Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device with improved convenience.SOLUTION: A display device 10 is mounted in a vehicle 1 that is equipped with an engine 2 and a motor 3 serving as driving sources, and that includes drive of driving wheels 7 and drive of a device 4 other than the driving wheels 7 for the purpose of engine output. The display device 10 displays a meter of the vehicle 1, and changes a color of the meter according to a state of supplying engine output to the driving wheels 7 and a state of not supplying the engine output to the driving wheels 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device mounted on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of driving modes, a technique for changing the display of an instrument panel according to the type of driving mode is known. For example, in a normal mode, the instrument panel is illuminated white, while in a sport mode where the engine is used up to a high rotational speed range or a launch mode for making a sudden start during circuit driving, control for illuminating the instrument panel red has been proposed. By this, it is said that the production effect inside the vehicle cabin is improved and a sporty atmosphere full of a sense of movement can be created (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources, from a practical point of view different from the above-described production effect, it is required to devise the display of the instrument panel. For example, the output of the engine mounted on a hybrid vehicle may be directed to drive the drive wheels or may be directed to drive a device other than the drive wheels (such as a generator). On the other hand, in a conventional hybrid vehicle, it is difficult to visually grasp whether the output of the engine is in a state of being directed to drive the drive wheels or in a state of being directed to drive a device other than the drive wheels (such as a generator).

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a display device that addresses the aforementioned challenges and improves convenience. However, beyond this objective, another objective of this invention is to achieve effects and benefits derived from the various configurations described in the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" section below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed display device can be implemented in the manner or application described below and solves at least some of the above-mentioned problems. The disclosed display device is mounted on a vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources, and whose engine output is used to drive the drive wheels and to drive devices other than the drive wheels, and is a display device that displays the vehicle's meters, characterized in that the color of the meters changes depending on whether the engine output is supplied to the drive wheels or not. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the disclosed display device, the meter color can be differentiated depending on whether engine power is being supplied to the drive wheels or not, allowing the occupant to quickly and easily understand the engine power usage. Therefore, convenience can be improved and the enjoyment of driving can be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the display content of the display unit. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the control procedure during series driving mode or EV driving mode. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the control procedure in parallel driving mode. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows a simplified control procedure. [Figure 6] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the display content of the display unit in series driving mode, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the display content of the display unit in parallel driving mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The disclosed display device is implemented by the following embodiments. The disclosed display device is applied to a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources. The display device displays meters (instruments) that indicate the vehicle's driving status. These meters include, for example, a speedometer, power meter, fuel meter, battery meter, odometer, trip meter, etc.

[0010] The engine output used in a hybrid vehicle includes at least the driving of the drive wheels and the driving of other devices. Specific examples of devices other than the drive wheels include generators, hydraulic pumps, and bodywork. In this hybrid vehicle, there are states in which engine output is supplied to the drive wheels and states in which engine output is not supplied to the drive wheels. The disclosed display device has the function of displaying the meter in a color corresponding to the destination of the engine output. In other words, by looking at the color of the meter, it is possible to determine whether or not the engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels. [Examples]

[0011] [1. Structure] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 1 to which a display device 10 is applied as an embodiment. This vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle (hybrid electric vehicle, HEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV). The vehicle 1 is equipped with an engine 2 and a motor 3 that function as a drive source, a generator 4 as a power generation device, and a battery 5 as an energy storage device.

[0012] A plug-in hybrid vehicle refers to a hybrid vehicle that can be charged externally to its battery 5, or to be powered externally from the battery 5 to the vehicle 1. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with a charging port (inlet) for plugging in a charging cable that receives power from a household outlet or external charging equipment, and an outlet for external power supply.

[0013] Engine 2 is an internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. A generator 4 is connected to the drive shaft of engine 2. Generator 4 is a generator (motor and generator) that combines the functions of driving engine 2 with power from battery 5 and generating electricity using the driving force of engine 2. The electricity generated by generator 4 is used to drive motor 3 and charge battery 5. A transmission mechanism (not shown) may be interposed in the power transmission path connecting engine 2 and generator 4.

