Rotary switch device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary switch device for a vehicle, the device including a knob module and a base module, the knob module including a plurality of sensors and a material configured to react to a magnetic force; the base module generating a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold value to enable the knob module to be attached to the base module, and when the knob module is attached to the base module, transmitting detection results of the plurality of sensors included in the knob module to an electronic device within the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0188349, filed on December 30, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a detachable rotary switch device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] In addition to basic driving functions, vehicles typically perform various functions such as audio, video, navigation, air conditioning, seat control, and lighting control.

[0005] With the rapid development of electronic control technology, for reasons such as driver convenience and safety, various mechanically operated devices in vehicles have been driven electrically, and vehicle systems have become more advanced and incorporated additional technologies.

[0006] In recent years, research has been conducted on input devices that enable drivers to easily access and execute various vehicle functions, allowing them to operate these functions safely and simply.

[0007] Furthermore, as the development of autonomous driving continues and seat rotation in vehicles becomes possible, research is underway on the accessibility and operability of buttons on in-vehicle operating systems to ensure the operation of various vehicle functions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a rotary switch device that can be stably attached and easily detached.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description any other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotary switch device for a vehicle includes: a knob module and a base module, the knob module including a plurality of sensors and a material configured to respond to magnetic force; the base module generating a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold to enable the knob module to be attached to the base module, and when the knob module is attached to the base module, transmitting the detection results of the plurality of sensors included in the knob module to electronic equipment in the vehicle.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an operating method of a rotary switch device for a vehicle includes: an attachment force setting step, an attachment holding determination step, a sensor activation step, a separation condition determination step, and a first attachment force changing step. In the attachment force setting step, when the knob module is attached to the upper part of a base module, a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold is generated and maintained in the attachment force setting step; in the attachment holding determination step, it is determined whether the vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode or whether a separation condition is met; when it is determined in the attachment holding determination step that the vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is met, in the sensor activation step, a sensor included in the knob module is activated and the detection result of the activated sensor is received; in the separation condition determination step, a separation condition is determined based on the detection result in the sensor activation step; and when a separation condition is determined in the separation condition determination step, the magnetic force is changed to be less than a threshold in the first attachment force changing step. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment and disengagement of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the knob module and base module included in a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing the operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a base module disposed in a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart describing the operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function and operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, including various boats, ships, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., vehicles derived from non-fossil fuels). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as both gasoline and electric power.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be further understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Throughout this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements, but do not exclude any other elements. Furthermore, the terms “unit,” “device,” “section,” and “module” described in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation, and may be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-transient computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium, which contains executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical disc (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed across a network-connected computer system, such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0025] The following describes some embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical or equivalent parts are indicated by the same reference numerals even when shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the invention.

[0026] In describing components according to embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Unless otherwise indicated in the specification, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0027] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 8 The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotary switch device can be implemented inside a vehicle. In this case, the rotary switch device can be integrally formed with the vehicle's internal control unit, or it can be implemented as a separate device and connected to the vehicle's control unit via a separate connection device.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rotary switch device for a vehicle may include a rotary dial module 1 and a base module 2.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the knob module 1 and the base module 2 can be configured to be attached to each other detachably.

[0032] The knob module 1 and the base module 2 can be arranged such that the knob module 1 is detachably attached to the upper part of the base module 2.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the attachment and disengagement of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2The left figure shows the knob module 1 attached to the upper part of the base module 2. Figure 2 The right figure shows the knob module 1, which was previously attached to the upper part of the base module 2, separating from the upper part of the base module 2.

[0035] In this case, the magnetic force when the knob module 1 is magnetically attached to the upper part of the base module 2 can be greater than the magnetic force when the knob module 1 is detached from the upper part of the base module 2.

[0036] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a knob module and a base module included in a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] refer to Figure 3A A touch screen 3 can be installed on the upper part of the knob module 1.

[0038] The knob module 1 can rotate left and right, and is configured so that the operator can experience changes in the feel of operation when the knob module 1 is rotated left and right.

[0039] When the knob module 1 transmits information about user function selection to the base module 2 solely through wireless communication with the base module 2, the knob module 1 may include a wireless communication module.

[0040] In addition, when the knob module 1 supports wired / wireless communication with the base module 2, magnetic contacts can be provided at the lower part of the knob module 1.

