JP3365604B2 - Instrument equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an instrument device, and more particularly to an instrument device using a stepping motor as an instrument body for rotating a pointer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, various instrument devices using a stepping motor have been proposed, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-27.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9819 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-38593. Such an instrument device fixes a pointer to an end of a pointer shaft formed integrally with a rotor magnet of a stepping motor, and indicates the indicator portion of the display plate by the indicator portion of the pointer. The physical quantity to be measured is displayed by the rotation angle of the pointer in the positive direction. The stepping motor is driven by a pulse signal, and rotates a pointer in a forward direction and a backward direction according to the number of input pulse signals. Therefore, if the pointer is not at the origin position when the power source of the measuring device is connected, the instruction becomes inaccurate. For example, in a vehicle speedometer (instrument device), the pointer should indicate the zero point (origin) when the vehicle speed is "0", but when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, the pointer indicates the zero point. If not, the vehicle speedometer will not be able to accurately indicate speed.

[0003]

With respect to the above problems,
The meter device disclosed in the above-mentioned publication gives an origin return signal (that is, a pulse signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction) for returning the pointer to the origin when the power source of the meter device is connected to the pointer indicating portion. Is forcibly pressed against the stopper pin,
The pointer is returned to the home position. However, there is a fear that the pointer slightly vibrates during the origin return operation in which the pointer returns to the origin position by the origin return signal when the power source of the instrument device is connected. That is, for example, when the pointer is at the origin position in advance, the stepping motor to which the origin return signal is input tries to rotate the pointer in the opposite direction, but the rotation angle of the pointer is restricted by the stopper pin and the origin is set. There is a problem in that the pointer does not rotate in the direction opposite to the position, and the pointer causes a slight vibration so that the appearance is poor and the user feels uncomfortable. The present invention provides an instrument device that can make the pointer inconspicuous during the home-return operation and does not make the user feel uncomfortable even if the pointer causes slight vibration.

[0004]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention reverses the pointer when a power source is connected to a stepping motor that rotates the pointer in a forward direction and a reverse direction according to a physical quantity to be measured. In the instrument device which is rotated in the direction to perform the origin return operation, a predetermined time period is provided in which the brightness of the light source that emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the pointer is lower than the predetermined brightness during the origin return operation.

Further, according to the present invention, when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, the pointer is rotated in the reverse direction to perform an origin return operation. In the above, a predetermined time period during which the light source for illuminating the pointer is turned off during the origin return operation is provided.

Further, the present invention is an instrument device for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when the power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward direction and the reverse direction according to the physical quantity to be measured so as to perform the origin return operation. In, the light source for illuminating the pointer is turned on after the origin return operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the pointer, and a dark color system provided in front of the display plate. A semi-transmissive member, a stepping motor arranged behind the display plate to rotate the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and the rotation angle of the pointer is regulated to set the pointer to the origin. A stopper mechanism for stopping at a position, and a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor,
And a predetermined time during which the brightness of the light source is lower than the predetermined brightness is provided during the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, and a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate. ,
A stepping motor disposed behind the display plate for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor, and the control means outputs the origin return signal at the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. A predetermined period of time during which the light source is turned off is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, and a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate. ,
A stepping motor disposed behind the display plate for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor, and after the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. The light source is turned on.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source which emits light with a predetermined brightness to supply light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate When connecting a power source to the stepping motor, a stepping motor that rotates in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, a stopper mechanism that regulates the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position. Control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction, and while the control means outputs the origin return signal, the brightness of the second light source is set to be higher than the predetermined brightness. Even if a certain time is set to lower It is.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting a home-return signal for rotating the second light source, and a predetermined time for turning off the second light source is provided during the time when the control means outputs the home-return signal.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting a home-return signal for rotating the second light source, and turning on the second light source after the time when the control means outputs the home-return signal.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the first light source and the second light source in an off state during the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. To do.

