Composite meter device and composite meter manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a composite meter device, even when different types of gauges are installed, capable of commonalizing components.SOLUTION: A composite meter device comprises a circuit board having a circuit pattern and including a mounting part on which a plurality of light emitting elements are mounted at prescribed parts, a case for supporting the circuit board, and a dial having an instrument design visible by an operator, formed on a front side of the case. The mounting part 22a on the circuit board and a gauge opening part 11 on the case respectively include a plurality of gauge areas A11-A13, A21-A23 or A31-A34 that are sized and positioned according to product specifications. The composite meter device is comprised of a combination of the dial whose instrument design is determined according to the specifications, the case with a common shape and the circuit board with the common shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite meter device and a method for manufacturing a composite meter. [Background technology]

[0002] A combination meter for an automobile, i.e., a composite meter device, is configured so that multiple instruments that detect and display information required by the driver, such as a speedometer, engine tachometer, fuel gauge, and water temperature gauge, are integrated into a common housing and the display contents of each instrument are easily visible to the driver.

[0003] The type, layout, size, and design of the instruments incorporated into each combination meter are individually determined to reflect differences in specifications, such as differences in vehicle model, grade, and destination. Therefore, a wide variety of combination meters are manufactured to suit different specifications.

[0004] However, as the number of types increases, the development costs, parts costs, manufacturing costs, and management costs associated with designing each combination meter also increase. Therefore, for example, the display device in Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for reducing the development and manufacturing costs of display devices by using circuit boards with the same specifications among multiple display devices with different lighting color specifications for the lighting parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-10988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the technology of Patent Document 1 is adopted, it is possible to standardize components for multiple types of meter devices with different display colors, thereby reducing costs. However, it is not possible to standardize components for multiple types of combination meters that incorporate different types of gauges (instruments). In other words, since the appropriate size, shape, layout, display color, etc. required for each type of gauge differs depending on the type of gauge, the effect of standardizing components simply to accommodate differences in display color is extremely limited.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a composite meter device and a composite meter manufacturing method that enable parts to be standardized even when different types of gauges are installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following configuration.

[0009] A composite meter device that integrates the functions of multiple instruments for a vehicle, a circuit board having a circuit pattern and a mounting portion on which a plurality of light-emitting elements can be mounted at predetermined positions; a case supporting the circuit board; and a dial forming an instrument design visible to a driver on the front side of the case, the case has a gauge opening that is capable of transmitting emitted light at a portion facing the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case each have a plurality of gauge areas whose sizes and positions are determined in accordance with any one of a plurality of types of product specifications; The instrument is composed of a combination of the dial, the design of which is determined in accordance with one of a plurality of product specifications, the case, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications, and the circuit board, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications. R, Between the plurality of gauge areas, there is formed a dividing area whose size and position are determined in accordance with the corresponding product specifications by not having a gauge design portion of the dial in a portion facing the plurality of light-emitting elements. Combined meter device.

[0010] A composite meter manufacturing method for manufacturing a composite meter device that integrates functions of a plurality of instruments for a vehicle, comprising: When preparing a circuit board having a circuit pattern and a mounting portion on which a plurality of light-emitting elements can be mounted at predetermined positions, a case for supporting the circuit board, and a dial forming an instrument design visible to the driver on the front side of the case, a common gauge opening portion that is capable of transmitting emitted light is formed in the case at a portion facing the plurality of light emitting elements; A plurality of gauge areas, the sizes and positions of which are determined in accordance with any one of a plurality of types of product specifications, are assigned to the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case, respectively. At the same time, Between the plurality of gauge areas, there is formed a partition area whose size and position are determined in accordance with the corresponding product specifications by not having a gauge design portion of the dial in a portion facing the plurality of light-emitting elements; Multiple types The aforementioned The dial, the instrument design of which is determined in accordance with any one of the product specifications; The aforementioned The case has a common shape regardless of the product specifications, The aforementioned and the circuit board having a common shape regardless of product specifications. Composite meter manufacturing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The combined meter device and combined meter manufacturing method of the present invention enable the use of common components for the case and circuit board even when different types of gauges are installed, thereby reducing the development costs, component costs, manufacturing costs, and management costs associated with designing a combination meter.

