JP7348061B2 - pointer device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pointer device.

Conventionally, there are devices that have a pointer that emits light. Patent Document 1 describes a dial, a light source disposed on the back side of the dial, a light guide member for a pointer that is rotated by the rotational drive of a movement and guides light from the light source, and a light guide member that receives light from the light guide member. A light-emitting pointer instrument is disclosed that includes a light-emitting pointer. In the light-emitting pointer meter of Patent Document 1, a light source is mounted on the front surface of the wiring board, which is the dial side. Further, a plurality of light sources are provided around the shaft of the wiring board so that the light guide can receive light even when the light guide rotates.

JP2013-253844A

It is desirable to be able to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the device with respect to the substrate. For example, when the front surface of the substrate is the first surface, it is preferable that the number of components disposed on the first surface side of the pointer device can be reduced. For example, it is preferable to suppress interference between the pointer device and other devices on the first surface side, and to make effective use of space.

An object of the present invention is to provide a pointer device that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the device with respect to a substrate.

The pointer device of the present invention includes a substrate having a first surface that is a front surface, a second surface that is a back surface, and a through hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface; A translucent pointer having a pointer body disposed on the first surface side with respect to the substrate, and a rotating shaft protruding from the pointer body toward the through hole; a motor which is disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and is connected to the rotation shaft; The present invention is characterized in that it includes a light source that emits light toward a side opposite to the other side, and an optical system that guides the light emitted from the light source to the incident surface of the rotation axis.

A pointer device according to the present invention includes a light-transmitting pointer having a pointer body disposed on a first surface side with respect to a substrate, a rotating shaft protruding from the pointer body, and a pointer body disposed on a first surface side with respect to a substrate. A motor having a housing disposed on two sides, a light source disposed on the second side with respect to the substrate, and an optical system that guides light emitted from the light source to an incident plane of a rotating shaft. have According to the pointer device according to the present invention, since the motor housing and the light source are arranged on the second surface side, the degree of freedom in arranging the device with respect to the board can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pointer device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pointer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pointer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of the motor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the drive shaft according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the motor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the light guide member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the motor and light guide member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a light guide member and a motor according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a light guide member and a motor according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a motor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the inside of the motor according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a motor and a light guide member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side view of the motor according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first reflecting member according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second reflective member according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the drive shaft according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the optical path of the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a gear section according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft portion according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the optical path of the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, a pointer device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below include those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. This embodiment relates to a pointer device. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pointer device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pointer according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pointer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the drive shaft according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the motor according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a front view of the motor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the motor and the light guide member according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pointer device 1 of the first embodiment includes a substrate 2, a translucent pointer 3, a motor 4, a light source 5, an optical system 6, a light-shielding cover 7, and characters. It has a plate 8. The pointer device 1 of this embodiment is a device used in a vehicle display device. In each embodiment below, a case will be described in which the pointer device 1 is installed in a vehicle meter device 100. The pointer 3 displays, for example, the traveling speed of the vehicle and the rotational speed of the vehicle's engine. The vehicle meter device 100 is arranged in front of the driver in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As an example, the vehicle meter device 100 is fixed to an instrument panel with the pointer 3 facing toward the rear of the vehicle.

The pointer 3 of this embodiment is a light-emitting pointer that emits light using light guided from a light source 5. The cover 7 is provided with an opening such as a slit that exposes a portion of the pointer 3 to the driver. The light Lt2 emitted from the pointer 3 is visually recognized by the driver.

The board 2 is a control board of the vehicle meter device 100. In addition to the pointer device 1, the substrate 2 is provided with various devices such as a light source for display design and a liquid crystal display device. The substrate 2 is, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and includes a control circuit for controlling the pointer device 1 and the like. The substrate 2 has a first surface 2a, which is a front surface, and a second surface 2b, which is a back surface. The first surface 2a is a surface facing the driver and facing the rear of the vehicle. The second surface 2b is a surface opposite to the first surface 2a, and faces toward the front of the vehicle. The substrate 2 has a through hole 2c penetrating from the first surface 2a to the second surface 2b.