[0014] Motor 3 is an electric motor (motor and generator) that combines the function of driving vehicle 1 using power from battery 5 or power generated by generator 4, and the function of charging battery 5 with power generated by regenerative power generation. Battery 5 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The drive shaft of motor 3 is connected to the drive wheel 7 of vehicle 1. A transmission mechanism (not shown) may be interposed in the power transmission path connecting motor 3 and drive wheel 7.

[0015] A clutch 6 is interposed on the power transmission path connecting the engine 2 and the motor 3. The engine 2 is connected to the drive wheels 7 via the clutch 6. On the other hand, the motor 3 is disposed on the side of the drive wheels 7 with respect to the clutch 6. Further, the generator 4 is connected on the side of the engine 2 with respect to the clutch 6.

[0016] When the clutch 6 is disengaged (released), the engine 2 and the generator 4 are in a non-connected state with respect to the drive wheels 7, and the motor 3 is in a connected state with respect to the drive wheels 7. Therefore, for example, by operating only the motor 3, an "EV driving mode (motor-only driving mode)" is realized. In addition to this, by operating the engine 2 to generate electricity in the generator 4, a "series driving mode" is realized. The series driving mode is a mode in which the vehicle travels with the driving force of the motor 3 while generating electricity in the generator 4 with the driving force of the engine 2.

[0017] When the clutch 6 is engaged (fastened), the three components of the engine 2, the motor 3, and the generator 4 are in a connected state with respect to the drive wheels 7. Therefore, for example, by operating only the engine 2, an "engine driving mode (engine-only driving mode)" is realized. In addition to this, by driving the motor 3 or the generator 4, a "parallel driving mode" is realized. In this embodiment, the state in which only the engine 2 operates is also included in the parallel driving mode.

[0018] The operating states of the engine 2, the motor 3, the generator 4, the battery 5, and the clutch 6 are controlled by the control device 10 (display device). The control device 10 is a computer (electronic control unit, ECU, Electronic Control Unit) having both a function of controlling the operating states of various devices to manage the driving mode of the vehicle 1 and a function of controlling the content displayed on the meter of the vehicle 1. The control device 10 incorporates a processor (arithmetic processing unit) and a memory (storage device). The content (program) of the control implemented by the control device 10 is stored in the memory, and the content is executed by being appropriately read into the processor.

[0019] A vehicle speed sensor 8 is connected to the control device 10. The vehicle speed sensor 8 is a sensor that detects an angular velocity corresponding to the traveling speed (vehicle speed V) [km / h] of the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed sensor 8 is provided at, for example, a plurality of locations and is arranged near the rotation axes of the drive wheels 7 and other driven wheels. Information on the angular velocity detected by the vehicle speed sensor 8 is transmitted to the control device 10. The control device 10 estimates the value of the vehicle speed V based on, for example, the average value or median value of the angular velocities detected by each vehicle speed sensor 8.

[0020] The driving mode may be arbitrarily selected by the occupant, or may be appropriately selected according to the driving state and operating state of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, when the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value Va [km / h] in the EV driving mode or the series driving mode, a shift to the parallel driving mode is made. Further, when the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the first threshold value Va and the charging rate of the battery 5 is less than a predetermined value, the series driving mode is implemented, and when the charging rate is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the EV driving mode is implemented.

[0021] On the other hand, in the parallel driving mode, when the vehicle speed V becomes less than a second threshold value Vb [km / h] lower than the first threshold value Va, if the charging rate of the battery 5 is less than a predetermined value, a shift to the series driving mode is made, and if the charging rate is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, a shift to the EV driving mode is made. Further, when the vehicle speed V is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb, the parallel driving mode is maintained.

[0022] The values of the above-mentioned first threshold value Va and second threshold value Vb may be preset fixed values, or may be variable values that can be changed according to the situation. For example, the values of the first threshold value Va and the second threshold value Vb may be changed according to the charging rate [%] of the battery 5, the available power amount [kW], the cell temperature [°C] of the battery 5, the depression opening degree [%] of the accelerator pedal, etc. Further, the parallel driving mode, the EV driving mode, and the series driving mode may be selected according to conditions other than the vehicle speed V.

