JP4654091B2 - Dial and instrument for vehicle using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dial plate and a vehicle instrument using the dial plate, and more particularly to a dial plate having a light guide plate disposed on the back surface and a vehicle instrument using the dial plate.

  Conventionally, a dial plate that has a light guide plate disposed on the back surface and is illuminated through the light guide plate, and a vehicle instrument using the dial plate have been proposed in Patent Document 1 below. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a conventional dial of this type and a vehicle instrument using the dial. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, this type of vehicle meter 9 is a combination meter in which, for example, a speedometer unit 9a, a fuel meter unit and a water temperature meter unit 9b, a tachometer unit 9c, and the like are integrated. The dial 91, the pointer 92, the main body case 93, and smoke glass that covers the front of the dial 91 are configured. The instrument 9 also includes a motor, an electronic board, a light guide plate, a light source, and the like (not shown) housed in the body case 93.

  On the dial 91, there are formed a scale design 911 and a numerical design 912 corresponding to count values of a tachometer, a speedometer, a water temperature meter, a fuel meter, etc., various walking designs, a direction design, a change lever position design, etc. Yes. These designs are formed by applying, for example, black-color ink 91A to the dial 91 of the transparent fabric 91B with predetermined numbers and symbols omitted.

  Further, the dial 91 is formed with a ring design 913 formed so as to go around the scale design 911 and the numerical design 912. As shown in FIG. 8, the ring design 913 is formed on the top surface of a ring-shaped raised portion that is raised like a bank. The ring design 913 is formed, for example, by applying white color ink to the transparent fabric dial 91. The dial 91 is also provided with an odometer display window for displaying the accumulated travel distance and the like as digital values, a pointer shaft hole (not shown), and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a light guide plate 94 that guides light from the dial light source 95 and illuminates the dial 91 from the back side is overlaid on the back surface of the dial 91. The light guide plate 94 is a diffusion plate or a prismatic light guide plate. The light guide plate 94 has a ring-shaped inclined surface that is inclined along the ring-shaped raised portion of the dial 91.

  The main body case 93 is made of resin, and includes a front cover and a back cover that house an electronic substrate on which a motor, a light source, and various electronic components are mounted so as to be sandwiched from both sides. An attachment piece having a screw hole is formed on the side wall of the main body case 93.

In such a configuration, the light from the dial light source 95 is received by the light guide plate 94 and travels outward in the light guide plate 94 as indicated by R. Thereby, light is supplied to the back side of the dial 91, and the scale design 911 and the numeric design 912 formed on the dial 91 are illuminated. Furthermore, the light that travels through the light guide plate 94 and reaches the inclined surface is also supplied to the ring design 913. Then, the ring design 913 is brilliant with a color tone depending on the paint color, passes through the smoked glass, and reaches an eye point such as a driver.
JP 2003-315110 A

  However, according to the above conventional example, there is a merit that the dial and the ring member can be integrally formed. However, from a decorative point of view, the dial and the ring member are not different from each other. Further, since the light guide plate 94 is in close contact with the back surface of the dial plate 91, the influence of the light emitted from the light guide plate 94 is too strong, resulting in uneven illumination brightness.

  Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, the present invention has an object to provide a dial plate capable of more innovative illumination and capable of suppressing uneven illumination luminance, and a vehicle instrument using the dial. .

  The dial according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is a dial that is formed of a light-transmitting cloth and is used in a vehicle instrument that is illuminated by light from the back surface side. A circular portion or an arc shape corresponding to the rotation range of the pointer, the flat surface portion on which the first printed layer including the first design is formed on the surface side, and a ring shape connected to the outside of the flat surface portion, A slope portion that gradually descends toward the outside, and has a slope portion on which a second printed layer including a second design is formed, and is a connecting portion of the plane portion and the slope portion The bent portion is characterized in that the first printed layer and the second printed layer are formed so as to maintain translucency while leaving a certain width in a ring shape.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the bent portion, which is a connecting portion between the flat surface portion and the inclined surface portion of the dial, has the first printed layer so as to maintain translucency while leaving a certain width in a ring shape. Since the second printed layer is formed, ring-shaped light is emitted from a portion having a constant width in the bent portion.