Further, according to the present invention, a dark-colored semi-transmissive member is provided in front of the display plate.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION When a power source 12 is connected to a stepping motor 10 which rotates a pointer 6 in a forward direction and a backward direction according to a physical quantity to be measured, a measuring instrument device rotates the pointer 6 in the reverse direction. Restore. Light sources 9, 18 and 23 that emit light with a predetermined brightness and illuminate the pointer 6 are provided, and the light source 9 and
By setting the brightness of 18 and 23 to be lower than the predetermined brightness (the brightness includes zero), the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous even if the pointer 6 slightly vibrates during the origin return operation.

Further, light sources 9, 18, 23 for illuminating the pointer 6
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous by turning off the light during the home return operation.

Further, light sources 9, 18, 23 for illuminating the pointer 6
Is turned on after the home return operation, the pointer 6
Can be made inconspicuous.

The instrument device comprises a pointer 6 which rotates on the front side of the display plate 1 and light sources 9 and 1 which illuminate the pointer 6 by emitting light with a predetermined brightness.
8, 23, a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate 1, and a pointer 6 provided behind the display plate 1 to rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction according to a physical quantity to be measured. A stepping motor 10, a stopper mechanism 15 that regulates the rotation angle of the pointer 6 and stops the pointer 6 at the origin position, and an origin return signal that rotates the pointer 6 in the opposite direction when the power source 12 is connected to the stepping motor 10. And a control means 16 for outputting.
By setting the brightness of the light sources 9, 18, 23 to be lower than the predetermined brightness (the brightness includes zero) during the time A to C during which the control means 16 outputs the home return signal, the pointer 6 is moved during the home return operation. Even if slight vibration is caused, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous.

Further, light sources 9, 18, 23 for illuminating the pointer 6
From the time A during which the control means 16 outputs the home-return signal.
By setting C to the off state, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous.

The light sources 9, 18, 23 for illuminating the pointer 6
From the time A during which the control means 16 outputs the home-return signal.
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous by lighting it after C.

The instrument device includes a display plate 1 provided with an index portion 3, a first light source 5 for irradiating the display plate 1 with light from behind to cause the indicator portion 3 to emit light, and a rotation on the front side of the display plate 1. Indicator part 3
The pointer 6 having an indicator 8 for indicating, a second light source 9 which emits light with a predetermined brightness to supply light to the indicator 8 to cause the indicator 8 to emit light, and the pointer 6 disposed behind the display plate 1 A stepping motor 10 that rotates in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, a stopper mechanism that restricts the rotation angle of the pointer 6 and stops the pointer at the origin position 6, and the stepping motor 10
And a control means 16 for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer 6 in the opposite direction when the power source 12 is connected to the. The second time is from time A to time C when the control means 16 outputs the origin return signal.
By setting the brightness of the light source 9 to be lower than the predetermined brightness (the brightness includes zero), the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous even if the pointer 6 slightly vibrates during the origin return operation.

In addition, the second section which makes the indicator 8 of the pointer 6 emit light
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous by turning off the light source 9 during the time A to C during which the control means 16 outputs the origin return signal.

In addition, the second section which makes the indicator 8 of the pointer 6 emit light
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous by turning on the light source 9 after the time A to C when the control means 16 outputs the origin return signal.

During the time A to C during which the control means 16 outputs the origin return signal, the first light source for causing the indicator portion 3 of the display board 1 to emit light is turned on, and the indicator portion 8 of the pointer 6 emits light. By setting the second light source to be turned off, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous.

Further, by providing the semi-transparent member 22 of the dark color system in front of the display plate 1, the pointer 6 can be made more inconspicuous.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle speedometer will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 and 2 are views showing a first embodiment.

