Disclosed is a pointer-type meter with good uniformity of illumination of a display section even when there are few light sources, and with little or no displacement of each member when positioning is performed. A circuit board provided in the pointer-type meter comprises a first light-emitting element (332a) that emits light in a direction towards a first rotary shaft (3110). The pointer-type meter comprises: a first reflecting unit (321) positioned between the circuit board and a display plate (31) and that surrounds part of the circumference of the rotary shaft (3110) and reflects light towards the outer edge of a speed display unit (311); and a second reflecting unit (322) positioned between the circuit board and the display plate (31) and that reflects the light reflected by the first reflecting unit (321) to illuminate the speed display unit (311).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2011/059346, filed on Apr. 15, 2011, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2010-104387, filed on Apr. 28, 2010, the disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pointer-type meter.

BACKGROUND ART

Desirably, an indication part of a pointer-type meter is uniformly illuminated in view of visibility. For example, a pointer-type meter disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a light source that is disposed near around a rotary shaft to emit light toward an outer edge of an indication panel from the rotary shaft, a reflection part that reflects the light emitted from the light source toward the direction of the indication panel; and other reflection parts that are provided near around the rotary shaft, and has attempted to allow the light from the light source to be diffused and reflected reciprocally by the reflection of the reflection parts such that the indication part is uniformly illuminated.

Furthermore, as an example of a structure of the conventional pointer-type meter, there is a structure in which a plurality of main constituting members are positioned in each member as disclosed in Patent Literature 2.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, at the present time, in addition to the meters disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, a further functional improvement is required.

First, in the meter according to Patent Literature 1, since a main optical path from a light source to an indication part is a path to an indication panel after one-time reflection in a reflection part, if the number of light sources is small, light is not sufficiently diffused, so that the indication part may not be uniformly illuminated.

Subsequently, the meter according to Patent Literature 2 has inconvenience in that it has a structure where a plurality of main constituting members are positioned in each member, and therefore if displacement of each positioning occurs, then displacement of each constituting member is large.

Therefore, the present invention has been achieved in view of the above-described problems, and a first object thereof is to provide a pointer-type meter with excellent uniformity of illumination to an indication part even when the number of light sources is small. Furthermore, a second object thereof is to provide a pointer-type meter with little or no displacement of each member when positioning is performed.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the above object, a pointer-type meter according to a first aspect of the present invention is

a circuit board;

an indication panel that is disposed at a front side of the circuit board and includes a first indication part;

a pointer that points the first indication part; and

a rotary shaft that rotates the pointer, wherein

the circuit board includes a first light source that emits light toward the rotary shaft, and

the pointer-type meter further includes:a first reflection part that is disposed between the circuit board and the indication panel, surrounds at least a part of a periphery of the rotary shaft, and reflects the light, which is emitted from the first light source, toward an outer edge of the indication part; anda second reflection part that is disposed between the circuit board and the indication panel, and reflects the light reflected by the first reflection part to illuminate the first indication part from a rear side.

In order to achieve the above object, a pointer-type meter according to a second aspect of the present invention is a pointer-type meter, comprising:

a first member that constitutes a rear case;

a second member that is disposed at a front side of the first member and has an indication part; and

a third member that serves as a front case that covers the second member and has a transparent member for allowing the indication part to be viewed, wherein

the first member has one or more rod-like positioning members that extend from a bottom surface of the first member in a front direction and reach the third member with passing through the second member, thereby positioning the second member and the third member with respect to the first member.

In order to achieve the above object, a pointer-type meter according to a third aspect of the present invention is a pointer-type meter, comprising:

a first member that constitutes a rear case;

a second member that is disposed at a front side of the first member and has an indication part; and

a third member that serves as a front case that covers the second member and has a transparent member for allowing the indication part to be viewed, wherein

the third member has one or more rod-like positioning members that extend from a bottom surface of the third member in a rear direction and reach the first member with passing through the second member, thereby positioning the second member and the first member with respect to the third member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In accordance with the pointer-type meter according to a first aspect of the present invention, even when the number of light sources is small, the uniformity of illumination to the indication part is excellent. Furthermore, in accordance with the pointer-type meter according to second and third aspects of the present invention, there is little or no displacement of each member when positioning is performed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Below, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment (also includes the contents of the drawings). It is of course that modification (also includes deletion of constituent elements) can be applied to the following embodiment. Furthermore, in the following description, in order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, a description of well-known technical matters will be properly omitted. Moreover, in the drawings, when there are a plurality of constituent elements having the same or similar function, reference numerals are used to designate only a part thereof. Furthermore, in the drawings, for some constituent elements (a light emitting element and a liquid crystal panel), hatching indicating a cross-section is omitted. Furthermore, dots of the drawings are for clarifying a predetermined area, and do not indicate a cross-section.