[0023] The control device 10 includes a display unit 11 that displays the meters of the vehicle 1, and a control unit 12 that controls the content of the display unit 11. The display unit 11 displays information related to the vehicle 1, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a projector. The display unit 11 is designed to display information in a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in front of the center of the passenger compartment (in front of the space between the driver's seat and the passenger seat).

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the display contents of the display unit 11. The display unit 11 is equipped with a speedometer 13, a power meter 14, and an information area 15. The speedometer 13 is a meter that shows the vehicle speed V, and the power meter 14 is a meter that shows the output of the engine 2 and motor 3.

[0025] The speedometer 13 is provided with a needle 23 that indicates the value of the vehicle speed V, a scale 24 arranged in an arc shape, characters 22 that represent the numerical values ​​and meanings of the scale 24, and a background 21 that forms the back of this information. The position (direction of indication) of the needle 23 is controlled to point to the numerical value corresponding to the vehicle speed V. In addition, a highlighting area 25 is provided adjacent to the scale 24 to indicate the speed range corresponding to a predetermined use of the engine output.

[0026] The highlighted area 25 represents the speed range in which the driving mode is likely to transition to parallel driving mode when in EV driving mode or series driving mode. It also represents the speed range in which the driving mode is likely to remain in parallel driving mode when in parallel driving mode. In either case, the highlighted area 25 functions to highlight the speed range in which engine output is likely to be applied to drive the drive wheels 7. As shown in Figure 2, the highlighted area 25 illuminates a band in the radially outer area of ​​the scale 24 to highlight the speed range of approximately 90-180 km / h.

[0027] The power meter 14 is provided with a pointer 28 that indicates the output of engine 2 and motor 3, a scale 29 arranged in an arc shape, characters 27 that represent the numerical values ​​and meanings of the scale 29, and a background 26 that forms the back of this information. When engine 2 is not operating, the pointer 28 that indicates the output of engine 2 can be omitted, and when motor 3 is not operating, the pointer 28 that indicates the output of motor 3 can be omitted. In Figure 2, engine output [kW] is displayed as a parameter related to the output of engine 2.

[0028] Info Area 15 is an area for displaying other information. Info Area 15 may display, for example, a fuel meter, battery meter, odometer (cumulative mileage meter), trip meter (section distance meter), etc. Info Area 15 may also display an energy flow screen [see Figure 2(A)] that schematically shows the energy flow transmitted to the drive wheels 7, and a screen [see Figure 2(B)] that shows the current battery charge level and an estimated driving range if all remaining fuel is converted to electricity. The content displayed in Info Area 15 can, for example, be arbitrarily selected by the occupant.

[0029] The control unit 12 controls the display content of the display unit 11. The control unit 12 has the function of changing the color of the meter on the display unit 11 depending on whether engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels 7 or not. Specific examples of the former state include parallel driving mode. Specific examples of the latter state include EV driving mode and series driving mode. Therefore, when the driving mode changes between EV driving mode and series driving mode, the meter color does not change. In this sense, the meter color changes not so much according to the driving mode, but rather according to whether or not engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels 7.

[0030] The specific meter colors to be changed can be set arbitrarily. For example, when engine power is supplied to the drive wheels 7, the meter may be displayed in warm colors (e.g., red or orange hues), and when engine power is not supplied to the drive wheels 7, the meter may be displayed in cool colors (e.g., blue hues or achromatic colors). The meter whose color is changed may be only the speedometer 13, only the power meter 14, only the fuel meter, or only the battery meter. Alternatively, the color of multiple meters may be changed.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 12 may function as follows when changing the color of the meter. • Change the background color, text color, pointer color, and scale color of the meter (collectively referred to as "illumination color"). • Change the color of the highlighted area on the meter. • Gradually change the color of the meter. • The meter color changes according to the vehicle speed. • Simultaneously change the colors of the speedometer 13 and power meter 14.

[0032] For example, only the background color of the meter may be changed, or only the text color may be changed. Alternatively, the needle color, scale color, or highlight area color may be changed, or multiple parts of the illumination color may be changed. Furthermore, instead of abruptly changing the meter's color, the color may be changed gradually over time. Or, the meter's color (hue, saturation, brightness) may be changed according to the vehicle speed V. Also, for example, the timing of changing the background color and the timing of changing the scale color may be different.