[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a combination meter device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are front views showing the appearance of different types of combination meter devices. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing some of the main components that make up the combination meter device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a part of the exterior of the combination meter device. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are front views showing the case and the meter circuit board, respectively. [Figure 6] 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are front views showing examples of gauge area allocation states in different types of combination meter devices. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing examples of the appearance of various gauges. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a processing procedure for designing a combination meter device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a processing procedure for manufacturing a combination meter device. [Figure 10] 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) are front views showing the appearance, case, and meter circuit board of a combination meter having a general configuration, respectively. [Figure 11] 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c) are front views showing the appearance, case, and meter circuit board of a combination meter having a general configuration, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a combination meter device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This combination meter device 10 corresponds to the composite meter device of the present invention.

[0016] 1, the combination meter device 10 has a speed display section 12 near its center. Also, a composite gauge section 11 having a relatively large and almost uniform width is formed along a circular or elliptical arc-shaped portion of the upper half of the device, which is centered around the speed display section 12 and surrounds the outside of the device.

[0017] The speed display unit 12 has a function of displaying the vehicle's traveling speed [km / h] as a three-digit number. In addition, an odometer 13 is disposed below the speed display unit 12. The odometer 13 has a function of displaying the vehicle's total traveling distance and the distance traveled per section [km].

[0018] Additionally, a right-side warning display section 14 and a left-side warning display section 15 are located to the right and left of the speedometer 12 and odometer 13. Each of the right-side warning display section 14 and the left-side warning display section 15 has a number of icons that can be used to display different warnings.

[0019] In addition, the composite gauge section 11 has a large number of small rectangular transmitted light display sections 11c arranged at substantially equal intervals and substantially continuously along the arc shape from end 11a to end 11b.

[0020] In reality, the light emitted from each of the many light-emitting elements arranged on the back side of the device passes through the openings of each transmitted light display unit 11c, and is then visible to the driver through the dial design and the protective front cover. Therefore, by combining the displays of the multiple transmitted light display units 11c of the composite gauge unit 11, it is possible to realize a display function such as an arc-shaped bar graph.

[0021] In the combination meter device 10 of this embodiment, the same composite gauge section 11 can be divided into a plurality of areas for use, and different gauge functions can be assigned to each divided area as needed.

[0022] By assigning the number of divisions, division positions, size of each area, type of function of each area, etc. of the composite gauge section 11, which has a common structure, as needed at the time of design, it becomes possible to use common parts for multiple combination meter devices 10 of different types. Details will be described later.

[0023] 2(a) and 2(b) are front views showing the appearance of different types of combination meter devices 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0024] The combination meter device 10A shown in FIG. 2(a) has three individual gauge sections G11, G12, and G13 in the composite gauge section 11.

[0025] Furthermore, the individual gauge section G11 is arranged in the area on the left side of the composite gauge section 11, the individual gauge section G12 is arranged in the area towards the right of the center of the composite gauge section 11, and the individual gauge section G13 is arranged in the area on the right side of the composite gauge section 11. The individual gauge section G11 has a tachometer / eco-meter indicator function, the individual gauge section G12 has a water temperature gauge function, and the individual gauge section G13 has a fuel gauge function.

[0026] 2(b) has three individual gauge sections G21, G22, and G23 in the composite gauge section 11. The individual gauge section G21 is located in the left region of the composite gauge section 11, the individual gauge section G22 is located in the approximate center region of the composite gauge section 11, and the individual gauge section G23 is located in the right region of the composite gauge section 11.

[0027] The individual gauge section G21 has a function of a water temperature gauge, the individual gauge section G22 has a function of an AT (automatic transmission) shift position indicator, and the individual gauge section G23 has a function of a fuel gauge.

[0028] In other words, the combination meter device 10A in Figure 2(a) and the combination meter device 10B in Figure 2(b) have individual gauge sections G11 to G13 and G21 to G23 that differ from each other in layout, function, size, etc., but both use a common composite gauge section 11.

[0029] The differences in the display content visually recognized by the driver between combination meter unit 10A and combination meter unit 10B reflect the differences in the designs printed on the dials and the differences in the light emission control of each light emitting element on the circuit board. Therefore, common parts other than the dial design and light emission control can be configured using common parts.

