JP3782717B2 - Light guide member used in meter device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a light guide member used in a meter device mounted on a vehicle or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In this type of meter device mounted on a vehicle or the like, a pointer or dial is illuminated with a light source from the back side. However, in the conventional meter device, there has been a problem of high cost due to restrictions on the arrangement of the light source with respect to the pointer and the necessity of a plurality of light sources. This problem will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0003]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of a combination meter to which this type of meter device is applied. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are a side view and a rear view showing an example of a pointer used in this type of meter device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement example of a conventional light source.
[0004]
This type of meter device is applied to, for example, a combination meter 5 mounted on a vehicle as shown in FIG. The combination meter 5 includes a speedometer unit 51, a tachometer unit 52, a fuel meter unit 53, a water temperature meter unit 54, a direction indicating unit 55, a warning display unit, an odometer unit, and the like (not shown). Each of these parts has a dial plate for displaying a display design such as numbers, characters, characters, etc. and a design pattern. Display designs and design patterns are indicated by corresponding pointers 61, 62, 63, and 64.
[0005]
The facing plate that forms the front side of the combination meter 5 has display windows corresponding to the above-described parts, and is integrated with the meter case that forms the side surface and the back side to form the outer shape of the combination meter 5. Furthermore, the front of each part is covered with a black transparent front glass.
[0006]
On the back side of each dial, there are arranged movements for rotating the hands 61, 62, 63, and 64 by a predetermined angle in response to a command mechanism (not shown). Further, on the back side, a light source which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 is arranged to supply and illuminate each dial and the hands 61, 62, 63 and 64. Note that a light guide plate for a dial plate is often attached to the back side of the dial plate, but the description thereof is omitted here because it is not necessary for understanding the present invention.
[0007]
The configuration of the pointer will be described by taking the pointer 61 of the speedometer 51 as an example. The pointer 61 is formed of a transparent resin having a light guide property, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are used. As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator portion 61 a has an elongated and tapered shape. Further, for example, a black pointer cap 61b is placed over a cylindrical pointer rod 61c through which the pointer shaft of the movement is inserted. The pointer 61 is arranged so that the indicator portion 61a rotates on the front side of the dial plate around the inserted pointer shaft.
[0008]
When the pointer 61 is viewed from the back, an incident portion 61e corresponding to a pointer deflection angle of 270 degrees is formed at the base end portion. A balancer 61d is also arranged for balancing with the indicator portion 61a when the pointer rotates. A hot stamp layer for shining the pointer 61 in a predetermined color is usually formed on the back surface of the indicator portion 61a, but is omitted here. Light emitted from a light source as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 is incident through the incident portion 61e, guided to the distal end direction of the indicator portion 61a via a reflecting surface formed inside the pointer 61, and the like. The pointer 61 is illuminated with the color of the hot stamp layer.
[0009]
A movement (not shown) is disposed on the rear surface of the circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 5, and a cylindrical bearing portion 81 formed on the upper surface of the movement projects to the upper surface side of the circuit board 7. The movement is fixed by screwing or the like after its electrical connection terminals are soldered on the back side of the circuit board 7. A pointer shaft 82 extends upward from the central portion of the bearing portion 81. The tip end portion 82a of the pointer shaft 82 is inserted into the pointer rod 61c of the pointer 61 shown in FIG.
[0010]
On the other hand, three known chip LEDs 9 are arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board 7 as light sources for supplying light to the hands 61. Specifically, the chip LED 9 corresponds to, for example, a pointer swing angle of 270 degrees, and here, one chip LED 9 is arranged on the target side of the 0 scale position, and two chip LEDs 9 every 90 degrees therefrom. Is trying to arrange.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional example, in order to always shine the pointer uniformly, a plurality of light sources must be accurately arranged on the circuit board 7 in accordance with the pointer deflection angle. That is, conventionally, the cost has been increased due to the light source arrangement restrictions and the necessity of a plurality of light sources. Further, since the upper movement in which the electrical connection terminal is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the pointer bearing portion is formed is arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board 7, the arrangement of the light source as described above It was difficult and it was not easy to supply light to the pointer.
