Integrated control unit for autonomous vehicles

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle, comprising: a movable control device corresponding to a portable device, which performs vehicle steering, shifting, acceleration, and braking under user control when the driving mode is switched from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode; and a fixed display device controlled by touch to perform functions other than steering, shifting, acceleration, and braking, wherein a steering dial switch, a shifting slide switch, an acceleration rotary switch, and a brake button switch are disposed in the movable control device and are operated differently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are intelligent vehicles that use autonomous driving technology, which can automatically reach their destination without the need for a driver to directly operate the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brakes.

[0003] If autonomous driving becomes widespread, drivers will be able to choose between a manual driving mode where the driver directly drives the vehicle and an autonomous driving mode where the vehicle automatically reaches its destination without the driver directly driving the vehicle.

[0004] At the same time, in the event of an emergency during autonomous driving, one of the vehicle's passengers must manually operate the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle needs to be equipped with a device that allows the user to operate it in manual driving mode.

[0005] For example, vehicle managers can operate the vehicle in manual driving mode using a device such as a joystick, which is used in conjunction with a game console. Because multiple buttons, levers, and toggle-based switches are arranged in a complex manner on a single joystick, its operation can be difficult and inconvenient, and in particular, it is prone to misoperation.

[0006] The above description of the background technology is only for the purpose of helping to understand the background of the present invention, and those skilled in the art should not regard it as corresponding to the known prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides an integrated control device installed in an autonomous vehicle, allowing a user to control the device when switching the driving mode from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode. The integrated control device includes movable control devices for steering, shifting, acceleration, and braking, and a fixed display device that can be operated by touch to control other functions. Therefore, ease of operation is improved and accidental operation is minimized.

[0008] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an integrated control device disposed in an autonomous vehicle allows a user to operate the integrated control device when switching the driving mode from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode. The integrated control device includes movable control components that the user holds and operates with their hand for steering, shifting gears, accelerating, and braking. The movable control device may include: a housing for the user to hold with one hand; and a steering wheel switch, a shift slider switch, an acceleration rotary switch, and a brake button switch disposed within the housing.

[0009] The integrated control unit of an autonomous vehicle may further include: a fixed display device configured to be separate from the movable control unit and operated by the user via touch to control functions other than steering, shifting, acceleration and braking.

[0010] The movable control device can be a portable device that a user can hold and move to the desired location, while the fixed display device can be a device that is fixedly installed in the interior space of the autonomous vehicle.

[0011] Other functions controlled by the fixed display device may include driving the lights mounted on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, emitting warning sounds, and switching driving modes.

[0012] The movable control device can be connected to the autonomous vehicle via a spring wire, and the opposite end of the spring wire can be connected to the movable control device and the autonomous vehicle via a detachable connector structure.

[0013] The housing may include: a grip portion for a user to hold with one hand; and a switch portion extending along the length of the grip portion, including a steering dial switch, a speed shifting slide switch, an acceleration rotary switch, and a brake button switch.

[0014] When the user holds the grip with one hand, the steering wheel switch can be located at the upper end of the rear surface of the housing, and the user can operate the steering wheel switch by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise with the other hand that is not holding the grip.

[0015] The steering dial switch can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the housing by the user's operation, and when the user's operation force is released, it can be rotated in the opposite direction by the force of the return spring to return to the initial position.

[0016] The steering wheel switch may include a damping element configured to slow down the return speed caused by the spring force of the return spring, and the damping element may be concentrically mounted inside the steering wheel switch.

[0017] The speed change slider switch can be located on the upper surface of the switch part, and the user can operate the speed change slider switch by contacting the surface of the speed change slider switch with the fingers of the other hand that is not holding the grip part and pushing or pulling the fingers forward or backward.

[0018] When the gear shift switch is operated, one of the four gears (P, R, N, and D) or one of the three gears (R, N, and D) can be engaged.

[0019] If one of the three gear positions (R, N, and D) is engaged when the shift switch is operated, the menu for operating the P gear can be configured on the fixed display.

[0020] If one of the three gear positions (R, N, and D) is engaged when the shift switch is operated, the shift switch can be operated to N gear and the brake button switch can be operated for a predetermined time, thereby engaging P gear.

