WO2005111547A1

WO2005111547A1 - Drive device for instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2005111547A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/008489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Osamu Shima; Yousuke Maruyama
Original assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-05-17
Filing date: 2005-05-10
Publication date: 2005-11-24
Also published as: JP2005326360A

Abstract

A drive device (1) for an instrument has an instrument (combination meter) (6) having condition display sections (first and second analog display sections, and a digital display section) (6b, 6c, 6d) for displaying a vehicle condition, and has control means (first control means and second control means) (4a, 6a) for operating the condition display sections (6b, 6c, 6d) based on measured data calculated according to a condition signal representing the vehicle condition. The control means (4a, 6a) read change data stored in a storage device (A) and change a display pattern or display operation of the condition display sections (6b, 6c, 6d) based on the change data.

Description

Specification

Instrument drive

Technical field

The present invention relates to an instrument driving device that displays a vehicle state such as a running speed of a vehicle and an engine speed by a state display section such as an analog display section or a digital display section.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, as a vehicle instrument, for example, a vehicle mounted on a combination meter having a speedometer, a tachometer (TA meter), a thermometer, a fuel gauge, and the like, a vehicle running on a circuit racetrack, and the like, It is often mounted on vehicles with a supercharger or turbocharger. がある There are intake pressure gauges (boost gauges), exhaust thermometers, fuel pressure gauges, and so on. Such an instrument detects various vehicle states with various sensors, an induction pulse (TA pulse), a speed pulse (Sp pulse), and the like, and various types of vehicles are displayed by a state display unit such as an analog display unit or a digital display unit. The status is displayed.

[0003] A novel design is desired for a large-sized vehicle instrument. The applicant of the present application has disclosed in Patent Document 1 an analog display unit having a pointer, and at least two or more types in different display areas. It is proposed that a different display operation of the pointer be performed. In addition, the pointer attached to the instrument was rotated along the scale of the dial to the maximum scale position of the zero point according to the ON input (ON state) of the vehicle's induction (IGN) switch (key switch). An initial operation for returning to the zero position later is performed, or a dedicated illumination light source is provided for each of the hands and the dial, and the lighting timing of the illumination light source is varied according to the ON state of the IGN switch. It is known that a vehicle instrument that improves the commerciality and design of a vehicle instrument is known! (See Patent Documents 2 and 3).

Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-148544

Patent Document 2: JP-A-6-201410

Patent Document 3: JP-A-9-42996

Disclosure of the invention Problems the invention is trying to solve

[0004] However, in the conventional meter, although the user feels that the meter has a novel design at first when using the meter, the display form or display operation of the meter is always the same. In addition, as the use period of the meter becomes longer, the display of the meter becomes less fresh for the user, and the merchantability and design of the meter are improved. Some improvement is desired.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned improvements, the present invention is an instrument that can maintain freshness of display and improve product appeal and design even when the instrument is used for a long period of time. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a driving device for the vehicle.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an instrument driving device according to the present invention includes an instrument having a state display unit for displaying a vehicle state, and a vehicle state calculated based on a state signal indicating the vehicle state. Control means for operating the state display unit based on the measurement data of the vehicle instrument.The control means is capable of reading change data stored in a storage device, The display mode or display operation of the status display section is changed based on the change data.

[0007] Further, the state signal is input, the measurement data is obtained based on the state signal, the first control means as the control means for transmitting the measurement data, and the measurement data is received. And a second control unit as the control unit that operates the state display unit in accordance with the measurement data.

[0008] Further, the storage device is characterized by comprising a storage section for detachably storing the storage device.

[0009] Further, the control means includes a receiving unit capable of receiving the change data from the storage device.

[0010] Further, the control means changes the display color of the status display unit based on the change data.

[0011] Further, the control means changes at least one of an initial operation performed in response to an ON input of a key switch of the status display unit and an end operation performed in response to an OFF input of a key switch based on the change data. It is characterized by becoming. [0012] Further, an analog display unit as the status display unit having a pointer is provided, and the control means changes the turning operation of the pointer based on the change data.

[0013] Also, a digital display unit is provided as the status display unit that displays the vehicle status using characters or numerals, and the control unit controls the font or size of the display content of the digital display unit based on the change data. Characterized in that at least one of them is changed.