[0012]
Therefore, in view of the above-described present situation, the present invention provides a light guide member that can remove the light source arrangement restriction as described above, can supply light to the pointer with a smaller number of light sources, and can be easily attached and detached. Is an issue. Another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide member that can easily supply light to the pointer and can be easily attached and detached even when a superscript movement is used.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, forms the emitted light A <b> 1 and A <b> 2 from the light source at the proximal end portion of the pointer as shown in FIGS. The light guide members 2 and 4 used in the meter device for guiding light to the incident part, which are outside the pointer bearing portions 14 and 34 protruding from the upper surface side of the movements 1 and 3 for rotating the pointer. Light guide struts 2a and 4a having hollow portions 23 and 43 formed so as to circulate around the side surfaces and upwardly extending pointer shafts 13 and 33, and slightly more than the distal end portions 13a and 33a of the pointer shafts 13 and 33 the light guide strut 2a is a lower position, the entire upper surface of the 4a, the light exit portion 22 and 42 which are formed so as to face the incident portion of the pointer, the light guide post portion 2a, the lower outer surface of 4a Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light guide column and A part of the extending portion position which is provided so as to extend in a direction, having a condenser 21, 41 is inclined at an angle which is formed so as to face the light source with respect to the longitudinal direction, the It is characterized by that.
[0014]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the incident light to the light collecting portions 21 and 41 formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide column portions 2a and 4a and face the light source is The light is guided to the light output portions 22 and 42 formed on the entire upper surface of the light guide column portions 2a and 4a via the portions 2a and 4a. Then, light is supplied to the incident portion of the pointer that faces the light exit portions 22 and 42. Thus, since the condensing parts 21 and 41 are inclined, some deviation in the light incident direction is absorbed, and the light exit parts 22 and 42 are formed on the entire upper surface of the light guide column parts 2a and 4a. Therefore, light can be supplied to the incident portion of the pointer uniformly at all times. Further, the hollow portions 23 and 43 formed so as to go around the outer surfaces of the pointer bearing portions 14 and 34 of the movements 1 and 3 can be easily attached and detached using the pointer bearing portions 14 and 34.
[0015]
The light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 2, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is the light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 1, as shown in FIG. 1. 21 is formed so as to incline just beside the pointer bearing portion 14 and to face the light source.
[0016]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the condensing part 21 is formed so as to incline just beside the pointer bearing part 14 so as to face the light source, and therefore on the upper surface side where the pointer bearing part 14 is formed. This is particularly effective for the subordinate movement 1 in which the electrical connection terminals 12 are also formed.
[0017]
The light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 3, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is the light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 1, as shown in FIG. 2. 41 is formed so as to be inclined right next to the side surface of the movement 3 so as to face the light source.
[0018]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the condensing part 41 is formed so as to be inclined just beside the side surface of the movement 3 and to face the light source, and therefore, the upper surface side on which the pointer bearing part 34 is formed. Is particularly effective for the upper movement 3 in which the electrical connection terminals 32 are formed on the opposite lower surface side.
[0019]
The light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 4 for solving the above-described problems is a light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, as shown in FIGS. In the optical member, at least one of the light collecting portions 21 and 41 and the light exiting portions 22 and 42 is a serration portion in which a plurality of small reflection surfaces are formed in a step shape.
[0020]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the light collecting portions 21 and 41 and the light exiting portions 22 and 42 is a serration portion in which a plurality of small reflection surfaces are formed in a step shape. The rate and the light emission rate are increased, and light can be supplied to the pointer more reliably.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the light guide member of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the light guide member of the present invention. In addition, these light guide members shall be applied to the speedometer part of the combination meter shown in FIG. 3, for example.
[0022]
In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a light guide member 2 according to this embodiment is attached to a movement 1. The movement 1 is a stepper motor that has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined height and accommodates a coil, a magnet, and the like. On the upper surface of the movement 1, a fixing portion 11 used for fixing the movement 1 and an electrical connection terminal 12 for supplying power to a coil and the like housed inside are projected. Further, a cylindrical pointer bearing portion 14 of the rotating pointer shaft 13 is also provided on the upper surface of the movement 1. The distal end portion 13a of the pointer shaft 13 is inserted into a pointer rod 61c of the pointer 61 as shown in FIG. The pointer bearing portion 14 is also provided so as to protrude from the lower surface of the movement 1. Such a movement 1 is referred to as a subscript movement in this specification. The light guide member 2 can be attached and detached using the pointer bearing portion 14 formed on the upper surface side of the movement 1.
[0023]
The light guide member 2 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin having a light guide property, and includes a hollow portion 23 formed so as to go around the outer surface of the pointer bearing portion 14 and the pointer shaft 13 extending upward. Part 2a. The hollow portion 23 has a cylindrical inner wall that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the light guide column portion 2 a, and the inner diameter thereof is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pointer bearing portion 14. Preferably, the inner diameter of the hollow portion 23 and the outer diameter of the pointer bearing portion 14 are set to be approximately equal to each other so that the light guide member 2 can be stably attached to the movement 1. Become.