[0030] Fig. 3 is an exploded view showing some of the main components that make up the combination meter device 10. Fig. 4 is a front view showing a part of the exterior of the combination meter device 10.

[0031] When the case 21, meter circuit board 22, and dial 23 shown in FIG. 3 are stacked in the thickness direction (depth direction as seen from the driver), a combination meter device 10 having an appearance as shown in FIG. 4 is formed.

[0032] The meter circuit board 22 has a plate-shaped insulating base material made of resin or the like and a circuit pattern made of copper foil or the like attached to the front and back surfaces of the base material. The meter circuit board 22 also has a large number of light-emitting elements 24 mounted on it in a single or multiple rows in a substantially arc-shaped configuration at locations facing each opening of the composite gauge section 11. Each light-emitting element 24 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting monochromatic or full-color light and can emit light toward the top of the board.

[0033] The case 21 can support the meter circuit board 22 by stacking it on its back side or by fixing it with a certain gap between them. The case 21 also has a number of openings 25 in the area of ​​the composite gauge section 11. Each opening 25 penetrates the case 21.

[0034] Each transmitted light display section 11c of the combined gauge section 11 shown in Fig. 1 includes an opening 25. Light emitted from each light-emitting element 24 on the meter circuit board 22 is introduced into the case 21 through the opening 25. This light then passes through the gauge design section 26 of the upper dial 23 and passes through a front cover (not shown), forming an indication that can be seen by the driver, as shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, a function such as the individual gauge section Gx shown in Fig. 4 can be arranged on the combination meter device 10.

[0035] Here, a large number of openings 25 are formed in advance in the case 21, and these openings 25 are arranged in an arc shape that is approximately uniform from the end 11a to the end 11b, like the large number of transmitted light display portions 11c shown in Fig. 1. This allows the case 21 to be used as a common component for both the combination meter devices 10A and 10B shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b).

[0036] The light-emitting elements 24 and the circuit patterns and lands for connecting them are pre-mounted on the meter circuit board 22. The light-emitting elements 24 are arranged in an arc at approximately equal intervals to correspond to the numerous transmissive display sections 11c shown in Fig. 1. This allows the meter circuit board 22 to be used as a common component in both the combination meter devices 10A and 10B shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0037] Note that, during the manufacture of the meter circuit board 22, if the light-emitting elements 24 are mounted only in the areas actually allocated as gauge areas, it is possible to reduce component costs. However, if the light-emitting elements 24 are available at low cost, they may be mounted over the entire area of ​​the composite gauge area 22a, which corresponds to the entire area from end 11a to end 11b of the transmissive light display section 11c. The circuit pattern on the meter circuit board 22 is initially formed so that the through-holes and lands are electrically connected to all positions within the composite gauge area 22a where the light-emitting elements 24 can be mounted. Therefore, simply by mounting the light-emitting elements 24 in the respective positions on the meter circuit board 22, the mounted light-emitting elements 24 can be connected to the electrical circuit of the combination meter device 10 and become ready for use.

[0038] It should be noted that the dial 23 has a unique gauge design portion 26 individually manufactured to suit the differences in the specifications of the combination meter devices 10A and 10B.

[0039] 5(a) and 5(b) are front views showing the case 21 and the meter circuit board 22, respectively.

[0040] The composite gauge section 11 of the case 21 shown in Fig. 5(a) has a number of openings 25 arranged in an arc shape at approximately equal intervals from end 11a to end 11b, similar to the number of transmitted light display sections 11c shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, the case 21 of Fig. 5(a) can be used as a common part in both the combination meter devices 10A and 10B of Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b).

[0041] The composite gauge area 22a of the meter circuit board 22 shown in FIG. 5(b) has a number of light-emitting elements 24 arranged in an arc shape at approximately equal intervals from the end 11a to the end 11b, similar to the number of transmitted light display sections 11c shown in FIG. 1, as well as circuit patterns and lands for connecting them.