A pointer-type meter according to the present invention is a vehicle meter1. The structure of the vehicle meter1will be described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 5. In addition, the vehicle meter1is a meter device provided with a speedometer, a tachometer (an engine tachometer), and a fuel gauge. Each of these elements is configured to include a pointer, a stepping motor, an indication part and the like, which will be described later.

The vehicle meter1includes a rear case2(an example of a first member), a meter body3(an example of a second member), and a front case4(an example of a third member). The rear case2and the front case4accommodate the meter body3, and are combined with each other to configure the vehicle meter1. The rear case2is positioned at a rear side of the meter body3, and the front case4is positioned at a front side of the meter body3. Here, the “front” denotes a viewing direction of a user (for example, a driver of a vehicle assembled with the vehicle meter1) with respect to the vehicle meter1when the user views the vehicle meter1from the front side (refer toFIG. 1). On the other hand, the “rear” denotes a direction of the vehicle meter1with respect to a viewpoint of the user (refer toFIG. 1). Furthermore, the upper part (the upper direction inFIG. 2) when the user views the vehicle meter1from the front side is defined as “upper”, and the lower part (the lower direction inFIG. 2) is defined as “lower” in the following description (refer toFIGS. 1 and 2). Furthermore, the right (the right direction inFIG. 2) when the user views the vehicle meter1from the front side is defined as “right”, and the left (the left direction inFIG. 2) is defined as “left” in the following description (refer toFIG. 2).

The meter body3includes an indication panel31, an intermediate member32(configures a so-called middle case), a circuit board33, a liquid crystal panel325(an example of a third indication part), a pointer3111, a pointer3121, and a pointer3131.

The circuit board33is attached to the intermediate member32from the rear side. The indication panel31and the liquid crystal panel325are provided on the front surface of the intermediate member32. In this way, the intermediate member32is positioned between the indication panel31/the liquid crystal panel325and the circuit board32. Furthermore, the intermediate member32is formed with three second through holes320through which positioning members21(which will be described later) pass. The shapes of the three holes will be described in detail later. In addition, the number of holes may be larger or smaller than three without departing the scope of the present embodiment.

The circuit board33includes a plate-like base330, a first stepping motor331for rotating the pointer3111, a second stepping motor (not illustrated) for rotating the pointer3121, a third stepping motor (not illustrated) for rotating the pointer3131, a first light emitting element332a(an example of a first light source), second light emitting elements332b(an example of a second light source), a third light emitting element332c(an example of a third light source), a fourth light emitting element332d(an example of a fourth light source), and other light sources (not illustrated). The first stepping motor331, the second stepping motor, the third stepping motor, the first light emitting element332a, the second light emitting elements332b, the third light emitting element332c, the fourth light emitting element332d, and other light sources (not illustrated) are mounted on the front surface or the rear surface of the base330. In addition, the base330is formed with three third through holes330through which the positioning members21(which will be described later) pass. The shapes of the three holes will be described in detail later. In addition, the number of holes may be larger or smaller than three without departing the scope of the present embodiment.

Furthermore, the circuit board33further includes other electronic parts and the like (not illustrated) mounted on the base330, wherein these electronic parts configure a control circuit for controlling the driving of the constituent elements such as the stepping motor331.

The control circuit receives various control signals from an exterior. In response to the received control signals, the control circuit operates the first stepping motor331, the second stepping motor, the third stepping motor and the like. Furthermore, in response to the control signals received from the exterior, the control circuit allows the first light emitting element332a, the second light emitting elements332b, the third light emitting element332c, the fourth light emitting element332d, other light sources and the like to emit light at a proper timing.

The first stepping motor331has a rotary shaft3110that is mounted on the rear surface of the base330, and extends to the front surface side of the base330with passing through the through hole formed in the base330. The rotary shaft3110is provided with the pointer3111. The control circuit operates the stepping motor331based on a control signal that is received from the exterior and corresponds to a vehicle speed. In this way, the stepping motor331rotates the rotary shaft3110at an angle (a rotational angle) corresponding to the vehicle speed, thereby rotating the pointer3111by the rotational angle.