[0024]
Further, when the light guide member 2 is mounted on the movement 1, the height of the light guide column 2a is set so that the upper end of the light guide column 2a is slightly lower than the tip 13a of the pointer shaft 13. Has been. The entire upper surface of the light guide column portion 2a is, for example, a light output portion 22 formed so as to face the incident portion 61e of the pointer 61 as shown in FIG. Since the light emitting section 22 emits light over the entire circumference of 360 degrees, not only the incident section 61e depending on the pointer swing angle of about 270 degrees as shown in FIG. 4 but also the incident section of 360 degrees. It is also applicable to guidelines having
[0025]
On the other hand, a substantially triangular prism-shaped condensing part 21 is formed continuously with the lower outer surface of the light guide column part 2a. This condensing part 21 has the condensing part 21 formed so that it might incline by about 45 degree | times with respect to the longitudinal direction of the said light guide support | pillar part 2a, and may be opposed to the light source for pointers. Further, the light collecting portion 21 is formed so as to be inclined just beside the pointer bearing portion 14. As the pointer light source, for example, a known LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits red or yellow light is used, and either an upward-type or side-type LED in which light is supplied from the direction indicated by A1 or A2 in the figure. Good.
[0026]
In addition, this condensing part 21 and the said light emission part 22 are a serration part in which the several small reflective surface was formed in step shape. For this reason, the light collection rate and the light output rate are increased, and light can be supplied to the pointer more reliably. This serration unit may be provided in at least one of the light collecting unit 21 and the light emitting unit 22, but in order to maximize the light supply to the pointer, both the light collecting unit 21 and the light emitting unit 22 are provided. It is preferable to provide it. Moreover, you may make it the condensing part 21 have a curved surface corresponding to upward type or side type LED.
[0027]
When the light guide member 2 is mounted on the movement 1, the lower end of the cylindrical hollow portion 23 is aligned with the upper end of the pointer bearing portion 14 on the upper surface of the movement 1, and the upward direction in the figure. The light guide member 2 is inserted into the movement 1 until the lower end of the light guide member 2 contacts the upper surface of the movement 1 downward. Conversely, when removing the light guide member 2 from the movement 1, it is only necessary to pull the movement 1 out of the light guide member 2 from the downward direction to the upward direction in the drawing.
[0028]
The movement 1 of this type is usually attached so that the connection terminals 12 are soldered to the lower surface side of the circuit board and the main body of the movement 1 is disposed on the lower surface side of the circuit board. For example, by providing a circular hole in the circuit board in accordance with the shape of the light guide column 2a, the main body of the movement 1 to which the light guide member 2 is mounted as described above is placed on the lower surface side of the circuit board. It can arrange | position and can make it the upper part of the light guide support | pillar part 2a of the movement 1 protrude from the upper surface side of a circuit board. At this time, the pointer light source supplies light to the light collecting portion 21 of the light guide member 2 from the direction indicated by A1 or A2 in the drawing.
[0029]
Further, the tip end portion 13a of the pointer shaft 13 is inserted into a pointer rod 61c of the pointer 61 as shown in FIG. When inserted, a part of the pointer rod 61c is accommodated in the hollow portion 23, and the incident portion 61e faces the light output portion 22 with a predetermined distance.
[0030]
In such a configuration, the emitted lights A1 and A2 from the light source incident on the light collecting unit 21 of the light guide member 2 are guided to the light output unit 22 via the light guide column 2a. Then, the light B is supplied to the incident portion 61 e of the pointer 61 facing the light exit portion 22. The pointer 61 shines with the color of the hot stamp layer.
[0031]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, a slight deviation in the light incident direction can be absorbed by the inclined light collecting portion 21, and the light output portion 22 formed over the upper surface 360 degrees of the light guide column 2 a. Therefore, light can be supplied to the incident portion of the pointer uniformly at all times. As a result, wide-angle pointer illumination is possible with a smaller number of light sources, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Further, the hollow portion 23 formed so as to go around the outer surface of the pointer bearing portion 14 of the movement 1 can be easily attached and detached using the pointer bearing portion 14 without newly providing a special means. It becomes like this. Further, in the first embodiment, the condensing part 21 is formed so as to incline just beside the pointer bearing part 14 so as to oppose the light source, so that it is electrically connected to the upper surface side on which the pointer bearing part 14 is formed. This is particularly effective for the subordinate movement 1 in which the terminal 12 is also formed.
