JPH0280916A - Illumination device of instrument apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the generation of color irregularity on an instrument board, in the illumination device of an instrument apparatus, by mounting an almost circular arc-shaped light emitting body along the pervious part of the instrument board. CONSTITUTION:An instrument board 6 is made of light pervious material quality such as an acrylic resin and has the character parts 61-64 corresponding to a water temp. meter 2, an engine tachometer 3, a speedometer 4 and a fuel gauge 5. A plurality of light pervious parts 65 are provided on the dial part 61 of the water temp. meter 2 at the positions corresponding to a display part of a scale or mark showing engine water temp. in a circular arc state and permits the light from a light emitting body 100 to transmit to guide the same to an indicator 21 and the instrument board 6. The other engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4 and fuel gauge 5 are also constituted in the same way and these light pervious parts 65-68 are formed by offprinting a light impervious membrane on the front and rear surfaces of the instrument board and a protective cover 69 made of a black translucent resin is provided on the front of the instrument board 6 not only to protect an internal indicating instrument but also to make the scale or indicators 21-51 invisible when the light emitting body 100 emits no light.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a transmission type instrument device, and is particularly used to inform occupants of the status of a vehicle and its individual appliances, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, engine cooling water temperature, etc. Involved in lighting equipment for automotive instrumentation equipment.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, lighting devices have been attached to instrument panels of vehicles such as automobiles in order to maintain visibility in dark places such as at night. For indicating instruments that use the rotation of a pointer to indicate the status of a car or its individual appliances, a part of the light-impermeable film (smoke, etc.) printed on the instrument panel is cut out to create a light-transmitting part that allows light to pass through. (meter scales and symbols),
One or two miniature light bulbs are used to transmit light from the light-transmitting part, and the light is guided from the back side of the instrument panel to the front side so that passengers can easily read the scale and pointer positions.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in conventional lighting devices for instrument devices, the rotation range of the pointer is illuminated with one or two miniature light bulbs, and the miniature light bulbs are further housed between the instrument panel and the instrument panel. Since the case is shaped like a flat plate, the brightness gradually decreases from the scale closer to the miniature light bulb to the scale farther from the miniature light bulb, and at the scale farther away from the miniature light bulb, the brightness decreases depending on changes in the surrounding environment such as at twilight or backlight. In some cases, the visibility of the scale and pointer position was insufficient for the occupants. For this reason, the brightness of the instrument panel has been improved by making the printing of the light-opaque film thinner depending on the position of the scale, but the thickness of the printed part of the light-opaque film is not uniform. Since the color is uniform, there are problems in that the color of the instrument board is uneven, detracting from its aesthetic appearance, and the printing process for the light-opaque film becomes complicated.

In addition, the lead wires of light-emitting objects such as lighting illusions and miniature light bulbs are usually
Connected to a connector along with other electrical conductor leads. However, since the core/lid is not fixed, the order lead wires become disordered and workability is poor when connecting this connector to the power supply side connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for an instrument panel that can increase the brightness of an instrument panel without impairing its aesthetic appearance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device for an instrument device that can increase the brightness of an instrument panel by increasing the amount of light that passes through the light-transmitting portion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for an instrument device that can improve workability when connecting a connector and a power supply side connector.

[Means for Solving the Problem] (Claim 1) An illumination device for an instrument device according to the present invention includes an indicator whose pointer rotates, and a transparent portion through which light passes according to the movement of the pointer. an instrument panel arranged along the transparent part;
A configuration is adopted in which the transparent portion includes a substantially arc-shaped light emitting body that emits transmitted light when energized.

(Claim 2) The light emitting body is housed between the instrument panel and the case,
A configuration is adopted in which the case functions as a reflecting mirror that reflects the light emitted from the light emitter toward the transparent portion.

(Claim 3) A configuration is adopted in which a connector for electrically connecting a power source and the light emitter is fixed to the light emitter.