The second stepping motor has a rotary shaft3120that is mounted on the rear surface of the base330, and extends to the front surface side of the base330with passing through the through hole formed in the base330. The rotary shaft3120is provided with the pointer3121. The control circuit operates the second stepping motor based on a control signal that is received from the exterior and corresponds to the RPM of an engine. In this way, the second stepping motor rotates the rotary shaft3120at an angle (a rotational angle) corresponding to the RPM of an engine, thereby rotating the pointer3121by the rotational angle.

The third stepping motor has a rotary shaft3130that is mounted on the rear surface of the base330, and extends to the front surface side of the base330with passing through the through hole formed in the base330. The rotary shaft3130is provided with the pointer3131. The control circuit operates the third stepping motor based on a control signal that is received from the exterior and corresponds to the amount of remaining fuel. In this way, the third stepping motor rotates the rotary shaft3130at an angle (a rotational angle) corresponding to the amount of remaining fuel, thereby rotating the pointer3131by the rotational angle.

The first light emitting element332ais mounted on the front surface of the base330, and is provided outward (at an outer edge side of a speed indication part (an example of a first indication part) which will be described later)311more than a first reflection part321, which will be described later, about the rotary shaft3110when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. The first light emitting element332ais a side-view light source that emits light in a direction (a direction approximately perpendicular to a front and rear direction) toward the rotary shaft3110from the outer edge of the speed indication part311, and for example, is a side-view LED (Light Emitting Diode). The first light emitting element332ais mainly used for illuminating the speed indication part311which will be described later.

The second light emitting element332bis mounted on the front surface of the base330, and is provided inward (at the side of the rotary shaft3110) more than the first reflection part321when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. The second light emitting element332bis a top-view light source that emits light toward (toward the front side) an alert indication part (an example of a second indication part)314, which will be described later, and for example, is a top-view LED. The second light emitting element332bis provided in a plural number (may be one), wherein each second light emitting element332bis used for illuminating each element314aof the alert indication part314which will be described later.

The third light emitting element332cis mounted on the front surface of the base330, and is provided at a position opposite of the first light emitting element332aand provided outward (at a side of the liquid crystal panel325which will be described later, that is, a lower side) more than a third reflection part323, which will be described later, about the rotary shaft3110when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. The third light emitting element332cis a side-view light source that emits light in a direction toward the rotary shaft3110from the position of the opposite side, and for example, is a side-view LED. The first light emitting element332ais mainly used for illuminating the liquid crystal panel325which will be described later.

The fourth light emitting element332dis mounted on the front surface of the base330and at a position in the vicinity of the rotary shaft3110. The fourth light emitting element332dis a top-view light source that emits light toward the front side and for example, is a top-view LED. The fourth light emitting element332dis used for illuminating the pointer3111. Here, the pointer3111is provided with a light guide part (not illustrated), wherein the light guide part receives the light emitted from the fourth light emitting element332d, so that light is emitted through the whole or a part of the pointer3111. In this way, the pointer3111, through which the light is emitted, points the speed indication part311illuminated by the first light emitting element332a, so that it is possible for a user to recognize a traveling speed even in a dark place.

Furthermore, a plurality of other light sources are properly mounted on the front surface of the base330, and are used for illuminating an RPM indication part312and a fuel indication part313which will be described later.

The indication panel31has, as indication parts of vehicle information, the speed indication part311serving as an index part for indicating a vehicle speed, the RPM indication part312serving as an index part for indicating the RPM of an engine, the fuel indication part313serving as an index part for indicating the amount of remaining fuel, the alert indication part314serving as an index part for indicating predetermined alert, and the like. The indication panel31is provided with a plate-like member made of synthetic resin and having a predetermined shape, and a decorative layer formed on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the plate-like member through coating, printing and the like. By the decorative layer, the indication parts are expressed. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the indication parts are expressed by cutout characters (or cutout pictures) and the like, they allow light to pass therethrough. In addition, in another example, the decorative layer may be formed such that surrounding areas of the indication parts allow light to pass therethrough and the indication parts block the light. Even in any case, as will be described later, each of the speed indication part311, the RPM indication part312, the fuel indication part313, the alert indication part314and the like, which are the indication parts, is illuminated by light from the first light emitting element332a, the second light emitting element332b, and other light sources, so that it is possible for a user to view each indication part by whether each indication part is lightened or the surrounding thereof is lightened, even in a dark place. Furthermore, the indication panel31is formed with three first through holes310through which the positioning members21(which will be described later) pass. The shapes of the three holes will be described in detail later. In addition, the number of holes may be larger or smaller than three without departing the scope of the present embodiment.

