Integrated driving controls

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an integrated driving control device, which is configured to integrate the control of acceleration, deceleration, gear shifting and steering of a vehicle. The integrated driving control device may include: a knob unit; a rotating unit, which is coupled to the knob unit and configured to control the steering of the vehicle according to the rotation of the knob unit; and a sliding unit, which is coupled to the rotating unit and configured to control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle by sliding the knob unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated driving control device, and more particularly, to an integrated driving control device configured to integrally control acceleration, deceleration, gear shifting, and steering of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Driving and operating a vehicle requires steering control for controlling the traveling direction of the vehicle, acceleration control for controlling the acceleration of the vehicle, braking control for controlling the deceleration of the vehicle, and shift control for controlling the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0003] In order to perform the above control operations, various operating mechanisms are installed in the vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle is provided with a steering wheel SW for steering control, an accelerator pedal AP for acceleration control, a brake pedal BP for deceleration and braking control, and a shift lever TL for controlling the direction of travel as operating mechanisms. These driving-related devices occupy a large amount of interior space in the vehicle.

[0004] With the continuous development of intelligent technology, autonomous driving systems have recently been developed, allowing vehicles to drive themselves. These systems not only allow the driver to drive the vehicle themselves, but also enable the vehicle to drive itself. While the vehicle is driving, the driver can attend to other matters at hand.

[0005] In such an autonomous vehicle, the role of the driver can be minimized. Consequently, the role of conventional driving-related devices installed in the vehicle interior can also be reduced. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel devices that can simplify driving-related devices.

[0006] The information included in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an admission or any form of suggestion that such information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an integrated driving control device configured to simplify various operating mechanisms related to vehicle control provided in a vehicle cabin.

[0008] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an integrated driving control apparatus configured to maximize utilization of interior space in a vehicle by simplifying an operating mechanism.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an integrated driving control device configured to reduce the weight of a vehicle and lower the manufacturing cost.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an integrated driving control device configured to simplify and facilitate various control operations.

[0011] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to an integrated driving control device comprising: a knob unit; a rotating unit coupled to the knob unit and configured to control the steering of a vehicle according to the rotation of the knob unit; and a sliding unit coupled to the rotating unit and configured to control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle by sliding the knob unit.

[0013] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the sliding unit is configured to control gear shifting of the vehicle through sliding of the knob unit.

[0014] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the rotating unit includes a first gear connected to the knob unit and configured to rotate according to rotation of the knob unit.

[0015] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the integrated driving control device further includes a steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor may include: a second gear meshing with a first gear and configured to rotate in mesh with the first gear; a first magnet member mounted on the second gear; and a steering angle detection Hall sensor magnetically coupled to the first magnet member and configured to detect the rotation angle of the second gear based on a change in a magnetic field caused by the rotation of the first magnet member.

[0016] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the integrated driving control device further includes a torsion spring configured to provide a reaction force with respect to rotation of the knob unit and the first gear.

[0017] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a sliding unit includes a slider supporting the knob unit and a guide member coupled to the slider to enable the slider to slide.

[0018] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the integrated driving control device further includes a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor may include: a second magnetic member mounted on the slider; and a Hall effect sensor for detecting displacement, securely mounted near the second magnetic member and configured to detect the direction and distance of movement of the slider based on changes in the magnetic field caused by movement of the second magnetic member.

[0019] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the integrated driving control device further includes a pedal force transmitting portion. The pedal force transmitting portion may include: an extension member extending from the slider; and a retractable member slidably coupled to the extension member and having an adjustable length relative to the extension member.

[0020] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the integrated driving control device further includes an auxiliary member. The auxiliary member may include: a moving surface on which the retractable member is movable; and a groove concavely formed in the moving surface.

[0021] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the telescopic member may be formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the end portion of the telescopic member contacting the auxiliary member gradually decreases toward the distal end portion of the telescopic member and the distal end portion of the telescopic member is formed into a curved surface.