Reference numeral 1 is a dial (display board), which is black printed 4 on a substrate 2 made of a translucent resin material (for example, polycarbonate) except for an indicator portion 3 made of scales and numbers. Has been applied. 5 is a cold cathode tube (first
Light source), and this cold cathode tube 5 has an annular shape and is arranged behind the dial 1. The cold-cathode tube 5 illuminates the dial 1 from the rear side and can cause the indicator portion 3 to emit light. That is, the light of the cold cathode tube 5 can be transmitted through the index portion 3 of the dial 1 on which the black print 4 is not formed, and the index portion 3 can be made to shine. Reference numeral 6 is a pointer, and the pointer 6 has an indicating portion 8 made of a translucent resin material (for example, acrylic) and extended in a radial direction from a substantially cylindrical base portion 7.
The pointer 6 rotates on the front side of the dial 1 and points the index section 3 by the pointing section 8. Reference numeral 9 denotes a light emitting diode (second light source), and the light emitting diode 9 emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the pointer 6. The light emitting diode 9 is embedded in the base portion 7 of the pointer 6 and emits light in the longitudinal direction of the indicating portion 8 so that the indicating portion 8 can emit light.

Reference numeral 10 is a stepping motor, and the stepping motor 10 is arranged behind the dial 1. The stepping motor 10 is driven by inputting a pulse signal from the drive circuit 11, and the pointer 6 according to the speed of the vehicle (physical quantity to be measured).
Can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions. Reference numeral 12 is a power supply, and this power supply 12 supplies necessary electric power to the stepping motor 10 via the drive circuit 11. Further, the power source 12 is connected to the cold cathode tube 5 and the light emitting diode 5 via the lighting circuits 13 and 14, respectively.
Supply power to.

Reference numeral 15 is a stopper pin (stopper mechanism), and the stopper pin 15 is erected on the dial 1.
The stopper pin 15 restricts the rotation angle of the pointer 6 by bringing the indicator portion 8 of the pointer 6 into contact with the stopper 6 to stop the pointer 6 at the zero point position (origin position). Reference numeral 16 denotes a control circuit (control means) which outputs an origin return signal for rotating the pointer 6 in the reverse direction when the ignition switch 17 is turned on and the power source 12 is connected to the stepping motor 10. The stepping motor 10 receives the origin return signal, rotates the pointer 6 in the opposite direction, presses the indicator 8 of the pointer 6 against the stopper pin 15, and returns the pointer 6 to the zero point. Further, the control circuit 16 controls the lighting of the cold cathode tubes 5 and the light emitting diodes 9.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a temporal relationship between the origin return signal and the lighting states of the light sources 5 and 9. To facilitate understanding, the time when the ignition switch 17 is turned on is A, and the time every 0.5 seconds after this time A is time B, respectively.
Let C and D.

The ignition switch 17 is turned on at time A and the power supply 12 is connected. The home-return signal is output at times A to C. The cold-cathode tube 5 is turned on at times A to C, turned off at times C to D, and turned on again at time D. In addition,
The cold cathode fluorescent lamp 5 is gradually dimmed in the time period B to C. The light emitting diode 9 is in the off state during the time A to C (that is, the brightness is zero).
Then, the light is turned on at the time C, the brightness is gradually increased from the time C to D, and the predetermined brightness is reached at the time D. That is, when the user turns on the ignition switch 17, the cold cathode tube 5 is first turned on, the indicator portion 3 of the dial 1 is illuminated, and one second later (time A to C), the light emitting diode 9 is illuminated and the pointer 6 is illuminated. The indicator 8 emits light.

Times A to C during which the home return signal is output
Indicates that the cold cathode tube 5 is in a lighting state and the light emitting diode is at time A
~ C are in the off state. In other words, the light emitting diode 9 that illuminates the pointer 6 is turned on after the origin return operation.
In other words, the time A to C during which the home return signal is output
Further, by providing the time A to C (predetermined time) for turning off the light emitting diode 9, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous even if the pointer 6 slightly vibrates. The return-to-origin operation of the pointer 6 is performed during the time A to C when the light emitting diode 9 is in the off state. During the time A to C, the dial illumination is on and the pointer illumination is off. Since only 1 is watched, even if the pointer 6 slightly vibrates, it is inconspicuous.

FIG. 3 shows the second embodiment and is a diagram showing the temporal relationship between the origin return signal and the lighting states of the light sources 5 and 9. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control circuit 16 controls the light sources 5 and 9 and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The ignition switch 17 is turned on at time A and the power supply 12 is connected. The home-return signal is output at times A to C. The cold-cathode tube 5 is turned on at the time A, and the time A-
It is brightened gradually at C. The light emitting diode 9 is turned off at times A to B, is turned on at time B, is gradually brightened at times B to D, and reaches a predetermined brightness at time D.

