Pointer device for an indicator instrument, in particular for a vehicle

1. A pointer device for an indicator instrument, in particular for a vehicle; the device comprising:

a light-guide body, that is defined by a single piece, is made with light-guide material, has a rotation axis and comprises:

a) an external surface adapted to receive light from a light source;

b) a hub comprising a base surface and a light transmission portion, which axially ends with at least one light emission area, at the opposite axial side in respect to said base surface;

c) a pointer, which radially protrudes outwards from said hub;

a shield, that covers said base surface at least partially so as to block the light transmitted from said hub;

a cap, that is defined by a single piece separated from said light-guide body, is mounted on said hub in a fixed position, and comprises:

d) an intermediate portion radially arranged inwards in respect to said light transmission portion; and

e) a lateral portion that surrounds said light transmission portion;

said cap further comprising:

at least one through opening radially arranged between said intermediate portion and said lateral portion and aligned with said light emission area for allowing the light to exit through said cap;

a pair of connection portions disposed spaced from one another extending radially and joining said intermediate portion to said lateral portion;

wherein said light transmission portion comprises a pair of first end portions which are spaced apart from said pointer, in a circumferential direction, by first gaps disposed opposite to one another; said pair of connection portions engaging, respectively, said first gaps.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said light-guide body further comprises a tail that protrudes from said hub in a radial direction opposite to said pointer; said light transmission portion comprising a pair of fourth end portions that are separated from said tail, in a circumferential direction, by second gaps disposed opposite to one another; said cap comprising a further pair of connection portions engaging, respectively, said second gaps.

3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one through opening is radially delimited inwards by said intermediate portion and radially delimited outwards by said lateral portion; said pair of connection portions defining said at least one through opening in a circumferential direction.

4. The device according to claim 3 , wherein said lateral portion comprises a pair of second end portions defining between each other, in a circumferential direction, a first slit radially crossed by said pointer; said pair of connection portions joining said intermediate portion to said second end portions.

5. The device according to claim 4 , wherein said light-guide body further comprises a tail, that protrudes from said hub in an opposite radial direction to said pointer; said lateral portion comprises a pair of third end portions defining between each other, in a circumferential direction, a second slit radially crossed by said tail; said pair of connection portions joining said intermediate portion to said third end portions.

6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said hub comprises:

a cavity radially delimited by said light transmission portion;

a reflection portion that engages said cavity and is shaped in order to reflect light towards said pointer;

said cap comprising shielding walls arranged in said cavity so as to be radially interposed between said reflection portion and said light transmission portion.

7. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said light-guide body further comprises a tail that protrudes from said hub in an opposite radial direction to said pointer; said cap comprising a tooth, which protrudes into said cavity in order to engage a seat defined by said reflection portion and by said tail.

8. The device according to claim 6 , wherein said cap is fixed so as to axially hold said hub between said shield and said shielding walls.

9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said cap comprises a plurality of pins, which pass through respective first holes made through said base surface and are fixed to said shield.

10. The device according to claim 9 , wherein said pins engage respective second holes made through said shield and have respective ends which are arranged under said shield and are staked or enlarged so as to define a stop abutment for said shield.

11. The device according to claim 9 , wherein said pins protrude from said pair of connection portions.