[0033] [2. Flowchart] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedures performed in series driving mode and EV driving mode. In step A1, the control unit 12 estimates the vehicle speed V based on the information detected by the vehicle speed sensor 8. In step A2, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is below a first threshold Va (for example, 90 km / h or less). If the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold Va, the process proceeds to step A3, and the driving mode switches to parallel driving mode. This results in the engine output being transmitted to the drive wheels 7. In the following step A4, the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 changes to an orange color scheme, and the control shown in this flowchart ends.

[0034] If the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the first threshold Va in step A2, the control proceeds to step A5. In step A5, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than the value obtained by subtracting the first predetermined value Vx from the first threshold Va (for example, 75 [km / h]). If the condition in step A5 is met, the control proceeds to step A6, where the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 is set to an intermediate color corresponding to the vehicle speed V, and the same driving mode is maintained.

[0035] For example, as shown in Table 1, if the vehicle speed V is in the range of 75-80 [km / h], the meter's color scheme will be navy blue. If it is in the range of 80-85 [km / h], it will be purple, and if it is in the range of 85-90 [km / h], it will be red. In the subsequent control cycle, step A1 is performed again.

[0036] [Table 1]

[0037] If the conditions in step A5 are not met (for example, if the speed is 75 km / h or less), the process proceeds to step A7, where the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 is controlled (or maintained) to a blue color scheme, and the same driving mode is maintained. In the next control cycle, step A1 is performed again. With this control, if the meter's color scheme is blue, it is immediately clear that engine power is not being supplied to the drive wheels 7.

[0038] Furthermore, as the meter's color scheme approaches orange, it becomes immediately clear that the likelihood of engine power being supplied to the drive wheels 7 is increasing. Moreover, when the meter's color scheme becomes orange, it becomes immediately clear that engine power is now being supplied to the drive wheels 7 (the vehicle has switched to parallel driving mode).

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed in parallel driving mode. In step B1, the control unit 12 estimates the vehicle speed V based on the information detected by the vehicle speed sensor 8. In step B2, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is greater than or equal to the second threshold Vb (for example, 70 km / h or more). If the vehicle speed V is less than the second threshold Vb, the process proceeds to step B3, and the driving mode switches to series driving mode or EV driving mode. As a result, the output of the engine 2 is not transmitted to the drive wheels 7. In the following step B4, the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 is changed to a blue color scheme, and the control of this flowchart ends.

[0040] If the vehicle speed V is greater than or equal to the second threshold Vb in step B2, the control proceeds to step B5. In step B5, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is less than the value obtained by adding a second predetermined value Vy to the second threshold Vb (for example, 85 [km / h]). If the condition in step B5 is met, the control proceeds to step B6, where the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 is set to an intermediate color corresponding to the vehicle speed V, and the same driving mode is maintained.

[0041] For example, as shown in Table 2, if the vehicle speed V is in the range of 80-85 [km / h], the meter's color scheme will be red. If it is in the range of 75-80 [km / h], it will be purple, and if it is in the range of 70-75 [km / h], it will be navy blue. In the subsequent control cycle, step B1 is performed again.

[0042] [Table 2]

[0043] If the conditions in step B5 are not met (for example, if the speed is 85 km / h or higher), the process proceeds to step B7, where the color scheme of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 is controlled (or maintained) to an orange color scheme, and the same driving mode is maintained. In the next control cycle, step B1 is performed again. With this control, if the meter's color scheme is orange, it is immediately clear that engine power is being supplied to the drive wheels 7.

[0044] Furthermore, as the meter's color scheme approaches blue, it becomes immediately clear that the likelihood of engine power being supplied to the drive wheels 7 is increasing. Moreover, when the meter's color scheme becomes blue, it becomes immediately clear that engine power is no longer being supplied to the drive wheels 7 (the vehicle has switched to series driving mode or EV driving mode).