[0041] refer to Figure 3B The base module 2 can illuminate the indicator lights in the area to which the knob module 1 will be attached or has already been attached.

[0042] In this situation, when the knob module 1 approaches the base module 2, that is, when the distance between the knob module 1 and the base module 2 is within a preset distance, the base module 2 can light up the indicator light in the area where the knob module 1 will be attached in the upper region of the base module 2.

[0043] Furthermore, when the knob module 1 is separated from the base module 2, that is, when the distance between the knob module 1 and the base module 2 exceeds a preset distance, the base module 2 can turn off the indicator light in the area to which the knob module 1 was previously attached in the upper region of the base module 2.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] refer to Figure 4The knob module 1 may include a material 1-1 configured to respond to magnetic force, a battery 1-2, a display 1-3, multiple sensors (e.g., a first sensor 1-4 and a second sensor 1-5), a first light module 1-6, a first communication module 1-7, a tactile module 1-8, a first wireless charging module 1-9, a first wireless charging coil 1-10, and a rotation controller 1-11.

[0046] In this case, the knob module 1 may further include a voltage regulator, and at least one component constituting the knob module 1 may receive a stable voltage (power) from the voltage regulator.

[0047] Materials configured to respond to magnetic forces may include materials that utilize magnetic attraction.

[0048] For example, the material 1-1 configured to respond to magnetic force may include a magnetic material, and more specifically, the magnetic material 1-1 may include a permanent magnet. In this case, the magnetic material 1-1 may have a polarity opposite to that of the base module 2. Furthermore, the magnetic material 1-1 may include a material (e.g., iron) capable of attaching to the base module 2 by responding to the magnetic force of the base module 2.

[0049] Battery 1-2 can store electrical energy and supply the stored electrical energy to at least one of the display 1-3, multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5, first lighting module 1-6, first communication module 1-7 and haptic module 1-8 via rotation controller 1-11.

[0050] like Figure 3A As shown, displays 1-3 can be located on the upper part of the knob module 1, and can include displays capable of receiving touch input.

[0051] Each of the multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a touch sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0052] The first lighting modules 1-6 can illuminate the indicator lights in specific parts of the knob module 1.

[0053] The first communication module 1-7 can use wired / wireless communication to send the input of the knob module 1 to the base module 2.

[0054] The tactile modules 1-8 can generate different modes of vibration based on the combination of vibration intensity and vibration duration, allowing users to check whether the touch input of the knob module 1 is correct through tactile means.

[0055] The first wireless charging module 1-9 and the first wireless charging coil 1-10 can receive the magnetic field generated from the base module 2 using electromagnetic induction, and generate current based on the received magnetic field.

[0056] The rotation controller 1-11 can charge the battery 1-2 using the current provided by the first wireless charging module 1-9, or provide current to at least one of the display 1-3, multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5, the first lighting module 1-6, the first communication module 1-7, and the haptic module 1-8.

[0057] In addition, the rotation controller 1-11 can receive input from the driver or passenger (i.e., input from vehicle occupants) from the display 1-3 and multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5, and send the input from the driver or passenger to the base module 2 through the first communication module 1-7.

[0058] The rotation controller 1-11 can control the display 1-3 and the first lighting module 1-6 to provide visual information to the driver or passenger, and control the tactile module 1-8 to provide tactile information to the driver or passenger.

[0059] The base module 2 may include an electromagnetic coil 2-1, a magnetic control driver 2-2, a voltage regulator 2-3, a function switch 2-4, a CAN communication module 2-5, a second lighting module 2-6, a second communication module 2-7, a second wireless charging module 2-8, a second wireless charging coil 2-9, a base controller 2-10, and multiple ports 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, and 2-14.

[0060] The electromagnetic coil 2-1 and the magnetic control driver 2-2 can generate magnetic force emanating from the upper part of the base module 2 and control the magnitude of the magnetic force.

[0061] In this case, the electromagnetic coil 2-1 can receive current from the magnetically controlled driver 2-2 to generate magnetic force, and the magnitude of the generated magnetic force can be changed according to the intensity of the received current.

[0062] Furthermore, the magnetically controlled actuator 2-2 can control the amount and intensity of the current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 2-1 according to the control of the base controller 2-10.

