Integrated pointer hub and warning indicator
AssigneeYazaki North America, Inc.
InventorSanjiv Venkatram
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A gauge or dial has multiple displays for indicating various vehicle operating conditions. Pointers indicate a range of measured values on some of the displays. A fixed hub covers ends of the pointers where they connect with their drive shafts and extend through the dial. The hub has a display screen with a graphic or symbol imprinted on it. A conduit directly under the hub on an opposite side of the dial extends to a printed circuit board. A light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board within the conduit. Light from the diode is reflected through the conduit to backlight the symbol on the display screen. Switching on and off of the diode is controlled in response to sensing or measurement of a vehicle condition or vehicle component operation, such as a turn signal.
Claims20
A pointer hub assembly comprising:
- a cover;
- a slot means in the cover for allowing a pointer to extend and operate through a range of movement relative to the cover;
- a transparent pane supported on the cover;
- a light conduit, the cover being mounted on the light conduit such that the transparent pane is positioned over the conduit;
- and
- a means for securing the light conduit and cover in a stationary position relative to the pointer as the pointer operates through the range of movement.
An indicating assembly comprising:
- a dial having indicia;
- a pointer having a first end for indicating particular indicia and a second end;
- a cover fit over the second end of the pointer, the cover having a transparent part;
- a first reflector component positioned under the dial;
- a second reflector component positioned directly under the cover, the cover being fixed on the second reflector in a stationary position relative to the dial and pointer;
- a first light source associated with the first reflector for illuminating the dial;
- and
- a second light source associated with the cover for backlighting the transparent part of the cover.
An instrument comprising:
- a dial having indicia;
- at least one pointer for indicating particular indicia based on measured values, each of the at least one pointers having a drive shaft such that there is at least one drive shaft passing through the dial;
- a stationary hub for covering the at least one drive shaft where the at least one drive shaft passes through the dial, the hub having a display face;
- a circuit board;
- an enclosed conduit extending from the circuit board to the display face of the hub, the enclosed conduit being offset from the at least one pointer drive shaft;
- and
- a light source mounted on the circuit board within the enclosed conduit for illuminating the hub display face.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.