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a simpler control procedure compared to Figures 3 and 4. In this flowchart, only the operating status of engine 2 is referenced when setting the meter's color scheme; the driving mode of vehicle 1 is not referenced. In step C1, the control unit 12 determines the operating status of engine 2. In the following step C2, it is determined whether or not engine 2 is running. If engine 2 is stopped, the process proceeds to step C4, and the meter's color scheme displayed on the display unit 11 is controlled (or maintained) to a blue color scheme. On the other hand, if engine 2 is running in step C2, the process proceeds to step C3.

[0046] In step C3, it is determined, for example, based on the state of the clutch 6, whether or not engine power is being supplied to the drive wheels 7. If this condition is met, the process proceeds to step C5, and the color scheme of the meters displayed on the display unit 11 is controlled (or maintained) to an orange color scheme. If the condition in step C3 is not met, it is determined that engine power is being supplied to a device other than the drive wheels 7, and the process proceeds to step C4, and the color scheme of the meters displayed on the display unit 11 is controlled (or maintained) to a blue color scheme.

[0047] In the subsequent control cycle, step C1 is performed again. This control makes it immediately clear that if the meter's color scheme is orange, engine power is being supplied to the drive wheels 7. Conversely, if the meter's color scheme is blue, it is immediately clear that engine power is not being supplied to the drive wheels 7.

[0048] [3. Effect] Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the display contents of the display unit 11 during series driving mode, and Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram showing the display contents of the display unit 11 during parallel driving mode.

[0049] In series driving mode, since engine power is not supplied to the drive wheels 7, the meter's color scheme is controlled to a blue color scheme. For example, the background 21, characters 22, needle 23, and scale 24 of the speedometer 13 are displayed in a blue color scheme. Similarly, the background 26, characters 27, needle 28, and scale 29 of the power meter 14 are also displayed in a blue color scheme. The highlighted area 25 may be displayed in a color other than blue (for example, an orange color) to indicate that the current vehicle speed V is not within the highlighted area 25.

[0050] In this case, as shown in Figure 6(A), if the energy flow screen is displayed in the info area 15, the color of the arrows indicating the energy flow may be set to a blue color to match the color scheme of the speedometer 13 and power meter 14. For example, the color of the arrow from the engine 2 icon to the battery 5 icon may be set to a blue color, and the color of the arrow from the battery 5 icon to the drive wheel 7 icon may also be set to a blue color.

[0051] In parallel driving mode, since engine output is supplied to the drive wheels 7, the meter's color scheme is controlled to an orange color scheme. For example, the background 21, characters 22, needle 23, and scale 24 of the speedometer 13 are displayed in an orange color scheme. Similarly, the background 26, characters 27, needle 28, and scale 29 of the power meter 14 are also displayed in an orange color scheme. The highlighted area 25 may be displayed in a color different from blue or orange (for example, a yellow color) to indicate that the current vehicle speed V is within the highlighted area 25.

[0052] In this case, as shown in Figure 6(B), if the energy flow screen is displayed in the info area 15, the color of the arrows indicating the energy flow may be changed to an orange color to match the color scheme of the speedometer 13 and power meter 14. For example, the color of the arrow from the engine 2 icon to the drive wheel 7 icon may be changed to an orange color. The color of the arrow from the battery 5 icon to the drive wheel 7 icon may remain blue to indicate that the power of the battery 5 (the driving force of the motor 3) is also being used.

[0053] [4. Effects] (1) In the control device 10 (display device) described above, the color of the meter displayed on the display unit 11 changes depending on whether engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels 7 or not. By making the meter color different depending on whether engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels 7 or not, the occupant can quickly and easily understand the purpose of the engine output. Therefore, it becomes easier for the occupant to consider the driving route and refueling points while driving, improving the convenience of the control device 10 (display device) and enhancing the enjoyment of driving.

[0054] (2) When changing the colors as described above, the background color, text color, pointer color, or scale color may also be changed. By changing the colors of these elements, the occupants can easily recognize the color differences, further improving convenience. In particular, since the backgrounds 21 and 26 of the meters have a relatively large area, changing the background color can enhance the visual appeal and draw attention to the fuel level and the charge level of the battery 5.

