JP2004145168A - Liquid crystal display mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal display mechanism which displays colors varying from area to area by using a low-cost monochromatic liquid crystal. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display mechanism is characterized by having a monochromatic liquid crystal display part (a liquid crystal panel 1), a light emitting part (2) provided with a plurality of LEDs (2G, 2R, 2Y) and a partition member (3) installed between the monochromatic liquid crystal display part (1) and the light emitting part (2) so as to divide the monochromatic liquid crystal display part (1) and the light emitting part (2) into equal numbers of areas (21, 31). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a structure of transmitted illumination of a multiple display liquid crystal unit for providing various information in a meter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
To alert the driver, for example, normal information such as the gear position display is green, emergency information such as an abnormality in the battery charging system is red, and information that requires inspection such as an abnormality in the engine control system is yellow. It has been confirmed that the visibility is improved by changing the display color as shown in FIG.
[0003]
For this purpose, a method of displaying the multiple display liquid crystal in the meter with a warning color is used. As a method of displaying the multiple display liquid crystal with a warning color, a method using a color liquid crystal and a method using a monochrome liquid crystal are used. There is a method of coloring an LED (light-emitting diode) of about a color by transmitted illumination of a backlight.
[0004]
In the former case, since the color liquid crystal is expensive, the production cost is high when color liquid crystals of many colors are used.
[0005]
In the latter case, when an attempt is made to display a tell-tale "pictogram" whose color is specified by ISO or the like, the entire multi-display liquid crystal screen is governed by the color of the ISO tell-tale, so the appropriate color for the information to be conveyed, or There was a problem that the color tone could not be obtained and that the merchantability was poor.
[0006]
Regarding the backlight structure of a liquid crystal display, a technique for simplifying an assembling process (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-62527), or preventing a display defect due to movement of a reflective sheet without increasing the number of manufacturing steps. Although technologies (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-40413) are disclosed, neither of these technologies mentions color display at all, and does not solve the above problem.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and provides a liquid crystal display mechanism that uses inexpensive monochrome liquid crystal and can display different colors for each area.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The liquid crystal display mechanism of the present invention includes a monochrome liquid crystal display unit (liquid crystal panel 1), a light emitting unit (2) including a plurality of light emitting units (for example, LEDs 2G, 2R, 2Y), and the monochrome liquid crystal display unit (1). A partition member (3) interposed between the light emitting unit (2) and dividing the monochrome liquid crystal display unit (1) and the light emitting unit (2) into the same number of areas (11, 21); (Claim 1).
[0009]
A plurality of light emitting units (for example, LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y) of different emission colors are provided in the plurality of areas (21) of the light emitting unit (claim 2).
[0010]
According to the liquid crystal display mechanism of the present invention having such a structure, different colors can be displayed for each of a plurality of areas of the monochrome liquid crystal display section, and the merchantability is improved.
[0011]
Further, the liquid crystal display mechanism of the present invention includes a sensor (11B, 110, 11W, 11F) for measuring parameters required for driving the vehicle and a detection signal (Si) of the sensor (11B, 110, 11W, 11F). Correspondingly, a control mechanism for controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting means (for example, LEDs 2G, 2R, 2Y) is provided (claim 3: FIGS. 2, 3).
[0012]
The control mechanism corresponds to an adjustment mechanism (Vol) for adjusting a current supplied to the LEDs (2G, 2R, 2Y) and a detection signal (Si) of the sensors (11B, 110, 11W, 11F). And a control means (10) for outputting a control signal (So) to the adjustment mechanism (Vol). The control means (10) includes a detection signal of a sensor (11B, 110, 11W, 11F). Storage means (14) for storing the correspondence between (Si) and the current supplied to the light emitting means (for example, LEDs 2G, 2R, 2Y), and detection signals (Si) for the sensors (11B, 110, 11W, 11F). A current value to be supplied to the light emitting means (2G, 2R, 2Y) is determined based on the correspondence stored in the means (14), and a control signal (So) corresponding to the determined current value is transmitted to the adjusting mechanism ( Vol) Is configured to force (claim 4: FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0013]
In the method for controlling a liquid crystal display mechanism according to the present invention, a measurement step (S1) for measuring parameters required for driving the vehicle by sensors (11B, 110, 11W, 11F) and the sensors (11B, 110, 11W, 11F). Corresponding to the detection signal (Si) of the sensor (11B, 110, 11W, 11F) and the light emitting means (for example, LEDs 2G, 2R, 2Y) according to the correspondence stored in the storage means (14). Determining a current value to be supplied to the control device (S2), and outputting a control signal corresponding to the determined current value to the adjustment mechanism (Vol) to emit light from the light emitting means (for example, the LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y). Controlling the amount (S3) (Claim 5: FIG. 4).
[0014]
According to the liquid crystal display mechanism of the present invention having such a structure, by controlling the current value supplied to the light emitting means (for example, LED) in accordance with the detection signal of the sensor for measuring the parameters required for driving the vehicle, The light emission amount of the LED can be adjusted, and even if the light emission color is the same, it is possible to display a variety of color tones in a stepless manner.