Time A to C during which the home return signal is output
In addition, by providing the time A to B (predetermined time) for turning off the light emitting diode 9, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous. Further, by providing the time B to C (predetermined time) for lowering the brightness of the light emitting diode 9 below the predetermined brightness in the time A to C during which the origin return signal is output,
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous. That is, time B ~
In C, the light emitting diode 9 is weakly lit, but the pointer 6 is not conspicuous because the brightness difference between the cold cathode tube 5 and the light emitting diode 9 is large. That is, since the indicator portion 3 of the dial 1 is bright and the indication portion 8 of the pointer 6 is relatively dark in the time period B to C, the user pays attention only to the dial 1 and is not a problem.

According to the first and second embodiments described above, the light emitting diode 9 is activated during the time when the origin return signal is output.
By setting a predetermined time for lowering the brightness of the display to a level lower than the predetermined level (including zero), the pointer 6
Even if the indicator 8 causes a slight vibration, the indicator 8 can be made inconspicuous, and there is no fear that the user feels uncomfortable.

A smoke cover (semi-transmissive member) made of a dark resin material (for example, smoke acrylic) may be provided in front of the dial 1, and when the brightness of the light emitting diode 9 is lower than a predetermined brightness. The pointer 6 becomes almost invisible, and the pointer 6 can be made even more inconspicuous.

4 and 5 are views showing a third embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The dial 1 has a black print 4 formed on the substrate 2 except for the index portion 3. The cold cathode tube 18 (light source) has an annular shape and is arranged behind the dial 1. The cold-cathode tube 18 emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the dial 1 and the pointer 6. Reference numeral 19 denotes a light guide body, and the light guide body 19 is provided with a reflecting surface 20 so that the light of the cold cathode tube 18 can be guided to the base portion 7 of the pointer 6. Further, the pointer 6 is provided with a reflecting surface 21 that reflects the light guided to the base portion 7 to the indicating portion 8. Therefore, the cold cathode tube 18 can supply light to the indicator 8 of the pointer 7 and cause the indicator 8 to emit light. 22 is a smoke cover (semi-transmissive member), which is made of a dark-colored resin material (for example, smoke acrylic), and is disposed in front of the dial 1. The user visually recognizes the dial 1 and the pointer 6 by seeing through the smoke cover 22.

The stepping motor 10 is driven by inputting a pulse signal from the drive circuit 11, and can rotate the pointer 6 in the forward and reverse directions. The power supply 12 supplies electric power to the cold cathode tube 18 via the lighting circuit 13. Stopper pin 15 is a pointer 6
It is possible to stop the pointer 6 at the zero point position by regulating the rotation angle of the. The control circuit 16 outputs an origin return signal for turning the pointer 6 in the reverse direction when the ignition switch 17 is turned on and the power source 12 is connected to the stepping motor 10.
The stepping motor 10 receives the origin return signal and rotates the pointer 6 in the opposite direction to return the pointer 6 to the zero point. Also,
The control circuit 16 controls the lighting of the cold cathode tubes 18.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the temporal relationship between the origin return signal and the lighting state of the cold cathode tubes 18. To facilitate understanding, the time when the ignition switch 17 is turned on is A, and the time every 0.5 seconds after this time A is time B and time C, respectively.
And

The ignition switch 17 is turned on at time A and the power supply 12 is connected. The home-return signal is output at times A to C. The cold-cathode tube 18 is weakly lit at the time A, and the time A
~ C are weak lighting states, and are turned on at a predetermined brightness at time C. That is, when the user turns on the ignition switch 17, first, the cold-cathode tube 18 is weakly lit, and one second later (time A to
C) is lit with a predetermined brightness.

Time A to C during which the home return signal is output
The cold cathode tube 18 is in a slightly lit state, and the pointer 6 is hardly visible when the smoke cover 22 is seen through. That is, by providing the predetermined time A to C for lowering the brightness of the cold cathode tube 18 for illuminating the pointer 6 below the predetermined brightness during the time A to C during which the origin return signal is output, the pointer 6 slightly vibrates. The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous even if the user raises.

