Patent Application
20060024999
The present invention relates generally to vehicle instrument clusters and, more particularly, to a face plate for an instrument cluster gauge and a method for incorporating graphics onto the face plate.
Instrument clusters on automobiles generally include a plurality of gauges for displaying such operational information such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine temperature, fuel level and many other information. The gauges may include analog or digital readings for displaying the information depending on manufacturer and styling preferences. An analog gauge typically includes a faceplate having indicia thereon such as numbers and a pointer for rotating to the appropriate number.
One important design consideration for an instrument cluster and related gauges is the ability of a vehicle operator to easily view and read the gauges in all driving environments. In particular, nighttime driving requires the instrument cluster to illuminate in some fashion whereby the numbers and corresponding pointers are easily distinguishable. A recent styling trend has motivated manufactures to provide instrument clusters having metallic faceplates. While a metallic faceplate may provide a certain aesthetic appeal, it presents challenges for effectively illuminating the gauge at night. In one commonly employed configuration, a metallic faceplate is illuminated by a light source positioned around an outer side boundary. Because of the inherent reflective properties of a metal toned surface, such a configuration may present a less than desirable nighttime viewing experience for the vehicle operator.
A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a planar sheet including a first face and a second face. The first and second sheet are offset by a predetermined thickness. The planar sheet defines a plurality of passages formed entirely through the thickness and extending between the first face and the second face. A translucent layer of material includes an inboard face and an outboard face. The inboard face is disposed on one of the first and second face of the planar sheet and covers the plurality of passages thereat. Markings are arranged on the outboard face of the translucent layer. The markings correspond to identifiable designations on the viewed component.
According to other features, the plurality of passages define individual passages equidistantly offset from adjacent passages. The planar sheet is comprised of metallic material. The markings comprise ink and the identifiable designations comprise characters. A light source proximate to the planar sheet emits light through the plurality of passages.
A viewed component of a vehicle instrument luster includes a light source for emitting light toward the viewed component. A planar sheet includes a first face and a second face offset by a predetermined thickness. The planar sheet defines a first plurality of passages extending entirely through the sheet. A second plurality of passages extend partially through the thickness from one of the first and second face. The second plurality of markings are in the form of markings, the markings corresponding to an identifiable designation on the viewed component. The planar sheet is adapted to pass light from the light source through the first plurality of passages and preclude light from passing through the second plurality of passages.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
With continued reference to
With specific reference to
The numbers 28 and grad lines 30 are adhesively attached onto the first face 56 of the planar sheet 54 in the desired orientation. The numbers 28 and grad lines 30 may include adhesive film having the numbers 28 and grad lines 30 formed thereon such as by ink or other technique.
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With reference now to
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While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.