[0021] The accelerator rotary switch can be positioned in the switch section closest to the grip section, and the user can operate the accelerator rotary switch by inserting the fingers of the hand holding the grip section into the hole in the housing in the left / right direction and pulling the fingers back.

[0022] To provide a sense of control and a restoring force for the accelerated rotary switch, the bullet can be mounted in the accelerated rotary switch to be elastically supported by a bullet spring, and a grooved member can be fixedly mounted in the housing, the grooved member including a wave-shaped groove formed thereon and in contact with the bullet.

[0023] When the user holds the grip with one hand, the brake button switch can be located on the rear surface of the housing, and the user can operate the brake button switch by pressing the brake button switch with the fingers of the hand holding the grip.

[0024] The accelerator rotary switch and the brake button switch can be mounted to be connected to each other by a connecting spring. The connecting spring can provide a restoring force to the accelerator rotary switch and the brake button switch, and if the user operates the accelerator rotary switch and the brake button switch at the same time, the user can identify the simultaneous operation of the two switches by the elasticity of the connecting spring.

[0025] The movable control device may further include: a permanent magnet connected to the steering wheel switch, the gear shift slider switch, the acceleration rotary switch, and the brake push-button switch, respectively; and a PCB fixedly mounted in the housing facing the permanent magnet. The PCB can generate one of the following signals by changing the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet: a steering-related signal, a gear shift-related signal, an acceleration-related signal, or a braking-related signal.

[0026] If the accelerator rotary switch and the brake button are operated simultaneously, the PCB can prioritize recognizing and processing the brake button switch signal.

[0027] To prevent misoperation, the steering wheel switch, gear shift slide switch, accelerator rotation switch, and brake button switch can be operated in different ways.

[0028] The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure is configured such that when the driving mode is switched from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode, the user operates a movable control device, which corresponds to a portable device, to perform vehicle steering, shifting, acceleration, and braking, and operates a fixed touch-screen display device to perform other vehicle functions. The advantage of this configuration is its simplicity and convenience of operation. In particular, various vehicle control functions are assigned to the movable control device and the touch-screen display device respectively, thereby minimizing the risk of misoperation.

[0029] In addition, a mobile control device is a portable device that can be held by hand and moved to the desired location, and its advantage is that it can be easily operated due to its small size and light weight.

[0030] In addition, the steering wheel switch, gear shifting slide switch, acceleration rotation switch and brake button switch located in the movable control device are configured to be operated in different ways, thereby minimizing the risk of misoperation. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 An integrated control device is shown in one form of the present disclosure in an autonomous vehicle;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a movable control device in one form of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side view of the movable control device shown with one side surface of its housing removed;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a movable control device in one form of this disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figures 6 to 8 This is a diagram illustrating a steering dial switch in one form of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a variable speed slide switch in one form of this disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an acceleration rotary switch and a brake push-button switch in one form of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments of this disclosure provided in this specification or application are for the purpose of describing embodiments according to this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments according to this disclosure can be implemented in various forms, and this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0040] Various variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure, and therefore specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the specification or application. However, it should be understood that embodiments based on the concepts of this disclosure are not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, but rather this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0041] Terms such as “first” and / or “second” may be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are intended only to distinguish one element from others. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be named a second element and similarly, a second element may be named a first element.

[0042] When an element is referred to as "connected" or "accessed" to other elements, it should be understood that not only is the element directly connected to or accessed by other elements, but there may also be another element between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly accessed" to any other component, it should be understood that there is no component between them. Other expressions describing the relationships between structural elements, namely "between" and "only between" or "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," should be interpreted similarly to the descriptions above.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless they are clearly different in the context. As used herein, the expressions “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of the mentioned features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof, and should be construed as not excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms such as those defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0045] The control unit (controller) according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented using a non-volatile memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown). The non-volatile memory is configured to store data related to an algorithm or software instructions for reproducing the algorithm, which is configured to control the operation of various vehicle components. The processor is configured to perform the operations described below by utilizing data stored in the respective memory. Here, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as an integrated single chip. The processor may be in the form of one or more processors.