[0055] (3) When the above color changes, the meter color may be changed gradually. For example, when changing the color from blue to orange, the hue may be controlled to change gradually over time rather than abruptly. Alternatively, in the transient state between when engine output is supplied to the drive wheels 7 and when it is not, the color may be controlled to change through an intermediate color between blue and orange. Such a configuration makes it possible to visually represent that the use of the engine output may change or that the use of the engine output is changing transiently, thereby further improving convenience.

[0056] (4) When the above-mentioned color changes occur, the color of the meter may be changed according to the driving speed of the vehicle 1. For example, as shown in Tables 1 and 2 above, the meter color may be changed to correspond to the vehicle speed V. With this configuration, in a vehicle 1 in which the use of the engine output is changed according to the vehicle speed V, the occupants can accurately grasp the change in use, and convenience can be further improved.

[0057] (5) As shown in Figures 2(A) and 6(A),(B), the speedometer 13 may include a highlighting area 25 that indicates the speed range corresponding to a predetermined use of the engine output. By providing the highlighting area 25, the speed range in which the use of the engine output is likely to change can be visually represented, further improving convenience.

[0058] (6) When the above-mentioned color changes occur, the color of the highlighting area 25 may also be changed. For example, the highlighting area 25 may be illuminated in an orange color during series driving mode, and in a yellow color during parallel driving mode or EV driving mode. With such a configuration, the occupants can quickly and easily understand whether the current vehicle speed V is within the highlighting area 25, further improving convenience.

[0059] (7) The driving modes in the above embodiment include parallel driving mode, series driving mode, and EV driving mode. Furthermore, the color of the meter changes when the driving mode changes between parallel driving mode, series driving mode, or EV driving mode. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the state in which engine output is supplied to the drive wheels 7 and the state in which engine output is not supplied to the drive wheels 7, thereby further improving convenience.

[0060] Furthermore, the meter color does not change when the driving mode changes between series driving mode and EV driving mode. In other words, as long as engine power is not supplied to the drive wheels 7, the meter color remains the same even if the driving mode changes. Therefore, it is possible to accurately distinguish between the state in which engine power is supplied to the drive wheels 7 and the state in which engine power is not supplied to the drive wheels 7.

[0061] (8) When the above-mentioned color change occurs, the colors of the speedometer 13 and the power meter 14 may be changed simultaneously. With this configuration, the occupants can easily perceive the color change, further improving convenience.

[0062] [5. Others] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of these embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from their intended purpose. Furthermore, each configuration of these embodiments can be selected or omitted as needed, or combined with various configurations included in publicly known technologies as appropriate.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a display unit 11 consisting of a liquid crystal display or projector was exemplified, but instead of such a configuration, an analog display unit that shows information by physically rotating a pointer may be used. In this case, the illumination color of the light bulb or LED that illuminates the entire dial of the display unit can be changed, and the illumination color can be changed according to the application of the engine output. With such a configuration, the same functions and effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] [6. Addendum] The following notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiments and modifications. [Note A1] A display device mounted on a vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources, and whose engine output is used to drive the drive wheels and to drive devices other than the drive wheels, the display device for which the vehicle's meters are displayed, The color of the meter changes depending on whether the engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels or not. A display device characterized by the following features.

[0065] [Appendix A2] The background color, text color, pointer color, or scale color of the meter changes. The display device described in Appendix A1, characterized by the above.

[0066] [Note A3] The color of the aforementioned meter gradually changes. A display device as described in Appendix A1 or A2, characterized by the above.

[0067] [Note A4] The color of the meter changes according to the vehicle's speed. A display device as described in any one of the appendices A1 to A3, characterized by the above.

[0068] [Note A5] The meter includes a pointer indicating the vehicle's speed, a scale arranged in an arc shape, and a highlighting area adjacent to the scale that indicates a speed range corresponding to a predetermined use of the engine output. A display device as described in any one of the appendices A1 to A4, characterized by the above.

[0069] [Note A6] The color of the highlighted area changes. A display device as described in Appendix A5, characterized by the above.

[0070] [Note A7] The driving modes of the vehicle include at least a parallel driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the engine output to the drive wheels, a series driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while transmitting the engine output to the generator to generate electricity, and an EV driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while the engine is stopped. When the driving mode changes between the parallel driving mode and the series driving mode or the EV driving mode, the color of the meter changes. A display device as described in any one of the appendices A1 to A6, characterized by the above.