The pointer 3 has a pointer main body 30 and a rotating shaft 31, as shown in FIG. The pointer main body 30 and the rotating shaft 31 are integrally molded from synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, for example. The pointer 3 has translucency, and is, for example, transparent or translucent. The pointer 3 may be colorless or colored. The pointer main body 30 is arranged on the first surface 2a side with respect to the substrate 2, as shown in FIG. The pointer body 30 extends along the first surface 2a.

The rotating shaft 31 projects from the back surface 30a of the pointer body 30 toward the through hole 2c. The back surface 30a is a surface facing the first surface 2a of the substrate 2. The shape of the rotating shaft 31 is, for example, a cylindrical shape. The rotating shaft 31 is provided with a fitting hole 32 . The fitting hole 32 extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 31 from the distal end surface 31 a of the rotating shaft 31 . As shown in FIG. 3, an entrance surface 33 is provided in the inner part of the fitting hole 32. The entrance surface 33 is a surface on which the light guided from the light source 5 enters the pointer 3. The shape of the entrance surface 33 is, for example, a curved surface that is convex toward the opening of the fitting hole 32. The light incident from the entrance surface 33 is repeatedly reflected inside the pointer 3, making the entire pointer body 30 shine. The shape of the pointer body 30 is determined such that a portion of the light is reflected inside the pointer body 30 and reaches the tip 30b.

As shown in FIG. 1, a dial 8 is disposed between the pointer body 30 and the substrate 2. The dial 8 has a through hole 8a through which the rotating shaft 31 is inserted. The dial 8 is formed with a scale corresponding to the pointer 3 and a display design including a warning display. The dial 8 may be provided with an opening for a liquid crystal display.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the motor 4 includes a housing 40, a drive shaft 41, and a stator 42. Motor 4 may be a stepping motor. The housing 40 includes a main body 43 and a cover 44. The main body 43 has a cylindrical shape with both ends open. Stator 42 is housed inside main body 43 . The main body 43 has a cylindrical tube portion 43a into which the drive shaft 41 is inserted.

The main body 43 has a first end 43b and a second end 43c. The first end 43b is one end of the main body 43 in the axial direction. The first end 43b is the end that is fixed to the substrate 2. An engaging portion 43d that engages with the substrate 2 is provided at the first end portion 43b. The engaging portion 43d is inserted into the through hole of the substrate 2 and engaged with the substrate 2. The second end 43c is the other end of the main body 43 in the axial direction. The second end 43c is closed by a cover 44.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drive shaft 41 has a shaft portion 41a and a gear portion 41b. The shaft portion 41a and the gear portion 41b are integrally molded from synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, for example. The drive shaft 41 has translucency, and is, for example, transparent or translucent. The drive shaft 41 may be colorless or colored. The shape of the shaft portion 41a is a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 41a has an exit surface 41c and an entrance surface 41d. The exit surface 41c is an end surface facing the entrance surface 33 of the pointer 3. The entrance surface 41d is an end surface opposite to the exit surface 41c. The light guided from the light source 5 enters the shaft portion 41a from the entrance surface 41d. The end of the shaft portion 41a on the exit surface 41c side is press-fitted into the fitting hole 32 of the pointer 3.

The gear part 41b has a disc shape and is connected to the end of the shaft part 41a on the side of the entrance surface 41d. Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear portion 41b. The gear teeth mesh with a rotor (not shown). The rotor is rotatably supported by the housing 40. The stator 42 generates electromagnetic force in response to a drive signal sent from the control circuit of the substrate 2 to rotate the rotor. The drive shaft 41 rotates together with the pointer 3 due to the rotational force received from the rotor.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drive shaft 41 is held by the housing 40. More specifically, the shaft portion 41a of the drive shaft 41 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 43a of the main body 43. The output surface 41c of the shaft portion 41a protrudes from the cylindrical portion 43a. The cover 44 closes the opening of the main body 43 and rotatably supports the shaft portion 41a. The cover 44 is provided with a through hole 44a that passes through the cover 44 along the axial direction. The opening 44b of the through hole 44a opens toward the external space of the housing 40. The end of the shaft portion 41a on the entrance surface 41d side is inserted into the through hole 44a and rotatably supported by the through hole 44a. The opening 44b exposes the incident surface 41d toward the external space.

