WO1998032624A1 - Indicator for a car instrument panel - Google Patents
Indicator for a car instrument panel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998032624A1 WO1998032624A1 PCT/KR1998/000016 KR9800016W WO9832624A1 WO 1998032624 A1 WO1998032624 A1 WO 1998032624A1 KR 9800016 W KR9800016 W KR 9800016W WO 9832624 A1 WO9832624 A1 WO 9832624A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- indicator
- main body
- instrument panel
- light
- case
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001678 irradiating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B60K35/60—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
-
- B60K35/215—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
- B60Q3/12—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting onto the surface to be illuminated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
- B60Q3/14—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting through the surface to be illuminated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
- B60Q3/60—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects
- B60Q3/62—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides
- B60Q3/64—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides for a single lighting device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D11/28—Structurally-combined illuminating devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G12—INSTRUMENT DETAILS
- G12B—CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF INSTRUMENTS, OR COMPARABLE DETAILS OF OTHER APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G12B11/00—Indicating elements; Illumination thereof
- G12B11/04—Pointers; Setting-mechanisms therefor
-
- B60K2360/33—
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an indicator for a car
- instrument panel and more particularly, to an indicator for a
- a car instrument panel exactly displays
- Fig. 1 is a front plan view illustrating a instrument panel
- the instrument panel C includes a speed meter, a tachometer, an oil
- thermometer thermometer
- the gauges for use in the car are indicators unlike a
- instrument panel C in a high class car.
- window has a tendency to increase for dignity and aesthetic sense
- Fig. 2 is a partial cut view illustrating an instrument
- the driver has a difficulty in
- cylindrical cold cathode-tube T is mounted on the bottom of the
- an indicator main body which is formed in a fluid
- C is illuminated by other device.
- Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an installation of
- a speed meter SM As illustrated in Fig. 15, there is
- the reflecting member 40 is formed in an
- the light sources 41 and 42 are arranged positions of the reflecting member 40.
- the light sources 41 and 43 are positioned of the reflecting member 40.
- body 45 can be illuminated by the light sources 41 and 42 even
- Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line E-E
- the light from the light source 41 is to be incident upon a first
- portion 43 is reflected again in vertical direction from a second
- the driver can recognize the emitting state of light from the
- the present invention is directed to an
- An object of the present invention is to provide an
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an
- an indicator for a car instrument panel indicating
- a light source L disposed on an upper portion of the
- indicator cap 30 having the light source L, fixed into the dial M to cover the upper portion of the indicator fixing case 10.
- Fig. 1 is a front plan view illustrating a car instrument
- Fig. 2 is a partial cut view of an instrument panel having
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of Fig. 3;
- Fig. 5 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state of an indicator main body according to the first embodiment of
- Fig. 6 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 8 is a separate perspective view of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 11 is a separate perspective view of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an installation of
- Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of Fig. 15,
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 4 is a schematic
- an indicator fixing case As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, an indicator fixing case
- a rotary shaft 11 is
- the indicator fixing case 10 is not restricted in its form, it
- the indicator fixing case has a cylindrical
- the inserted indicator main body 20 is
- the indicator main body 20 is made of transparent or semi-
- the one end of the dial M is disposed to indicate the scale of the dial M.
- portion 21 is mounted to coincide with the center of the
- coating portion doped with color paint is formed to show a color
- the light source L may be mounted over the other end
- the light source is mounted upwardly in the inside
- the indicator cap 30 is formed with a diameter greater than that of the indicator fixing case 10 to cover the upper end of
- indicator cap 30 is formed to overlap a circumferential surface
- cap 30 is fixed into the dial M, and the indicator main body 20
- a reference numeral 35 which is not described represents a
- FIG. 4 is switched on a light.
- Fig. 6 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state
- portion 21 from the light source L is reflected uniformly on the
- shaped reflecting recesses 22 are formed from the indicator
- each of the reflecting recesses 22 has a uniform
- a color paint for determining an indicator emitting color is doped on the upper portion of the indicator
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 8 is a separate
- Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken
- the indicator fixing case 10 is
- main body 20 is mounted between the upper case 12 and the lower
- two or more combining holes 14a are formed.
- One end of the indicator main body 20 is mounted on the
- the indicator main body 20 mounted on one end of the indicator main body 20, the indicator
- main body 20 can easily, stably be mounted between the upper
- portion 24 prevents the light from being dispersed in the side
- the coating portion 24 is formed of an
- the upper case 12 is disposed on the upper portion of the lower case 14.
- the upper case 12 is
- the prominence 12a of the upper case 12 is pierced
- trapezoid form narrowed in upper direction, formed at both sides
- Fourth Embodiment Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
- Fig. 11 is a separate
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken
- the indicator cover 13 made of an opaque material is
- the indicator cover 13 and the upper case 12 are identical to the indicator cover 13 and the upper case 12.
- the oblong hole 13a is formed to
- the light is concentrated on the upper
- Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 10.
- the indicator cap 30 covers the
- the indicator main body 20 is stably mounted between the upper and lower
- the indicator for an instrument panel As aforementioned, the indicator for an instrument panel
- the light is to be directly incident upon the
- the indicator main body is
- present invention has a simple structure, the number of the
Abstract
Disclosed is an indicator for a car instrument panel, which indicates scales of each of dials M on the car instrument panel. The indicator for a car instrument panel includes an indicator main body (20) which moves in rotation direction, an indicator fixing case (10), and an indicator cap (30) having a light source L, for covering an upper portion of the indicator fixing case (10). A rotary shaft (11) of the indicator fixing case (10), an indicator reflecting portion (21) of the indicator main body (20), and the light source L are mounted on the same shaft line so that light from the light source L can be directly incident upon the indicator reflecting portion (21) of the indicator main body (20) without any loss of the intensity of light. In addition, there is provided an opaque light-shielding portion which prevents the light from being dispersed in both sides direction of the indicator main body (20) so as to allow the light to be emitted to only the upper portion of the indicator main body (20), thereby improving indicating definition of the indicator and permitting a driver to easily recognize the indicator.
Description
INDICATOR FOR A CAR INSTRUMENT PANEL
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an indicator for a car
instrument panel, and more particularly, to an indicator for a
car instrument panel which improves indicating definition by
directly emitting light from light sources to only an upper
portion of an indicator main body without loss of the intensity
of light.
Background Art
Generally, a car instrument panel exactly displays
information for traveling state and the operation of a braking
device to have a driver safely drive a car and indicate repairs
and checkup so that any accident can be prevented from occurring.
In other words, for safety driving, various gauges are
mounted in an instrument cluster of a driver's seat to have a
driver easily recognize the state of the car in the course of
driving.
Fig. 1 is a front plan view illustrating a instrument panel
C on an entire surface of an instrument cluster. In general, the
instrument panel C includes a speed meter, a tachometer, an oil
pressure gauge, a fuel gauge, and a water temperature gauge (a
thermometer) .
The gauges for use in the car are indicators unlike a
general measuring instrument and require various requirements
such as simple structure, durability, and resistance against
shock, in particular, stable and exact indicating functions and
legible and ornamental structures.
Recently, there is a provided an instrument panel window
with a black face, which covers an entire surface of the
instrument panel C, in a high class car. Such an instrument panel
window has a tendency to increase for dignity and aesthetic sense
of the car.
Fig. 2 is a partial cut view illustrating an instrument
panel C having an instrument panel window with a black face. The
instrument panel window with a black face, of which
transparency is low, is mounted on the entire surface of the
instrument panel. In this case, the driver has a difficulty in
recognizing the indicator of the instrument panel. Therefore, a
cylindrical cold cathode-tube T is mounted on the bottom of the
instrument panel C to illuminate a dial site of the instrument
panel C so that the driver can definitely recognize the
indicator .
However, an indicator main body which is formed in a fluid
type to indicate the dial and the scale of the instrument panel
C is illuminated by other device.
Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an installation of
an indicator for a conventional car instrument panel, as an
example, a speed meter SM. As illustrated in Fig. 15, there is
a provided a reflecting member 40 of a transparent material on
the bottom of a dial M so as to illuminate an indicator main body
45 by reflecting light from light sources 41 and 42.
In other words, the reflecting member 40 is formed in an
integral form with a base which supports the dial M. There are
provided the light sources 41 and 42 with a certain angle at both
positions of the reflecting member 40. The light sources 41 and
42 emit light to the center of the indicator main body 45 from
each of corresponding positions. Therefore, the indicator main
body 45 can be illuminated by the light sources 41 and 42 even
if it moves in rotation direction.
Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line E-E
illustrating the step of irradiating light from light sources.
The light from the light source 41 is to be incident upon a first
reflecting portion 43 of the reflecting member 40. The light
reflected in horizontal direction from the first reflecting
portion 43 is reflected again in vertical direction from a second
reflecting portion 44 so as to reach an indicator reflecting
portion 45a of the indicator main body 45. The light from the
indicator reflecting portion 45a is reflected on the bottom of
the indicator main body 45 to be emitted upwardly. As a result,
the driver can recognize the emitting state of light from the
indicator main body 45.
However, the conventional indicator for an instrument panel
has several problems in forming the reflecting member 40 from the
light sources 41 and 42 to the indicator main body 45.
As illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, there must be provided
two or more light sources 41 and 42 and reflecting portions for
continuous supply of the intensity of light as the indicator main
body 45 moves to each of scales of the dial M. This complicates
the structure of the indicator for an instrument panel . The
curved reflecting portion 40 also complicates the structure of
the indicator for an instrument panel.
Further, the intensity of light is reduced at the scale
section between the light sources even if the plurality of light
sources are provided. In addition, since the emitting of the
indicator is performed indirectly through each of the reflecting
portions, the intensity of light from the light sources 41 and
42 is reduced. In this respect, it does not matter if the
transparent instrument panel window is used. However, there is
a problem that it is difficult to distinguish the indicator in
case that the instrument panel window with a black face, of which
transparency is low, is mounted.
In order to solve such a problem, there is provided a direct
emitting indicator for an instrument panel, which emits light by
itself. That is, the direct emitting indicator for an instrument
panel is irradiated by itself using the principle of a
fluorescent light or by inserting a small light emitting diode
into the indicator. However, this direct emitting indicator for
an instrument panel has problems that complicate the devices and
increase the number of components. Further, there are problems
that the fluorescent light and the small light emitting diode
have complicated structures and are expensive.
Disclosure of Invention
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
indicator for an instrument panel that substantially obviates one
or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of
the related art .
An object of the present invention is to provide an
indicator for an instrument panel which has a simple structure
and improves its luminance.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an
indicator for an instrument panel which improves indicating
definition by directly emitting light from light sources to only
an upper portion of an indicator main body without loss of the
intensity of light even if it is applied to an instrument panel
with a black face window.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described, an indicator for a car instrument panel, indicating
scales of each of dials M on an instrument panel C, includes an
indicator fixing case 10 having a rotary shaft 11, for being
inserted into a center portion of the dial , an indicator main
body 20 fixably inserted into a side portion of the indicator
fixing case 10, having an indicator reflecting portion 21
inclined with a certain angle at the end of the inserted side
portion, a light source L disposed on an upper portion of the
indicator fixing case 10 to emit light to the indicator
reflecting portion 21 of the indicator main body 20, and an
indicator cap 30 having the light source L, fixed into the dial
M to cover the upper portion of the indicator fixing case 10.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation
of the invention as claimed.
Brief Description of Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in
and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
embodiments of the invention and together with the description
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
In the drawings :
Fig. 1 is a front plan view illustrating a car instrument
panel according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial cut view of an instrument panel having
an instrument panel window with a black face;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state
of an indicator main body according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state
of an indicator main body according to the second embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a separate perspective view of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 7;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a separate perspective view of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 10;
Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. 10;
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 10;
Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an installation of
an indicator for a conventional car instrument panel; and
Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along line E-E of Fig. 15,
illustrating the emitting state of light from light sources.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according the first
embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic
sectional view of Fig. 3.
As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, an indicator fixing case
10 is mounted in a center portion of a dial M attached on a
surface of a car instrument panel C. A rotary shaft 11 is
inserted into the dial M to enable the indicator to move in
rotation direction.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, although
the indicator fixing case 10 is not restricted in its form, it
is desirable that the indicator fixing case has a cylindrical
form of which upper portion is open and the inside has a space.
One end of an indicator main body 20 is inserted into the
indicator fixing case 10. The inserted indicator main body 20 is
fixably attached on an inner surface of the indicator fixing case
10.
The indicator main body 20 is made of transparent or semi-
transparent material. The other end of the indicator main body
20 is disposed to indicate the scale of the dial M. The one end
of thereof inserted into the indicator fixing case 10 has an
indicator reflecting portion 21 inclined with a certain angle.
It is desirable that the center of the indicator reflecting
portion 21 is mounted to coincide with the center of the
indicator fixing case 10.
On the bottom of the indicator main body 20, a bottom
coating portion doped with color paint is formed to show a color
when emitting light.
Further, there is provided a light source L for emitting
light to the indicator main body 20 over the inclined indicator
reflecting portion 21 and the indicator fixing case 10.
Preferably, the light source L may be mounted over the other end
of the indicator main body 20 fixed into the indicator fixing
case 10, that is, over the center of the indicator main body 21
and on the same shaft line as the rotary shaft 11 of the
indicator fixing case 10. In the embodiment of the present
invention, the light source is mounted upwardly in the inside
of an indicator cap 30.
The indicator cap 30 is formed with a diameter greater than
that of the indicator fixing case 10 to cover the upper end of
the indicator fixing case 10. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the
indicator cap 30 is formed to overlap a circumferential surface
of the upper end of the indicator fixing case 10 so as not to
leak light from the light source L outside. At one side of the
indicator cap 30, there is provided a flange 31 to be fixed into
the dial M.
In the present invention as aforementioned, the indicator
cap 30 is fixed into the dial M, and the indicator main body 20
and the indicator fixing case 10 can be moved in rotation
direction.
A reference numeral 35 which is not described represents a
power supply cable for the light source L.
The operation of the indicator for a car instrument panel
according to the first embodiment of the present invention will
be described below.
If a driver operates a switch, a cold cathode-tube T shown
in Fig. 2 or a lamp is operated by power supply so that the dial
M is irradiated and the light source L in the indicator cap 30
shown in Fig. 4 is switched on a light.
As illustrated in Fig. 5, the light from the light source
C is to be directly incident upon the indicator reflecting
portion 21 of the indicator main body 20 without leakage. The
light reflected by the indicator reflecting portion 21 is
reflected on the bottom of the indicator main body 20 to be
incident upon the upper portion of the indicator main body 20 so
that the driver can exactly recognize the indicator. In other
words, since the light from the light source can directly
irradiate the indicator main body 20 without passing through
different steps so that the driver can easily recognize the
indicator with definition.
Second Embodiment
Fig. 6 is a partial view illustrating the reflecting state
of an indicator main body according to the second embodiment of
the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present
invention, the light incident upon the indicator reflecting
portion 21 from the light source L is reflected uniformly on the
bottom of the indicator main body 20. A plurality of sawtooth
shaped reflecting recesses 22 are formed from the indicator
reflecting portion 21 to the other end of the indicator main body
20 at different height.
Preferably, each of the reflecting recesses 22 has a uniform
angle and length. A color paint for determining an indicator
emitting color is doped on the upper portion of the indicator
main body 20. Thus, if the light from the light source L is
reflected upon each of inclined surfaces of the reflecting
recesses 22 through the indicator reflecting portion 21, the
intensity of light with high luminance is vertically reflected
so as to have a driver easily recognize the light of the
indicator .
Third Embodiment
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according to the third
embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a separate
perspective view of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken
along line A-A of Fig. 7.
In the third embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9, the indicator fixing case 10 is
divided into an upper case 12 and a lower case 14. The indicator
main body 20 is mounted between the upper case 12 and the lower
case 14.
There is provided a rotary shaft 11 on the bottom of the
lower case 14. On an upper portion of the lower case 14, there
is provided a space for mounting a bracket 25 of the indicator
main body 20, which will be described below. There is provided
a combining hole 14a, which is pierced in upper and lower
directions, in a predetermined portion of the lower case 14.
Preferably, two or more combining holes 14a are formed.
One end of the indicator main body 20 is mounted on the
upper portion of the lower case 14. Since the bracket 25 is
mounted on one end of the indicator main body 20, the indicator
main body 20 can easily, stably be mounted between the upper
case 12 and the lower case 14. Further, there is provided a
piercing hole 25a in the bracket 25 to correspond to the position
of the combining hole 14a of the lower case 14.
There is provided an opaque light-shielding portion at both
sides of the indicator main body 20. The light-shielding portion
includes an opaque coating portion 24 at both sides of the
indicator main body 20 as illustrated in Fig. 9. The coating
portion 24 prevents the light from being dispersed in the side
direction. In the same manner as the bottom of the conventional
indicator main body 20, the coating portion 24 is formed of an
opaque coating material or an opaque tape. A reference numeral
23 which is not described represents the existing bottom coating
portion.
As illustrated in Fig. 8, the upper case 12 is disposed on
the upper portion of the lower case 14. The upper case 12 is
combined with the lower case 14 through the bracket 25 of the
indicator main body 20. On the bottom of the upper case 12, there
is provided a prominence 12a to correspond to the combining hole
14a of the lower case 14 as well as the piercing hole 25a of the
bracket 25.
Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present
invention, the prominence 12a of the upper case 12 is pierced
through the piercing hole 25a of the bracket 25 and the combining
hole 14a of the lower case 14. The end of the prominence 12a is
caulked or compressed for stable combination of the components.
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the light
which is to be directly incident upon the indicator reflecting
portion 21 of the indicator main body 20 from the light source
is reflected upon the bottom coating portion 23 of the indicator
main body 20. Then, the light is emitted towards only the upper
portion of the indicator main body 20 without dispersing in the
side direction by means of the coating portion 24 having a
trapezoid form narrowed in upper direction, formed at both sides
of the indicator main body 20.
Fourth Embodiment
Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of
an indicator for a car instrument panel according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a separate
perspective view of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken
along line B-B of Fig. 5.
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in Figs. 10 to 12, there is provided an indicator
cover 13 in the upper case 12 to be served as a light-shielding
means which covers both sides of the indicator main body 20,
instead of forming the coating portion 24 at both sides of the
indicator main body 20.
In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 11, there is provided
an oblong hole 13a to insert the indicator main body 20 into
therein. The indicator cover 13 made of an opaque material is
prominently formed in an integral form with an upper case 12.
Preferably, the indicator cover 13 and the upper case 12 are
integrally formed to be inserted or ejected. Both sides of the
indicator cover 13 are closed. The oblong hole 13a is formed to
correspond to the size of the indicator main body 20. After
inserting the indicator main body 20 into the oblong hole 13a and
assembly of each of the components, both sides of the indicator
main body 20 are closed and the upper side thereof is exposed.
In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 13, the indicator
main body 20 is inserted into the indicator cover 13. At this
time, since the oblong hole 13 in the indicator cover 13 has a
trapezoid form in the same manner as the indicator main body 20
and includes an inclined portion narrowed in upper direction with
a predetermined angle, the light is concentrated on the upper
portion of the indicator main body 20, thereby improving
indicating definition.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of Fig. 10.
As illustrated in Fig. 14, the indicator cap 30 covers the
circumferential surface of the upper case 12. The light source
L is disposed to be partially received in the upper case 12.
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the light
which is to be directly incident upon the indicator reflecting
portion 21 of the indicator main body 20 from the light source
is reflected upon the bottom coating portion 23 of the
indicator main body 20. Then, the light is emitted towards only
the upper portion of the indicator main body 20 without
dispersing in the side direction by means of the indicator cover
13 having a trapezoid form narrowed in upper direction, which
covers at both sides of the indicator main body 20.
Therefore, in case that the indicator according to the third
and fourth embodiments of the present invention is applied to the
instrument panel, the light which is to be incident upon the
indicator main body 20 from the light source L is concentrated
on the upper portion of the indicator main body 20 without being
dispersed towards both sides of the indicator main body 20 by
means of the coating portion 24 in the third embodiment or the
indicator cover 13 in the fourth embodiment. As a result,
indicating definition of the indicator can be improved. Further,
the indicator main body 20 is stably mounted between the upper
case 12 and the lower case 14 through the bracket 25.
As aforementioned, the indicator for an instrument panel
according to the present invention has the following advantages.
Since the light source is mounted over the center of the
rotary shaft, the light is to be directly incident upon the
indicator main body, thereby preventing the loss of light due to
indirect reflection. Therefore, the indicator main body is
irradiated with uniform luminance even if the indicator main body
moves to each of the scale of the dial.
Further, since both sides of the indicator main body are
opaquely covered to prevent the light being dispersed in the side
direction of the indicator main body, the light is concentrated
on the upper portion of the indicator main body without the loss
of the intensity of light, thereby improving indicating
definition .
As a result, the indicator for an instrument panel according
to the present invention permits the driver to easily recognize
information appearing on the instrument panel so that value and
dignity of the car as well as its driving safety can be improved.
In addition, since the indicator for an instrument panel of the
present invention has a simple structure, the number of the
components is reduced, thereby improving operating efficiency and
reducing the price.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the indicator for a
car instrument panel of the present invention without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended
that the present invention cover the modifications and variations
of the invention provided they come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An indicator for a car instrument panel, indicating
scales of each of dials M on a car instrument panel C,
comprising :
an indicator fixing case 10 having a rotary shaft 11, for
being inserted into a center portion of the dial M;
an indicator main body 20 fixably inserted into a side
portion of the indicator fixing case 10, having an indicator
reflecting portion 21 inclined with a certain angle at the end
of the inserted side portion;
a light source L disposed on an upper portion of the
indicator fixing case 10 to emit light to the indicator
reflecting portion 21 of the indicator main body 20; and
an indicator cap 30 having the light source L, fixed into
the dial M to cover the upper portion of the indicator fixing
case 10.
2. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the indicator cap 30 includes a flange 31 fixed
to the dial M.
3. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center of the indicator reflecting portion
21, the rotary shaft 11 of the indicator fixing case 10, and the
center of the light source L are mounted on the same shaft line.
4. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the indicator cap 30 is formed to overlap a
circumferential surface over the indicator fixing case 10 so as
not to leak light from the light source L outside.
5. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 1, wherein on the bottom of the indicator main body 20, a
plurality of reflecting recesses 22 are formed from the indicator
reflecting portion 21 to the end of the indicator main body 20
to reflect the light, which is to be incident upon the indicator
reflecting portion 21 from the light source, in upper direction.
6. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 5, the plurality of recesses 22 have uniform angles and
lengths .
7. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the indicator fixing case 10 includes a lower case 14 having the rotary shaft 11 inserted into the center
portion of the dial M, and an upper case 12 combined with the
lower case 14 through a bracket 25 formed between the lower case
14 and the upper case 12, for mounting the indicator main body
20 therein.
8. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 7, wherein the indicator main body 20 includes an opaque
coating portion 24 as a light-shielding means at its both sides.
9. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 7, wherein an oblong hole 13a which is pierced in upper and
lower directions is formed as a light-shielding means of the both
sides of the indicator main body 20 to insert the indicator main
body 20 thereinto, and an indicator cover 13 is prominently
formed in an integral form with the upper case 12 to be inserted
or ejected.
10. The indicator for a car instrument panel as claimed in
claim 7, wherein the upper case 12, the lower case 14 and the
bracket 25 are combined by combining two or more prominences 12a
formed on the bottom of the upper case 12, two or more piercing holes 25a formed on the bracket 25, and two or more combining
holes 14a of the lower case 14, with one another.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR2019970001024 | 1997-01-25 | ||
KR1997/1024U | 1997-01-25 | ||
KR1019970058223A KR19980070077A (en) | 1997-11-05 | 1997-11-05 | Instructions for automotive dashboard |
KR1997/58223 | 1997-11-05 | ||
KR1997/60832 | 1997-11-18 | ||
KR1019970060832A KR19990040456A (en) | 1997-11-18 | 1997-11-18 | Instructions for automotive dashboard |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1998032624A1 true WO1998032624A1 (en) | 1998-07-30 |
Family
ID=27349463
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/KR1998/000016 WO1998032624A1 (en) | 1997-01-25 | 1998-01-24 | Indicator for a car instrument panel |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO1998032624A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009068288A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-06-04 | Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics Gmbh | Indicator display device |
EP2288878A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2011-03-02 | Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc. | Pointer illumination |
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DE2838261A1 (en) * | 1977-09-02 | 1979-03-22 | Nissan Motor | DISPLAY DEVICE |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009068288A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-06-04 | Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics Gmbh | Indicator display device |
EP2288878A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2011-03-02 | Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc. | Pointer illumination |
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