[0014] Further, there is provided an operating means having one or a plurality of operating switches, and the control means executes a change of a display operation of the status display section according to a predetermined operation of the operating means. It is characterized by becoming.

[0015] A digital display unit as the status display unit capable of arbitrarily changing display contents is provided, and the control unit, when reading the change data from the storage device, displays the change on the digital display unit. It is characterized by displaying information about data.

The invention's effect

[0016] The present invention relates to an instrument driving device that displays a vehicle state such as a running speed of a vehicle, an engine speed, and the like on a state display section such as an analog display section or a digital display section. Even for a long period of time, it is possible to maintain the freshness of the display and improve the product appeal and design.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a meter driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of a driving device of the same instrument.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control method in a changing function of the driving device of the same instrument.

Explanation of symbols

[0018] 1 Instrument driving device

2 Input method

2a Vehicle speed sensor

2b signal line

2c Water temperature sensor 2d oil temperature sensor

2e Supercharging pressure sensor

3 IGN detection means

4 Control unit

4a First control means (control means)

4b unit case

4c card slot (storage section)

4d light emitting section

5 Switch unit (operation means)

5a switch case

5b push button switch

6 Combination meter (instrument)

6a Second control means (control means)

6b First analog display (status display)

6bl guidelines

6b 1 Analog indicator

6c 2nd analog display (status display) 6c 1 pointer

6c2 Analog indicator

6d Digital display (status display) 6e Meter case

6f First drive circuit

6g Second drive circuit

6h dial

7 IGN switch

8 Nottery power supply

A Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the electrical configuration of the instrument driving device 1, and FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the instrument driving device 1.

[0021] The instrument driving device 1 includes an input means 2, an IGN detection means 3, a control unit 4 having a first control means (control means) 4a, a switch unit (operation means) 5, and a second (Combination meter) 6 having a first analog display section 6b, a second analog display section 6c, and a digital display section 6d.

[0022] The input means 2 includes a vehicle speed sensor 2a, a signal line 2b for inputting a pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as a TA pulse) from an induction coil, a water temperature sensor 2c, an oil temperature sensor 2d, and a supercharging pressure sensor 2e. It comprises various sensors and signal lines for detecting the vehicle state to be displayed on the first and second analog display sections 8, 9 and the digital display section 10. The control means 4 sends each state signal indicating the vehicle state to the control means 4. Output.

The IGN detecting means 3 detects the transition of the vehicle IGN switch 7 to the off state and the power on state, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 4 when detecting the on state of the IGN switch 7. Note that the ON state of the IGN switch 7 means the transition from the OFF state of the IGN switch 7 to the ON state of the accessory power supply, the transition from the OFF state of the IGN switch 7 to the ON state of the engine start, or the ON state of the accessory power supply. It may be in any state of transition from the state to the ON state of the engine start. The IGN switch 7 has one end connected to the vehicle's nottery power supply 8 and the other end connected to the IGN detection means 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 4 is configured by storing the first control means 4a in a unit case 4b made of a resin material or the like. The unit case 4b is provided with a card slot (storage portion) 4c in which a memory card A as a storage device is detachably provided. In addition, a light emitting portion 4d, such as an LED, for notifying that the memory card A is stored in the card slot 4c is formed near the card slot 4c of the unit case 4b. The storage unit may be a magnetic disk, a CD-R, or the like. The storage unit is formed in a shape corresponding to the storage device.

[0025] The first control unit 4a mainly includes a microcomputer, and includes an input unit for inputting the state signals from the input unit 2, a CPU for executing a predetermined processing operation program, and ROM storing the processing operation program, etc., RAM temporarily storing data processed by the CPU, etc., and EEPROM or backup for non-volatilely storing data such as set values related to the display function of the combination meter 6 It comprises a storage unit having a RAM equivalent, and a transmission unit for transmitting the data calculated by the CPU at a predetermined cycle. When the first control means 4a receives the respective state signals from the input means 2, the first control means 4a performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the respective state signals, calculates measurement data of the vehicle state, and converts the respective measurement data. The data is converted into serial data and transmitted to the second control means 7. Also, the first control means 4a, when receiving a detection signal for turning on the IGN switch 7 from the IGN detection means 3, inputs the first and second analog display parts 6b and 6c of the combination meter 6 and the digital display part. 6d has an initial operation function for operating it in a predetermined initial operation. Further, the first control means 4a, when receiving a detection signal from the IGN detection means 3 that turns off the IGN switch 7, inputs the first and second analog display portions 6b and 6c of the combination meter 6 and the digital display. It has an end operation function for operating the unit 6d with a predetermined end operation. Examples of the initial operation or the end operation include rotating the hands 6bl and 6b2 provided in the first and second analog display units 6b within a predetermined range, or displaying a specific message on the digital display unit 6d. May be displayed.