The speed indication part311is configured by a plurality of scales311aand a plurality of numeral values311b. The pointer3111rotated by the first stepping motor331at a rotational angle corresponding to a traveling speed points the scale311aor between the scales311a(that is, points the speed indication part311), so that it is possible for a user viewing this to understand a traveling speed of a vehicle based on the scales311aand the numeral values311b. The scales311aand the numeral values311bare disposed in an approximately arc shape to surround a part of the periphery of the rotary shaft3110. That is, the speed indication part311is formed in an approximately arc shape to surround a part of the periphery of the rotary shaft3110. In addition, in the present embodiment, the speed indication part311is formed in an approximately semi-arc shape as an example of the approximately arc shape. However, in another example of the approximately arc shape, for example, the speed indication part311may be formed in an approximately quarter arc shape. Furthermore, since it is sufficient if the speed indication part311is pointed by the pointer3111and has a shape capable of indicating a speed, the shape is not limited to the approximately arc shape. For example, other shapes may be employed if they surround a part of the periphery of the rotary shaft3110. Furthermore, since it is sufficient if the speed indication part311is an index part and the like pointed by the pointer3111to allow a user to understand a speed, the speed indication part311may be configured by other components other than the plurality of scales311aand the plurality of numeral values311b.

The alert indication part314is disposed near around the rotary shaft3110. The alert indication part314includes a plurality of symbol marks (an example of elements314aof the alert indication part314) for indicating an alert such as a seat belt wearing sign, a sign indicating that the battery level is low, a sign indicating that the amount of gasoline and the like is small, or a sign indicating that a door is not shut properly. In addition, the number of elements314amay be one.

The RPM indication part312is configured by a plurality of scales312aand a plurality of numeral values312b. The pointer3121rotated by the second stepping motor at a rotational angle corresponding to the RPM of an engine points the scale312aor between the scales312a(that is, points the RPM indication part312), so that it is possible for a user viewing this to understand the RPM of an engine based on the scales312aand the numeral values312b, for example. In addition, in the present embodiment, the RPM indication part312is formed in an approximately arc shape. However, since it is sufficient if the RPM indication part312is pointed by the pointer3121and has a shape capable of indicating the RPM, the shape is not limited to the approximately arc shape. For example, other shapes may be employed if they surround a part of the periphery of the rotary shaft3120. Furthermore, since it is sufficient if the RPM indication part312is an index part and the like pointed by the pointer3121to allow a user to understand the RPM of an engine, the RPM indication part312may be configured by other components other than the plurality of scales312aand the plurality of numeral values312b.

The fuel indication part313is configured by a plurality of scales313aand a plurality of characters313b. The pointer3131rotated by the third stepping motor at a rotational angle corresponding to the amount of remaining fuel points the scale313aor between the scales313a(that is, points the fuel indication part313), so that it is possible for a user viewing this to understand the amount of remaining fuel based on the scales313aand the characters313b. In addition, the characters313bis configured by characters necessary for understanding the amount of remaining fuel, such as F (Full) and E (Empty) as illustrated inFIG. 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the fuel indication part313is formed in an approximately arc shape. However, since it is sufficient if the fuel indication part313is pointed by the pointer3131and has a shape capable of indicating the amount of remaining fuel, the shape is not limited to the approximately arc shape. For example, other shapes may be employed if they surround a part of the periphery of the rotary shaft3130. Furthermore, since it is sufficient if the fuel indication part313is an index part and the like pointed by the pointer3131to allow a user to understand the amount of remaining fuel, the fuel indication part313may be configured by other components other than the plurality of scales313aand the plurality of characters313b.

The intermediate member32is provided with the first reflection part321, a second reflection part322, a third reflection part323, and a fourth reflection part324. The intermediate member32, for example, is configured in a shape, which will be described below, using hard synthetic resin and the like. Each of the first reflection part321, the second reflection part322, the third reflection part323, and the fourth reflection part324, for example, includes a mirror-finished surface of the intermediate member. Here, although the intermediate member32is formed as a single member, this is not a limitation, and may include a plurality of members.

