JP2004235795A - Indicator of electric component for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure good receiving condition of audio apparatus even when a light switch is turned on in daytime. <P>SOLUTION: When the light switch 23 is not turned on, luminance at the indicating section 11 of the audio apparatus 10 is increased along with the seek sensitivity thereof. When a headlight is lighted by turning the light switch 23 on, luminance at the indicating section 11, and the like, is decreased (dimming) and the seek sensitivity is set low. When a photosensor 31 provided on an instrument panel 2 detects brightness of a specified level or above, the seek sensitivity is increased even if the light switch 23 is turned on. When dimmer cancel 24 is turned on, luminance at the indicating section 11, and the like, is increased and the seek sensitivity is also increased even if the light switch 23 is turned on. When a manual switch provided in place of the photosensor 31 is turned on, the seek sensitivity can be increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display device of a vehicular electric device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The vehicle is equipped with various electric devices including a display unit. Examples of the electric device including the display unit include various display devices such as a speedometer and an engine tachometer for a driver seat provided on an instrument panel, an audio device, an air conditioner, and the like.
[0003]
In a vehicle, even in the daytime, the interior of the room becomes darker than the outside. It is made easy to do. Usually, in the daytime, since the outside of the vehicle is bright, the brightness for illuminating the display unit, that is, the luminance, is increased to increase the contrast. Then, during nighttime when the outside of the vehicle is dark, the difference in brightness between the outside of the vehicle and the room is small, so that the brightness of the display unit is reduced and glare is prevented or reduced.
[0004]
In order to change the brightness of the display unit according to day and night, a dimmer means is provided for automatically dimming the brightness of the display unit in conjunction with the ON operation of a light switch of an external lighting light (for example, a headlight). I have. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 discloses a manual operation of a dimmer cancel switch. When the dimmer cancel switch is turned on, the dimming of the display unit is prohibited regardless of the on operation of the light switch. Is disclosed.
[0005]
On the other hand, an audio device is generally mounted on a vehicle, and a seek sensitivity, which is a receiving sensitivity of a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcasting station, is changed. In other words, the state of the ionosphere, which greatly affects the reach of broadcast radio waves, changes between day and night, and it is necessary to increase the seek sensitivity so that weak radio waves can be received during the daytime, while avoiding noise during the nighttime. To reduce the seek sensitivity, only the strong radio waves are received. The above-described change of the seek sensitivity is also performed to lower the seek sensitivity when a light switch such as a headlight is turned on, similarly to the change of the brightness of the display unit of the electric device.
[0006]
[Patent Document]
JP 2000-132132 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, recently, external lighting such as headlights is often turned on even in the daytime so that the vehicle can be clearly recognized outside. As described above, when the light switch is turned on in the daytime, the seek sensitivity of the audio device is correspondingly reduced. However, if the seek sensitivity is reduced in the daytime, a new problem arises in that some broadcast stations cannot be received under a weak electric field.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular electric device capable of ensuring a good reception state of an audio device even when a light switch is turned on in the daytime. To provide a display device.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention is as follows as a first solution. That is, as described in claim 1 of the claims,
Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
Illuminance detection means for detecting brightness outside the vehicle,
Seek sensitivity control for setting a seek sensitivity of the audio device to a high sensitivity state higher than the nighttime sensitivity in preference to the seek sensitivity changing means when the illuminance detection means detects a predetermined brightness or more Means,
It is made to have. Thus, when the light switch is turned on at night, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the seek sensitivity of the audio device is automatically lowered for night use and noise is spread. Further, when the light switch is turned on in the daytime, the brightness exceeding a predetermined level is detected by the illuminance detecting means, so that the situation where the seek sensitivity is lowered for nighttime is prohibited (canceled). A good reception state is ensured.
[0010]
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following as a second solution. That is, as described in claim 2 of the claims,
Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
A manually operated seek sensitivity setting switch for selecting a seek sensitivity higher than the low sensitivity for the night;
When the seek sensitivity setting switch is turned on, seek sensitivity control means for setting the seek sensitivity of the audio device to a high sensitivity state higher than the nighttime sensitivity in preference to the seek sensitivity changing means,
It is made to have. Thus, when the light switch is turned on at night, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the seek sensitivity of the audio device is automatically lowered for night use and noise is spread. If the light switch is turned on during the daytime and the reception sensitivity of the audio equipment is poor, use the seek sensitivity setting switch that is manually operated to prohibit (cancel) the decrease in seek sensitivity in the weak electric field area. Further, a situation in which the seek sensitivity is lowered so as to pick up only an unnecessary strong radio wave in the daytime is prohibited, and a good reception state can be obtained.