[0042] The shape and size of the composite gauge area 22a on the meter circuit board 22 are the same as those of the composite gauge section 11. Therefore, by arranging the case 21 and the meter circuit board 22 so that they overlap in the thickness direction, it is possible to align the positions of the composite gauge area 22a and the composite gauge section 11. Therefore, the meter circuit board 22 in FIG. 5(b) can be used as a common component in both the combination meter devices 10A and 10B in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0043] 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are front views showing examples of gauge area allocation states in different types of combination meter devices 10. FIG.

[0044] 6(a), the composite gauge section 11 and the composite gauge region 22a are partitioned into three regions in the circumferential direction, forming three gauge regions A11, A12, and A13. An empty region is formed as a gap Ag1 between the gauge regions A11 and A12, and an empty region is formed as a gap Ag2 between the gauge regions A12 and A13.

[0045] 6(b), the composite gauge section 11 and the composite gauge area 22a are partitioned into three circumferential sections to form three gauge areas A21, A22, and A23. An empty area is formed as a gap Ag1 between the gauge areas A21 and A22, and an empty area is formed as a gap Ag2 between the gauge areas A22 and A23.

[0046] 6(c), the composite gauge section 11 and the composite gauge area 22a are partitioned into four circumferential sections to form four gauge areas A31, A32, A33, and A34. An empty area is formed as a gap Ag1 between the gauge areas A31 and A32, an empty area is formed as a gap Ag2 between the gauge areas A32 and A33, and an empty area is formed as a gap Ag3 between the gauge areas A33 and A34.

[0047] The gauge areas A11 to A13, A21 to A23, and A31 to A34 shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c) have different sizes and layouts, and therefore, by using different allocations as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), the specifications of the combination meter device 10 can be varied.

[0048] For example, the allocation state shown in Fig. 6(a) can be used when manufacturing a combination meter device 10A with the appearance shown in Fig. 2(a), and the allocation state shown in Fig. 6(b) can be used when manufacturing a combination meter device 10B with the appearance shown in Fig. 2(b).

[0049] 6(a) to 6(c), gaps Ag1 to Ag3 can be placed between adjacent gauge regions as empty spaces, which makes it possible to improve visibility and the texture of the design by leaving spaces between adjacent individual gauge sections G11 to G13 and between G21 to G23, as shown in FIGS.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a front view showing examples of the appearance of various gauges that can be incorporated into the combination meter device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0051] The water temperature gauge 51 shown in FIG. 7 displays information about the water temperature of a vehicle using a bar graph shaped along the left arc of a circle and a design of scale letters such as "H" and "C." The fuel gauge 52 shown in FIG. 7 displays information about the remaining fuel level of the vehicle using a bar graph shaped along the right arc of the circumference and a design of scale letters such as "F" and "E."

[0052] The AT shift gauge 53 shown in FIG. 7 displays information about the shift position of a vehicle's automatic transmission using five position indicators arranged along the upper arc of a circle and the letter designs "P, R, N, D, L" assigned to each position. The AT shift gauge 54 displays information about the shift position of a vehicle's automatic transmission using three position indicators arranged along the upper arc of a circle and the letter designs "R, N, D" assigned to each position. The tachometer / eco indicator 55 displays eco-information related to the vehicle's engine speed and fuel-efficient driving using a bar graph shaped along the left arc of the circle and a scale design of letters such as "0-7." The current gauge 56 displays information about the current flowing through the vehicle's power source using a bar graph shaped along the left arc of the circle and a scale design. The battery remaining capacity gauge 57 displays information about the remaining capacity of the vehicle's battery using a bar graph shaped along the right arc of the circumference and a scale design including letters such as "0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100."

[0053] That is, it is possible to combine multiple types of gauges selected according to the vehicle specifications from, for example, the water temperature gauge 51, fuel gauge 52, AT shift gauge 53, 54, tach / eco indicator 55, current gauge 56, and battery remaining capacity gauge 57 shown in Fig. 7 and assign them to locations in the composite gauge section 11. This makes it possible to realize multiple types of combination meter devices 10, such as the combination meter devices 10A and 10B shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0054] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a processing procedure for designing a combination meter device. The order in which the processes in Fig. 8 are performed can be changed as necessary. The processing procedure in Fig. 8 will be described below.

[0055] The designer determines the product type ID_A of the design target (S11). For example, the difference between the types of combination meter devices 10A and 10B shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b) is represented by the product type ID_A.