[0032]
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the light guide member 4 according to this embodiment is attached to the movement 3. The movement 3 is basically the same as the movement 1 except that an electrical connection terminal 32 for supplying power to a coil or the like accommodated in the movement 3 protrudes from the lower surface side. Is different. In the figure, the fixing portion 31 is the same as the fixing portion 11 in FIG. Such a movement 3 is referred to as a superscript movement in this specification. The light guide member 4 can be attached and detached using a pointer bearing portion 34 formed on the upper surface side of the movement 3.
[0033]
The light guide member 4 is also formed of, for example, a transparent resin having a light guide property, and includes a hollow portion 43 formed so as to go around the outer surface of the pointer bearing portion 34 and the pointer shaft 33 extending upward. It has the support | pillar part 4a. The hollow portion 43 also has a cylindrical inner wall that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the light guide column portion 4 a, and the inner diameter thereof is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pointer bearing portion 34. Preferably, the light guide member 4 is stably attached to the movement 3 by making the inner diameter of the hollow portion 43 and the outer diameter of the pointer bearing portion 34 substantially equal to each other so that they can be in sliding contact with each other. Become.
[0034]
Further, when the light guide member 4 is attached to the movement 3, the height of the light guide column 4a is set so that the upper end of the light guide column 4a is slightly lower than the tip 33a of the pointer shaft 33. Has been. The entire upper surface of the light guide column part 2a is also a light output part 42 having the same configuration as the light output part 22 shown in FIG.
[0035]
On the other hand, a light collecting portion 41 having a substantially triangular prism shape is formed continuously with the outer surface near the lower end of the light guide column portion 4a. This condensing part 41 has the condensing part 41 formed so as to be inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide column part 4a and to face the pointer light source. Further, the light collecting portion 41 is formed so as to be inclined just beside the side surface of the movement 3. Specifically, one of both side surfaces in contact with the light collecting portion 41 is in a shape in contact with the side surface of the movement 3. Thereby, the light guide member 2 is attached to the movement 3 more stably. As the pointer light source, the above-described LED is used, and light is supplied from the direction indicated by A1 or A2 in the drawing.
[0036]
In addition, this condensing part 41 and the said light emission part 42 are also a serration part similarly to the condensing part 21 and the light emission part 22 of FIG. For this reason, the light collection rate and the light output rate are increased, and light can be supplied to the pointer more reliably. This serration unit may be provided in at least one of the light collecting unit 41 and the light emitting unit 42. However, in order to maximize the light supply to the pointer, both the light collecting unit 41 and the light emitting unit 42 are provided. It is preferable to provide it.
[0037]
When such a light guide member 4 is mounted on the movement 3, the lower end of the cylindrical hollow portion 43 is aligned with the upper end of the pointer bearing portion 34 on the upper surface of the movement 3, and the upward direction in the figure. The light guide member 4 is fitted into the movement 3 until the lower end of the light guide member 4 contacts the upper surface of the movement 3 downward. At this time, the mounting angle is adjusted so that one side surface of the light collecting unit 41 is in contact with the side surface of the movement 3. On the contrary, when removing the light guide member 4 from the movement 3, it is only necessary to pull the movement 3 out of the light guide member 4 from the lower direction to the upper direction in the drawing.
[0038]
The movement 3 of this type is usually attached so that the connection terminals 32 are soldered to the upper surface side of the circuit board, and the main body of the movement 3 is disposed on the upper surface side of the circuit board. Accordingly, the pointer light source supplies light to the light collecting portion 41 of the light guide member 4 from the direction indicated by A1 or A2 in the drawing. Further, the distal end portion 33a of the pointer shaft 33 is inserted into a pointer rod 61c of the pointer 61 as shown in FIG. When inserted, a part of the pointer rod 61c is accommodated in the hollow portion 43, and the incident portion 61e faces the light output portion 42 at a predetermined distance.
[0039]
In such a configuration, the emitted lights A1 and A2 from the light source incident on the light condensing part 41 of the light guide member 4 are guided to the light output part 42 via the light guide column part 4a. Then, light is supplied to the incident portion 61 e of the pointer 61 that faces the light exit portion 42. The pointer 61 shines with the color of the hot stamp layer.