[0011]
To achieve the above object, the present invention is as follows as a third solution. That is, as described in claim 3 of the claims,
Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
A clock means for measuring time;
When the current time measured by the clocking unit is within a predetermined time range corresponding to daytime, the seek sensitivity of the audio device is given priority over the seek sensitivity changing unit, and the high sensitivity state is higher than the sensitivity for nighttime. Seek sensitivity control means to be set to
It is made to have. Thus, when the light switch is turned on at night, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the seek sensitivity of the audio device is automatically lowered for night use and noise is spread. Further, even if the light switch is turned on in the daytime, if the time measuring means detects that the time zone corresponds to the daytime, the situation where the seek sensitivity is lowered for the nighttime is prohibited (released). In this case as well, a good reception state is maintained.
[0012]
Preferred embodiments based on the above-mentioned respective solutions are as described in Claim 4 and the following claims.
A dimmer cancel switch for canceling dimming by the dimmer means,
The seek sensitivity control unit sets the seek sensitivity to the high sensitivity state when the dimmer cancel switch is turned on and the dimming by the dimmer unit is released.
(Corresponding to claim 4). In this case, a good reception state can be obtained by setting a suitable seek sensitivity by using a dimmer cancel switch that prohibits the brightness dimming of the display unit manually.
[0013]
The electrical device having the display unit may be a driver's seat display device provided on the audio device and the instrument panel (corresponding to claim 5). In this case, it is possible to obtain a good reception state by always keeping the visibility of the display unit of the audio device or the display device for the driver's seat good and the seek sensitivity always appropriate.
[0014]
The light switch may be used for a headlight as the external lighting light (corresponding to claim 6). In this case, the distinction between day and night can be easily and easily identified based on whether or not the headlight switch is turned on, which is preferable in ensuring the visibility of the display unit and ensuring a good reception state.
[0015]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION This invention can satisfy | fill both the ensuring of the visibility of the display part according to the brightness of the exterior of a vehicle, and the ensuring of the favorable reception state of an audio equipment. In particular, even when the light switch is turned on in the daytime, it is possible to obtain a good reception state by setting an appropriate seek sensitivity.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a front window glass of a vehicle (an automobile in the embodiment), 2 denotes an instrument panel, 3 denotes a steering handle, and 4 denotes a center panel portion formed substantially at the center of the instrument panel 2 in the vehicle width direction. is there. A meter box 5 for a driver's seat is formed on the instrument panel 2 at a position immediately before the steering handle 3. In the meter box 5, display devices (meters) such as a speedometer 6A and an engine tachometer 6B as a display unit are provided, and the display devices 6A and 6B are appropriately controlled by lighting devices such as LEDs. Lighting is performed at a high luminance so that the driver can clearly recognize the light.
[0017]
The center panel unit 4 is equipped with an audio device 10, and its display unit is indicated by reference numeral 11. The display unit 11 displays various information related to the audio device, such as the distinction of the audio source and the currently receiving broadcast station (frequency). This display section is also illuminated with an appropriate luminance by a lighting device such as an LED. The audio device 10 has a broadcast receiving function of receiving various broadcasts such as an AM broadcast and an FM broadcast.
[0018]
Note that the audio device 10 is provided with a number of operation switches 12 such as a volume switch and an audio source selection switch, and such operation switches 12 are also illuminated by lighting equipment. In addition, in the room, various switches other than those for audio equipment are provided in a large number, and the positions of the switches are clarified by the lighting devices (display of the position). Such an operation switch is also included.
[0019]
The column portion of the steering handle 3 is provided with a pair of left and right combination switches 21 and 22. One of the combination switches 21 is mainly an operation switch for selecting (changing) the operation state of the wipers. The other combination switch 22 is an operation switch for mainly selecting (changing) the operating state of the light for external illumination.