[0015]
Further, by changing the colors of the LEDs arranged for each of the plurality of areas and adjusting the current value supplied to each LED, it is possible to simultaneously display a plurality of colors on the same screen.
In other words, conventionally, the screen of the color to be displayed is switched at regular time intervals in order to display different display colors.However, such screen switching is unnecessary, and information of different colors can be displayed at the same time. I can do it.
[0016]
Further, conventionally, the above-described function is realized by using an expensive color liquid crystal, but by using an inexpensive monochrome liquid crystal, the cost can be reduced.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display mechanism of the embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel (a monochrome liquid crystal display unit in claim 1; hereinafter, a monochrome liquid crystal display unit is referred to as a liquid crystal panel) 1 and a plurality of LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y (light emitting means). And a light-shielding box 3 interposed between the liquid crystal panel 1 and the light emitting unit 2 and dividing the liquid crystal panel 1 and the light emitting unit 2 into the same number of areas 11 and 21 ( According to the first aspect, the partition member is constituted by a partition member.
[0019]
The light emitting section 2 includes four yellow areas in each of the left and right areas 21 shown in each of the areas 21 divided into three areas 21 in the illustrated example by the partition member 3 on the upper surface of the substrate 2A. LED (light emitting diode) 2Y is arranged and connected to an adjustment mechanism to be described later so as to be energized by a printed wiring (not shown).
In the center area 21, a green LED 2G is provided above the center, a red LED 2R is provided on the lower left side, and a yellow LED 2Y is also provided on the lower right side. It is connected to an adjustment mechanism described later.
[0020]
The partition member 3 is divided into three areas by two partition walls 31 at the center, and is configured such that three rectangular through-holes 32 are formed.
[0021]
Therefore, when the LED of the light emitting unit 2 is energized, the left and right LEDs emit yellow light in the illustrated example, but emit light in the central area in the color of the green, yellow, or red energized LED. .
The emitted light in each area passes through the through window 32 of the light-shielding box 3 and is transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 1 without being affected by the light emitted from the adjacent area. Is possible, and the merchantability is improved.
[0022]
The liquid crystal display mechanism of the present embodiment includes sensors for measuring parameters necessary for driving the vehicle, and a control mechanism for controlling the light emission amount of the LED in accordance with a detection signal of the sensor. .
[0023]
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a voltmeter 11B interposed in the battery B, an engine oil pressure sensor 110, a water temperature sensor 11W, a fuel remaining amount sensor 11F, and these sensors , A plurality (three in the illustrated example) of adjusting mechanisms Vol for adjusting the current supplied to the LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y, and the detection signals Si of the sensors 11B, 110, 11W, and 11F. And control means 10 for outputting a control signal to the adjusting mechanism Vol via an output signal line So.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the control means 10 includes an interface 12 for receiving a detection signal from sensors via a detection signal line Si, and an A / D converter connected to the interface 12 for analog / digital conversion of an input signal. Storage means 14 for storing a control map (a map of the correspondence between the detection signals of the sensors 11B, 110, 11W, and 11F and the current L2 supplied to the LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y); And a comparing means 15 for outputting an output signal to the adjustment mechanism Vol via an output signal line So based on the detection signal via the device 13 and the data stored in the storage means 14.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral L1 denotes a current supply line from the power supply V to each adjustment mechanism Vol, and L2 denotes a current supply line from each adjustment mechanism Vol to each of the LEDs (light emitting diodes) 2Y, 2G, and 2R.
[0025]
The comparing means 15 determines a current value to be supplied to the LEDs 2G, 2R, and 2Y based on the detection signals of the sensors 11B, 110, 11W, and 11F and the correspondence stored in the storage means 14, and determines the determined current value. A control signal corresponding to the value is output to the adjusting mechanism Vol via an output signal line So.
Therefore, in the adjustment mechanism Vol, the current supplied from the power supply V via the current supply line L1 is adjusted to an appropriate value, and then each LED; 2G, 2R, 2Y is supplied with electricity via the current supply line L2.
[0026]
In the example of the data in the storage unit 14 in FIG. 3, a map showing the relationship between the remaining fuel amount and the dimensionless amount of the current supplied to the LED of the display color is shown.
When the remaining fuel amount is, for example, 33 l, three currents are supplied to the green LED.
When the remaining fuel amount is 22 l, 1 is supplied to the green LED 2G and 2 is supplied to the yellow LED 2Y.
When the remaining fuel amount is 4 l, the red LED 2R is energized by 3.
When the remaining fuel amount is 2 l, the energization of 3 and the interruption of electricity to the red LED 2R are repeated.
[0027]
Next, a control method of a display color will be described step by step with reference to FIG.
In step S1, the control means 10 inputs detection signals from the voltmeter 11B, the engine oil pressure sensor 110, the water temperature sensor 11W, and the fuel remaining amount sensor 11F.
[0028]
In step S2, the comparison means 15 of the control means 10 determines the output signal So to each adjustment mechanism Vol with reference to the data (MAP) stored in the storage means 14 based on the detection signal from each sensor.