The first control means 4a controls the display mode or display on the first and second analog display sections 6b and 6c and the digital display section 6d of the combination meter 6 based on the change data described later stored in the memory card A. It has a change function for changing the operation. The display form or display operation of the combination meter 6 changed by the change data is as follows: for the first and second analog display portions 6b and 6c, the display of the hands 6bl and 6cl or the display of the analog indicator portions 6b2 and 6c2. The color, the turning motion of the hands 6bl and 6cl, or the initial operation or the end operation is raised. In the digital display section 6d, the display color, the font or size of the display content, the initial operation or the end operation, and the like are raised. Also, the first control means 4a detects the communication state with the memory card A, and when the memory card A is stored in the card slot 4c and communication with the memory card A becomes possible, the light emitting unit 4d is turned on, Remove memory card A from card slot 4c If no communication is performed with memory card A, light emitting section 4d is turned off.

[0027] The memory card A is a small-sized storage device having a flash memory capable of writing and reading data in a case, and is detachably provided in the card slot 4c as shown in FIG. Is communicated with the first control means 4a. The memory card A has a display form on the first and second analog display sections 6b and 6c and the digital display section 6d of the combination meter 6, and stores the changed data to change the display operation.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the switch unit 5 includes a switch case 5a that also has a resin material and the like, and a plurality of push button switches 5b, and a combination meter in the control unit 4. It is used to switch the display contents of the digital display section 6d of 6, and to determine the start of the reading process of the change function.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the combination meter 6 includes a meter case 6e having a resin material and the like, a second control means 6a, a first analog display unit 6b, a second analog display unit 6c, and a digital unit. It has a display section 6d and is installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, on the handle column cover, or the like. The display surface side of the combination meter 6 is covered with a semi-permeable cover (not shown) that also has a dark resin material such as black.

[0030] The second control means 6a is mainly configured by a microcomputer comprising a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. The second control unit 6a has a receiving unit that receives the measurement data transmitted from the first control unit 4a, and based on the measurement data received, via a first drive circuit 6f. A drive signal is output to the first and second analog display units 6b and 6c to cause the first and second analog display units 6b and 6c to perform a display operation indicating the vehicle state, and a second drive circuit 6g A drive signal is output to the digital display unit 6d via the CPU, and the vehicle state is displayed on the digital display unit 6d.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second analog display sections 6b and 6c have hands 6bl and 6cl and analog index sections 6b2 and 6c2. The user can read the vehicle state by comparing and reading the hands 6bl, 6cl and the analog indicators 6b2, 6c2. Note that, in the present embodiment, the first analog display section 6b displays the vehicle state as an end state. It displays the rotation speed of the gin in the range from Orpm to 110OOrpm. Further, the second analog display section 6c displays the supercharging pressure of the engine in the range of 80 kPa to 300 kPa as the vehicle state. Each of the hands 6bl and 6c1 is rotated via a rotation shaft of a drive main body (not shown) which also generates a stepping motor and cross coil force. Each analog index portion 6b2, 6c2 is formed by printing on the dial 6h, and has a plurality of indices provided in a substantially arc shape with graduations, numbers, and the like. Each of the hands 6bl, 6cl and each of the analog indicator portions 6b2, 6c2 have a predetermined display color by transmitting light from a light source (not shown) disposed in the meter case 6e. The light emission color of the light source is changed by, for example, configuring the light source with a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively. It is provided as possible.

[0032] The digital display section 6d is, for example, a dot-type organic EL display capable of displaying a plurality of colors by configuring one pixel with a plurality of organic EL elements exhibiting light of different colors, as shown in FIG. In addition, a plurality of the vehicle states are displayed by numerical display. FIG. 2 shows a case where the vehicle speed, water temperature and oil temperature are displayed as the vehicle state. The display contents of the digital display unit 6d can be arbitrarily switched by a predetermined operation of the switch unit 5 by the user.