[0020]
The combination switch 22 related to the light has a rotary light switch 23. For example, when the light switch 23 is turned off by one step from a state in which all the external illumination lights are turned off, the small light is turned on, and when the small light is turned on by another step, the headlight is turned on. It has become so. At the tip of the combination switch 23, for example, a push / push type dimmer cancel switch 24 is provided. Further, as another light switch, an operation switch 25 for selecting (changing) the operation state of the fog lamp is provided in the center panel section 4.
[0021]
A photo sensor 31 is provided at the front portion of the instrument panel 2 substantially at the center in the vehicle width direction as illuminance detection means for detecting the brightness around the vehicle.
[0022]
Next, a control portion for controlling the luminance and the seek sensitivity of the display unit 11 and the like in the control system of the audio device will be described with reference to FIG. First, U is a controller (control unit) configured by using a microcomputer, and has a function of controlling a luminance adjusting unit 35 for adjusting the luminance of the display unit 11 and the like of the audio device 10 and a seek sensitivity adjusting unit 36. Having. To the controller U, in addition to the signal indicating the operation state of the dimmer cancel switch 24 and the photosensor 31 described above, a signal from the dimmer switch 32 that is turned on in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch 23 is input. . In the embodiment, the dimmer switch 32 is turned on in a state where the light switch 23 turns on at least the small light (it is also turned on when the headlight is turned on).
[0023]
An example of control contents for controlling the brightness and the seek sensitivity by the controller U will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the following description, Q indicates a step. First, in Q1, after data input such as a switch operation state is performed, in Q2, it is determined whether or not the dimmer switch 32 (light switch 23) is currently on. If the determination in Q2 is NO, it is determined that the outside of the vehicle is in bright daytime, and in Q3, the brightness of the display unit 11 and the like is set to the normal state (bright state) and the seek sensitivity is high. It is said. As described above, when the outside of the vehicle is bright, the display unit 11 and the like are displayed with high luminance, and the visibility is improved. In the daytime when the radio wave condition becomes poor, the seek sensitivity is increased, so that a good reception condition can be obtained.
[0024]
If the determination in Q2 is YES, in Q4, it is determined whether the brightness detected by the photo sensor 31 is equal to or higher than a predetermined brightness. If the determination in Q4 is NO, that is, if the outside of the vehicle is dark, it is determined in Q5 whether or not the dimmer cancel switch 24 has been turned on. When the determination in Q5 is NO, it is determined that the outside of the vehicle is sufficiently dark, the brightness of the display unit 11 and the like is reduced, and the seek sensitivity is reduced. As described above, when the outside of the vehicle is dark, the brightness of the display unit 11 and the like is reduced (the lighting state is darker than in the daytime), so that the visibility of the display unit 11 and the like is increased and the glare is given. Such a situation is prevented. In addition, the radio wave condition is good and foreign broadcasting or the like is likely to cause interference (noise generating state). However, since the seek sensitivity is lowered, this interference is prevented and a good reception state is ensured.
[0025]
When the determination in Q5 is YES, the driver determines that the outside of the vehicle is not as bright as daytime, but not dark enough to diminish the brightness of the display unit 11 or the like. In this case, the process proceeds to Q3 described above, and the luminance and the seek sensitivity of the display unit 11 and the like are set to the same state as in daytime.
[0026]
When YES is determined in Q4, the process shifts to Q3, in which the brightness of the display unit 11 and the like is set to a bright state, which is a normal state, and the seek sensitivity is set to a high state. When the process is shifted from Q4 to Q3, even if the light switch is turned on, this is a light lighting for clearly recognizing the own vehicle to other vehicles and the like. This corresponds to the processing when it is determined that there is no such information. Therefore, when the brightness is set to a bright state, the display unit 11 and the like can be clearly recognized. In addition, the seek sensitivity is set to be high in response to poor radio wave conditions, so that the reception state is also good.
[0027]
As a modification of FIG. 3, the following settings may be made. That is, as a first modification, a manually operated sensitivity setting switch may be separately provided instead of the photosensor 31, and the operation state of the sensitivity setting switch may be determined by Q4. More specifically, when the sensitivity setting switch is off, the setting is made to be NO in the determination of Q4, while when the sensitivity setting switch is on, the result is YES in the determination of Q4 and the process proceeds to Q3. do it.