As shown in FIG. 1, the motor 4 and the light source 5 are arranged on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2. The light source 5 of this embodiment is fixed to the second surface 2b of the substrate 2. The light source 5 is, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Turning on, turning off, light intensity, etc. of the light source 5 are controlled by a control circuit of the board 2. The light source 5 emits light toward the side opposite to the first surface 2a. For example, the optical axis of the light source 5 is perpendicular to the second surface 2b. In this case, the light source 5 mainly emits light in a direction perpendicular to the second surface 2b.

The optical system 6 of this embodiment includes a light guide member 20 and a drive shaft 41. The light guide member 20 is molded from synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, for example. The light guide member 20 has translucency, and is, for example, transparent or translucent. The light guide member 20 may be colorless or colored.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the light guide member 20 includes a curved portion 21, a straight portion 22, and a reflective surface 23. The shape of the central axis C1 of the curved portion 21 is a curved shape, for example, a circular arc shape. The cross-sectional shape of the curved portion 21 in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C1 is circular. The curved portion 21 is formed into a columnar shape with a substantially uniform diameter. The shape of the curved portion 21 in plan view is a curved shape, for example, a circular arc shape. The curved portion 21 has an entrance surface 21a facing the light source 5. The entrance surface 21a is, for example, a surface perpendicular to the optical axis CL of the light source 5. The entrance surface 21a is arranged close to the light source 5. The center of the entrance surface 21a is preferably located coaxially with the optical axis CL.

The central axis C2 of the straight portion 22 is straight. The straight portion 22 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a substantially uniform diameter. The shape of the straight portion 22 in plan view is straight. The curved portion 21 and the straight portion 22 are connected so that the central axes C1 and C2 intersect. In the light guide member 20 of this embodiment, the central axis C1 and the central axis C2 are substantially perpendicular to each other at the connecting portion between the curved part 21 and the straight part 22. The straight portion 22 has an exit surface 22a that faces the entrance surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. The exit surface 22a is, for example, a surface parallel to the entrance surface 41d. The exit surface 22a faces the entrance surface 41d inside the through hole 44a. It is preferable that the central axis C2 of the straight portion 22 is coaxial with the central axis C3 of the shaft portion 41a. In this case, the entrance surface 41d and the exit surface 22a may be surfaces perpendicular to the central axes C2 and C3.

The reflective surface 23 is provided at the connection between the curved part 21 and the straight part 22. The reflective surface 23 is the inner surface of the light guide member 20 . The shape of the reflective surface 23 is substantially flat, but is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 1, the reflective surface 23 is formed so as to reflect the light Lt1 guided by the curved portion 21 toward the straight portion 22. For example, the reflective surface 23 reflects the light that is incident on the reflective surface 23 along the central axis C1 of the curved portion 21 along the central axis C2 of the straight portion 22 as reflected light.

In the pointer device 1 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 5 enters the curved portion 21 of the light guide member 20, as shown in FIG. The light Lt1 guided by the curved portion 21 is reflected by the reflective surface 23 toward the straight portion 22. The light Lt2 transmitted through the straight portion 22 is incident on the drive shaft 41 of the motor 4, and is guided by the drive shaft 41 to the incident surface 33 of the pointer 3. Each part of the pointer main body 30 emits light due to the light incident on the entrance surface 33.

In the pointer device 1 of this embodiment, the light source 5 and the motor 4 are arranged on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arrangement on the substrate 2 is improved. For example, the space around the rotating shaft 31 can be used to arrange a device different from the pointer device 1. Further, on the first surface 2a, it is possible to allocate the area around the rotation axis 31 to a device different from the pointer device 1.