[0033] The above components constitute the instrument driving device 1 of the present invention.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the instrument driving device 1 in the case where the display color of the analog indicator portions 6b2 and 6c2 in the first and second analog display portions 6b and 6c is changed by the change function will be described. The driving method will be described as an example. The analog indicator sections 6b2 and 6c2 are displayed in green before the change.

[0035] In the normal operation mode, the first control means 4a receives the state signals from the input means 2, calculates the measurement data in accordance with the state signals, and calculates the measurement data. Data to the second control means 6a. Further, the second control means 6a causes the first and second analog display units 6b, 6c and the digital display unit 6d to perform a display operation for displaying the vehicle state in accordance with the received measurement data. ing. The first control means 4a detects the communication state with the memory card A in step S1, and stores the memory card A in the card slot 4c so that the changed data can be read from the memory card A. The normal operation mode is continued if it is determined that reading is not possible, and if it is determined that reading is not possible, the process proceeds to step S2 if it is determined that reading is possible.

[0036] The first control means 4a interrupts the normal operation mode in step S2, turns on the light emitting unit 4d, and further performs a reading process of the memory card A in step S3. Then, the changed data is stored in the storage section of the first control means 4a. The memory card A stores the change data for changing the display color of the analog indicator portions 6b2 and 6c2 in the first and second analog display portions 6b and 6c to red.

When the reading process in step S3 is completed, the first control means 4a transmits display data indicating the type or change content of the change data to the second control means 6a in step S4, The control means 6a receives the display data and causes the digital display section 6d to display information on the type of the change data or the change content according to the display data. In the present embodiment, the display “Analog display → red” is displayed on the digital display unit 6d.

[0038] In step S5, the first control means 4a determines whether or not a predetermined change operation for confirming execution of the change function of the switch unit 5 has been input, and the change operation is performed within a predetermined time. If no input is made, the change operation mode for executing the change function is canceled, and the operation returns to the normal operation mode.

When the change operation is input in step S5, the first control means 4a transmits the change data stored in the storage unit to the second control means 6a in step S6. Send. The second control means 6a receives the change data, performs a predetermined change process for changing the emission color of the light source provided in the combination meter 6 to red based on the change data, and Change the display color of, 6c2 to red. When the change by the second control means 6a ends, the first control means 4a cancels the change operation mode and returns to the normal operation mode.

[0040] By performing the above processing, the meter driving device 1 is provided in the first and second analog display units 6b and 6c of the combination meter 6 according to the change data stored in the memory card A. The display colors of the analog indicator portions 6b2 and 6c2 can be changed. As other display forms or display operations of the combination meter 6, the display colors of the hands 6b1 and 6c1 of the first and second analog display portions 6b and 6c, the rotation of the hands 6bl and 6c1, or the aforementioned The same processing is used to change the initial operation or the end operation, the display color of the digital display unit 6d, the font or size of the display content, or the initial operation or the end operation. .

[0041] The instrument driving device 1 includes a combination meter 6 having first and second analog display units 6b and 6c and a digital display unit 6d as a state display unit for displaying the vehicle state, The first control means 4a for inputting each of the state signals indicating the state, obtaining the respective measurement data based on the respective state signals, and transmitting the respective measurement data, and receiving the respective measurement data and performing the respective measurement A second control unit 6a for operating the first and second analog display units 6b and 6c and the digital display unit 6d according to the data, and the memory card is controlled by the first and second control units 4a and 6a. The change data stored in A is read, and the display form or display operation of the first and second analog display sections 6b and 6c or the digital display section 6d of the combination meter 6 is changed based on the change data. Let me Things. In addition, a switch unit 5 having a plurality of operation switches 5b is provided, and the first control means 4a responds to the change operation of the switch unit 5 by first and second analog display units 6b based on the change data. , 6c and the digital display section 6d to change the display mode or display operation.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the instrument driving device 1 controls the display form or display operation of the status display section provided in the combination meter 6 based on the change data stored in the memory card A by the user. It can be changed arbitrarily according to the preference of the user, and even when the combination meter 6 is used for a long period of time, the display form or display operation of the status display section is changed to maintain the freshness of the display. This makes it possible to improve the merchantability and design of the instrument driving device.