The intermediate member32is provided with an enclosure body327having a shape rising from the base330and surrounding the rotary shaft3110, wherein the enclosure body327has an approximately pentagonal section in shape and includes the first reflection part321and the third reflection part323. The enclosure body327is provided with inner walls327athat partition inner spaces327b, in addition to a tubular outer peripheral wall327c. The inner spaces327bare provided in a plural number such that the rear surface sides of the element314aform the inner spaces327bby the inner walls327ain correspondence with the element314aof the alert indication part314. Furthermore, on the circuit board33, the second light emitting elements332bare mounted in the inner spaces327b, respectively. In this way, if the second light emitting elements332bemit light, since the elements314aof the alert indication part314, which correspond to the inner spaces327bincluding the second light emitting elements332b, are directly illuminated, the elements314aof the alert indication part314are brightly lightened. In addition, since the light does not reach other elements by the inner walls327a, it is possible to lighten only a desired element. Furthermore, the intermediate member32is provided with a wall-like body326having a plate-like shape rising from the base330and corresponding to both ends of the speed indication part311and the lower side of the outer edge of the liquid crystal panel325which will be described later as shown inFIG. 5. Of the wall-like body326, a part (a first part326a) corresponding to both ends of the speed indication part311is formed in an approximately chevron shape so as to be connected to both ends of the second reflection part322when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. Of the wall-like body326, a part (a second part326b) corresponding to the lower side of the outer edge of the liquid crystal panel325is formed in an approximately U shape when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. The second part326bof the wall-like body326and the fourth reflection part324are connected to each other.

The first reflection part321is a part of the side of the first light emitting element332a, and includes a part of the outer peripheral wall327cof the enclosure body327, which approximately faces the third reflection part323. A reflection surface of the first reflection part321is configured by a part (a surface facing the second reflection part322) of an outer peripheral surface of the enclosure body327. In this way, the first reflection part321is provided to surround a part (in addition, in a modification, may be the whole) of the periphery of the rotary shaft3110. The first reflection part321reflects light emitted from the first light emitting element332atoward an outer edge direction of the speed indication part311(that is, toward the second reflection part322which will be described later) when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side (refer to dotted line arrows ofFIG. 3toFIG. 5). In addition, the dotted line arrows ofFIG. 3toFIG. 5represent main optical paths.

The third reflection part323is a part of the side of the third light emitting element332c, and constitutes a lower part (a part of the side of the liquid crystal panel325) of the outer peripheral wall327cof the enclosure body327. A reflection surface of the third reflection part323is configured by a surface (a surface of the side of the liquid crystal panel325) of a lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the enclosure body327. The third reflection part321reflects light emitted from the third light emitting element332ctoward an outer edge direction of the vehicle meter1(that is, toward the side of the liquid crystal panel325) when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side (refer to the dotted line arrows ofFIG. 3toFIG. 5).

The second reflection part322is formed corresponding to the speed indication part311. Specifically, the second reflection part322, for example, is formed at a rear surface side of the speed indication part311according to the shape of the speed indication part311. Furthermore, the second reflection part322approximately faces the first reflection part321. In this way, the second reflection part322is provided to surround a part (in addition, in a modification, may be the whole) of the periphery of the rotary shaft3110. Furthermore, a reflection surface of the second reflection part322is directed to the front side, and has a slope with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front and rear direction. The second reflection part322reflects light having reached the second reflection part322toward the speed indication part311. The speed indication part311is illuminated by the light reflected by the second reflection part322(refer to the dotted line arrows ofFIG. 3toFIG. 5).

The fourth reflection part324is formed corresponding to the liquid crystal panel325which will be described later. Specifically, the fourth reflection part324, for example, is formed at a rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel325according to the shape of the liquid crystal panel325. Furthermore, the fourth reflection part324approximately faces the third reflection part323. Furthermore, a reflection surface of the fourth reflection part324is directed to the front side, and has a slope with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front and rear direction. The fourth reflection part324reflects light having reached the fourth reflection part324toward the liquid crystal panel325. The liquid crystal panel325is illuminated by the light reflected by the fourth reflection part324(refer to the dotted line arrows ofFIG. 3toFIG. 5).

The liquid crystal panel325is disposed at a position opposite to (below) the speed indication part311with respect to the rotary shaft3110. Furthermore, the liquid crystal panel325is electrically connected to the circuit board33. The control circuit of the circuit board33drives the liquid crystal panel325based on the control signal received from the exterior, and allows predetermined information such as a traveling distance to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel325. Furthermore, the liquid crystal panel325is illuminated from the rear side by the light reflected by the fourth reflection part324, and allows light emission, thereby displaying the predetermined information.