As described above, the pointer device 1 according to the first embodiment includes the substrate 2, the pointer 3, the motor 4, the light source 5, and the optical system 6. The substrate 2 has a first surface 2a that is a front surface, a second surface 2b that is a back surface, and a through hole 2c that penetrates from the first surface 2a to the second surface 2b. The pointer 3 is a translucent member having a pointer main body 30 and a rotating shaft 31. The pointer main body 30 is arranged on the first surface 2a side with respect to the substrate 2. The rotating shaft 31 projects from the pointer body 30 toward the through hole 2c.

The motor 4 has a housing 40 disposed on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2, and is connected to the rotating shaft 31 of the pointer 3. The stator 42 and rotor of the motor 4 are arranged on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2. The light source 5 is arranged on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2, and emits light toward the opposite side to the first surface 2a side. The optical system 6 guides the light emitted from the light source 5 to the entrance surface 33 of the rotating shaft 31 . The optical system 6 guides light using a medium such as resin or glass, but is not limited thereto. The optical system 6 may be configured such that light passes through the air in at least a portion of the section from the light source 5 to the entrance surface 33.

In the pointer device 1 of this embodiment, the housing 40 of the motor 4 and the light source 5 are arranged on the second surface 2b side with respect to the substrate 2. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the device with respect to the substrate 2. Further, by disposing the light source 5 on the second surface 2b side, attachment of foreign matter to the light source 5 is suppressed.

The optical system 6 of this embodiment includes a drive shaft 41 of the motor 4. The drive shaft 41 has translucency, is inserted into the through hole 2c of the substrate 2, and is connected to the rotation shaft 31. By making the drive shaft 41 a part of the optical system 6, the number of parts can be reduced and the degree of freedom in arranging the device can be improved.

The light source 5 of this embodiment is arranged outside the housing 40. The drive shaft 41 has an exit surface 41 c facing the entrance surface 33 of the rotation shaft 31 and an entrance surface 41 d facing the opposite side to the entrance surface 33 of the rotation shaft 31 . The housing 40 has an opening 44b that exposes the entrance surface 41d of the drive shaft 41 toward the external space. The optical system 6 includes a light guide member 20 that guides the light emitted from the light source 5 to the incident surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. By arranging the light source 5 and the light guide member 20 outside the housing 40, the increase in size of the housing 40 is suppressed.

The light guide member 20 of this embodiment has a curved part 21, a straight part 22, and a reflective surface 23. The curved portion 21 has an entrance surface 21a facing the light source 5, and is curved. The straight portion 22 is a straight portion having an exit surface 22a facing the entrance surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. The reflective surface 23 reflects the light guided by the curved portion 21 toward the straight portion 22 . In the light guide member 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to minimize the number of reflective surfaces 23 and reduce light loss.

[First modification of the first embodiment]
A first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a light guide member and a motor according to a first modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a light guide member and a motor according to a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first modification, the difference from the first embodiment is, for example, the shape of the light guide member 20.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the light guide member 20 according to the first modification of the first embodiment includes a first straight part 24, a second straight part 25, a third straight part 26, a first reflective surface 27, and a second reflective surface 28. The first straight part 24, the second straight part 25, and the third straight part 26 are each formed in a straight line.

The first straight portion 24 has an entrance surface 24a facing the light source 5. The entrance surface 24a is, for example, a surface perpendicular to the optical axis CL of the light source 5. The entrance surface 24a is arranged close to the light source 5. The center of the entrance surface 24a is preferably located coaxially with the optical axis CL. It is preferable that the central axis C11 of the first straight portion 24 is coaxial with the optical axis CL. The cross-sectional shape of the first straight portion 24 in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C11 is circular. The illustrated first linear portion 24 is formed so that its diameter increases as it moves away from the entrance surface 24a along the central axis C11.