[0056] The designer determines the combination of multiple gauges included in the composite gauge section 11 of the combination meter device 10 of product type ID_A based on the basic specifications of the vehicle, the requests of the customer vehicle manufacturer, or the requests of the user who will purchase the vehicle (S12).

[0057] The designer determines the size and layout combination of each gauge included in the combination determined in S12 (S13). The designer allocates the circuits of the light-emitting element groups on meter circuit board 22 to be used by each gauge according to the size and layout combination of each gauge determined in S12 and S13 (S14).

[0058] In accordance with the circuit allocation determined in S14, the designer determines the configuration of a control circuit (not shown) that controls the display of the gauges in each area on meter circuit board 22 (such as turning on / off each element) and the specifications of the program required for that control (S15). The control circuit may be disposed on meter circuit board 22 or may be connected to the outside of meter circuit board 22.

[0059] The designer determines the unique design of the dial 23 used in the combination meter device 10 based on the type, size, and arrangement of each gauge and the specifications of the product (S16).

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a processing procedure when manufacturing a combination meter device. The order in which the processes in Fig. 9 are performed can be changed as necessary. The processing procedure in Fig. 9 will be described below.

[0061] The manufacturer prepares the case 21 and the meter circuit board 22, which are common components regardless of the type of combination meter device 10 to be manufactured (S21). In other words, since the case 21 and the meter circuit board 22 are common components, they can be manufactured and prepared in advance. In addition, the meter circuit board 22 is prepared with light-emitting elements 24 mounted in all positions of the composite gauge area 22a or only in necessary positions, for example.

[0062] The manufacturer manufactures the unique dial 23 to be used for the combination meter device 10 of the product type ID_A to be manufactured in accordance with the design specifications designed in S16 (S22).

[0063] The manufacturer manufactures a control unit (control circuit) capable of performing control in accordance with the specifications of the combination meter device 10 of the product type ID_A to be manufactured (S23). If the control unit requires a program, the manufacturer creates a program according to the specifications determined in S15 and incorporates it into the control unit.

[0064] The manufacturer combines the common parts case 21 and meter circuit board 22 prepared in S21, the control unit manufactured in S23, and the dial 23 manufactured in S22 to manufacture a combination meter device 10 of product type ID_A (S24).

[0065] Therefore, if the combination meter device 10A is designed and manufactured according to the product type, it can have an appearance such as that shown in Figure 2(a), and if the combination meter device 10B is designed and manufactured according to the product type, it can have an appearance such as that shown in Figure 2(b).

[0066] <Comparative Example> 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) are front views showing the exterior, case, and meter circuit board of a combination meter 60X having a general configuration, respectively. FIG. 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c) are front views showing the exterior, case, and meter circuit board of a combination meter 60Y having a general configuration, respectively.

[0067] That is, by combining the case 21X shown in Fig. 10(b) with the meter circuit board 22X shown in Fig. 10(c), a general combination meter 60X with the appearance shown in Fig. 10(a) can be made. Also, by combining the case 21Y shown in Fig. 11(b) with the meter circuit board 22Y shown in Fig. 11(c), a general combination meter 60Y with the appearance shown in Fig. 11(a) can be made.

[0068] In other words, when producing multiple types of combination meters 60X, 60Y with different exterior specifications, it is necessary to select one of the cases 21X, 21Y and the meter circuit boards 22X, 22Y, which are components with different structures, and manufacture them as different products.

[0069] The individual gauge sections GX1 and GX2 of combination meter 60X and the individual gauge sections GY1 and GY2 of combination meter 60Y are significantly different in size, layout, function, etc. Therefore, when making two types of combination meters 60X and 60Y, it is necessary to prepare two types of cases 21X and 21Y and two types of meter circuit boards 22X and 22Y as different parts.

[0070] On the other hand, in the case of the combination meter device 10 of the present invention shown in Figure 1, both the combination meter device 10A of Figure 2(a) and the combination meter device 10B of Figure 2(b) can use a common case 21 and a common meter circuit board 22.