Furthermore, the meter body3(particularly, the intermediate member32) is configured such that a first approximately closed space corresponding to the speed indication part311and a second approximately closed space corresponding to the liquid crystal panel325are formed between the indication panel31and the circuit board33. The intermediate member32is for partitioning the first approximately closed space and the second approximately closed space. The first approximately closed space is a space generally surrounded by the indication panel31, the circuit board33, a part of the outer peripheral wall of the enclosure body327including the reflection surface of the first reflection part321, the reflection surface of the second reflection part322, and the first part326aof the wall-like body326. Meanwhile, the second approximately closed space is a space generally surrounded by the indication panel31, the circuit board33, the reflection surface of the third reflection part323, and the second part326bof the wall-like body326. The meter body3(the intermediate member32) is configured to form each approximately closed space described above (refer toFIG. 4), and is configured such that the first approximately closed space communicates with the second approximately closed space, and a gap, through which a part of light emitted by the first light emitting element332aor the third light emitting element332cpasses, is formed (refer toFIG. 5). That is, the intermediate member32is for partitioning the gap. Specifically, when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side, lower corners (lower apexes of an approximately pentagonal shape) of the enclosure body327having an approximately pentagonal shape are separated from bonding portions between the first part326aand the second part326b, so that the gap is formed. Therefore, the first approximately closed space and the second approximately closed space are not closed spaces, but approximately closed spaces.

In accordance with the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, the first reflection part321and the second reflection part322reflect the light emitted from the first light emitting element332a, so that the uniformity of illumination to the speed indication part311is excellent. Specifically, firstly, the first reflection part321reflects the light emitted from the first light emitting element332atoward the outer edge direction of the speed indication part311, and then the second reflection part322reflects the light reflected by the first reflection part321toward the speed indication part311. In this way, it is possible to increase a ratio of light, which is reflected twice or more by the first reflection part321and the second reflection part322, with respect to light having reached the speed indication part311from the first light emitting element332a, thereby improving light diffusion efficiency. With such a structure, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, even when the number of light sources is small, the uniformity of illumination to the speed indication part311is excellent. In addition, in the present embodiment, only one first light emitting element332ais provided. However, it is possible to provide a plurality of first light emitting elements332ato face the enclosure body327(the reflection surface of the first reflection part321) according to necessity. In this case, the plurality of first reflection parts321may be provided corresponding to the plurality of first light emitting elements332a.

Furthermore, the vehicle meter1is configured such that at least a part of light, other than the light reflected by the first reflection part321among the light emitted from the first light emitting element332a, directly reaches the second reflection part322(particularly, both end portions of the second reflection part322), is reflected by the second reflection part322, and illuminates the speed indication part311from the rear side. With such a configuration, both end portions of the speed indication part311(areas far away from the first light emitting element332a) are illuminated by light reflected by the second reflection part322once. Such a configuration contributes to the uniformity of illumination to the speed indication part311.

In the present embodiment, the shape and the horizontal length of the first reflection part321and a positional relation between the first light emitting element332aand the first reflection part321are adjusted such that light, which is emitted from the first light emitting element332aand travels an end among light radially spread when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side, travels an outer side, in the horizontal direction, than an end portion of the first reflection part321, so that a part of the light emitted from the first light emitting element332adirectly reaches the second reflection part322. Here, the horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction.

Particularly, when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side, the first reflection part321projects toward the first light emitting element332asuch that an incident angle to the reflection surface of the first reflection part321of the light emitted from the first light emitting element332abecomes large (refer toFIG. 3) as a distance between the reflection surface of the first reflection part321and the first light emitting element332ais increased. The first reflection part321has such a shape, so that the light emitted from the first light emitting element332ais reflected by the first reflection part321in correspondence with the speed indication part311, and light not reflected by the first reflection part321directly reaches around both ends of the second reflection part322without being blocked by the first reflection part321. Such a shape of the first reflection part321contributes to the uniformity of illumination to the speed indication part311. Furthermore, a virtual line (refer to a double dot and dash line ofFIG. 5), which connects a center position (a position of an apex of the enclosure body327having an approximately pentagonal shape when the indication panel31is viewed from the front side) of the first reflection part321having such a shape to the center of an optical axis of the first light emitting element332a, is matched with a line that connects a center position (a position (a position corresponding to90not illustrated) of an intermediate scale of two scales311acorresponding to “80” and “100” among the plurality of numerical values311binFIG. 3) of the speed indication part311(the second reflection part322) to a position on an axial line of the rotary shaft3110, so that it is possible to effectively illuminate the entire area of the speed indication part311using a necessary minimum number of first light emitting elements332a(a single first light emitting element332ain the present embodiment). In addition, in the present embodiment, since the enclosure body327includes the first reflection part321, the upper shape of the first reflection part321is an approximately pentagon when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first reflection part321may have an approximately circular shape or an approximately polygonal shape if the same effect can be obtained. In addition, when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side, the first reflection part321and the first light emitting element332aare disposed such that a center position (a center position in the horizontal direction) of the reflection surface of the first reflection part321faces the first light emitting elements332a.