The third straight portion 26 has an exit surface 26a facing the entrance surface 41d. The output surface 26a is, for example, a surface perpendicular to the central axis C3 of the drive shaft 41. The exit surface 26a faces the entrance surface 41d inside the through hole 44a. The center of the output surface 26a is preferably located coaxially with the central axis C3. It is preferable that the central axis C13 of the third straight portion 26 is coaxial with the central axis C3 of the drive shaft 41. The cross-sectional shape of the third straight portion 26 in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C13 is circular.

The second straight part 25 connects the first straight part 24 and the third straight part 26. The second straight portion 25 extends, for example, in a direction perpendicular to each of the first straight portion 24 and the third straight portion 26. The central axis C12 of the second straight portion 25 is perpendicular to both the central axis C11 of the first straight portion 24 and the central axis C13 of the third straight portion 26, for example. The cross-sectional shape of the second straight portion 25 in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis C12 is circular. The illustrated second linear portion 25 is formed such that the diameter decreases from the first linear portion 24 toward the third linear portion 26.

The first reflective surface 27 is provided at the connection portion between the first linear portion 24 and the second linear portion 25. The first reflective surface 27 is an inner surface of the light guide member 20. The first reflective surface 27 is, for example, a substantially flat surface. The first reflective surface 27 is formed so as to reflect the light guided by the first straight section 24 toward the second straight section 25 . For example, light incident on the first reflecting surface 27 along the central axis C11 is reflected along the central axis C12 of the second straight portion 25.

The second reflective surface 28 is provided at the connection portion between the second linear portion 25 and the third linear portion 26. The second reflective surface 28 is an inner surface of the light guide member 20. The second reflective surface 28 is, for example, a substantially flat surface. The second reflective surface 28 is formed so as to reflect the light guided by the second linear section 25 toward the third linear section 26 . For example, light that enters the second reflective surface 28 along the central axis C12 is reflected along the central axis C13 of the third straight portion 26.

The light guide member 20 according to the first modification of the first embodiment has two bent parts, which improves the degree of freedom in designing the light guide path. For example, in the light guide member 20 of the first modification, the first linear portion 24 extends along the side surface of the housing 40, and the second linear portion 25 extends along the bottom surface of the housing 40. By extending the light guide member 20 along the outer surface of the housing 40 in this manner, the space required for installing the light guide member 20 is minimized. The cover 44 of the casing 40 of this modification is provided with a recess 44c that accommodates the second linear portion 25.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. Regarding the second embodiment, components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. 11 is a perspective view of a motor according to a second embodiment, FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the inside of a motor according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a motor and a light guide member according to a second embodiment. It is a diagram. The pointer device 1 of the second embodiment differs from the pointer device 1 of the first embodiment in that, for example, the light source 5 and the light guide member 20 are arranged inside the housing 40.

As shown in FIG. 11, the housing 40 of the motor 4 according to the second embodiment has a convex housing portion 45 that projects outward. The accommodating portion 45 is a portion that accommodates the light source 5 and the light guide member 20 and covers the light source 5 and the light guide member 20. The accommodating portion 45 may be a part of the main body 43 or a part of the cover 44. The accommodating portion 45 may be separate from either the main body 43 or the cover 44.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the structure of the light guide member 20 according to the second embodiment is similar to the structure of the light guide member 20 of the first embodiment. The light guide member 20 has a curved portion 21, a straight portion 22, and a reflective surface 23. The entrance surface 21a of the curved portion 21 faces the light source 5. The output surface 22a of the straight portion 22 faces the input surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. The reflective surface 23 reflects the light guided by the curved portion 21 toward the straight portion 22 . In the pointer device 1 of the second embodiment, the light guide member 20 is housed inside the housing 40, thereby achieving the shortest light guide path. In the pointer device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to assemble the light guide member 20 and the motor 4 integrally to the substrate 2.

[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18. Regarding the third embodiment, components having the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. FIG. 14 is a side view of the motor according to the third embodiment, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first reflection member according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second reflection member according to the third embodiment. , FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the drive shaft according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the optical path of the third embodiment. The pointer device 1 of the third embodiment differs from the pointer device 1 of the first embodiment in that, for example, it has two reflective surfaces provided on different members.