FIG. 6 shows the fourth embodiment and is a diagram showing the temporal relationship between the origin return signal and the lighting state. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control circuit 16 controls the cold cathode tubes 18, and other configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment.

The ignition switch 17 is turned on at time A and the power supply 12 is connected. The home-return signal is output at times A to C. The cold-cathode tube 18 is turned off at times A to C, and is turned on at a predetermined brightness at time C. That is, when the user turns on the ignition switch 17, one second later (time A to C)
Then, the cold cathode tube 18 lights up and the indicator 8 of the pointer 6 emits light.

Time A to C during which the home return signal is output
Is in the off state of the cold cathode tube 18. That is, the cold cathode tube 18 that illuminates the pointer 6 is lit after the origin return operation.
In other words, the time A to C during which the home return signal is output
In addition, by providing the time A to C (predetermined time) for turning off the cold cathode tube 18, even if the pointer 6 slightly vibrates, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous.

7 and 8 are diagrams showing a fifth embodiment. The same parts as those in each of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The dial 1 has a substrate 2 and an index portion 3 provided thereon. Reference numeral 23 is a valve, and the valve 23 is arranged in front of the dial 1. The bulb 23 emits light with a predetermined brightness to illuminate the dial 1 and the pointer 6. The smoke cover 22 is arranged in front of the dial 1 and the valve 23.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the temporal relationship between the origin return signal and the lighting state of the bulb 23. To facilitate understanding, the time when the ignition switch 17 is turned on is A, and the time every 0.5 seconds after this time A is time B and time C, respectively.
And

The ignition switch 17 is turned on at time A and the power supply 12 is connected. The home-return signal is output at times A to C. The bulb 23 is turned on at the time A and the time A to C is reached.
The brightness is gradually increased at and reaches a predetermined brightness at time C. The brightness of the bulb 23 is lower than the predetermined brightness during the time A to C during which the origin return signal is output. That is, by providing the predetermined time A to C for lowering the brightness of the bulb 23 for illuminating the pointer 6 below the predetermined brightness during the time A to C during which the origin return signal is output, the pointer 6 causes a slight vibration. However, the pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous.

In the fifth embodiment, the light source 23 may be an ultraviolet lamp, and fluorescent paint may be printed on the indicator 8 of the pointer 6 and the indicator 3 of the dial 1. The indicator 8 and the indicator 3 may be printed.
Can emit light with high brightness. Further, during the time A to C during which the origin return signal is output, the valve 23 may be in a weak lighting state or in a non-lighting state.

As in the first and second embodiments, a cold cathode tube 5 (first light source) for illuminating the dial 1 and a light emitting diode 9 (second light source) for illuminating the pointer 6 are provided. If
The pointer 6 can be made inconspicuous due to the difference in brightness between the two light sources 5 and 9, and there is an advantage that the smoke cover 22 (semi-transmissive member) does not necessarily have to be provided.
On the other hand, if the light sources 18 and 23 for illuminating the dial 1 and the pointer 6 are provided as in the third to fifth embodiments, the light sources 18 and 23 are provided.
There is an advantage that at least one of them needs to be provided.

In each of the above embodiments, the time when the second light source is turned on may be set earlier or later. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the cold cathode tubes 18 may be turned on 0.1 seconds after the time C. The effect of can be obtained. The light source is the cold cathode tube 5, the light emitting diode 9, the cold cathode tube 18, and the bulb 23, but may be EL (electroluminescence) or the like. Although the stopper mechanism is the stopper pin 15 provided on the dial 1, the stopper mechanism may be provided on the rear side of the dial 1 or inside the stepping motor 10. Further, in the first and second embodiments, the second light source may be provided on the rear side of the dial 1 so that the base portion 7 of the pointer 6 reflects the light to the indicating portion 8.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle speedometer and the origin position are the zero point positions, but the origin position differs depending on the measuring device. For example, in the vehicle supercharging pressure gauge, the origin position is minus 76 cmHg. Position (see FIG. 9).

