Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle, a light modulation member having variable light transmissivity is disposed on a dial plate. The light modulation member includes a plurality of variable light modulation sections respectively connected to a controller that controls light transmissivity of each one of the variable light modulation sections.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle, a light modulation member having variable light transmissivity is disposed on a dial plate. The light modulation member includes a plurality of variable light modulation sections respectively connected to a control means that controls light transmissivity of each one of the variable light modulation sections.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.

Abstract: A combination meter for a vehicle has a speedometer, a tachometer, a gauge and a warning light disposed in a casing. A holding panel having an annular wall and a rear wall is attached to the casing so that the speedometer, the tachometer, the gauge and the warning light are exposed through openings formed in the rear wall. The speedometer analog-displays a speed of the vehicle using a dial and a pointer and digital-displays a speed of the vehicle using an EL panel disposed at a front side of the dial and attached to the holding panel. An EL drive circuit for driving the EL panel is mounted on an outer surface of the annular wall of the holding panel. As a result, the EL panel and the EL drive circuit are readily attached to the casing simultaneously when the holding panel is attached to the casing, thereby improving an efficiency in attachment and replacement of the EL panel and the EL drive circuit.

Abstract: An automobile meter device of the type having a self-acting light-emitting needle or pointer is disclosed in which first and second current supply terminals connected with first and second electrodes of a light-emitting element are disposed on opposite side of a pointer boss. The current supply terminals include plug-in sockets extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pointer shaft. When the pointer boss is fitted over a meter shaft to assemble the pointer with a pointer drive unit, the sockets are automatically fitted over connector pins of fourth current supply terminals which are connected with a power source. With this construction, the meter can be assembled efficiently with utmost ease. The pointer boss may be electrically conductive and connected with one of the electrodes of the light-emitting element in which instance one of the current supply terminals may be omitted.

Abstract: A self-luminescent pointer device for a gauge has the pointer which is fitted on a pointer shaft and includes an elongated discharge tube. A constricted portion is formed on a part of an outer surface of its elongated hollow rod bulb of the discharge tube. An interior electrode is provided at the end of the bulb and an exterior electrode is provided on the outer surface of the bulb in its axial direction. The constricted portion of the bulb is engaged with a cut-away portion of a holding plate so that the discharge tube is positioned and fixed in its longitudinal direction. Electric power is supplied to the interior electrode and the exterior electrode of the discharge tube through each power supply terminal.