As shown in FIG. 14, the light source 5 and the optical system 6 are arranged inside the housing 40. The optical system 6 has a first reflective surface 52a and a second reflective surface 61a. The first reflective surface 52a is a reflective surface provided on the first reflective member 50. The second reflective surface 61a is a reflective surface provided on the second reflective member 60. The first reflective surface 52a reflects the light emitted from the light source 5 toward the second reflective surface 61a. The second reflective surface 61a reflects the light incident from the first reflective surface 52a toward the incident surface 41d. That is, the light emitted from the light source 5 is guided to the incident surface 41d of the drive shaft 41 by the first reflective surface 52a and the second reflective surface 61a.

The first reflecting member 50 has a cylindrical part 51 and a prism part 52, as shown in FIG. The cylindrical portion 51 and the prism portion 52 are integrally molded from synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, for example. The first reflecting member 50 has translucency, and is, for example, transparent or translucent. The first reflective member 50 may be colorless or colored. The shape of the cylindrical portion 51 is a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 51 has an entrance surface 51 a facing the light source 5 in the optical axis direction of the light source 5 . The entrance surface 51a is arranged such that the center of the entrance surface 51a is located on the optical axis of the light source 5, for example.

The shape of the prism portion 52 is a triangular prism. The cylindrical portion 51 protrudes from the entrance surface 52b of the prism portion 52. The first reflective surface 52a is a surface on the inner side of the prism section 52. The first reflective surface 52a reflects the light incident from the entrance surface 52b toward the exit surface 52c.

The second reflective member 60 is, for example, integrally molded from synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 16, the second reflective member 60 has a fitting part 61. The fitting portion 61 fits into a recess provided in the shaft portion 41a of the drive shaft 41. The fitting part 61 has a shaft part 62 and a flange part 63. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 62 is circular.

A second reflective surface 61a is formed at one end of the shaft portion 62. The second reflective surface 61a is a surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft portion 62, and is, for example, a flat surface. A reflective layer may be formed on the second reflective surface 61a by metal vapor deposition or the like. The flange portion 63 protrudes from the other end of the shaft portion 62 in the radial direction. The shape of the flange portion 63 is, for example, circular.

As shown in FIG. 17, the drive shaft 41 of the third embodiment has a recess 46 corresponding to the second reflective member 60. The recessed portion 46 is provided in the shaft portion 41a and the gear portion 41b. The fitting portion 61 of the second reflective member 60 is inserted into the recess 46 . In the drive shaft 41 of the third embodiment, an entrance surface 41d is provided in the inner part of the recess 46.

As shown in FIG. 18, the shaft portion 62 of the second reflecting member 60 is accommodated in the recess 46 of the drive shaft 41. The second reflective surface 61a faces the first reflective surface 52a of the first reflective member 50. The second reflecting member 60 is held unrotatably by the housing 40. The drive shaft 41 is rotatable relative to the second reflecting member 60.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first reflective surface 52a reflects the light Lt11 emitted from the light source 5 toward the second reflective surface 61a. The second reflective surface 61a reflects the light Lt12 incident from the first reflective surface 52a toward the incident surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. The reflected light Lt13 reflected by the second reflective surface 61a passes through the shaft portion 41a and enters the entrance surface 33 of the pointer 3.

[Fourth embodiment]
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a gear portion according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a shaft portion according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a diagram explaining the optical path of the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that, for example, the gear portion 47 and shaft portion 48 of the drive shaft 41 are separate bodies.

The drive shaft 41 according to the fourth embodiment includes a gear portion 47 shown in FIG. 19 and a shaft portion 48 shown in FIG. 20. The gear portion 47 is integrally molded from synthetic resin or the like. As shown in FIG. 19, the gear portion 47 includes a disc-shaped main body 47a and a fitting portion 47b. Gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 47a. The fitting portion 47b projects in the axial direction from the center of the main body 47a. The shape of the fitting portion 47b in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is circular.

