 2: main body 3: cover 20: operation surface 21: LED
(Light source) 22: Switch mounting part 23: Switch 24: Rail 30: Display part 31: Light guide part 32: Light shielding part 33: Arm 34: Moving part 35: Connecting part 230: Pin

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Akiyoshi Nagano 1 Ochiai Nagahata, Kasuga-machi, Nishi-Kasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsuhiro Katagiri 1 Ochiai Ogatai, Kasuga-cho, Nishi-Kasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. In-company (72) Inventor Minoru Shibata 1-cho, Ochiagai, Kasuga-cho, Nishi-Kasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Inventor Sotaro Kumazawa 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Corporation F-term (reference) 3D020 BA02 BA04 BB01 BC03 BD02 BD12

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device for a vehicle, comprising: a main body having an operation surface; and a cover installed to be openable and closable with respect to the operation surface, comprising a light source in the main body or a storage space thereof, and the cover has a display. An electronic device for a vehicle, comprising: a light guide unit that guides light from the light source to the display unit when the cover closes the operation surface. 2. A switch which is driven by opening and closing movement of the cover, turns off the light source when the cover opens the operation surface, and turns on the light source when the cover closes the operation surface. 2. The electronic device for an automobile according to 1. 3. The electronic device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a light-shielding portion disposed on a front surface of the light source when the cover is opened.