Furthermore, the second light emitting elements332bemit light to illuminate the elements314aof the alert indication part314. Particularly, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, since the first light emitting element332ais not provided in the vicinity of the rotary shaft3110and an upper surface of the enclosure body327having the first reflection part321and the rotary shaft3110are not adjacent to each other, it is possible to provide the second light emitting elements332bcloser to the side of the rotary shaft3110than the first reflection part321. In this way, it is possible to provide the alert indication part314that is illuminated by the second light emitting elements332bfrom the rear side. Thus, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of design freedom of the indication panel. In addition, this point is caused by the fact that the first light emitting element332ais positioned outside the enclosure body327.

In accordance with the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, the third reflection part323and the fourth reflection part324reflect light emitted from the third light emitting element332c, so that the uniformity of illumination to the liquid crystal panel325is excellent. Specifically, the vehicle meter1has a structure in which the third reflection part323reflects the light emitted from the third light emitting element332ctoward an opposite side of the rotary shaft3110, and the fourth reflection part324reflects the light reflected by the third reflection part323toward the liquid crystal panel325, and it is possible to increase a ratio of light reflected twice or more by the third reflection part323and the fourth reflection part324, relative to the light having reached the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel325from the third light emitting element332c, thereby improving light diffusion efficiency. With such a structure, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, even when the number of light sources is small, illumination to the liquid crystal panel325is excellent.

Furthermore, the vehicle meter1is configured such that the first approximately closed space corresponding to the speed indication part311and the second approximately closed space corresponding to the liquid crystal panel325are formed between the circuit board33and the indication panel31, the first approximately closed space and the second approximately closed space communicate with each other, and the gap, through which a part of light emitted by the first light emitting element332aor the third light emitting element332cpasses, is formed. Therefore, even when one of the first light emitting element332aand the third light emitting element332csuffers from non-lighting, light emitted from other light emitting elements illuminates, through the gap, the space that suffers from the non-lighting. With such a configuration, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, even when one of the first light emitting element332aand the third light emitting element332csuffers from the non-lighting, it is possible to perform a fail-safe function of allowing a user to view the speed indication part311and the liquid crystal panel325.

In addition, since it is sufficient if the intermediate member32and the like are configured to have the functions as described above, it is possible to properly change the shapes and the like thereof. Furthermore, the speedometer has the configuration of each reflection part in the above description. However, additionally or alternatively, a tachometer, a fuel gauge and the like may have the configuration.

So far, the configuration of the meter body3has been mainly described. Hereinafter, the configurations of the rear case2and the front case4will be described.

The rear case2is made of hard synthetic resin and the like, and is provided with three positioning members21. The meter body3is disposed (accommodated) at the front side of the rear case2.

The front case4includes an attachment member41(a so-called face member) and a transmission member42. The attachment member41is made of hard synthetic resin and the like. Meanwhile, the transmission member42, for example, is made of full-face glass, which allows a visible ray to pass therethrough, or synthetic resin. The attachment member41and the transmission member42are fitted with each other by projections formed at one or both thereof, thereby constituting the front case4. The front case4is disposed to cover the front side of the meter body3and is combined with the rear case2, so that the meter body3is accommodated in the rear case2and the front case4and is protected from dust or collision. A user views movement of each pointer of the meter body3through the transmission member42of the front case4, each indication part (particularly, a lightened part).