A conical portion 47c is provided at the tip of the fitting portion 47b. The second reflective surface 47d is the outer peripheral surface of the conical portion 47c. That is, the shape of the second reflective surface 47d is a conical shape. A reflective layer may be formed on the second reflective surface 47d by metal vapor deposition or the like.

The shape of the shaft portion 48 is a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 20, the shaft portion 48 has an exit surface 48a and an entrance surface 48b. The exit surface 48a is one end surface of the shaft portion 48, and faces the entrance surface 33 of the pointer 3. A recess 48c is provided at the end of the shaft portion 48 opposite to the output surface 48a. The recessed portion 48c is recessed from the end surface of the shaft portion 48 along the axial direction. The fitting portion 47b of the gear portion 47 fits into the recess 48c. The gear portion 47 and the shaft portion 48 rotate together. The entrance surface 48b is provided at the inner part of the recess 48c.

As shown in FIG. 21, the pointer device 1 of the fourth embodiment has a first reflecting member 50 similar to the first reflecting member 50 of the third embodiment. The fitting portion 47b of the gear portion 47 is press-fitted into the recess 48c of the shaft portion 48. The second reflective surface 47d of the gear portion 47 faces the first reflective surface 52a of the first reflective member 50 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

The first reflective surface 52a reflects the light Lt21 emitted from the light source 5 toward the second reflective surface 47d. The second reflective surface 47d reflects the light Lt22 incident from the first reflective surface 52a toward the incident surface 48b of the shaft portion 48. The reflected light Lt23 reflected by the second reflective surface 47d passes through the shaft portion 48 and enters the incident surface 33 of the pointer 3. In the pointer device 1 of this embodiment, the gear portion 47 and the shaft portion 48 are separate parts. Therefore, the material of the gear portion 47 and the material of the shaft portion 48 can be made different. For example, the material of the shaft portion 48 can be a material with higher light guiding efficiency than the material of the drive shaft 41 when the shaft portion 41a and the gear portion 41b are integrated.

[Modifications of each embodiment]
The number of light sources 5 is not limited to one. That is, the pointer device 1 may have a plurality of light sources 5. The colors of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 5 may be different from each other. In this case, by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of light sources 5, the color emitted by the pointer 3 can be adjusted. The colors of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 5 may be three colors of RGB.

When the pointer device 1 has a plurality of light sources 5, the optical system 6 is configured to guide the light from the plurality of light sources 5 to the entrance surface 33 of the pointer 3. For example, the light guide member 20 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment is configured to guide light from the plurality of light sources 5 to the incident surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. For example, the first reflective surface 52a and the second reflective surface 61a of the third embodiment guide light from the plurality of light sources 5 to the incident surface 41d of the drive shaft 41. For example, the first reflective surface 52a and the second reflective surface 47d of the fourth embodiment guide light from the plurality of light sources 5 toward the incident surface 48b of the shaft portion 48.

The contents disclosed in each of the embodiments and modifications described above can be executed in combination as appropriate.

1 pointer device 2 substrate 2a: first surface, 2b: second surface, 2c: through hole 3 pointer 4 motor 5 light source 6 optical system 7 cover 8 dial 20 light guide member 21 curved part 21a entrance surface 22 straight part 22a output Surface 23 Reflective surface 24 First straight section 25 Second straight section 26 Third straight section 27 First reflective surface 28 Second reflective surface 30 Pointer body 30a: Back surface, 30b: Tip 31 Rotating shaft 32 Fitting hole 33 Incident surface 40 Housing Body 41 Drive shaft 41a: Shaft portion, 41b: Gear portion, 41c: Output surface, 41d: Incident surface 42 Stator 43 Main body 43a Cylindrical portion 44 Cover 44a: Through hole, 44b: Opening portion 45 Accommodation portion 46 Recessed portion 47 Gear portion 47a : Main body, 47b: Fitting part, 47c: Conical part, 47d: Second reflective surface 48 Shaft part 48a: Output surface, 48b: Incident surface, 48c: Recessed part 50 First reflective member 51 Cylindrical part 52 Prism part 52a First Reflective surface 60 Second reflective member 61 Fitting portion 61a Second reflective surface 62 Shaft portion 63 Flange portion 100 Vehicle meter device C1, C2, C3, C11, C12, C13 Center axis CL Optical axis