  The dial according to claim 2, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is the dial according to claim 1, wherein a translucent colored layer is formed on the back side of the bent portion. It is characterized by.

  According to invention of Claim 2, since the translucent colored layer is formed in the back surface side of a bending part, a three-dimensional effect and a metallic tone edge feeling are emphasized.

  The vehicle meter according to claim 3, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, is a vehicle meter using the dial according to claim 1 or 2, and is disposed on the back side of the dial. A light guide plate that emits light from a light source to the back side of the dial, and a part of the light guide plate has a shape in which a gap is maintained on the back side of the bent portion; It is characterized by.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light guide plate that emits the light from the light source to the back side of the dial is disposed on the back side of the dial, and a part of the light guide plate is the back of the bent portion of the dial. Since the air gap is maintained on the side, uneven illumination luminance is suppressed.

  The vehicle meter according to claim 4, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, is the vehicle meter according to claim 3, further comprising another light source for irradiating and illuminating the slope portion. .

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional effect and the metallic edge feeling are enhanced by the light source for irradiating and illuminating the inclined surface portion.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the bent portion, which is a connecting portion between the flat surface portion and the inclined surface portion of the dial, has the first printed layer so as to maintain translucency while leaving a certain width in a ring shape. And the 2nd printing layer is formed. Therefore, ring-shaped light is emitted from a portion having a certain width in the bent portion. Therefore, by effectively using the bent portion, it is possible to realize a novel illumination in which the three-dimensional effect and the metallic edge feeling are emphasized without performing a special design or printing.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the translucent colored layer is formed in the back surface side of the bending part. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a novel illumination in which the three-dimensional effect and the metallic tone edge feeling are more emphasized.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light guide plate that emits the light from the light source to the back side of the dial is disposed on the back side of the dial, and a part of the light guide plate is the back of the bent portion of the dial. The shape is such that a gap is maintained on the side. Therefore, it becomes possible to moderate the influence of the light emitted from the light guide plate and suppress uneven illumination luminance.

  According to invention of Claim 4, it has further another light source for irradiating illumination of a slope part. Therefore, it is possible to provide a novel illumination that further enhances the three-dimensional effect and the metallic tone edge feeling.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of a dial and a vehicle meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of FIG.

  The vehicle instrument 10 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to a combination meter as shown in FIG. 7, but the structures of the dial and the light guide plate are greatly different. However, since the point type and the basic instruction operation are the same as those in the conventional art, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle meter 10 of this embodiment includes a dial plate 1, a light guide plate 2, a case 3, a substrate 4, and a light source 5. Electronic parts such as the front glass, the pointer, and the motor are omitted. The dial 1 is made of polycarbonate made of, for example, a translucent fabric, and basically includes a slope portion 11 and a plane portion 12.

  The slope portion 11 is connected to the outside of the flat portion 12 in a ring shape, and has a slope shape that gradually descends toward the outside. A connecting portion between the slope portion 11 and the flat portion 12 is a bent portion 1E. A dark-colored printing layer 11P (corresponding to the second printing layer in the claims) including the bar-shaped scale design 11A (corresponding to the second design in the claims) is formed on the surface side of the slope portion 11. Specifically, the slope portion 11 is formed by removing the scale design 11A from the dark print layer 11P as a base. The scale design 11A is formed by, for example, blue printing.

  The flat surface portion 12 has a circular shape or an arc shape corresponding to a rotation range of a pointer (not shown), and includes a dark color printed layer 12P (corresponding to the first design in the claims) on the surface side. (Corresponding to the first printed layer). Specifically, the flat surface portion 12 is formed by hollowing out a numerical design 12A based on a dark color printing layer 12P. The numerical design 12A is formed by, for example, white printing.