[Actions and Effects of the Invention] The lighting device for an instrument device according to the present invention has the following actions and effects due to the above configuration.

The lighting device for the instrument device according to claim 1 of the present invention has a substantially arc-shaped light emitting body disposed along the light transmitting part of the instrument panel, so that when the light emitter is energized, the instrument panel is illuminated from the entire light transmitting part. Uniform, high-brightness light is transmitted, eliminating uneven color on the instrument panel. Therefore, the brightness of the instrument panel can be increased without impairing its aesthetic appearance.

In the lighting device for an instrument device according to claim 2 of the present invention, the total temperature of the light emitted from the light emitting body is transmitted through the light-transmitting part of the instrument panel, so that more light passes through the light-transmitting part, and the instrument panel is illuminated. You can further increase the brightness of the board.

In the lighting device for an instrument device according to claim 3 of the present invention, since the connector for electrically connecting the power source and the light emitter is fixed to the light emitter itself, a plurality of lead wires can be connected to the connector. , it is possible to prevent the plurality of lead wires from becoming cluttered, and the workability when connecting the connector and the connector on the power supply side can be easily improved.

[Example 1] An example of the illumination device for an instrument device according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illumination system η of an automobile instrument device employing an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 indicates an illumination device for an automobile instrument device arranged at the front of a vehicle interior.

A lighting device 1 of an automobile instrument device is integrally equipped with a water temperature gauge 2, an engine tachometer 3, a speedometer 4, and a fuel gauge 5. An instrument panel 6 and a case 7 arranged on the back side of the instrument panel 6
, two light emitters 100 that are housed between the instrument panel 6 and the case 7 and emit light when energized, and an electric circuit 300 for controlling the lighting device 1 .

The water temperature gauge 2 is an analog indicator that indicates the engine cooling water temperature. The position of the pointer 21 of this water temperature gauge 2 is at low temperature +1111 when the key switch 301 is OFF, and when the key switch 301 is turned on, the pointer 21 rotates to the high temperature side. In this embodiment, the engine speed is directly detected from the engine camshaft.

The position of the pointer 31 when the engine is in the idling state is
500 to 800 rl) m, and the pointer 31 rotates according to the engine load except when the engine is idling.

The speedometer 4 is an analog indicator that indicates the speed of the vehicle, and a pointer 41 rotates in accordance with the speed of the vehicle detected by a vehicle speed sensor or the like.

The fuel gauge 5 is an analog indicator that indicates the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, and a pointer 51 rotates according to the amount of fuel.

Here, each pointer 21.31.41.51 has a cold cathode discharge tube 22.32.42.52, and a light emitting type pointer that emits light when energized is employed.

The instrument panel 6 is made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic resin.
Water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4 and fuel gauge 5
It has dial portions 61, 62, 63, and 64 corresponding to.

A dial portion 61 of the water temperature gauge 2 is provided with a plurality of light transmitting portions 65 at positions corresponding to display portions such as scales and symbols representing engine water temperature. The plurality of light transmitting portions 65 are arranged in an arc shape, and transmit the light from the light emitter 100 and guide it to the front of the pointer 21 and the instrument panel 6.

A dial portion 62 of the engine tachometer 3 is provided with a plurality of light transmitting portions 66 at positions corresponding to display portions such as scales and symbols representing the engine speed. The plurality of light transmitting portions 66 are arranged in a substantially annular shape, and transmit the light from the light emitter 100 and guide it to the front of the pointer 31 and the instrument panel 6.

A dial portion 63 of the speedometer 4 is provided with a plurality of light-transmitting portions 67 at positions corresponding to display portions such as scales and symbols representing the speed of the automobile. The plurality of light transmitting portions 67 are arranged in a substantially annular shape, and transmit the light from the light emitting body 100 and guide it to the front of the pointer 41 and the instrument panel 6.