[0046] In the following description, an integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in some forms of this disclosure, the integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle is installed in the autonomous vehicle 1 and enables the operator of the vehicle to manually control and drive the vehicle in manual driving mode in the event of an emergency during autonomous driving.

[0048] That is, the integrated control device for the autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure includes: a movable control device 10, which is operated by the user while holding it with his hand 2 to perform steering, gear-shifting, acceleration and braking; and a fixed display device 20, which is configured to be separate from the movable control device 10 and operated by the user by touch to control other functions besides steering, gear-shifting, acceleration and braking.

[0049] The movable control device 10 is a portable control device that can be moved to the desired location by the user holding it with his hand 2. The fixed display device 20 is a device that is fixedly installed in the interior space of the autonomous vehicle 1. The movable control device 10 and the fixed display device 20 are structurally separate from each other.

[0050] Based on its appearance, the movable control device 10 can be referred to as a lever-type control device.

[0051] Other functions achieved by operating the fixed display device 20 include driving the lights installed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, emitting warning sounds, and switching driving modes.

[0052] Vehicle lights include various lights installed on the vehicle, and may include headlights, fog lights, turn signals, taillights, warning lights, etc.

[0053] The driving modes to be switched include automatic driving mode and manual driving mode.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a movable control device 10 corresponding to a portable device is operated to perform vehicle steering, speed change, acceleration, and braking, and a touch-screen fixed display device 20 is operated to perform other vehicle functions. The advantage of this configuration is its simplicity and ease of operation. In particular, various vehicle control functions are assigned to both the movable control device 10 and the touch-screen fixed display device 20, thereby minimizing the risk of misoperation.

[0055] In addition, the movable control device 10 is a portable device that can be held by the user's hand to move to the desired location, and has the advantage of being easy to operate due to its small size and light weight.

[0056] The movable control device 10 according to this disclosure includes: a housing 100, which is held by a user with one hand 2; and a steering dial switch 200, a gear-shifting slide switch 300, an acceleration rotation switch 400 and a brake button switch 500 disposed in the housing 100.

[0057] The housing 100 is formed with a straight box structure and includes: a grip portion 110 for a user to hold with one hand 2; and a switch portion 120 extending along the length of the grip portion 110 and including a steering dial switch 200, a speed shifting slide switch 300, an acceleration rotary switch 400 and a brake button switch 500.

[0058] The housing 100 is used to form the appearance and protect the internal components in the event of an impact. The housing 100 is constructed by the connection of a left housing and a right housing that are to be separated from each other, and includes a core support 130 disposed therein.

[0059] Multiple functional components are connected to the core support 130, and the core support 130 is used to constrain the printed circuit board (PCB) described later.

[0060] The structure including the left shell, the right shell, and the core support 130 can be referred to as shell 100.

[0061] The movable control device 10 is connected to the autonomous vehicle via a spring wire 30, and the opposite end of the spring wire 30 is connected to the movable control device 10 and the autonomous vehicle via a detachable connector structure.

[0062] The movable control device 10 is a portable control device that can be moved to the desired position by the user holding it with his hand 2. The spring wire 30 will not sag even when the movable control device 10 is moved due to its own tension, thus preventing it from being stepped on. This prevents malfunctions caused by the spring wire 30 breaking, thus providing an advantage in terms of safety.

[0063] Because the connector structure of the spring wire 30 has a locking structure, the spring wire 30 will not separate from the movable control device 10 and the body of the autonomous vehicle unless the lock is released.

[0064] When the user holds the grip part 110 with one hand 2, the steering wheel switch 200 is located at the upper end of the rear surface of the housing 100, and the user operates the steering wheel switch 200 by turning the steering wheel switch 200 clockwise or counterclockwise with the other hand that is not holding the grip part 110.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, when the user wraps around and holds the grip portion 110 with his right hand, and the switch portion 120 extends above the grip portion 110, the steering dial switch 200 is configured to protrude from the top of the rear surface of the switch portion 120 toward the user's body and is configured to be rotatable in a dial manner. The user can operate the steering dial switch 200 by turning the steering dial switch clockwise or counterclockwise with the other hand that is not holding the housing 100, i.e., the left hand or the fingers of the left hand.