  The printing layer 11P of the inclined surface portion 11 and the printing layer 12P of the flat surface portion 12 are formed so as to maintain translucency while leaving a certain width in a ring shape. That is, the bent portion 1E, which is a connecting portion between the inclined surface portion 11 and the flat surface portion 12, has the printed layer 11P and the printed layer 12P so that the translucency of the dial fabric is maintained while leaving a certain width in a ring shape. And are formed. Therefore, ring-shaped light is emitted from the constant width portion of the bent portion 1E. Therefore, by effectively using the bent portion 1E, it is possible to realize a novel illumination in which a three-dimensional effect and a metallic edge feeling are emphasized without performing a special design or printing.

  The light guide plate 2 is a resin-made prism-like plate member. The light guide plate 2 has a planar shape similar to that of the dial plate 1, is arranged on the back side of the dial plate 1, and emits light from the light source 5 arranged on the substrate 4 to the back side of the dial plate 1. . The edge of the light guide plate 2 is shaped such that the gap G is maintained on the back side of the bent portion 1E. For example, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, it is a taper shape with a two-step slope. Due to the gap G, the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 is not directly applied to the back surface of the dial plate 1, so that uneven illumination luminance is suppressed. In addition, texture patterns 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C are formed on this edge portion of the light guide plate 2. These uneven patterns 2A to 2C further suppress uneven illumination luminance.

  Near the center of the light guide plate 2, a light receiving unit 21 is provided for efficiently collecting light from the light source 5. The light receiving unit 21 is formed so as to be close to and face the light source 5. The light guide plate 2 is held by a part of the case 3 and arranged on the back side of the dial 1.

  The case 3 is made of resin and constitutes the outer shape of the vehicle instrument 10 and houses a motor (not shown), a light source 5, a substrate 4 on which various electronic components are mounted, and the like. For example, an LED (light emitting diode) is used as the light source 5.

  Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the dial plate and the vehicle instrument having such a configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dial and the vehicle meter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional shape according to the cross-sectional perspective view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light from the light source 5 enters the light receiving unit 21, repeatedly reflects the inner wall of the light guide plate 2, and travels linearly toward the edge in the light guide plate 2. To go. Then, the light is diffused and emitted from the light guide plate 2 by the texture patterns 2A to 2C. A part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 illuminates the slope portion 11 from the back surface, and the other part illuminates the flat surface portion 12 from the back surface. Furthermore, another part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 becomes ring-shaped light from a constant width portion between the print layers 11P and 12P toward the bent portion 1E, as indicated by R in the figure. The dial 1 is pulled out to the driver viewpoint side. By such an action, it is possible to realize a novel illumination in which a three-dimensional effect and a metallic edge feeling are emphasized without applying a special design or printing.

  Subsequently, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of a dial and a vehicle meter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a main part of a dial and a vehicle meter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional perspective views of main parts showing a dial and a vehicle meter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in 2nd-4th embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the said 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in 2nd Embodiment, it replaces with the light guide plate 2 of 1st Embodiment, and has arrange | positioned the light guide plate 2 'by which reflective surface 21' was formed in the lower surface. Further, an auxiliary light source 5 'is added.

  In such a configuration, the light from the light sources 5 and 5 'is repeatedly reflected on the inner wall of the light guide plate 2' and proceeds linearly toward the edge in the light guide plate 2 '. The part 11 and the plane part 12 are illuminated from the back surface. Further, as shown by R in the drawing, a part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 ′ is reflected by the reflecting surface 21 ′ and has a constant width between the print layers 11P and 12P toward the bent portion 1E. From the portion, it becomes ring-shaped light and passes through the dial 1 toward the driver viewpoint. By such an action, a novel illumination that further enhances the three-dimensional feeling and the metallic tone edge feeling becomes possible. In particular, the vicinity of the bent portion 1E can be illuminated in a ring shape more efficiently by the reflecting surface 21 'in which the reflected light is directed to the bent portion 1E.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the third embodiment, instead of the light guide plate 2 of the first embodiment, a light guide plate 2 ″ in which a concave portion 22 is provided on the lower surface and a light control printing layer 23 is formed is provided. In addition, a dedicated light source 5 ″ is added.