A dial portion 64 of the fuel gauge 5 is provided with a plurality of light transmitting portions 68 at positions corresponding to display portions such as scales and symbols representing the speed of the vehicle. The plurality of light transmitting portions 68 are arranged in an arc shape, and transmit the light from the light emitter 100 and guide it to the front of the pointer 51 and the instrument panel 6.

The light-transmitting portions 65 to 68 are formed by cutting and printing a light-impermeable thin film (smoke, etc.) that does not transmit light on the front and back surfaces of the instrument panel 6.

Cutout printing is a printing method in which when a light-impermeable thin film is printed on the front and back surfaces of the instrument panel 6, a treatment is taken so that only the light-transmitting parts 65 to 68 are not printed.9 Mana, Instrument Panel A protective cover 69 made of black translucent resin (for example, acrylic resin, etc.) is disposed in front of the device 6 .

This protective cover 69 protects the internal indicator 2 and chopsticks, and also makes the scale, the position of the pointer 21, 31, 41, 51, etc. invisible when the light emitter 100 does not emit light.

The case 7 houses the light emitter 100 between it and the meter 816. Further, this case 7 has a wall portion 12 formed in a donut shape along the light emitting body 100 and having a cross section of a letter 0. This wall portion 72 is provided with a fixing portion (not shown) for fixing the light emitter 100.

In addition, the wall portion 72 has a light transmitting portion 65 .
Water temperature gauge 2 and fuel gauge 5 not installed directly behind 68
The light-transmitting portions 65, 68 and the hands 21, 51 also function as reflectors that guide light so that they can be read by the occupants.

A protruding portion 73 for positioning the light emitting body 100 is formed in a part of the wall portion 72.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting body 100 has a circular shape, and the light transmitting portion 6 of the engine tachometer 3 and the speedometer 4
6. A fluorescent tube 110 disposed on the back side of the fluorescent tube 110, a thermistor 120 for detecting the surface temperature of the fluorescent tube 110, and a thermistor 120 for detecting the surface temperature of the fluorescent tube 110.
and a connector device 200 for connecting these to the outside.

The fluorescent tube 110 is bent into a substantially annular shape corresponding to the light transmitting portions 66, 67 of the engine tachometer 3 and the speedometer 4. At both ends of this fluorescent tube 110 are caps 111, 11.
Further, lead wires 113 and 114 for electrically connecting the fluorescent tube 110 and the connector device 200 are provided protruding from both ends.

The thermistor 120 is a temperature sensor whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature, and is located on the surface of the fluorescent tube 110 with the same name. This thermistor 120 outputs a signal to energize the electric heater 130 when the surface of the fluorescent tube 110 becomes low temperature (for example, O''C). Lead wires 121 and 122 of the thermistor 120 are connected to the connector device 200. electrically connected.

The electric heater 130 is a thin metal plate processed into a wave shape. When the electric heater 130 is energized, its temperature rises, heating the surface of the fluorescent tube 110 and evaporating the mercury present inside.

Further, the lead wires 131 and 132 of the electric heater 130 are
It is electrically connected to the connector device 200.

Connector device 200 includes a printed circuit board 210, a connector 220, and a cover 230.

The printed circuit board 210 is made of electrically insulating material, and the fluorescent tube 1
10 lead wires 113 and 114, lead wires 121 and 122 of the thermistor 120, and lead wire 1 of the electric heater 130.
Each lead wire 11 is electrically insulated between 31 and 132.
3.114.121.122.131.132 is inserted.

The connector 220 is formed of an electrically insulating member and has a light transmitting portion 66 shown on the engine tachometer 3 and the speedometer 4.
．． 67nr x 10001tPJ and r km/h
, HPH, are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective parts. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 220 includes, in order from the left side of the figure, a lead wire 131 of the electric heater 130, lead wires 121 and 122 of the thermistor 120, lead wires 113 and 114 of the fluorescent tube 110, and a lead wire of the electric heater 130. 132 is connected to contacts 221 to 226 by soldering or the like. The connector 220 is connected to the case 7 and the printed base J! Lead wire outlet hole 7 formed in i71
4 is installed so that it passes through. Therefore, the connector 220 can be easily connected to the other connector 250 that holds a lead wire connected to an AC power source or a DC power source at the rear of the case 7.