[0028]
As a second modified example, instead of the photo sensor 31, an appropriate time measuring means such as a clock mounted on the vehicle and measuring the current time is used. In this case, a simple time zone corresponding to the daytime (a time zone in which it is desired to increase the seek sensitivity, for example, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm) is set in advance. The timer means determines whether or not the current time is in the set time zone in Q4, and when the determination in Q4 is YES (in the set time zone), the process shifts to Q3, and in Q4. If the determination is NO, the process may proceed to Q5.
[0029]
In the embodiment of FIG. 3 (the same applies to the first and second modifications), the determination of Q4 is exclusively for setting the seek sensitivity, and when a brightness equal to or more than a predetermined value is detected (first modification). In the example, the seek sensitivity is set high when the sensitivity setting switch is off and the second modified example is not in the set time zone), and otherwise, the seek sensitivity is set low. After setting the seek sensitivity based on the determination result in Q4, the operation state of the dimmer cancel switch 24 is determined. If the dimmer cancel switch 24 is on, the luminance of the display unit 11 and the like is set to a normal state. If the dimmer cancel switch 24 is off, it is sufficient to set the dimming state.
[0030]
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, the following cases. Although the case where the dimmer switch 32 is provided separately from the light switch 23 has been described, the signal indicating the operation state of the light switch 23 may be directly input to the controller U without providing the dimmer switch 32.
[0031]
The ON operation of the light switch 23 corresponding to the dimmed display may be an operation of turning on the headlight (so that the small light is not changed to the dimmed state). Further, the on operation of the fog switch 25 for turning on the fog lamp can be set as the on operation of the light switch for dimming display. Further, the on operation of the light switch for changing to the dimmed display can be set as a light switch operation for turning on at least one of the headlights such as the fog lamp and the headlight.
[0032]
A case without the dimmer cancel 24 may be used. Examples of the display unit of the electric device which may be dimmed include various display devices 6A and 6B for a driver's seat, a display unit of an air-conditioning device, and the like, in addition to the display unit 11 of the audio device. 12, etc., as appropriate. Each step (step group) shown in the flowchart or various members such as a sensor and a switch can be expressed by adding a name of means to a higher-level expression of its function. The function of each step (step group) shown in the flowchart can also be expressed as a function of a function unit set in a control unit (controller) (existence of a function unit). Of course, the objects of the present invention are not limited to those explicitly stated, but also implicitly include providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as advantages.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal state of a vehicle to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Audio equipment 11: Display unit 23: Light switch 24: Dima cancel switch 31: Photo sensor (illuminance detecting means)
32: Dima switch 35: Brightness adjusting means 36: Seek sensitivity adjusting means

Claims (6)

Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
Illuminance detection means for detecting brightness outside the vehicle,
Seek sensitivity control for setting the seek sensitivity of the audio device to a high sensitivity state higher than the nighttime sensitivity in preference to the seek sensitivity changing means when the illuminance detecting means detects a predetermined brightness or more; Means,
A display device for electric equipment for a vehicle, comprising: Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
A manually operated seek sensitivity setting switch for selecting a seek sensitivity higher than the low sensitivity for the night;
When the seek sensitivity setting switch is turned on, seek sensitivity control means for setting the seek sensitivity of the audio device to a high sensitivity state higher than the nighttime sensitivity in preference to the seek sensitivity changing means,
A display device for electric equipment for a vehicle, comprising: Dimmer means for dimming the brightness of the display unit of the electric device in conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch for turning on the external lighting light,
In conjunction with the ON operation of the light switch, seek sensitivity changing means for lowering the seek sensitivity of the audio device to the sensitivity for nighttime,
A clock means for measuring time;
When the current time measured by the clocking unit is within a predetermined time range corresponding to daytime, the seek sensitivity of the audio device is given priority over the seek sensitivity changing unit, and the seek sensitivity is higher than the sensitivity for night use. Seek sensitivity control means set to
A display device for electric equipment for a vehicle, comprising: In any one of claims 1 to 3,
A dimmer cancel switch for canceling dimming by the dimmer means,
The seek sensitivity control unit sets the seek sensitivity to the high sensitivity state when the dimmer cancel switch is turned on and the dimming by the dimmer unit is released.
A display device for an electric device for a vehicle, comprising: In any one of claims 1 to 4,
A display device for an electric device for a vehicle, wherein the electric device having the display unit is a display device for a driver seat provided on the audio device and the instrument panel. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The display device of a vehicular electric device, wherein the light switch is used for a headlight as the external lighting light.

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