  In such a configuration, the light from the light source 5 is repeatedly reflected on the inner wall of the light guide plate 2 ″ as described above, and proceeds linearly toward the edge in the light guide plate 2 ″. The slope part 11 and the plane part 12 are illuminated from the back surface. Further, a part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 ″ becomes ring-shaped light from the constant width portion between the print layers 11P and 12P toward the bent portion 1E, and the dial plate 1 is placed on the driver viewpoint side. In addition to this, the light from the dedicated light source 5 ″ is directly ringed from the constant width portion between the printing layers 11P and 12P toward the bent portion 1E, as indicated by R in the figure. The dial 1 passes through the dial 1 toward the driver viewpoint. By such an action, a novel illumination that further enhances the three-dimensional effect and the metallic edge feeling becomes possible.

  Furthermore, as shown to FIG. 6 (A) and FIG. 6 (B), in 4th Embodiment, the translucent colored layer 1P is provided in the back surface side of the bending part 1E of the dial 1 of 1st Embodiment. Is formed. Further, another light source 5X for irradiating and illuminating the inclined surface portion 11 is further arranged. Further, the printed layers 12P and 11P and the colored layer 1P are lightened in this order. In particular, the color layer 1P is made to use as light a color as possible.

  In such a configuration, the light from the light source 5 is repeatedly reflected on the inner wall of the light guide plate 2 as described above, and proceeds linearly toward the edge in the light guide plate 2, and the slope portion. 11 and the plane part 12 are illuminated from the back surface. Further, a part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 becomes ring-shaped light from a constant width portion between the print layers 11P and 12P through the colored layer 1P toward the bent portion 1E and becomes the dial plate 1. Exit to the driver viewpoint side. Further, the light from the light source 5X irradiates the slope portion 11. By this irradiation and the contrast and contrast of each of the above layers, a novel illumination that further enhances the three-dimensional effect and the metallic edge feeling becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, ring-shaped light is emitted from the constant width portion of the bent portion 1E of the dial 1. Therefore, by effectively using the bent portion 1E, it is possible to realize a novel illumination in which a three-dimensional effect and a metallic edge feeling are emphasized without performing a special design or printing. Further, a part of the light guide plate 2 has such a shape that the gap G is maintained on the back side of the bent portion 1E of the dial 1. Therefore, it is possible to moderate the influence of the light emitted from the light guide plate 2 and suppress uneven illumination luminance.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, a texture pattern may be formed on the light guide plate as in the first embodiment. Moreover, you may form the same colored layer as 4th Embodiment in the light-guide plate of 1st Embodiment.

It is a principal part section perspective view showing a dial and a vehicle meter concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is an expanded sectional perspective view of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action in the dial plate and vehicle meter which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part cross-section perspective view which shows the dial and vehicle instrument which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part cross-sectional perspective view which shows the dial and vehicle instrument which concern on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional perspective views of main parts showing a dial and a vehicle meter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows this kind of conventional dial plate and the instrument for vehicles using the same. It is principal part sectional drawing of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dial 2 Light-guide plate 3 Case 4 Board | substrate 10 Vehicle instrument 11 Slope part 12 Plane part 1E Bending part 2A-2C Wrinkle pattern

Claims (4)

A dial that is formed of a light-transmitting cloth and is used in a vehicle instrument that is illuminated by light from the back side,
A circular or arcuate shape corresponding to the rotation range of the pointer, and a flat surface portion on which the first printed layer including the first design is formed on the surface side;
An inclined surface connected to the outside of the flat portion in a ring shape and gradually descending toward the outside, wherein a second printed layer including a second design is formed;
Have
The first printed layer and the second printed layer are formed so that the bent portion, which is a connecting portion of the flat surface portion and the inclined surface portion, has a certain width in a ring shape and maintains translucency. Yes,
A dial characterized by that. The dial according to claim 1,
On the back side of the bent part,
A translucent colored layer is formed,
A dial characterized by that. A vehicle instrument using the dial according to claim 1 or 2,
The light guide plate is disposed on the back side of the dial and emits light from the light source to the back side of the dial,
A part of the light guide plate has a shape such that a gap is maintained on the back side of the bent portion.
A vehicle instrument characterized by that. The vehicle instrument according to claim 3, wherein
Further comprising another light source for irradiating and illuminating the slope portion,
A vehicle instrument characterized by that.

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