Cobra 230 has rx 1oo of light transmitting portion 66.67
or+PH, and r km/h, HPH" are made of a light-transmissive resin to allow light to pass therethrough.

The cover 230 consists of a lid member 231 and a bottom member 232, including lead wires 113 and 114 of the fluorescent tube 110, lead wires 121 and 122 of the thermistor 120, and electric heater 1.
It houses 30 lead wires 131 and 132.

The lid member 231 has a mounting portion 233 for mounting the cover 230 to the case 1, and a semicircular holding groove 234 for holding both end portions of the fluorescent tube 110 and the lead wires 121, 122, 131, and 132. The bottom member 232 includes a mounting groove 235 for mounting the printed circuit board 210, a fitting part 236 for fitting the connector 220, and a fluorescent tube 1.
Both end parts of 10 and lead wire 121.122.131
．． It has a semicircular holding groove 237 for holding 132.

This cover 230 is connected by engaging a protrusion 238 formed on the bottom member 232 with an engagement groove 239 of the lid member 231. For this reason, the holding groove 234 formed in the lid member 231 and the holding groove 23 formed in the bottom member 232 are
7 and both ends of the fluorescent tube 110 and the lead wire 12
1, 122, 131, and 132, it is securely fixed to both ends of the fluorescent tube 110, and the printed circuit board 210 and connector 220 are also fixed.

The electric circuit 300 includes cold cathode discharge tubes 22.32.42.5
2 and the two fluorescent tubes 110 are energized (ON),
It can also be used to turn off (OFF) the current. In this electric circuit 300, when a key switch 301 is turned on, a DC power supply 302 supplies a DC current to a transformer module 303 and a delay circuit 304.

The transformer module 303 converts direct current into alternating current and supplies the alternating current to cold cathode discharge tubes 22.32.42.52.

The delay circuit 304 is a circuit that delays the output of a direct current electrical signal to the transformer module 305 by a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) after the key switch 301 is turned on.

The transformer module 305 converts the direct current into alternating current and supplies the alternating current to the fluorescent tube 110 of the light emitter 100.

The operation of the lighting device 1 of the automobile instrument device of this embodiment will be explained based on the drawings.

The key switch 301 is in the OUF position, and the pointers 21 of the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5.
31.41.51 and the fluorescent tube 110 are not energized, the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5 pointers 21.31.41.51 and the dial part of the instrument panel 6. 61-64 are not visible.

Here, when the key switch 301 is turned on, a direct current is input to the transformer module 303. By converting direct current to alternating current in this transformer module 303, the pointers 21, 31, 41, and 51 of the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5 are energized. .41.51 emits light.

In this way, in this embodiment, the key switch 301 is turned on.
Then, only the pointers 21, 31, 41, and 51 of the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5 light up, so when the passenger looks through the protective cover 69, each pointer 21.
．． 31.41.51 appears to be floating in the air, giving it an excellent appearance.

Further, the key switch 301 is turned on by the action of the first extension circuit 304, and from C, that is, each pointer 21.31.
A predetermined period of time (for example, 1 second) after 41.51 emits light.
After the lapse of time, DC current is input to the transformer module 305. The h-lance module 305 converts direct current into alternating current, thereby energizing the fluorescent tube 110 and causing the fluorescent tube 110 to emit light.

At this time, the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 110 is transmitted to the dial portions of the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5 provided on the instrument panel 6 from the back side of the instrument panel 6.
1 to 64 through the light transmitting portions 65 and 68,
To guide light to the front of the instrument panel 6, the luminous type pointer 21
．． Depending on the rotational position of 31.41.51, the occupant recognizes the engine cooling water temperature, engine speed, vehicle speed, and fuel amount.