[0066] The steering dial switch 200 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the housing 100 by the user's operation, and when the user's operation force is released, it rotates in the opposite direction by the spring force of the return spring 240 to return to the initial position.

[0067] Additionally, the steering wheel switch 200 includes a damping element 260 for reducing the recovery speed caused by the elasticity of the return spring 240. The damping element 260 is concentrically mounted inside the steering wheel switch 200 and is mounted inside the steering wheel switch 200 so that the steering wheel switch 200 can have a reduced external size, thereby having a compact construction.

[0068] The steering dial switch 200 is mounted such that its rear surface, facing the user, is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 via the top of the switch section 120.

[0069] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the steering dial switch 200 includes a steering knob 210, a base gear 220, a rotating component 230, a return spring 240, a housing 250, a damping component 260, a dial shaft 270, a sensing gear 280, and a permanent magnet 290.

[0070] The steering knob 210 is a component that is rotated and operated by the user. The steering knob 210 and the base gear 220 are connected to each other to rotate as a whole. The base gear 220 includes a gear portion 221 formed along its circumferential direction.

[0071] The outer casing 250 is fixedly connected to the core support 130 constituting the casing 100, and the rotating member 230 is rotatably housed within the outer casing 250.

[0072] The spring-operated protrusion 231 and the stop protrusion 251 protrude from the rotating member 230 and the housing 250 in the same direction, respectively.

[0073] The return spring 240 is mounted to be wound around the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 230, the opposite ends of the return spring 240 are supported by the outer surface of the stop protrusion 251, and the spring operating protrusion 231 is located between the opposite ends of the return spring 240.

[0074] The damping element 260 is referred to as a micro-damping element and includes an outer fixed body 261 and an inner rotating body 262. The space between the outer fixed body 261 and the inner rotating body 262 is filled with silicone oil, which allows the damping force to be exhibited.

[0075] The damping member 260 is configured to be located inside the rotating member 230. The outer fixing body 261 of the damping member 260 is connected to the core support 130. Since the key 263 protrudes outward from the outer fixing body 261 and a keyway is formed on the core support 130, the key 263 is inserted into the keyway, so that the outer fixing body 261 of the damping member 260 is fixedly connected to the core support 130.

[0076] The dial shaft 270 extends through the center of the base gear 220 and the rotating member 230 to be connected to the inner rotating body 262 of the damper 260, and after the dial shaft 270 is connected, the steering knob 210 is connected to the base gear 220 to prevent the dial shaft 270 from being exposed.

[0077] The sensing gear 280 meshes with the gear portion 221 of the base gear 220 in the form of a gear other than the sensing gear 280, and the permanent magnet 290 is connected to the rotation center of the sensing gear 280 in the form of facing the printed circuit board (PCB) 600.

[0078] According to this disclosure, the damping element 260 is mounted inside the steering wheel switch 200, so that the steering wheel switch 200 can have a reduced external size, thereby having a compact construction.

[0079] Furthermore, this disclosure has a structure in which the damping element 260 can be operated by the constraint force of the dial shaft 270, and the advantage of this structure is that the cost of precision molds can be reduced because a gear structure is not used. In particular, when the damping element 260 rotates, the occurrence of pulsating noise caused by a gear structure can be prevented.

[0080] The damping element 260 is used to prevent noise and impact by slowing down the recovery speed caused by the elasticity of the return spring 240.

[0081] When the user turns the steering wheel switch 200 clockwise or counterclockwise, the permanent magnet 290 rotates by sensing the rotation of the gear 280, and the PCB 600 identifies the rotation of the steering wheel switch 200 based on the change in magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 290 to generate a steering-related signal.

[0082] Additionally, when the user turns the steering wheel switch 200 clockwise or counterclockwise, the return spring 240 is compressed to accumulate elastic force, and when the user releases the operating force applied to the steering wheel switch 200, the steering wheel switch 200 rotates in the opposite direction under the elastic force of the return spring 240 to return to its initial position.