Also, the instrument driving device 1 uses a portable memory card A as a storage device for storing the change data, and a control unit 4 has a card slot 4c for accommodating the memory card A so that it can be taken out. It is provided. Therefore, the user stores the change data according to the content to be changed in the memory card A, thereby making the state With the display mode of the status display unit, it is possible to easily change the display operation.

[0044] The instrument driving device 1 is provided with a memory card by the first and second control means 4a and 6a.

A force also causes the digital display unit 6d to display information about the change data when the change data is read. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of the type of the change data stored in the memory card A or the content changed by the change data before the change, thereby suppressing erroneous changes. Become

[0045] In the present embodiment, the instrument driving device 1 is provided in the control unit 4 as control means, and the first control means 4a for transmitting the measurement data, The first and second analog display sections 6b and 6c of the combination meter 6 and the second control section 6a for performing the display operation of the digital display section 6d are provided. The instrument driving device according to claim 1 may include a single control unit that operates a state display unit based on measurement data calculated based on a state signal indicating a vehicle state. .

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 4 having the first control means 4a and the combination meter 6 having the first and second analog display units 6b and 6c and the digital display unit 6d are separate units. The instrument driving device according to the present invention may be such that the instrument having the control means and the status display section is provided in a single case body.

The instrument driving device according to the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the instrument driving device proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-183523 is used. Even if it is, it is applicable. Such an instrument driving device includes first control means for calculating each measurement data from a plurality of state signals indicating a vehicle state, and a one-package type instrument in which one state display section is housed in a single case body. The first control means converts each measurement data into serial data, transmits the serial data to the second control means housed in the case body, and the second control means The instrument is controlled based on the serial data.

[0048] Further, the instrument driving device according to the present invention may be, for example, a control device as described in claim 4. By connecting the stage to another device having a storage device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer by wire or wirelessly, the device may include a receiving unit capable of receiving change data stored in the storage device. The powerful instrument driving device allows the user to easily change the display mode or display operation of the status display unit by storing the change data according to the content to be changed in the storage device. Become.

[0049] In addition, in accordance with the change operation of switch unit 5, first and second control means 4a, 6a of the instrument driving device 1 in the present embodiment operate the status display unit based on the change data. In the instrument driving device according to claim 1 of the present invention, the control means automatically displays the status when the storage device power change data is received. The display mode or the display operation of the unit may be changed.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is applied to an instrument driving device that displays a vehicle state such as a running speed of a vehicle, an engine speed, and the like on a state display section such as an analog display section or a digital display section.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An instrument having a state display unit for displaying a vehicle state, and control means for operating the state display unit based on measurement data of the vehicle state calculated based on a state signal indicating the vehicle state, A driving device for the instrument comprising:

The control means is capable of reading change data stored in a storage device, and changing a display mode or a display operation of the status display unit based on the change data. Drive.

[2] The state signal is input, the measurement data is obtained based on the state signal, the first control means as the control means for transmitting the measurement data, and receiving the measurement data. 2. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second control unit as the control unit that operates the state display unit according to the measurement data.

3. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage section for detachably storing the storage device.

4. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a receiving unit capable of receiving the change data from the storage device.

5. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a display color of the status display unit based on the change data.

[6] The control means performs at least one of an initial operation performed in response to a key switch on input of the status display unit based on the change data and an end operation performed in response to a key switch off input. 2. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein the device is changed.

[7] The apparatus according to [1], further comprising an analog display unit as the status display unit having a pointer, wherein the control unit changes the turning operation of the pointer based on the change data. An instrument drive as described.

[8] A digital display unit is provided as the status display unit that displays the vehicle status using characters or numerals, and the control unit determines the font or size of the display content of the digital display unit based on the change data. 2. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of them is changed.

[9] An operation means having one or a plurality of operation switches, wherein the control means executes a change of a display mode or a display operation of the status display section in accordance with a predetermined operation of the operation means. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein

[10] A digital display unit as the status display unit capable of arbitrarily changing display contents is provided, and the control unit reads the change data from the storage device and displays the change on the digital display unit. 2. The instrument driving device according to claim 1, wherein information on data is displayed.