In this embodiment, the fluorescent tube 110 is bent into a substantially annular shape corresponding to the light transmitting portions 66, 67 of the engine tachometer 3 and the speedometer 4.
Since the text portions 62 and 63 of the character are uniformly illuminated, uniform and high-luminance light is guided from the entire substantially annular light transmitting portion 66 and 67.

In addition, the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 110 is transmitted to the case 7 that houses the fluorescent tube 110 between the instrument panel 6 and the light transmitting portion 65.
．． Since the dial portions 61.64 of the water temperature gauge 2 and fuel gauge 5 are uniformly illuminated by the wall portion 72 that acts as a reflecting mirror that reflects in 68 directions, uniform brightness is emitted from the entire approximately annular light transmitting portion 65.68. It becomes the second part that allows a high amount of light to pass through.

Furthermore, since the coupler 230 of the connector device 200 is formed of a light-transmitting resin,
km/h, the light will be guided to the HPHJ part.

Therefore, the dial portions 61 to 6 provided on the instrument panel 6
Uniform, high-brightness light is guided over the entire area, eliminating low-brightness areas. Therefore, even if there is a change in the environment such as at twilight or when there is backlight, the occupants will be able to keep track of the scales of the water temperature gauge 2, engine tachometer 3, speedometer 4, and fuel gauge 5, as well as the pointers 21, 31, 41, and 51. It is possible to sufficiently visually check the position. Therefore, the number of times smoke printing is performed on the front and back surfaces of the instrument panel 6 in order to eliminate color unevenness on the front and back surfaces of the instrument panel 6 can be reduced.

Here, as the gas sealed inside the fluorescent tube 110, argon gas is used so that during lighting, the discharge voltage is lowered by the Penning effect with mercury vapor, so that stippling can be performed at a low voltage. For this reason, the fluorescent tube 110 generally stipples easily at room temperature, but its lighting characteristics deteriorate significantly at low temperatures (for example, below 0° C.).
It becomes difficult to light up at °C.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface temperature of the fluorescent tube 110 is detected by the thermistor 120, and when the surface temperature of the fluorescent tube 110 becomes low (for example, 0° C.), the electric heater 13
0 is energized. For this reason, electric heater 1
When the fluorescent tube 30 is energized, its temperature rises, heating the surface of the fluorescent tube 110 and evaporating the mercury present inside. Therefore, the low temperature in the fluorescent tube 110 (for example, 0
℃ or below), it is possible to prevent the deterioration of lighting characteristics.
The lighting device 1 of the automobile instrument device can be mounted on a car that runs in an extremely cold region.

Furthermore, in the lighting device 1 of the automobile instrument device of this embodiment, the fluorescent tube 110, thermistor 120, and the electric heater 130 each have a plurality of lead wires 113, 114, .
121.122.131.132, the area near the connector device 20011 will become extremely disordered if left as is.

Therefore, since the connector 220 is fixed to the fluorescent tube 110 itself, the plurality of lead wires 113.114.121.1
22, 131.132 to 1 via the printed circuit board 210
It is connected to two connectors 220. Therefore, the plurality of lead wires 113, 114, 121, 122, 131, 13
2 can be prevented from becoming disordered near the connector device 200. Furthermore, since the connector 220 can be attached so as to be inserted through the lead wire extraction hole 74, the other connector 250 can be easily connected to the connector 220 at the rear of the case 7. Therefore, connector 220
The work efficiency when connecting the connector 250 and the other connector 250 can be significantly improved.

Here, - Finally, as shown in Figure 6, the guideline 21.3
1.41.51 cold cathode discharge tube 22.32.42.52
As shown in FIG. 7, the spectral characteristics of the light emitter 100 are different at wavelengths from 400 to 700r++n, so when using a black semi-transparent resin protective cover, the pointer and There was a possibility that the rate of change in chromaticity would be different depending on the light source such as an illumination illusion.