[0055]

Industrial Applicability The present invention provides an instrument device for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction and returning to the origin when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward direction and the reverse direction according to the physical quantity to be measured. , A predetermined time is provided for lowering the brightness of the light source that emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the pointer to be lower than the predetermined brightness during the home-return operation, and the pointer can be made inconspicuous during the home-return operation. .

Further, the present invention is an instrument device for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction and returning to the origin when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured. A predetermined time is provided to turn off the light source for illuminating the pointer during the home-return operation, so that the pointer can be made inconspicuous during the home-return operation.

Further, the present invention is an instrument device for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction and returning to the origin when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured. , The light source for illuminating the pointer is lit after the operation of returning to the origin,
The pointer can be made inconspicuous during the home-return operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that emits light with a predetermined brightness and illuminates the pointer, and a dark color system provided in front of the display plate. A semi-transmissive member, a stepping motor arranged behind the display plate to rotate the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and the rotation angle of the pointer is regulated to set the pointer to the origin. A stopper mechanism for stopping at a position, and a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor,
And a predetermined time period during which the brightness of the light source is lower than the predetermined brightness is provided during the time when the control unit outputs the home position return signal, and the pointer can be made inconspicuous during the home position return operation. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, and a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate. ,
A stepping motor disposed behind the display plate for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor, and the control means outputs the origin return signal at the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. Since the predetermined time for turning off the light source is provided, the pointer can be made inconspicuous during the origin return operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, and a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate. ,
A stepping motor disposed behind the display plate for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, and a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor, and after the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. Since the light source is turned on, the pointer can be made inconspicuous during the origin return operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source which emits light with a predetermined brightness to supply light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate When connecting a power source to the stepping motor, a stepping motor that rotates in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured, a stopper mechanism that regulates the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position. Control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction, and while the control means outputs the origin return signal, the brightness of the second light source is set to be higher than the predetermined brightness. Even if a certain time is set to lower In it, it is possible to obscure the guidelines during the homing operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an indicator portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the indicator portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting a home-return signal to be rotated to, and a predetermined time for turning off the second light source is provided during a time when the control means outputs the home-return signal. Aim the pointer during home return operation. It can be without the other.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting a home-return signal to be rotated to the second light source after the time when the control means outputs the home-return signal. Make the guidelines inconspicuous It can be.

Further, according to the present invention, a display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate. A pointer having an indicator for indicating the indicator, a second light source for supplying light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and the indicator arranged behind the display plate for adjusting the indicator according to the physical quantity to be measured. Stepping motor for rotating the pointer in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer and stopping the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer for rotating the pointer in the reverse direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. And a control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the first light source and the second light source in an off state during the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. Return to origin operation It is possible to obscure the guidelines.

Further, according to the present invention, a dark-colored semi-transmissive member is provided in front of the display plate, so that the pointer can be made more inconspicuous during the origin returning operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a temporal relationship between an origin return signal and a light source lighting state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time relationship between an origin return signal and a light source lighting state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a time relationship between an origin return signal and a light source lighting state according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 dial (display board) 3 Indicator part 5 Cold cathode tube (first light source) 6 guidelines 8 instructions 9 Light emitting diode (second light source) 10 stepper motor 12 power 15 Stopper pin (Stopper mechanism) 16 Control circuit (control means) 18 Cold cathode tube (light source) 22 Smoke cover (dark semi-transparent member) 23 bulb (light source)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-9-1500 (JP, A) Actual development Sho 55-145318 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01D 11/00-11/30 G01D 13/00-13/28