Claims (5)

A substrate having a first surface that is a front surface, a second surface that is a back surface, and a through hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface;
a translucent pointer having a pointer body disposed on the first surface side with respect to the substrate; and a rotation shaft protruding from the pointer body toward the through hole;
a motor having a casing disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and connected to the rotating shaft;
a light source that is disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and emits light toward a side opposite to the first surface side;
an optical system that guides light emitted from the light source to an incident surface of the rotation axis;
Equipped with
The optical system includes a drive shaft of the motor,
The drive shaft has translucency and is inserted into the through hole and connected to the rotation shaft,
The light source is located outside the housing,
The drive shaft has an exit surface facing the entrance surface of the rotation shaft, and an entrance surface facing opposite to the entrance surface of the rotation shaft,
The casing has an opening that exposes the incidence surface of the drive shaft toward an external space,
The optical system includes a light guide member that guides light emitted from the light source to the incident surface of the drive shaft.
A pointer device characterized by: The light guide member has a curved portion having an entrance surface facing the light source, and a straight straight portion having an exit surface facing the entrance surface of the drive shaft. The pointer device according to claim 1 , further comprising a reflective surface that reflects light guided by the curved portion toward the straight portion. The light guide member is
a linear first straight portion having an entrance surface facing the light source;
a third straight portion having an exit surface opposite to the entrance surface of the drive shaft and having a straight shape;
a second straight part connecting the first straight part and the third straight part;
a first reflective surface that reflects the light guided by the first linear portion toward the second linear portion;
a second reflective surface that reflects the light guided by the second linear portion toward the third linear portion;
The pointer device according to claim 1 , comprising: A substrate having a first surface that is a front surface, a second surface that is a back surface, and a through hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface;
a translucent pointer having a pointer body disposed on the first surface side with respect to the substrate; and a rotation shaft protruding from the pointer body toward the through hole;
a motor having a casing disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and connected to the rotating shaft;
a light source that is disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and emits light toward a side opposite to the first surface side;
an optical system that guides light emitted from the light source to an incident surface of the rotation axis;
Equipped with
The optical system includes a drive shaft of the motor,
The drive shaft has translucency and is inserted into the through hole and connected to the rotation shaft,
The light source is arranged inside the housing,
The drive shaft has an exit surface facing the entrance surface of the rotation shaft, and an entrance surface facing opposite to the entrance surface of the rotation shaft,
The optical system includes a light guide member that is disposed inside the housing and guides light emitted from the light source to the incident surface of the drive shaft.
A pointer device characterized by : A substrate having a first surface that is a front surface, a second surface that is a back surface, and a through hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface;
a translucent pointer having a pointer body disposed on the first surface side with respect to the substrate; and a rotation shaft protruding from the pointer body toward the through hole;
a motor having a casing disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and connected to the rotating shaft;
a light source that is disposed on the second surface side with respect to the substrate and emits light toward a side opposite to the first surface side;
an optical system that guides light emitted from the light source to an incident surface of the rotation axis;
Equipped with
The optical system includes a drive shaft of the motor,
The drive shaft has translucency and is inserted into the through hole and connected to the rotation shaft,
The light source and the optical system are arranged inside the housing,
The drive shaft has an exit surface facing the entrance surface of the rotation shaft, and an entrance surface facing opposite to the entrance surface of the rotation shaft,
The optical system includes a first reflective surface facing the light source in the optical axis direction of the light source, and a second reflective surface facing the incident surface of the drive shaft in the axial direction of the drive shaft. has
The first reflective surface reflects the light emitted from the light source toward the second reflective surface, and the second reflective surface reflects the light incident from the first reflective surface toward the incident surface of the drive shaft. reflect towards
A pointer device characterized by :