[0040]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, a slight deviation in the light incident direction can be absorbed by the inclined condensing part 41, and the light exit part 42 formed over the upper surface 360 degrees of the light guide column part 4a. Therefore, light can be supplied to the incident portion of the pointer uniformly at all times. As a result, wide-angle pointer illumination is possible with a smaller number of light sources, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Further, the hollow portion 43 formed so as to go around the outer surface of the pointer bearing portion 34 of the movement 3 can be easily attached and detached using the pointer bearing portion 34 without newly providing a special means. It becomes like this. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the light condensing part 41 is formed so as to be inclined right next to the side surface of the movement 3 so as to face the light source, so that the upper surface side on which the pointer bearing part 34 is formed is defined. This is particularly effective for the upper movement 3 in which the electrical connection terminals 32 are formed on the opposite lower surface side.
[0041]
In addition, although the speedometer part was illustrated in the said embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is applicable also to other meter parts. In addition, when the bearing portion of the movement is not cylindrical as in the above-described embodiment, the hollow portion of the light guide member may be shaped according to the shape. Furthermore, it is also possible to integrally mold the movement housing and the light guide member by using insert molding or two-color molding that has advanced in recent years.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the light is incident on the light collecting portions 21 and 41 formed to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the light guide column portions 2a and 4a and face the light source. The light is guided to the light output portions 22 and 42 formed on the entire upper surface of the light guide column portions 2a and 4a via the light guide column portions 2a and 4a. Then, light is supplied to the incident portion of the pointer that faces the light exit portions 22 and 42. In this manner, the inclined light collecting portions 21 and 41 can absorb some deviation in the light incident direction, and the light exit portions 22 and 42 are formed on the entire upper surface of the light guide column portions 2a and 4a. Therefore, light can be supplied to the incident portion of the pointer uniformly at all times. As a result, wide-angle pointer illumination is possible with a smaller number of light sources, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Furthermore, the hollow portions 23 and 43 formed so as to circulate around the outer surface of the pointer bearing portions 14 and 34 of the movements 1 and 3 can be used without newly providing special means. It can be easily attached and detached.
[0043]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the condensing part 21 is formed so as to incline just beside the pointer bearing part 14 so as to face the light source, and therefore on the upper surface side where the pointer bearing part 14 is formed. This is particularly effective for the subordinate movement 1 in which the electrical connection terminals 12 are also formed. That is, according to the present invention, when the subordinate movement 1 is used, light can be reliably supplied to the pointer with a smaller number of light sources, and the pointer bearing portion 14 can be used for easy attachment / detachment. it can.
[0044]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the condensing part 41 is formed so as to be inclined just beside the side surface of the movement 3 and to face the light source, and therefore, the upper surface side on which the pointer bearing part 34 is formed. Is particularly effective for the upper movement 3 in which the electrical connection terminals 32 are formed on the opposite lower surface side. That is, according to the present invention, when the superscript movement 3 is used, light can be reliably supplied to the pointer even with a smaller number of light sources, and the pointer bearing portion 34 can be used for easy attachment / detachment. it can.
[0045]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the light collecting portions 21 and 41 and the light exiting portions 22 and 42 is a serration portion in which a plurality of small reflection surfaces are formed in a step shape. The rate and the light emission rate are increased, and light can be supplied to the pointer more reliably.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a light guide member of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the light guide member of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of a combination meter.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are a side view and a rear view showing an example of a pointer used in this type of meter device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement example of a conventional light source.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 3 Movement 2, 4 Light guide member 14, 34 Bearing part 21, 41 Light collecting part 22, 42 Light exit part 23, 43 Hollow part

Claims (4)

A light guide member used in a meter device that guides emitted light from a light source to an incident portion formed at a proximal end portion of a pointer,
A light guide column portion having a hollow portion formed so as to go around an outer surface of a pointer bearing portion projecting on the upper surface side of the movement for rotating the pointer, and a pointer shaft extending upward;
A light output part formed on the entire upper surface of the light guide column part at a position slightly lower than the tip part of the pointer shaft so as to face the incident part of the pointer;
A part of the extending portion provided to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light guide column part from the lower outer surface of the light guide column part, and at a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal direction A condensing part formed so as to be inclined at and opposed to the light source;
The light guide member used for the meter apparatus characterized by having. In the light guide member used for the meter device according to claim 1,
The light condensing part is formed so as to be inclined right next to the pointer bearing part and to face the light source. A light guide member used in a meter device. In the light guide member used for the meter device according to claim 1,
The light condensing part is formed so as to be inclined right next to a side surface of the movement so as to face the light source. A light guide member used in a meter device. In the light guide member used in the meter device according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
At least one of the condensing part and the light output part is a serration part in which a plurality of small reflection surfaces are formed in a step shape. A light guide member used in a meter device.

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