[0071] As described above, the combination meter device 10 according to this embodiment can provide a standard meter that uses the case 21 and the meter circuit board 22 as common components at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, the functions, sizes, layouts, etc. of the multiple gauges mounted on the composite gauge unit 11 can be easily changed to meet the needs of each customer, such as a vehicle manufacturer. It is also easy to prepare a variety of combinations in advance and create a gauge combination selected by the customer.

[0072] For example, by preparing a table in advance showing the possible combinations of gauge types, the colors of each area, etc., the customer can decide the specifications of the combination meter device 10 they wish to order by looking at the table.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. Furthermore, the material, shape, size, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0074] For example, the display color of each gauge visible to the driver can be adjusted by coloring the gauge design portion 26 on the dial 23, but if the light-emitting element 24 mounted on the meter circuit board 22 is a full-color LED, this can also be achieved by changing the control specifications.

[0075] Furthermore, when the specifications of the control circuit that controls the display of the combination meter device 10 are controlled by a program, it is sufficient to install in the control circuit only one program that matches the conditions of the specification selected by the customer. Alternatively, multiple types of programs corresponding to all selectable specifications may be written in advance to the memory of the control circuit, and only some of the programs that match the specifications selected by the customer may be selectively activated.

[0076] Here, the features of the combined meter device and combined meter manufacturing method according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [5]. [1] A composite meter device that integrates the functions of multiple instruments for a vehicle, The instrument panel includes a circuit board (meter circuit board 22) having a circuit pattern and a mounting area (composite gauge area 22a) on which a plurality of light-emitting elements can be mounted at predetermined locations, a case (case 21) for supporting the circuit board, and a dial (23) on the front side of the case that forms an instrument design visible to the driver. the case has a gauge opening (opening 25) that can transmit emitted light at a position facing the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case each have a plurality of gauge areas (A11 to A13, A21 to A23, or A31 to A34) whose size and position are determined in accordance with any one of a plurality of types of product specifications; The instrument is configured by combining the dial, the instrument design (gauge design portion 26) of which is determined according to one of a plurality of product specifications, the case, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications, and the circuit board, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications. Combination meter device (combination meter device 10, 10A, 10B).

[0077] The combined meter device configured as described above in [1] can be used to manufacture multiple types of combination meters with different product specifications by utilizing the circuit board and case as components with a common structure and size, which facilitates reductions in development costs, component costs, and manufacturing costs.

[0078] [2] The gauge opening (composite gauge portion 11) is a single opening having a substantially uniform opening width and a substantially uniform curvature, which is continuous in an arc shape, or a set of multiple openings (transmitted light display portions 11c) periodically arranged in an arc shape (see FIG. 1). The combined meter device according to [1] above.

[0079] With the combined meter device configured as described above in [2], multiple types of gauge areas (A11-A13, A21-A23, or A31-A34) with different orientations and layouts can be allocated within the gauge opening as needed. This makes it easy to determine various specifications, such as the design of the combined meter device, so that it is suited to the vehicle or product specifications or customer requests.

[0080] [3] Between the plurality of gauge areas (A11 to A13, A21 to A23, or A31 to A34), there is a partition area (interval Ag1 to Ag3) whose size and position are determined according to the corresponding product specifications, The combined meter device according to [1] or [2] above.

[0081] According to the combined meter device having the configuration [3] above, the boundaries between adjacent gauge areas are clearly defined, which is expected to improve visibility for the driver when viewing each gauge on the combined meter device.

[0082] [4] A method for manufacturing a combined meter device (combination meter device 10) that integrates the functions of multiple instruments for a vehicle, comprising: When preparing a circuit board (meter circuit board 22) having a circuit pattern and a mounting portion (composite gauge area 22a) on which a plurality of light emitting elements (24) can be mounted at predetermined locations, a case (21) for supporting the circuit board, and a dial (23) forming an instrument design visible to the driver on the front side of the case (S21), a common gauge opening (opening 25) that can transmit emitted light is formed in a portion of the case facing the plurality of light emitting elements; a plurality of gauge areas (A11 to A13, A21 to A23, or A31 to A34) whose sizes and positions are determined according to any one of a plurality of types of product specifications are assigned to the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case, respectively (S12 to S14); The dial, whose instrument design has been determined in accordance with one of a plurality of product specifications (S16), is combined with the case, which has a common shape regardless of the product specifications, and the circuit board, which has a common shape regardless of the product specifications (S24). Composite meter manufacturing method.