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A meter device for rotating a pointer in a reverse direction when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in a forward direction and a reverse direction according to a physical quantity to be measured, and performing an origin return operation. A meter device for providing a predetermined time period during which the brightness of a light source that emits light in the above-mentioned manner and illuminates the pointer is made lower than the predetermined brightness during the origin return operation. 2. A meter device for rotating a pointer in a reverse direction when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in a forward direction and a reverse direction according to a physical quantity to be measured, and performing an origin return operation. And a light source for illuminating the light source is turned off during the return-to-origin operation for a predetermined time. 3. An instrument device for rotating a pointer in a reverse direction when a power source is connected to a stepping motor for rotating the pointer in a forward direction and a reverse direction according to a physical quantity to be measured, and performing an origin return operation. A light source for illuminating the instrument is turned on after the origin return operation. 4. A display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, and a light source that emits light with a predetermined brightness to illuminate the pointer.
A dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate; a stepping motor disposed behind the display plate for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to a physical quantity to be measured; A stopper mechanism that restricts the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position, and a control unit that outputs an origin return signal that rotates the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the stepping motor. An instrument device, comprising: a predetermined time period during which the control unit outputs the origin return signal, the predetermined time period for lowering the brightness of the light source below the predetermined brightness. 5. A display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate, and the display plate. A stepping motor which is disposed at the rear of the pointer and rotates the pointer in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured; a stopper mechanism which restricts the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position; Control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor, and the light source is turned off while the control means outputs the origin return signal. An instrument device, characterized in that a predetermined time for setting is provided. 6. A display plate, a pointer that rotates in front of the display plate, a light source that illuminates the pointer, a dark-colored semi-transmissive member provided in front of the display plate, and the display plate. A stepping motor which is disposed at the rear of the pointer and rotates the pointer in the forward and reverse directions according to the physical quantity to be measured; a stopper mechanism which restricts the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position; Control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor, and the light source is turned on after the time when the control means outputs the origin return signal. An instrument device characterized by being turned on. 7. A display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating on the front side of the display plate to move the index portion. A pointer having a pointing portion for pointing, a second light source which emits light with a predetermined brightness and supplies light to the pointing portion to cause the pointing portion to emit light, and the pointer which is arranged behind the display plate and serves as a physical quantity to be measured. Accordingly, a stepping motor that rotates in the forward and reverse directions, a stopper mechanism that restricts the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position, and a pointer that reverses when the power is connected to the stepping motor. A control unit for outputting a home-return signal for rotating in a direction, and a predetermined time for lowering the brightness of the second light source below the predetermined brightness while the control unit outputs the home-return signal. Is equipped with Equipment. 8. A display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating the front portion of the display plate to move the index portion. A pointer having a pointing portion for pointing, a second light source for supplying light to the pointing portion to cause the pointing portion to emit light, and the pointer disposed behind the display plate in the forward direction according to the physical quantity to be measured. A stepping motor that rotates in the opposite direction, a stopper mechanism that regulates the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position, and the pointer that rotates in the opposite direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. A control unit for outputting a home-return signal, and a predetermined time for turning off the second light source is provided during a time when the control unit outputs the home-return signal. 9. A display plate provided with an index portion, a first light source for irradiating the display plate with light from the rear to cause the index portion to emit light, and rotating the front side of the display plate to move the index portion. A pointer having a pointing portion for pointing, a second light source for supplying light to the pointing portion to cause the pointing portion to emit light, and the pointer disposed behind the display plate in the forward direction according to the physical quantity to be measured. A stepping motor that rotates in the opposite direction, a stopper mechanism that regulates the rotation angle of the pointer and stops the pointer at the origin position, and the pointer that rotates in the opposite direction when a power source is connected to the stepping motor. Control means for outputting a home-return signal, and turning on the second light source after the time when the control means outputs the home-return signal. 10. A display plate provided with an indicator portion, and a first plate for illuminating the indicator plate from behind so that the indicator portion emits light.
Of the light source, a pointer having an indicator that rotates on the front side of the display plate and indicates the indicator, a second light source that supplies light to the indicator to cause the indicator to emit light, and A stepping motor disposed at the rear for rotating the pointer in forward and backward directions according to the physical quantity to be measured; a stopper mechanism for restricting the rotation angle of the pointer to stop the pointer at the origin position; Control means for outputting an origin return signal for rotating the pointer in the opposite direction when the power source is connected to the motor, and the first light source is the time during which the control means outputs the origin return signal. Is turned on and the second light source is turned off. 11. A dark-colored semi-transmissive member is provided in front of the display plate.
The measuring device according to any one of 1.