However, as shown in FIG. 8, the GC4 cover 69 of this embodiment has a spectral characteristic that maintains a substantially constant transmittance (approximately 20%) at a wavelength of 400 to 700 r+m, and the needles 21.31. Since the rate of change in chromaticity between 41.51 and the light emitting body 100 is kept constant, the protective cover 69
The chromaticity does not change when the occupant looks at the scale or pointer 21.31.41.51 through the screen.

Furthermore, in FIG. 8, the transmittance at a wavelength of 680 nm is slightly reduced. This is because when a pink trip filter that corrects the blue-green light emitted by the trip meter's fluorescent display tube to white is attached to the surface of the meter 91t6, when sunlight shines through the trip filter, the trip filter becomes pink (wavelength around 680 nm). ) appears to be shining. Therefore, by reducing the transmittance of the pink color in the protective cover 69, it is possible to prevent the trip filter from appearing to glow pink even when sunlight shines through it.

[Other Examples] In this example, a light-transmitting part was formed by cutting out and printing a light-opaque thin film on the front and back surfaces of a light-transparent instrument panel made by Soukan. A light transmitting portion may be provided by forming a hole in a manufactured instrument panel only for display portions such as scales and markings, and fitting a plate made of a light transmitting material into the hole.

In this embodiment, a circular light emitter is used, but the shape of the light emitter can be changed in various ways, such as a substantially U-shape, a substantially C-shape, or an abbreviated shape, within the scope of the present invention.

In this example, the light emitting body was placed directly behind the light transmitting portion of the engine tachometer and speedometer, which were arranged in a substantially annular shape.
A light emitting body may be placed directly behind the light transmitting portion of the water temperature gauge or the fuel cup, which is arranged in a substantially arc shape.

In this embodiment, the fluorescent tube is formed into a substantially annular shape, but since it is necessary to fix the connector to the fluorescent tube, a substantially U-shape, a substantially C-shape, or a substantially annular shape is preferable.

In this embodiment, a light-emitting type pointer is used as the pointer of the meter, but a pointer that does not emit light may be used as the pointer of the meter.

In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an illumination device for an automobile instrument device, but the present invention may also be applied to an illumination device for an instrument device such as a vehicle other than an automobile, a ship, an airplane, or various indicating instruments.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a lighting device for an automobile instrument device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a lighting device for an automobile instrument device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a perspective view showing a light emitting body of a lighting device of an automobile instrument device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A sectional view showing a connector device of a light emitting body in a lighting device, No. 5
The figure is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit related to a lighting device of an automobile instrument device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a graph showing the spectral characteristics of the cold cathode discharge tube of the pointer, and FIG. 7 is a light emitter FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength of light entering the protective cover and the transmittance. In the figure: 1... Illumination device of automobile instrument device 2... Water temperature gauge 3... Engine revolution meter 4... Speed meter 5... Fuel gauge 6... Instrument panel 7... Case 65 .66.6
7.68...Light transmitting part 100...Light emitter 11
0... Fluorescent tube 120... Thermistor 130...
・Electric heater 200... Connector device 220...
·connector

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) (a) An indicating instrument whose pointer rotates; (b) an instrument panel provided with a transparent portion through which light passes in accordance with the movement of the pointer; (c) the transmitting point. An illumination device for an instrument device, comprising: a substantially arc-shaped light emitting body disposed along the transmissive portion and emitting light that passes through the transparent portion when energized. 2) The light-emitting body is housed between the instrument panel and the case, and the case functions as a reflecting mirror that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting body toward the transparent portion. Item 1. A lighting device for the instrument device according to item 1. 3) The lighting device for an instrument device according to claim 1, wherein a connector for electrically connecting a power source and the light emitter is fixed to the light emitter.