The positioning members21are rod-like members and are formed in a round pin shape. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the positioning members21vertically extend from the bottom surface of the rear case2in the front direction, and reach the front case4with passing through the through holes (the first through hole310, the second through hole320, and the third through hole3300) of the meter body3, thereby positioning the meter body3and the front case4with respect to the rear case. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the indication panel31, the intermediate member32, and the circuit board33, which constitute the meter body3, are also passed through by the positioning members21, and are positioned at a time. In this way, by the positioning members21provided to the rear case2, main members constituting the vehicle meter1are positioned and fixed at a time. In addition, in the vehicle meter1according to the present embodiment, the rear case2has the positioning members21. However, in a modification, instead that the rear case2does not have the positioning members21, the front case4may have the positioning members. Furthermore, only a part of the positioning members21may be provided to the front case4. Furthermore, each (inFIG. 2, one hole at the lower side (a hole corresponding to a reference positioning member210which will be described later)) of the first through holes310, the second through holes320, and the third through holes is a round hole having a size approximately coinciding with the positioning member21having a round pin shape. Moreover, some (inFIG. 2, holes formed at the upper right and left sides one by one) of the first through holes310, the second through holes320, and the third through holes are long holes wherein an inner diameter dimension of a hole extending toward the round hole is larger than that of the positioning member21by a predetermined dimension, and an inner diameter dimension of a hole perpendicular to the round hole coincides with that of the positioning member21. Furthermore, longitudinal axes (refer to a double dot and dash line ofFIG. 2) of the long holes intersect with each other at the center of the round hole. In this way, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of assembling efficiency due to a dimension error of parts while maintaining mutual positioning accuracy of the parts, and to simultaneously absorb position displacement of the parts due to a difference (a cold heat cycle) among thermal expansion coefficients between the parts. In addition, if the round hole is a hole fitted around the positioning member21without a play (no permission of the position displacement) or is a notch, the shape thereof is arbitrary, and for example, may be a square hole. Furthermore, if the long holes are holes wherein an inner diameter dimension of a hole permitting a gap with the positioning member21and extending toward the round hole is larger than that of the positioning member21by a predetermined dimension, and an inner diameter dimension of a hole perpendicular to the round hole corresponds to a size for suppressing the gap with the positioning member21, the shapes thereof are arbitrary. In addition, similarly to each through hole of the meter body3, the attachment member41constituting the front case4also has a round hole corresponding to the reference positioning member210, and long holes corresponding to the other positioning members21. Similarly to the round hole, the round hole formed in the attachment member41is a hole fitted around the positioning member21without a play (no permission of the position displacement) or is a notch, the shape thereof is arbitrary, and for example, may be a square hole. Furthermore, similarly to the long holes, if the long holes formed in the attachment member41are holes wherein an inner diameter dimension of a hole permitting a gap with the positioning member21and extending toward the round hole is larger than that of the positioning member21by a predetermined dimension, and an inner diameter dimension of a hole perpendicular to the round hole corresponds to a size for suppressing the gap with the positioning member21, the shapes thereof are arbitrary.

Furthermore, when the vehicle meter1is viewed from the front side, it is desirable that the positioning member21corresponding to the round hole, which is one of the three positioning members21, is disposed between rotary shafts of two pointers for pointing two indication parts (particularly, indication parts for which the accuracy of respectively pointing by the pointers is required). In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2, between the rotary shaft3110of the speedometer and the rotary shaft3120of the tachometer (referring toFIG. 2, between broken lines passing through the rotary shafts), the reference positioning member210corresponding to the round hole is disposed (inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, among the positioning members21, a positioning member disposed as this is defined as the reference positioning member210). The positioning members21, other than the reference positioning member210, are provided to restrict displacement in the rotational direction about the reference positioning member210with respect to the intermediate member32of the circuit board33. By providing the positioning members21in this way, it is possible to restrict displacement in the rotational direction and displacement of a relative position of the intermediate member32and the circuit board33, which may occur when the circuit board33is disposed on the intermediate member32. Thus, in the vehicle meter1, even when a plurality of members mainly constituting the vehicle meter1are positioned and fixed at a time, it is possible to prevent relative position displacement of the members. In this way, since it is also possible to prevent displacement of the indication panel31and the pointer3111, the pointer3121, and the pointer3131of the indication parts, even when they are positioned and fixed at a time, pointer indication standards in a manufacturing process strictly defined are satisfied, so that it is possible to improve a product yield. Furthermore, since the indication panel32has a plate-like member made of synthetic resin, a dimension thereof may be changed according to surrounding environments. In this regard, the reference positioning member210is disposed between the rotary shafts of the two pointers for respectively pointing the two indication parts. Thus, even when the dimension of the indication panel32has been changed, since the dimension of the indication panel32is changed about the reference positioning member210, displacement of each of the two indication parts and the indication of the pointers is reduced. Consequently, the pointer indication standards in the manufacturing process are satisfied, so that it is possible to improve the product yield.

So far, in the embodiment, the pointer-type meter according to the present invention has been described using the vehicle meter1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle meter1may be used in other pointer-type meters, for example, an aircraft meter, a ship meter, a watch and the like.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is available for a pointer-type meter.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST