Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that offers improved flexibility in the placement of design elements and enhanced design aesthetics. [Solution] The display device 1 comprises a circuit board 20, a case 10, and a light-shielding plate 105. The space enclosed by the circuit board 20, the light-shielding plate 105, and the peripheral wall portion 13 of the case 10 is divided into a first section S1 that does not include the center position when viewed from the front of the display device 1, and a second section S2 that includes the center position. When the first electronic component 31 is installed in the first section S1, the second electronic component 32 is installed in the second section at the location of the circuit board 20 that avoids the center position. In addition, a light-transmitting first design portion 106a and a second design portion 106b are formed on the light-shielding plate 105 so as to correspond to the installation positions of the first electronic component 31 and the second electronic component 32.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device having a circuit board on which electronic components are installed.

Background Art

[0002] In a general vehicle display device, in addition to a speed display section, a fuel remaining amount display section, etc., a plurality of indicators (design sections) such as display lights and warning lights are provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, the direction indicator lights belonging to the display lights often have the right-turn display light and the left-turn display light arranged symmetrically left and right (or symmetrically up and down) with respect to the center of the display device. Also, since the high beam display light (lights up when the lights are set to the high state) and the automatic high beam light (lights up when the lights are automatically switched to the high state or the low state according to the presence or absence of an object ahead, etc.) have similar designs, it is desirable to arrange them well-balanced left and right (or up and down) in the display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the number and types of indicators provided in the display device vary depending on the vehicle type and grade, there may be restrictions on the arrangement positions. For this reason, even when indicators with similar designs or indicators with a left-right symmetric (or up-down symmetric) design are provided in the display device, they cannot be arranged symmetrically left and right, etc. with respect to the center of the display device, and there is a risk that the designability of the display device may be inferior.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a display device that can improve the degree of freedom in the placement of design elements and the design quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides a display device comprising a circuit board, a case housing the circuit board, and a light-shielding plate provided in the front opening of the case so as to face the circuit board, wherein the case has a partition wall that divides the space enclosed by the circuit board, the light-shielding plate, and the peripheral wall of the case into a first section that does not include the central position in a front view of the display device, and a second section that includes the central position, and when a first electronic component is installed on the circuit board in the first section, in the second section In this configuration, a second electronic component is installed at a location that avoids the central position of the circuit board, and a first and second design portion having light-transmitting properties are formed on the light-shielding plate so as to correspond to the installation positions of the first and second electronic components. If the first electronic component is not installed on the circuit board in the first section, the second electronic component is positioned at the central position of the circuit board, and a third design portion having light-transmitting properties is formed on the light-shielding plate so as to correspond to the installation position of the second electronic component.

[0008] Here, the first electronic component refers to an electronic component installed on the circuit board in the first section, and the second electronic component refers to an electronic component installed on the circuit board in the second section. Therefore, the first electronic component and the second electronic component refer to electronic components installed in different sections (installation locations) on the circuit board, and the first electronic component and the second electronic component may be the same electronic component or different electronic components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The display device of this disclosure makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in the placement of design elements and the design quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a vehicle meter according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device where one LED light source is installed in section 1 and two LED light sources are installed in section 2. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing the II-II section of Figure 1, where one LED light source is installed in both the first and second sections. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device in which no LED light source is installed in section 1, and only an LED light source is installed in section 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device when a photosensor is installed in the first section and an LED light source is installed in the second section. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device in which a photosensor is installed in the first section and an LED light source and light guide are installed in the second section. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device in which a photosensor is not installed in the first section, and an LED light source and a light guide are installed in the second section. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing an example of the installation of a display device for a vehicle's meter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] An example of the display device described herein will be shown and explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view showing a vehicle meter equipped with a display device. Figures 2 to 4 are cross-sectional views showing cross-sections of display devices with different installation positions for the LED light sources, which will be described later. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device showing the II-II cross-section of Figure 1, where two LED light sources are provided on the circuit board, and Figure 4 shows where only one LED light source is provided.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle meter 100 is equipped with a liquid crystal display 102 capable of displaying vehicle speed information and the operating status of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). A bezel 103 is provided around the display 102. In order to make the bezel 103, which covers the area other than the information display part of the display 102, inconspicuous when a user views the vehicle meter 100 from the front, the bezel 103 is made of a light-shielding material (light-shielding plate).

[0013] A display device 1 is provided at the lower center of the vehicle meter 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The display device 1 is generally composed of a case 10, a circuit board 20, and an edge portion 103.

[0014] The case 10 has a box shape capable of housing the circuit board 20, and a front opening 11 is formed on the front side (upper side in Figures 2 to 4) of the vehicle meter 100 (display 102). The circuit board 20 is installed near the bottom surface 12 of the case 10.

[0015] The edge portion 103 is made of a light-shielding member as described above, and more specifically, it is made by laminating a light-shielding sheet material 105 to the surface of a light-transmitting plate material 104. A light-transmitting design portion 106 can be formed on the light-shielding sheet material 105. Figure 3 shows a state in which two design portions 106a and 106b have been formed. In this embodiment, design portion 106a is referred to as the first design portion, and design portion 106b is referred to as the second design portion.

[0016] The case 10 is installed on the vehicle meter 100 such that the bottom surface of the edge 103 covers the front opening 11 of the case 10. As a result, the bottom surface of the edge 103 faces the circuit board 20.

[0017] In addition, the case 10 is installed at a position where the center (center line) in the front view of the case 10 coincides with the center (center line) in the front view of the vehicle meter 100 (display 102 and edge portion 103). More specifically, the case 10 is arranged such that the center line CLC of the case 10 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) passes through the center of the vehicle meter 100 (display 102 and edge portion 103) and is included in a plane including the center line CLD1 (see FIG. 1) that extends vertically along the screen of the display 102, and is installed on the vehicle meter 100 (edge portion 103).

[0018] The case 10 is provided with a partition wall 15 that at least bisects the internal space of the case 10 (the space surrounded by the circuit board 20, the side wall (peripheral wall portion) 13 of the case 10, and the edge portion 103). The internal space of the case 10 is divided by the partition wall 15 into a first section S1 that does not include the center of the case 10 (the position where the center line CLC passes, the central position) and a second section S2 that includes the center of the case 10 (the position where the center line CLC passes, the central position). In addition to the partition wall 15, the case 10 is provided with other partition walls 16, 16 that are installed near the side wall 13 of the case 10 and partition the space near the end of the circuit board 20.

[0019] Various electronic components are installed on the upper surface of the circuit board 20. For example, as an example of an electronic component, a light-emitting element such as an LED light source is installed. In FIG. 3, an LED light source (first electronic component) 31 is installed on the circuit board 20 in the first section S1, and an LED light source (first electronic component) 32 is installed on the circuit board 20 in the second section S2. As shown in FIG. 3, when the LED light source 31 is installed in the first section S1, the LED light source 32 installed in the second section S2 is installed at a position where the installation position of the LED light source 31 in the first section S1 and the installation position of the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 are line-symmetric with respect to the center line CLC of the case 10 (or point-symmetric with respect to the point O1 on the center line CLC shown in FIG. 3).

[0020] Furthermore, the first design portion 106a described above is formed on the sheet material 105 at a position directly above the installation position of the LED light source 31 (a position corresponding to the installation position of the LED light source 31). In addition, the second design portion 106b is formed on the sheet material 105 at a position directly above the installation position of the LED light source 32 (a position corresponding to the installation position of the LED light source 32). The sheet material 105 has high light-shielding properties, while the first design portion 106a and the second design portion 106b have light-transmitting properties. Therefore, when the LED light source 31 in the first section S1 is lit, the user can see the light that shines through the first design portion 106a. Also, when the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 is lit, the user can see the light that shines through the second design portion 106b.

[0021] On the other hand, when the LED light source 31 in the first section S1 is turned off, the edge 103 is formed of a light-shielding material, and the first section S1 and the second section S2 are divided by the partition wall 15, so that the light from the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 does not enter the first section S1. As a result, regardless of whether the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 is on or off, the user will have difficulty seeing the first design part 106a and will not be aware of the first design part 106a. The same applies when the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 is turned off.

[0022] As described above, in the display device 1 according to this embodiment, the LED light source 31 of the first section S1 and the LED light source 32 of the second section S2 are installed in positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center line CLC of the case 10 (or point-symmetrical with respect to point O1 on the center line CLC shown in Figure 3). Therefore, the first design portion 106a and the second design portion 106b, which are provided in correspondence with the LED light source 31 and the LED light source 32, are also formed in positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center line CLD1 of the vehicle meter 100 (display 102 and edge portion 103) (or point-symmetrical with respect to point O2 on the center line CLD1 shown in Figure 1). As a result, the first design portion 106a and the second design portion 106b, which are visible to the user when the LED light sources 31 and 32 are turned on and off, are visible at positions that are well-balanced to the left and right of the center line CLD1 of the vehicle meter 100, making it possible to improve the design of the vehicle meter 100 (and the design portion 106).

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, when two LED light sources 31 and 32 and two design elements 106a and 106b are provided on the display device 1, they can be arranged in a balanced manner to the left and right of the center line CLD1 of the vehicle meter 100. However, when only one LED light source is installed on the display device 1, a method is generally adopted in which either the LED light source 31 in the first section S1 or the LED light source 32 in the second section S2 is left, and the other is removed from the circuit board 20, thereby limiting the number of LED light sources to one. This is because a common case 10 is often used even if the vehicle models are different, and it is not easy to change the shape of the case 10 or the position of the section walls 15, etc., according to the installation position of the LED light source.

[0024] In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, assuming in advance the case in which only one LED light source is installed, a partition wall 15 is provided such that the two divided sections, the first section S1 and the second section S2, consist of a section (space) that does not include the center of the case 10 (the position through which the center line CLC passes) and a section (space) that includes the center of the case 10 (the position through which the center line CLC passes).

[0025] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the display device 1 in which only one LED light source is installed in the case 10. The LED light source (second electronic component) 33 is installed at the position of the second section S2, which is the center of the circuit board 20 (point O1 on the center line CLC). In addition, a third design portion 106c is formed on the sheet material 105 at a position directly above the installation position of the LED light source 33. By forming the third design portion 106c on the sheet material 105 in this way, the third design portion 106c, which is visible to the user when the LED light source 33 is lit, is visible on the center line CLD1 of the vehicle meter 100, making it possible to improve the design of the vehicle meter 100 (and the design portion 106).

[0026] Furthermore, whether a case 10 is equipped with only one LED light source 33 or two LED light sources 31 and 32, a common case 10 can be used. Therefore, there is no need to prepare multiple cases of different shapes depending on the installation position and number of LED light sources, and the components (case 10) can be standardized. In addition, even when using a common case 10, the design portion 106 can be freely configured, thus increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the design portion 106.

[0027] Furthermore, the design portion 106 (the part that provides light transmission) can be easily formed by printing or other processing on the sheet material 105. Therefore, the formation position of the design portion 106 can be easily changed to correspond to the installation positions of the LED light sources 31 to 33. In addition, even if multiple sheets 105 with different formation positions of the design portion 106 are prepared in advance, there is no risk of increasing the cost of the vehicle meter 100. Moreover, the circuit board 20 can be prepared with a single artwork design for a board with two LED light sources 31 and 32 and a board with only one LED light source 33, thus avoiding the risk of increasing costs by requiring different artwork designs.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 in which a photosensor (first electronic component) 34 is installed in place of the LED light source 31 in the first section S1 shown in Figure 3. Even when a photosensor (first electronic component) 34 is installed as shown in Figure 5, the same case as case 10 shown in Figures 2 to 4 can be used. Furthermore, even if the installation position of the photosensor 34 in the first section S1 is different from the installation position of the LED light source 31 (i.e., the installation position of the photosensor (first electronic component) 34 and the formation position of the first design portion 106a are misaligned with respect to the front direction of the display device 1), by installing a light guide 40, which has been bent so that its lower end is directly above the photosensor 34 and its upper end is directly below the first design portion 106a, in the first section S1, the light incident through the first design portion 106a can be effectively guided to the photosensor 34 without changing the position of the first design portion 106a (without impairing the balance of arrangement with the second design portion 106b).

[0029] Furthermore, it is also possible to install a light guide in the second section S2. By installing a light guide in the second section S2, the light from the LED light source can be effectively transmitted to the design section 106, whether the LED light source is positioned at the center of the circuit board 20 (the position through which the center line CLC passes) when viewed from the front, or at a position away from the center of the circuit board 20 (the position through which the center line CLC passes), making it easier for the user to see.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device 1 shown in Figure 5 with a light guide 41 installed in the second section S2. By installing the light guide 41 in the second section S2, when the LED light source 32 is installed on the circuit board 20, it becomes possible to effectively guide the light from the LED light source 32 to the second design section 106b.

[0031] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, even when the LED light source 33 is positioned at the location through which the center line CLC of the second section S2 passes (position of point O1), it is possible to effectively guide the light from the LED light source 33 to the third design section 106c by using the case 10 and light guide 41 shown in Figure 6 as they are. The same effect is achieved when the light guide 41 is installed in the second section S2 of the display device 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0032] The display device of this disclosure has been described above using a vehicle meter 100 equipped with the display device 1 as an example, but the display device of this disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the display device 1 shown in the embodiment.

[0033] For example, the display device 1 according to the embodiment was described in which the display device 1 is installed on the edge 103 of the vehicle meter 100, but the display device of this disclosure is not limited to a configuration installed on the edge 103. For example, if the display 102 is not a liquid crystal display but a pointer display instrument consisting of a dial and a pointer part, the sheet material 105 of the display device 1 can be molded as a dial, and the display device 1 can be installed in the central part of the vehicle meter 100 (inside the edge 103), thereby allowing the design part 106 to be used as an indicator (indicator light, warning light) provided on the vehicle meter 100.

[0034] Specifically, by using designs for the design section 106, such as the design of the turn signal indicator lights (the same design but reversed left and right) and the design of the high beam indicator lights (similar designs), the left and right arrangement of the turn signal indicator lights, etc. in the vehicle meter 100 can be balanced so as to be symmetrical with respect to the center line CLD1 (or point symmetrical with respect to point O2). Furthermore, by arranging the indicator lights, etc. at a position on the center line CLD1 (or at the position of point O2), the indicators can be balanced and positioned at the center. As a result, when a user views the indicator lights, warning lights, etc., they will perceive the indicators as being balanced, eliminating any visual discomfort with the on / off state of the indicators and improving visibility. In addition, arranging the indicators in this way makes it possible to enhance the design of the vehicle meter 100.

[0035] Furthermore, since a common case 10 can be used even if the indicator placement positions differ, the components (case 10) can be standardized. Also, even when using a common case 10, the degree of freedom in the placement of the design portion 106 can be increased.

[0036] Furthermore, while the embodiment of the display device 1 described the case in which the display device 1 is installed on the lower edge 103 of the vehicle meter 100, the installation position of the display device of this disclosure is not limited to the lower edge 103 of the vehicle meter 100. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the installation position of the display device 1 may be not only at position 50 on the lower edge 103 of the vehicle meter 100, but also at position 51 on the upper edge 103. Even in this arrangement, the two design parts 106 are balanced left and right with respect to the center line CLD1 of the vehicle meter 100, thus achieving the same effect as the display device 1 shown in the embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the display device 1 may be positioned at position 52 on the right edge 103 of the vehicle meter 100, or at position 53 on the left edge 103, and the two design parts 106 may be positioned vertically. Even when the two design parts 106 are positioned in this way, the same effect as the display device 1 shown in the embodiment is achieved by positioning the two design parts 106 in a balanced manner vertically with respect to the center line CLD2 extending to the left and right of the vehicle meter 100.

[0038] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the display device 1, the case in which LED light sources 31-33 and a photosensor 34 are installed as electronic components on the circuit board 20 has been described, but the electronic components installed on the circuit board 20 are not limited to these, and different electronic components may be provided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1...display device 10…cases 11 …(Case) front opening 12 …Bottom (of the case) 13 … (Case) side wall 15, 16 … (Case) partition walls 20 ... Circuit board 31...LED light source (first electronic component) 32,33...LED light source (second electronic component) 34. Photosensor (first electronic component) 40 … Light guide (for photosensor) 41 …Light guide (for LED light source) 50, 51, 52, 53 ... (position of the edge where the display device is installed) 100 ... Vehicle meters 102…Display 103 ...edge 104 ...plate material 105 ... Sheet material 106 ...Design Department 106a ...First Design Section 106b ...Second Design Department 106c ... Third Design Section O1,O2…center point S1 ... Section 1 S2... Section 2 CLD1… (Centerline extending above and below the vehicle's instrument panel) CLD2… (Centerline extending to the left and right of the vehicle's instrument panel) CLC… (Case) centerline

Claims

1. Circuit board and A case for housing the circuit board inside, A light-shielding plate is provided in the front opening of the case, facing the circuit board. A display device comprising, The case has a partition wall that divides the space enclosed by the circuit board, the light-shielding plate, and the peripheral wall of the case into a first section that does not include the central position when viewed from the front of the display device, and a second section that includes the central position. When a first electronic component is installed on the circuit board in the first section, a second electronic component is installed in the second section at a location that avoids the center position of the circuit board, and a first design portion and a second design portion having light-transmitting properties are formed on the light-shielding plate so as to correspond to the installation positions of the first electronic component and the second electronic component. If the first electronic component is not installed on the circuit board in the first section, the second electronic component is positioned at the central position of the circuit board, and a third light-transmitting design portion is formed on the light-shielding plate corresponding to the installation position of the second electronic component. A display device characterized by the following features.

2. The formation positions of the first design portion and the second design portion on the light-shielding plate are point-symmetrical with respect to the central position. The display device according to feature 1.

3. The formation positions of the first design portion and the second design portion on the light-shielding plate are positions that are symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the central position along the light-shielding plate. The display device according to feature 1.

4. The design of the design portion The display device according to feature 1.

5. The first electronic component is an electronic component that has the function of receiving light, The second electronic component is an electronic component that has the function of emitting light. The display device according to feature 1.

6. The first section is provided with a light guide that guides light that has passed through the first design portion and entered the case to the first electronic component. The display device according to feature 5.

7. The formation position of the first design portion and the installation position of the first electronic component are offset from the front direction of the display device. The light guide has a bent shape that connects the formation position of the first design portion and the installation position of the first electronic component. The display device according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned display device is installed in a vehicle meter equipped with a display, The straight line passing through the aforementioned central position is included in the plane that passes through the central position in the front view of the display. The display device according to feature 1.

Images