[0083] The steering wheel switch 200 may further include a power handle, and the upper surface of the power handle may be mounted to expose the exterior of the steering wheel switch 200.

[0084] The upper surface of the power handle is concave so that the user can place his / her fingers on it, and the entire steering dial switch 200 can rotate relative to the housing 100 when the user applies a small rotational force to the upper surface of the power handle while placing his / her left index finger or thumb on it.

[0085] The speed change slide switch 300 is disposed on the upper surface of the switch part 120. The user can operate the speed change slide switch 300 by contacting the surface of the speed change slide switch 300 with the index finger or thumb of the left hand that is not holding the grip part and pushing or pulling the speed change slide switch 300 forward or backward.

[0086] When the shift switch 300 is operated, it can be configured to operate one of the four shift gears (P, R, N and D), or it can be configured to operate one of the three shift gears (R, N and D).

[0087] If one of the three gear positions (R, N, and D) is engaged when operating the gear shift switch 300, the gear shift switch 300 can have a reduced travel distance, thereby having a smaller size.

[0088] If one of the three gear positions (R, N, and D) is engaged when the shift switch 300 is operated, a menu for operating the P gear can be additionally configured on the fixed display device 20, thereby reducing the occurrence of accidents, because in an emergency, any passenger in the autonomous vehicle can operate the P gear even if the passenger is not the vehicle operator.

[0089] In addition, if one of the three gear positions (R, N, and D) is engaged when operating the gear shift switch 300, the gear position (P) can be engaged by operating the gear shift switch 300 to N and then operating the brake button switch 500 for a predetermined time.

[0090] That is, after the gear shift switch 300 is operated to N gear, the vehicle is turned off, thus creating a N gear parking situation. If the brake button switch 500 is operated in N gear for more than 3 seconds, the vehicle will switch to P gear to finally enter the P gear parking situation.

[0091] The speed change slide switch 300 is mounted on the upper surface of the switch component 120, and the user operates the speed change slide switch 300 by pushing forward or pulling backward with the index finger or thumb of the left hand while holding the grip part 110 with the right hand.

[0092] The knob 310 of the variable speed slide switch 300 is integrally connected to the rod 320, which is configured to reciprocate linearly relative to the switch body 330, and the permanent magnet 340 is connected to the rod 320, so that it faces the PCB 600 when installed.

[0093] In addition, the switch body 330 has a recessed structure inside, so that the lever 320 can be fixedly positioned therein when the knob 310 is operated. In particular, the spring provided in the switch body 330 can generate an operating force.

[0094] If a user holds the grip portion 110 of the housing 100 with their right hand while simultaneously pushing forward or pulling backward the knob 310 of the speed change slide switch 300 with their left index finger or thumb, the position of the permanent magnet 340 changes due to the movement of the lever 320, and the PCB 600 identifies the movement of the speed change slide switch 300 by the change in magnetic flux based on the change in the position of the permanent magnet 340, thereby generating a speed change-related signal.

[0095] The acceleration rotary switch 400 is located in the switch section 120 at the position closest to the grip section 110. The user can operate the acceleration rotary switch 400 with the hand holding the grip section 110, i.e., the index finger of the right hand.

[0096] After the user grips the holding part 110 with his right hand like a handgun, the user can operate the acceleration rotary switch 400 by pulling the acceleration rotary switch 400 backward with his right index finger as if pulling a trigger, while the index finger of his right hand is inserted into the hole of the housing 100 in the left / right direction.

[0097] A housing hole 140 is formed in the housing 100, so that the index finger of the user's right hand holding the housing 100 can be inserted into the housing hole 140 in the left / right direction.

[0098] The upper part of the rotary speed-up switch 400 is connected to the core support 130 that constitutes the housing 100 so that it can rotate in the front-back direction, and the lower part of the rotary speed-up switch 400 is operated by the user's right index finger.

[0099] The acceleration fixing bracket 410 is used to fix the upper part of the acceleration rotary switch 400 at the rotation center, and the acceleration fixing bracket 410 is fixedly connected to the core bracket 130, while covering the upper part of the acceleration rotary switch 400, which is the rotation center.

