Illumination – Illuminated scale or dial – Edge illuminated modifier or light rod/pipe
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-24
2001-10-16
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Illuminated scale or dial
Edge illuminated modifier or light rod/pipe
C362S028000, C362S029000, C362S489000, C362S464000, C362S466000, C340S815840, C315S077000, C116S048000, C116S286000, C116SDIG003
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302551
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 11-145325 filed on May 25, 1999 and No. Hei 11-342439 filed on Dec. 1, 1999, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a meter for a vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art
JP-A-09-21655 discloses a meter for a vehicle having a circuit board disposed between a scale plate and an actuator for driving a pointer. A light source for lighting both the plate and the pointer up is mounted on the circuit board. The light source lights the plate and the pointer up in a similar manner. Therefore, an appearance of the meter is monotonous and uninteresting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these drawbacks by providing an improved meter arrangement.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a meter for vehicle having an interesting appearance or a novel appearance.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a light source for scales or a light source for a pointer is activated, and a remaining other one of the light sources is activated after a predetermined delay time. The light source for the scales may includes at least one of a light source for supplying transmitted light and a light source for supplying guided light. The transmitted light is provided along a thickness of a guide plate. The guided light is provided from an end of the guide plate and is guided along the main surface of the guide plate.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the light source for supplying transmitted light and the light source for supplying guided light are selectively activated according to an environmental brightness of the vehicle.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, an adjusting means for adjusting a brightness of the light source for supplying transmitted light and the light source for supplying guided light is provided. The transmitted light and the guided light have different colors. Therefore, the scale plate is lighted up a mixed color of the light sources. The light source for the scales or the light source for the pointer is activated, and a remaining other one of the light sources is activated after a predetermined delay time.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an adjusting means for adjusting a brightness of the light source for supplying transmitted light and the light source for supplying guided light is provided. The transmitted light and the guided light have different colors. The light source for supplying transmitted light and the light source for supplying guided light are selectively activated according to an environmental brightness of the vehicle.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the transmitted light and the guided light have different colors.
Further, the meter may include a guide member for lighting the scales from the right side. Further, the transmitted light and the light for the pointer may have different colors. Further,it is preferable that a plurality of light sources are mounted on a circuit board. Further, the plate having the scales may be constructed from an inner portion and an outer portion, and the guide plate may supply light to the outer portion. Further, the inner portion and the outer portion may provide a path therebetween to permit the transmitted light passing through directly.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5063379 (1991-11-01), Fabry et al.
patent: 6168280 (2001-01-01), Ozawa
patent: 6210011 (2001-04-01), Ikeuchi et al.
patent: 195 34 020 (1997-03-01), None
patent: 8-14500 (1996-02-01), None
patent: 10142007 (1998-05-01), None
patent: 10-142007 (1998-05-01), None
Alavi Ali
Denso Corporation
Law Offices of David G. Posz
Sember Thomas M.
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