[0083] According to the combined meter manufacturing method described in [4] above, multiple types of combined meters with different product specifications can be manufactured using circuit boards and cases as components with common structures and sizes, which makes it easy to reduce development costs, component costs, and manufacturing costs.

[0084] [5] The gauge opening is formed as a single opening having a substantially uniform opening width and a substantially uniform curvature, which is continuous in an arc shape, or a set of multiple openings periodically arranged in an arc shape (see FIG. 1). The method for manufacturing a composite meter according to [4] above.

[0085] According to the composite meter manufacturing method [5] above, multiple types of gauge areas (A11-A13, A21-A23, or A31-A34) with different orientations and layouts can be allocated within the gauge opening as needed. This makes it easy to determine various specifications, such as the design of the composite meter device, so that it is suited to the specifications of the vehicle or product in which it is installed, or the customer's requests. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10, 10A, 10B Combination meter device 11 Composite gauge section 11a,11b end 11c Transmitted light display section 12 Speed ​​display section 13 Odometer 14 Right side warning display area 15 Left side warning display area 21, 21X, 21Y Case 22, 22X, 22Y Meter circuit board 22a Composite gauge region 23 Dial 24 Light-emitting element 25 Opening 26 Gauge Design Department 51 Water temperature gauge 52 Fuel Gauge 53,54 AT shift gauge 55 Tach / Eco indicator 56 Current Gauge 57 Battery Fuel Gauge 60X, 60Y General combination meter A11, A12, A13, A21, A22, A23 Gauge area A31, A32, A33, A34 gauge area Ag1,Ag2,Ag3 interval G11, G12, G13, G21, G22, G23, Gx Individual gauge section GX1, GX2, GY1, GY2 Individual gauge section W Gauge width

Claims

1. A composite meter device that integrates the functions of multiple instruments for a vehicle, a circuit board having a circuit pattern and a mounting portion on which a plurality of light-emitting elements can be mounted at predetermined positions; a case supporting the circuit board; and a dial forming an instrument design visible to a driver on the front side of the case, the case has a gauge opening that is capable of transmitting emitted light at a portion facing the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case each have a plurality of gauge areas whose sizes and positions are determined in accordance with any one of a plurality of types of product specifications; The instrument is composed of a combination of the dial, the design of which is determined in accordance with one of a plurality of product specifications, the case, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications, and the circuit board, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications, Between the plurality of gauge areas, there is formed a dividing area whose size and position are determined in accordance with the corresponding product specifications by not having a gauge design portion of the dial in a portion facing the plurality of light-emitting elements. Combined meter device.

2. The gauge opening is a single opening having a substantially uniform opening width and a substantially uniform curvature, which is continuous in an arc shape, or a set of a plurality of openings periodically arranged in an arc shape. The combined meter device according to claim 1 .

3. A composite meter manufacturing method for manufacturing a composite meter device that integrates the functions of multiple meters for a vehicle, comprising: When preparing a circuit board having a circuit pattern and a mounting portion on which a plurality of light-emitting elements can be mounted at predetermined positions, a case for supporting the circuit board, and a dial forming an instrument design visible to the driver on the front side of the case, a common gauge opening portion that is capable of transmitting emitted light is formed in the case at a portion facing the plurality of light emitting elements; a plurality of gauge areas, the sizes and positions of which are determined in accordance with any one of a plurality of types of product specifications, are assigned to the mounting portion of the circuit board and the gauge opening of the case, respectively; Between the plurality of gauge areas, there is formed a partition area whose size and position are determined in accordance with the corresponding product specifications by not having a gauge design portion of the dial in a portion facing the plurality of light-emitting elements; The dial, the design of which is determined in accordance with any one of the plurality of types of product specifications, is combined with the case, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications, and the circuit board, the shape of which is common regardless of the product specifications. Composite meter manufacturing method.

4. The gauge opening is formed as a single opening having a substantially uniform opening width and a substantially uniform curvature, which is continuous in an arc shape, or a set of multiple openings periodically arranged in an arc shape. The method for manufacturing a composite meter according to claim 3.

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