[0100] To provide a tactile feel and restoring force to the rotary switch 400, a bullet 420 is mounted on the upper part of the rotary switch 400 to be elastically supported by a bullet spring 430, and a groove member 440 is fixedly mounted in the core support 130 constituting the housing 100, the groove member 440 including a wave-shaped groove 441 formed thereon and in contact with the bullet 420.

[0101] The permanent magnet 450 is connected to the rotation center of the acceleration rotary switch 400 in a manner facing the PCB 600. If the user pulls the acceleration rotary switch 400 with the index finger of his right hand while holding the grip part 110 of the housing 100 with his right hand, the permanent magnet 450 rotates. The PCB 600 identifies the rotation of the acceleration rotary switch 400 based on the change in magnetic flux of the rotating permanent magnet 450, thereby generating an acceleration-related signal.

[0102] When a user holds the grip part 110 with one hand, the brake button switch 500 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 100, and the user can operate the brake button switch 500 by pressing the brake button switch 500 with the fingers of the hand holding the grip part 110.

[0103] That is, after the user holds the grip part 110 with his right hand like a handgun, the user can operate the acceleration rotation switch 400 with the index finger of his right hand, and operate the brake button switch 500 by pressing the brake button switch 500 provided on the rear surface of the housing 100 with the thumb of his right hand.

[0104] The brake button switch 500 is configured to include a knob 510 operated by a user and a slider 520 coupled to the knob 510 for movement integrally with the knob 510. The knob 510 is mounted to be exposed to the outside through the rear surface of the housing 100, and the slider 520 is mounted in the core support 130 constituting the housing 100 for sliding in the front-rear direction.

[0105] The permanent magnet 530 is connected to the slider 520 in a form facing the PCB 600, and if the user holds the grip portion 110 of the housing 100 with his right hand and presses the brake button switch 500 with his right thumb, the position of the permanent magnet 530 changes, and the PCB 600 recognizes the movement of the brake button switch 500 by the change in magnetic flux according to the change in the position of the permanent magnet 530, so as to generate a braking-related signal.

[0106] The brake fixing bracket 540 is used to prevent the brake button switch 500 from disengaging, and the brake fixing bracket 540 is fixedly connected to the core bracket 130, while covering one side of the slider 520 connected to the permanent magnet 530.

[0107] According to this disclosure, the center of the connecting spring 700 is fixedly mounted on the core support 130 constituting the housing 100, one end of the connecting spring 700 is mounted to contact the lower end of the acceleration rotary switch 400, and the other end of the connecting spring 700 is mounted to contact the tip of the slider 520 constituting the brake button switch 500.

[0108] When the acceleration rotary switch 400 and the brake button switch 500 are operated, the connecting spring 700 provides a restoring force.

[0109] The acceleration rotary switch 400 is configured to receive the restoring force of the dual-spring structure obtained through the spring 430 and the connecting spring 700, and the remaining spring can function even if one of the two springs breaks or is damaged.

[0110] The spring 430 and the connecting spring 700 are configured to have different elastic forces, and when the acceleration rotary switch 400 or the brake button switch 500 is operated, the difference between the two different elastic forces can prevent misoperation.

[0111] In addition, when the user operates the acceleration rotary switch 400 and the brake button switch 500 at the same time, the elastic force of the connecting spring 700 increases rapidly. The user can identify the simultaneous operation of the two switches by the rapidly increasing elastic force of the connecting spring 700, thus preventing accidental operation.

[0112] If the user operates the acceleration rotary switch 400 and the brake button switch 500 simultaneously, the PCB 600 prioritizes recognizing and processing the signal from the brake button switch 500 to prevent accidents caused by misoperation and sudden acceleration.

[0113] According to this disclosure, the steering wheel switch 200, the gear shift slide switch 300, the acceleration rotary switch 400, and the brake button switch 500 can be operated in different ways, thereby improving the intuitiveness of the operation process and preventing misoperation.

[0114] As described above, the integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure includes: a movable control device 10, corresponding to a portable device, which, when the driving mode is switched from autonomous driving mode to manual driving mode, allows the user to manipulate the movable control device to perform vehicle steering, shifting, acceleration, and braking; and a fixed display device 20, which is manipulated via touch to perform other vehicle functions. The advantage of this configuration is its simplicity and convenience of operation. In particular, various vehicle control functions are assigned to the movable control device 10 and the touch display device 20 respectively, thereby minimizing the risk of misoperation.

[0115] In addition, the movable control device 10 is a portable device that can be moved to the desired location by the user while holding it in their hand, and it has the advantage of being easy to operate due to its small size and light weight.

[0116] The steering wheel switch 200, speed change slide switch 300, acceleration rotation switch 400 and brake button switch 500 provided in the movable control device 10 are configured to be operated in different ways, thereby preventing misoperation to the greatest extent.

[0117] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle, comprising: Movable control unit for steering, shifting gears, acceleration, and braking. The movable control device includes: case, The steering wheel switch, speed shift switch, acceleration rotation switch, and brake button switch are housed in the housing.

2. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: A fixed display device, separate from the movable control device, controls functions other than steering, speed change, acceleration, and braking, wherein the fixed display device is operated by touch.

3. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The movable control device is a portable device, and The fixed display device is fixedly installed in the interior space of the autonomous vehicle.

4. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The fixed display device control includes functions such as driving the lights installed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, emitting warning sounds, and switching driving modes.

5. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The movable control device is connected to the autonomous vehicle via a spring wire, and The opposite ends of the spring wire are connected to the movable control device and the autonomous vehicle via a detachable connector structure.

6. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes: The gripping part; and The switch section extends along the length of the grip section and includes the steering dial switch, the speed shifting slide switch, the acceleration rotary switch, and the brake button switch.

7. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, When the user holds the grip, the steering dial switch is located at the upper end of the rear surface of the housing and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

8. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The steering wheel switch is configured such that: Relative to the housing, it can move clockwise or counterclockwise; as well as The spring force of the return spring causes the object to move in the opposite direction, thus restoring it to its initial position.

9. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The steering wheel switch includes: A damping element, used to reduce the elastic force of the return spring, is concentrically mounted inside the steering dial switch.

10. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The variable speed sliding switch is disposed on the upper surface of the switch part, and The speed-changing sliding switch is controlled by the user's finger.

11. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The speed shift switch is controlled by one of four speed shift positions, namely P, R, N and D, or one of three speed shift positions, namely R, N and D.

12. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, When the gear shift switch is controlled by one of the three gear positions, namely R, N, and D, the fixed display device displays a menu for operating the P gear.

13. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, When the gear shift switch is controlled by one of the three gear positions, namely R, N, and D, the P gear is activated by manipulating the gear shift switch to N and controlling the brake button switch for a predetermined time.

14. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The acceleration rotary switch is located in the switch section at the position closest to the grip section, and The user controls the accelerated rotation switch by inserting their finger into the hole in the housing in a left / right direction and pulling the finger back.

15. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: The projectile is installed in the acceleration rotary switch and is elastically supported by a projectile spring; as well as A grooved member is fixedly installed in the housing, and the grooved member further includes a wavy groove that contacts the projectile.

16. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The brake button switch is located on the rear surface of the housing, and the user controls the brake button switch by pressing the brake button switch with their finger.

17. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The acceleration rotary switch and the brake button switch are mounted to be connected to each other via a connecting spring. The connecting spring provides a restoring force to the acceleration rotary switch and the brake button switch, and The acceleration rotation switch and the brake button switch are simultaneously controlled by recognizing the elasticity of the connecting spring.

18. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The movable control device further includes: Permanent magnets are respectively connected to the steering wheel switch, the gear shift switch, the acceleration rotary switch, and the brake button switch; and The PCB is fixedly mounted in the housing in a manner facing the permanent magnet. The PCB generates at least one of the following signals: a steering signal, a speed change signal, an acceleration signal, or a braking signal, through the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet.

19. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 18, wherein, When the PCB controls both the acceleration rotary switch and the brake button switch simultaneously, it prioritizes processing the braking signal.

20. The integrated control device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The steering wheel switch, the gear shift slide switch, the acceleration rotary switch, and the brake button switch are controlled differently.

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