[0022] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the knob unit is provided with at least one of a P button for shifting to a parking position of a vehicle and an R button for shifting to a reverse position of the vehicle.

[0023] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the knob unit is configured to be movable in one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the vehicle is moving, when the knob unit is moved in the first direction, the vehicle can decelerate. When the vehicle is stopped, when the knob unit is moved in the first direction, the vehicle can travel backward.

[0024] Other aspects and exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

[0025] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum) vehicles. As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more sources of power, such as a gasoline and electric dual-powered vehicle.

[0026] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will become apparent from or are set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which are incorporated herein and which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention.

[0027] The above and other features of the invention are discussed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 1. It is a diagram showing a conventional driving-related device provided in a vehicle interior;

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4A is a diagram of a knob unit and a rotation unit of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Floor plan;

[0033] Figure 5 is a diagram of a sliding unit of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Left side view;

[0035] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pedal force transmitting portion and an auxiliary member of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 are diagrams illustrating operations of a pedal force transmitting portion and an assisting member of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 is a control diagram schematically illustrating overall operations of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a steering angle sensor of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a steering angle sensor is installed in an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of the steering angle sensor;

[0041] Figure 13is a diagram of a displacement sensor of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 shows integrated functions of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention compared to a conventional control device;

[0043] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a steering control operation of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 16 are diagrams illustrating acceleration, deceleration, and shift control operations of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 17 are diagrams illustrating shifting to a parking position (P) and / or a reverse position (R) using the integrated driving control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various exemplary features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0047] In the drawings, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and which are described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternative embodiments, modifications, equivalent embodiments, and other embodiments that may be included within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0049] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which only some exemplary embodiments are shown. The specific structural and functional details included herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention can be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are configured to make various modifications and take alternative forms, embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, and embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail herein. However, it will be understood that there is no intention to limit the present invention to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, each exemplary embodiment will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements may not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.) may be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0052] In all drawings, the same reference numerals will be used as much as possible to refer to the same or similar parts. The terms used herein are only used to describe various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprise", "including", "comprising" and / or "comprising" are used herein, the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0053] An integrated driving control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is formed as an integral structure to perform steering, acceleration, deceleration, and shifting of a vehicle.

[0054] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] The integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention can simultaneously perform steering, acceleration, deceleration, and shift control of a vehicle through one device. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a knob unit 2 , a rotation unit 4 , and a slide unit 6 .

[0057] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the steering of the vehicle is controlled by rotating the knob unit 2, and the acceleration, deceleration, and gear shifting of the vehicle are controlled by sliding the knob unit 2. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the rotating unit 4 is configured to control the steering of the vehicle according to the rotation of the knob unit 2, and the sliding unit 6 is configured to control the acceleration, deceleration, and gear shifting of the vehicle according to sliding the knob unit 2 in a first direction or a second direction.

[0058] An integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a knob unit 2. The knob unit 2 is rotatable and slidable and is operated by a user. The knob unit 2 can rotate in two directions, namely, clockwise and counterclockwise. Furthermore, the knob unit 2 can move linearly in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, when the first direction is east, the second direction is west, and when the first direction is north, the second direction is south.

[0059] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a knob unit and a rotation unit of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4B is a plan view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the knob unit 2 includes a grip portion 12 and a rod 22 .

[0061] The grip portion 12 is a portion held by a user. The grip portion 12 may include a position indicator 112 that indicates the angular position of the knob unit 2. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the position indicator 112 may be formed to protrude from any other portion of the grip portion 12, or may be provided with a protrusion, so that the user can easily identify the angular position of the knob unit 2.

[0062] The stem 22 may extend from the grip portion 12 and may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the grip portion 12 .

[0063] The rotating unit 4 is configured to achieve steering of the vehicle according to the rotation of the knob unit 2 , and includes a first gear 14 and a torsion spring 24 .

[0064] The first gear 14 is connected to the knob unit 2. The first gear 14 can be connected to the knob unit 2 via a rod 22. A plurality of teeth are formed on the circumference of the first gear 14. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first gear 14 is coaxially arranged with the knob unit 2. The first gear 14 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the knob unit 2 in response to the rotation of the knob unit 2.