[0029]
In the next step S3, the control means 10 outputs an output signal to each adjusting mechanism Vol via the output signal line So, and proceeds to the next step S4.
[0030]
In step S4, the control means 10 determines whether or not to stop the engine. If it is determined that there is a traveling problem (for example, the cooling water temperature is abnormally high) and the engine needs to be stopped (step S4). YES), the engine is stopped (step S5), and the control is also terminated.
[0031]
If there is no running problem and the engine is not stopped (NO in step S5), step S1 and subsequent steps are repeated.
[0032]
According to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration and control method, the sensors (the voltmeter 11B, the engine oil pressure sensor 110, the water temperature sensor 11W, and the fuel remaining amount sensor 11F) for measuring the parameters required for driving the vehicle are used. By controlling the current value supplied to the LEDs (2G, 2R, 2Y) in accordance with the detection signal, the amount of light emitted from the LEDs can be adjusted, and even if the same luminescent color is used, a variety of color tones can be continuously generated. It is also possible to display colors.
[0033]
Further, by changing the colors of the LEDs arranged for each of the plurality of areas 21 and adjusting the current value supplied to each LED, a plurality of colors can be simultaneously displayed on the same screen.
In other words, conventionally, the screen of the color to be displayed is switched at regular time intervals in order to display different display colors.However, such screen switching is unnecessary, and information of different colors can be displayed at the same time. I can do it.
[0034]
Further, conventionally, the above-described function is realized by using an expensive color liquid crystal, but by using an inexpensive monochrome liquid crystal, the cost can be reduced.
[0035]
It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and is not a description to limit the technical scope of the present invention.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the light-shielding box (partition member) 3 is divided into three areas, but may be two or four or more.
In addition, although the LEDs arranged in the light emitting portion are only 2Y on both sides, a color other than yellow or a plurality of colors can be arranged.
It is also possible to display green → yellow → red as a gradation corresponding to the numerical value detected by the sensor.
For example, the present invention can be applied not only to the instrument panel of a car but also to a clock of a station, and time can be color-coded in the morning and the afternoon.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
The effects of the present invention are listed below.
(1) The light of each area emitted by the light emitting unit is transmitted through the partition member to the liquid crystal panel without being affected by the light of the adjacent area, and the display of different colors is performed for each of the plurality of areas. This makes it possible to improve the merchantability.
(2) By controlling the current value supplied to the light emitting unit in accordance with the detection signal of the sensor for measuring the parameters required for driving the vehicle, even if the same light emission color is used, a number of color tones can be performed in a stepless manner. Can be displayed.
(3) By changing the colors of the LEDs arranged for each of a plurality of areas and adjusting the current value supplied to each LED, it is possible to simultaneously display a plurality of colors on the same screen. That is, in the past, the screen of the color to be displayed was switched at regular time intervals in order to display different display colors.However, such screen switching is unnecessary, and information of different colors can be displayed at the same time. I can do it.
(4) It is possible to make only a part of the display particularly bright or blink.
(5) Conventionally, the above-described functions have been realized by using expensive color liquid crystals, but by using inexpensive monochrome liquid crystals, the cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an entire display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of control of a liquid crystal display mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of the liquid crystal display mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a display color of a liquid crystal display mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal panel 2 ... Light emitting part 3 ... Light shielding box / partition member 10 ... Control means 11B ... Voltmeter 110O ... Engine oil pressure sensor 11W ... Water temperature sensor 11F ... Fuel remaining amount sensor Si: detection signal line So: output signal line

Claims (5)

A monochrome liquid crystal display section, a light emitting section having a plurality of light emitting means, and a plurality of areas of the same number interposed between the monochrome liquid crystal display section and the light emitting section and having the same number of the monochrome liquid crystal display section and the light emitting sections. And a partition member for dividing the liquid crystal display device into a liquid crystal display mechanism. The liquid crystal display mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of light emitting means LEDs of different emission colors are provided in a plurality of areas of the light emitting section. The sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor that measures a parameter required for driving the vehicle; and a control mechanism that controls a light emission amount of the light emitting unit in accordance with a detection signal of the sensor. Liquid crystal display mechanism. An adjusting mechanism for adjusting a current supplied to the light emitting means; and a control means for outputting a control signal to the adjusting mechanism in response to a detection signal of the sensor, wherein the control means includes a sensor Storage means for storing the correspondence between the detection signal and the current supplied to the light-emitting means, and the current value to be supplied to the LED according to the detection signal of the sensor and the correspondence stored in the storage means. 4. The liquid crystal display mechanism according to claim 3, wherein a control signal corresponding to said current value is output to said adjustment mechanism. 5. The control method for a liquid crystal display mechanism according to claim 4, wherein a measurement step of measuring parameters required for driving the vehicle by the sensor, and a correspondence between the detection signal of the sensor and the storage stored in the storage means corresponding to the detection signal of the sensor. Determining a current value to be supplied to the light emitting means, and outputting a control signal corresponding to the determined current value to the adjusting mechanism to control the light emission amount of the light emitting means. Characteristic control method of liquid crystal display mechanism.

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