[0071] [Note A8] The display device displays a speedometer indicating the vehicle's speed and a power meter indicating the output of the engine and the motor, The colors of the speedometer and the power meter change simultaneously. A display device as described in any one of the appendices A1 to A7, characterized by the above.

[0072] [Note B1] A display device mounted on a vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources, and whose engine output is used to drive the drive wheels and to drive devices other than the drive wheels, comprising a display unit that displays the vehicle's meters and a control unit that controls the display content of the display unit, The control unit changes the color of the meter depending on whether the engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels or not. A display device characterized by the following features.

[0073] [Note B2] The control unit changes the background color, text color, pointer color, or scale color of the meter. A display device as described in Appendix B1, characterized by the above.

[0074] [Note B3] The control unit gradually changes the color of the meter. A display device as described in Appendix B1 or B2, characterized by the above.

[0075] [Note B4] The control unit changes the color of the meter according to the vehicle's travel speed. A display device as described in any one of the appendices B1 to B3, characterized by the above.

[0076] [Note B5] The control unit causes the display unit to display the meter, which includes a pointer indicating the vehicle's speed, a scale arranged in an arc shape, and a highlighting area adjacent to the scale that indicates a speed range corresponding to a predetermined use of the engine output. A display device as described in any one of the appendices B1 to B4, characterized by the above.

[0077] [Note B6] The control unit changes the color of the highlighting area. A display device as described in Appendix B5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0078] [Note B7] The driving modes of the vehicle include at least a parallel driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the engine output to the drive wheels, a series driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while transmitting the engine output to the generator to generate electricity, and an EV driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while the engine is stopped. When the driving mode changes between the parallel driving mode and the series driving mode or the EV driving mode, the control unit changes the color of the meter. A display device as described in any one of the appendices B1 to B6, characterized by the above.

[0079] [Note B8] The display unit displays a speedometer indicating the vehicle's speed and a power meter indicating the output of the engine and the motor, The control unit simultaneously changes the color of the speedometer and the power meter. A display device as described in any one of the appendices B1 to B7, characterized by the above. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] This technology is applicable to the manufacturing industry of display devices installed in vehicles, and also to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with such displays. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 vehicle 2 engines 3 motors 4. Generator (device other than the drive wheels) 5 batteries 6 Clutch 7 Drive wheels 8. Vehicle speed sensor 10 Control device (display device) 11 Display section 12 Control Unit 13. Speedometer (meter) 14 Power Meter (Meter) 15 Info Area 21 Background 22 characters 23 Guidelines 24 divisions 25 Highlight area 26 Background 27 characters 28 Guidelines 29 divisions V Vehicle speed (traveling speed) Va First Threshold Vb Second threshold Vx first predetermined value Vy second predetermined value

Claims

1. A display device mounted on a vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a motor as drive sources, and whose engine output is used to drive the drive wheels and to drive devices other than the drive wheels, the display device for which the vehicle's meters are displayed, The meter includes a pointer indicating the vehicle's speed, a scale, and a highlighting area adjacent to the scale that indicates a speed range corresponding to a predetermined use of the engine output. The color of the meter changes depending on whether the engine output is being supplied to the drive wheels or not. A display device characterized by the following features.

2. The background color, text color, pointer color, or scale color of the meter changes. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The color of the aforementioned meter gradually changes. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. The color of the meter changes according to the vehicle's speed. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

5. The scale is arranged in an arc shape. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The color of the highlighted area changes. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. The driving modes of the vehicle include at least a parallel driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the engine output to the drive wheels, a series driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while transmitting the engine output to the generator to generate electricity, and an EV driving mode in which the vehicle drives by transmitting the motor output to the drive wheels while the engine is stopped. When the driving mode changes between the parallel driving mode and the series driving mode or the EV driving mode, the color of the meter changes. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. The display device displays a speedometer indicating the vehicle's speed and a power meter indicating the output of the engine and the motor, The colors of the speedometer and the power meter change simultaneously. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that

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