[0065] The first gear 14 may have a protrusion 114 protruding from the surface of the first gear 14. The protrusion 114 protrudes toward the grip 12 and is arranged in parallel with a raised portion 116 to be described later. The protrusion 114 is not limited to a specific shape and can be formed in any of various shapes as long as it can support the opposite ends of the torsion spring 24.

[0066] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the rotation unit 4 includes a torsion spring 24. The torsion spring 24 provides a reaction force to the user relative to the rotation of the knob unit 2 or the rotation of the knob unit 2 and the first gear 14. The torsion spring 24 is configured to return the knob unit 2 to its original position after the knob unit 2 is rotated. The torsion spring 24 includes a first leg 124a and a second leg 124b.

[0067] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a torsion spring 24 may be installed between the knob unit 2 and the first gear 14. The torsion spring 24 may be mounted on the rod 22. The torsion spring 24 is configured to provide a reaction force to the user when the user rotates the knob unit 2 to steer the vehicle and to provide a restoring force to the knob unit 2, by which the knob unit 2 returns to its original position. Figure 4AAccording to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with the protrusion 114 and the raised portion 116 arranged parallel to and adjacent to each other, the first leg 124a of the torsion spring 24 is arranged to contact one side of the protrusion 114 and one side of the raised portion 116, and the second leg 124b of the torsion spring 24 is arranged to contact the opposite side of the protrusion 114 and the opposite side of the raised portion 116. Due to this configuration, the torsion spring 24 generates a reaction force during the rotation of the knob unit 2.

[0068] Figure 5 is a diagram of a sliding unit of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6 is a side view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sliding unit 6 is configured to enable the knob unit 2 to slide linearly in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. The sliding unit 6 controls acceleration, deceleration, and gear shifting of the vehicle. The sliding unit 6 includes a slider 16 and a guide member 26. Furthermore, the sliding unit 6 may further include a pedal force transmission portion 36 and an auxiliary member 46.

[0070] The slider 16 supports the knob unit 2 and is coupled to the knob unit 2. Therefore, the slider 16 moves together with the knob unit 2 according to the movement of the knob unit 2. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the knob unit 2 and the rotation unit 4 may be seated on the slider 16.

[0071] The raised portion 116 is formed on the slider 16. The raised portion 116 is formed to protrude from the surface of the slider 16. As described above, the raised portion 116 participates in the operation of the torsion spring 24.

[0072] The guide member 26 is coupled to the slider 16, and the slider 16 is slidably coupled to the guide member 26. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the slider 16 has a channel 216 configured to accommodate the guide member 26. The guide member 26 is inserted into the channel 216, and the slider 16 slides along the guide member 26. This configuration is a non-limiting example. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the sliding of the slider 16 can be implemented using any of various other configurations.

[0073] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pedal force transmitting portion and an auxiliary member of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figure 7According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the sliding unit 6 may include a pedal force transmitting portion 36 that transmits the pedal force to the user and then returns to the original position. The pedal force transmitting portion 36 may include an extension member 136, stoppers 236a and 236b, a spring 336, and a retractable member 436.

[0075] The extension member 136 is coupled to the slider 16 and moves along with the slider 16 in response to movement of the slider 16. A retractable member 436 is coupled to the extension member 136. The retractable member 436 is configured to move into and out of the extension member 136. In other words, the protruding length of the retractable member 436 relative to the extension member 136 is variable. A spring 336 is disposed between the extension member 136 and the retractable member 436. The spring 336 enables the retractable member 436 to move into the extension member 136. When the retractable member 436 is pressed, the spring 336 is compressed, pushing the retractable member 436 into the extension member 136. When the force applied to the retractable member 436 is released, the restoring force of the spring 336 causes the retractable member 436 to return to its original protruding length from the extension member 136. Stoppers 236a and 236b may be provided at both ends of the spring 336. The spring 336 is compressed or extended between the stoppers 236a and 236b.

[0076] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end portion of the telescopic member 436 is gradually reduced toward its distal end, and the distal end is formed into a curved surface. This configuration is used to transmit pedal force to the user together with the groove 246 described later.

[0077] Figure 8 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating operations of a pedal force transmitting portion and an assist member of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown, the sliding unit 6 may further include an auxiliary member 46. The auxiliary member 46 operates in conjunction with the pedal force transmitting portion 36. The auxiliary member 46 has a moving surface 146, and a plurality of grooves 246 having different sizes are formed on the moving surface 146. When the user accelerates or decelerates, the auxiliary member 46, together with the pedal force transmitting portion 36, transmits the pedal force to the user. The auxiliary member 46 also assists the pedal force transmitting portion 36 in returning to its original position.

[0079] The auxiliary member 46 contacts the pedal force transmitting portion 36 or the retractable member 436, and the pedal force transmitting portion 36 is movable on the movement surface 146. That is, the slider 16 moves by the movement of the knob unit 2, and the pedal force transmitting portion 36 coupled to the slider 16 moves on the auxiliary member 46.

[0080] The moving surface 146 of the auxiliary member 46 has a slope. The slope is formed on opposite sides of the moving surface 146 relative to the center portion of the moving surface 146 to incline in opposite directions. In addition, a plurality of grooves 246 are formed in the moving surface 146.

[0081] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a housing 8 may be further included. The guide member 26 may pass through the housing 8, and the slider 16 may slide within a limited space in the housing 8.

[0082] Figure 9 is a control diagram schematically illustrating overall operations of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, the integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention further includes a controller 20 configured to communicate with the engine control unit E, the steering system S, and the brake system B of the vehicle. The controller 20 is configured to collect information from the steering angle sensor 40 and the displacement sensor 60 and transmit the information to the engine control unit E, the steering system S, and the brake system B of the vehicle.

[0084] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of an integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which some components are omitted. Figure 11 This is a perspective image of the steering angle sensor. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged perspective view of the steering angle sensor.

[0085] Reference Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The steering angle sensor 40 measures the rotation angle of the knob unit 2 and transmits the rotation angle to the vehicle's steering system. The steering system S steers the vehicle based on the information input by the steering angle sensor 40. The steering angle sensor 40 may include a second gear 140, a first magnet member 240, a Hall sensor 440 for steering angle detection, and a coupling member 340.

[0086] The second gear 140 is provided on one side of the first gear 14 so as to contact the first gear 14. The second gear 140 includes a plurality of teeth formed on a circumferential surface thereof so as to mesh with the first gear 14 and rotate. The term "second" is used for the second gear to distinguish it from the first gear 14 of the rotating unit 4. However, the second gear is not limited to a gear different from the first gear 14. The first gear 14 and the second gear 140 may have the same configuration or may have different configurations.

[0087] The second gear 140 may have a fitting portion 1140 recessed from a surface of the second gear 140. As a non-limiting example, the fitting portion 1140 is formed to mount the first magnet member 240 to the second gear 140 through a coupling member 340 described later.

[0088] The first magnet member 240 is mounted to the second gear 140. Therefore, when the second gear 140 rotates, the first magnet member 240 also rotates together with the second gear 140. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first magnet member 240 is provided at the center portion of the second gear 140. More specifically, the first magnet member 240 may be provided at the lower end of the center portion of the second gear 140.

[0089] The first magnet member 240 may be mounted to the second gear 140 by a coupling member 340. The coupling member 340 includes a plate 1340 supporting the first magnet member 240 and an inserting portion 2340 extending from each side of the plate 1340 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate 1340 to fit into the second gear 140.

[0090] A Hall sensor 440 for detecting a steering angle is disposed adjacent to the first magnet member 240. The Hall sensor 440 detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the rotation of the first magnet member 240 and measures the rotation angle of the second gear 140. The measured rotation angle is transmitted to the steering system S via the controller 20, and the steering system S controls the vehicle's travel direction based on the received information.

[0091] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the Hall sensor 440 for steering angle detection may be mounted on a substrate 540 disposed to face the first magnet member 240. Figure 11 As shown, the substrate 540 may be a simple structure coupled to the slider 16 to engage the first gear 14 with the second gear 140. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the substrate 540 may include a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board may include the controller 20.

[0092] The displacement sensor 60 detects the movement distance and movement direction of the knob unit 2 or the slider 16. The displacement sensor 60 may include a second magnetic member 160 and a Hall sensor 260 for displacement detection.

[0093] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the slider and the displacement sensor.

[0094] like Figure 13As shown, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the second magnet member 160 is mounted to the slider 16, and the displacement detection Hall sensor 260 is securely mounted around the second magnet member 160. In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the displacement detection Hall sensor 260 is mounted on the inner surface of the housing 8 adjacent to the second magnet member 160. The displacement detection Hall sensor 260 detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the slider 16 to which the second magnet member 160 is mounted, and detects the movement distance and movement direction of the slider 16.

[0095] Here, the term "second magnet member 160" is used to distinguish it from the first magnet member 240 of the steering angle sensor 40. However, the first magnet member 240 and the second magnet member 160 may have the same configuration or may have different configurations.

[0096] Will refer to Figures 14 to 16 Operations and effects of the integrated driving control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0097] Traditionally, users accelerate a vehicle using the accelerator pedal, decelerate using the brake pedal, control the vehicle's direction of travel using the gearshift lever, and steer the vehicle using the steering wheel. These driving controls occupy a significant amount of space within the vehicle's interior. In other words, installing numerous components that form these driving controls in a vehicle overcrowds the interior, reducing space utilization. Furthermore, installing numerous components increases vehicle weight and manufacturing costs.

[0098] However, with the emergence and development of autonomous driving technology in recent years, more and more vehicles are equipped with autonomous driving systems. As a result, the number of driving mechanisms directly operated by the driver has decreased. Due to current technological trends, the vehicle interior plays a less important role as a space required for controlling the vehicle while in motion and is increasingly being used as a space for relaxation and leisure.

[0099] Considering the current trend, various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an integrated driving control device that integrates conventional components for controlling a vehicle. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a roomy interior can be provided, and weight and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention advantageously provides improved driving convenience for drivers with hand or foot impairments.

[0101] like Figure 14As shown, the functions of existing devices including an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, gear shift lever, and steering wheel are integrated into the integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the integrated driving control device of the present invention can control the vehicle by communicating with the engine, braking system, transmission, and steering system that work in conjunction with these devices.

[0102] like Figure 15 As shown, the integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a knob unit 2 configured to be held by a user.

[0103] The user grips the grip portion 12 of the knob unit 2 and rotates the knob unit 2 in a clockwise direction (CW) or a counterclockwise direction (CCW), thereby controlling the steering of the vehicle.

[0104] The knob unit 2 rotates together with the first gear 14. The second gear 140 of the steering angle sensor 40 rotates in mesh with the rotating first gear 14. The first magnet member 240 is attached to the second gear 140, and a steering angle detection Hall effect sensor 440, disposed adjacent to the first magnet member 240, detects the rotation angle of the second gear 140. The controller 20 transmits the steering angle measured by the steering angle detection Hall effect sensor 440 to the vehicle's steering system S, and the steering system S steers the vehicle based on the transmitted measurement value.

[0105] The torsion spring 24 is provided on the knob unit 2. As described above, the two legs 124a and 124b of the torsion spring 24 respectively contact opposite sides of the raised portion 116. This allows the torsion spring 24 to provide a reaction force to the user's rotation of the knob unit 2 and return the knob unit 2 to its original position when the knob unit 2 is released. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first leg 124a of the torsion spring 24 is provided to contact one side of the protrusion 114 and one side of the raised portion 116, and the second leg 124b of the torsion spring 24 is provided to contact the opposite side of the protrusion 114 and the opposite side of the raised portion 116. This allows the torsion spring 24 to provide a reaction force to the user's rotation of the knob unit 2 and a restoring force to the knob unit 2. That is, after the knob unit 2 is rotated, when the rotational force applied by the user to the knob unit 2 is removed, the torsion spring 24 provides a restoring force to the knob unit 2, causing the position indicator 112 to return to its original position.

[0106] In order to control the speed and direction of the vehicle, such as Figure 16 As shown, the user slides the knob unit 2 in direction A or direction D. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when the knob unit 2 moves in direction A, the vehicle accelerates, and when the knob unit 2 moves in direction D, the vehicle decelerates.

[0107] The knob unit 2 is mounted on the slider 16 , and the slider 16 is formed to be movable in the direction A or the direction D along the guide member 26 .

[0108] The second magnetic member 160 is attached to the slider 16, and the displacement-detecting Hall sensor 260 is disposed adjacent to the second magnetic member 160. When the slider 16 moves, the second magnetic member 160 also moves with the slider 16, and the displacement-detecting Hall sensor 260 detects the movement distance and direction of the slider 16 based on the change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the second magnetic member 160, and transmits the collected information to the engine control unit E or the brake system B, thereby facilitating acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

[0109] In addition, the sliding unit 6 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may further include a pedal force transmitting portion 36 and an auxiliary member 46 to transmit the pedal force to the user during acceleration and deceleration and provide a restoring force to the knob unit 2 when the user stops applying the operating force to the knob unit 2.

[0110] The retractable member 436 moves along the movement surface 146, and the groove 246 is formed in the movement surface 146, thereby providing a pedal force to the user during the movement of the knob unit 2. In addition, since the protruding length of the retractable member 436 from the extension member 136 is configured to be variable by the spring 336, a restoring force for returning the knob unit 2 to its original position is provided to the knob unit 2 by the restoring force of the spring 336 and the inclined portion formed on the movement surface 146.

[0111] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the operation of shifting to the parking position (P) may be performed as follows.

[0112] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 17 As shown, the knob unit 2 may be provided with a P button 212. When the P button 212 is pressed, the gear position of the vehicle may be switched to the parking gear position (P). When the P button 212 is pressed, the engine control unit E communicating with the integrated driving control device may switch the gear position of the vehicle to the parking gear position (P).

[0113] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the knob unit 2 may not be provided with a P button, and the gear position of the vehicle may be automatically switched to the parking gear position (P) when the vehicle is turned off or a door is opened.

[0114] Optionally, the above two embodiments can be combined. That is, the knob unit 2 can be provided with a P button, and when the vehicle is turned off or the door is opened, the gear position of the vehicle can be automatically switched to the parking gear position (P).

[0115] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an operation of shifting to the reverse gear position (R) may be performed as follows.

[0116] Refer again Figure 17 According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an R button 312 may be provided in the knob unit 2. When the R button 312 is pressed, the gear position of the vehicle may be switched to the reverse gear position (R). When the R button 312 is pressed, the engine control unit E, which communicates with the integrated driving control device, may switch the gear position of the vehicle to the reverse gear position (R).

[0117] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when the vehicle is stopped, the knob unit 2 is rotated in the direction D (refer to FIG. Figure 16 ) is moved so that the sliding unit 6 linked to the knob unit 2 moves in the direction D, the gear position of the vehicle can be switched to the reverse gear position (R) and the vehicle can be driven backward. When the knob unit 2 is moved in the direction D while the vehicle is moving forward, the vehicle can be decelerated, and when the knob unit 2 is moved in the direction D while the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle can be driven backward.

[0118] Alternatively, similar to the above embodiment related to shifting to the parking gear position (P), it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above two embodiments related to shifting to the reverse gear position (R) may be combined.

[0119] As described above, the integrated driving control device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is configured to enable acceleration, deceleration, gear shifting, and steering of a vehicle through one device, and exhibits the following effects.

[0120] As is apparent from the above description, various aspects of the present invention are intended to provide an integrated driving control device configured to simplify various operating mechanisms related to vehicle control provided inside a vehicle, such as a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a shift lever.

[0121] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to maximize utilization of an interior space in a vehicle by simplifying an operating mechanism of the vehicle.

[0122] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the weight of a vehicle and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle may be reduced.

[0123] Furthermore, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various control operations can be simplified and facilitated.

[0124] However, the effects obtainable by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

[0125] In addition, the term "controller" or "control unit" refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor, the processor being configured to execute one or more steps interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores the algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of the method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The controller according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a non-volatile memory and a processor, the non-volatile memory being configured to store data about the algorithm for controlling the operation of various components of the vehicle or software commands for executing the algorithm, and the processor being configured to use the data stored in the memory to perform the operations described above. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated into a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors.

[0126] The controller or control unit may be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, which may include a series of commands for executing the method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0127] The aforementioned invention may also be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can then be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memories (ROMs), random-access memories (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, as well as implementations such as carrier waves (e.g., transmission via the Internet).

[0128] For ease of explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, with reference to the positions of features of the exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "upward," "downward," "front," "rear," "back," "inner," "outer," "inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "external," "forward," and "rearward" are used to describe such features. It will be further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refers to both direct and indirect connections.

[0129] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it is apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to explain certain principles of the present invention and their practical applications, so as to enable those skilled in the art to realize and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated driving control device comprising: Knob unit; a rotation unit coupled to the knob unit and controlling the steering of the vehicle according to rotation of the knob unit; as well as a sliding unit coupled to the rotating unit and controlling acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle by sliding the knob unit, Wherein, the sliding unit includes: a pedal force transmission part, and the pedal force transmission part includes: an extending member extending from a slider supporting the knob unit; and A telescopic member is slidably coupled to the extension member and has an adjustable length relative to the extension member.

2. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding unit controls gear shifting of the vehicle by sliding the knob unit.

3. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating unit includes a first gear connected to the knob unit and rotated according to rotation of the knob unit.

4. The integrated driving control device according to claim 3, further comprising: A steering angle sensor, wherein the steering angle sensor comprises: a second gear meshing with the first gear and rotating in mesh with the first gear; a first magnet member mounted to the second gear; and A steering angle detection hall sensor is magnetically coupled to the first magnet member and detects a rotation angle of the second gear based on a change in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the first magnet member.

5. The integrated driving control device according to claim 3, further comprising: A torsion spring is coupled to the knob unit and the first gear and provides a reaction force with respect to rotation of the knob unit and the first gear.

6. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding unit further comprises: A guide member is slidably coupled to the slider and is used for sliding of the slider.

7. The integrated driving control device according to claim 6, further comprising: A displacement sensor, wherein the displacement sensor comprises: a second magnetic member disposed on the slider; and a Hall sensor for displacement detection, securely mounted near the second magnetic member and magnetically coupled to the second magnetic member, The displacement detection hall sensor detects a moving direction and a moving distance of the slider based on a change in a magnetic field caused by the movement of the second magnet member.

8. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, further comprising: An elastic member is mounted between the extension member and the retractable member such that the elastic member causes the retractable member to move into the extension member.

9. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, further comprising: Auxiliary components, wherein the auxiliary components include: a moving surface on which the retractable member is movable; and At least one groove is recessedly formed in the moving surface.

10. The integrated driving control device according to claim 9, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the end portion of the telescopic member in contact with the auxiliary member decreases toward a distal end portion of the end portion of the telescopic member, and the distal end portion is formed into a curved surface.

11. The integrated driving control device according to claim 1, wherein: The knob unit is provided with at least one of a P button for shifting to a parking position of the vehicle and an R button for shifting to a reverse position of the vehicle.

12. The integrated driving control device according to claim 2, wherein: The knob unit is movable in one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, When the vehicle is traveling, when the knob unit moves in the first direction, the vehicle decelerates, and When the knob unit moves in the first direction while the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle travels backward.

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