[0063] The voltage regulator 2-3 can provide a preset level of stable voltage to at least one of the magnetic control driver 2-2, function switch 2-4, CAN communication module 2-5, second lighting module 2-6, second communication module 2-7, second wireless charging module 2-8 and base controller 2-10.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, function switches 2-4 may include switches for selecting switches required to control electronic equipment installed in the vehicle or for selecting the function of rotary switch devices for the vehicle.

[0065] The CAN communication module 2-5 can send data, information, and signals to electronic devices installed in the vehicle and receive data, information, and signals from electronic devices installed in the vehicle.

[0066] The second lighting module 2-6 can illuminate the indicator lights in specific parts of the base module 2.

[0067] For example, the second light module 2-6 can illuminate the indicator light located on the upper part of the knob module 1, which will be attached to the base module 2.

[0068] The second communication module 2-7 can send data, information, signals, etc. to the first communication module 1-7 of the knob module 1 and receive data, information, signals, etc. from the first communication module 1-7 of the knob module 1. In this case, wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi can be used, or wired communication technologies such as serial communication can be used.

[0069] The second wireless charging module 2-8 and the second wireless charging coil 2-9 can generate a magnetic field under the control of the base controller 2-10.

[0070] The base controller 2-10 can send input from the driver or passenger from the function switch 2-4 and data and signals from the electronic devices in the vehicle received from the CAN communication module 2-5 to the knob module 1. Alternatively, the base controller 2-10 can send information based on the input from the driver or passenger from the function switch 2-4 and the driver or passenger's operation on the knob module 1 to the electronic devices in the vehicle.

[0071] In addition, the base controller 2-10 can transmit the data, information and signals provided by the knob module 1 to the electronic devices in the vehicle via the CAN communication module 2-5.

[0072] When the knob module 1 approaches the base module 2, that is, when the distance between the base module 2 and the knob module 1 is within a preset distance, the base controller 2-10 can control the second wireless charging module 2-8 to generate a magnetic field from the second wireless charging coil 2-9.

[0073] The base controller 2-10 can change the magnitude of the magnetic force generated from the electromagnetic coil 2-1 by means of the magnetic control driver 2-2, based on the input from the function switch 2-4 or the data, information and / or signals provided by the CAN communication module 2-5.

[0074] Furthermore, the base controller 2-10 can change the magnitude of the magnetic force generated from the electromagnetic coil 2-1 via the magnetic control driver 2-2 based on the data, information, and / or signals provided by the knob module 1. In this case, the data, information, and / or signals provided by the knob module 1 can be touch input from the display 1-3 and sensing input from multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5, and can be input by the driver or passenger.

[0075] The multiple ports 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, and 2-14 may include a power terminal 2-11 (B+), an ignition confirmation information receiving terminal 2-12 (IG), a CAN communication terminal 2-13 (CAN), and a ground terminal 2-14 (GND). In this configuration, some of the multiple ports 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, and 2-14 may be electrically connected to at least one of the following: an electromagnetic coil 2-1, a magnetic control driver 2-2, a voltage regulator 2-3, a function switch 2-4, a CAN communication module 2-5, a second lighting module 2-6, a second communication module 2-7, and a second wireless charging module 2-8.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing the operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] refer to Figure 5 The operation method of the rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an attachment force setting step S1, an attachment holding determination step S2, a sensor activation step S3, a separation determination step S4, an attachment force changing step S5, and a separation step S6.

[0078] The attachment force setting step S1 may include: when the knob module 1 approaches the base module 2 (i.e., the distance between the base module 2 and the knob module 1 is within a preset distance), or when the knob module 1 is attached to the base module 2, a magnetic force (X) greater than or equal to the threshold "a" is generated and maintained by the electromagnetic coil 2-1 of the base module 2.

[0079] In this case, a magnetic force greater than or equal to the threshold "a" generated in the base module 2 can prevent the knob module 1 from being accidentally removed.

[0080] In the attachment holding determination step S2, it can be determined whether the vehicle is in automatic driving mode (autonomous driving mode) or whether the preset separation conditions are met.

[0081] If it is determined in the attachment holding determination step S2 that the vehicle is not in autonomous driving mode or the preset separation condition is not met (no), the attachment force setting step S1 is executed again so that the base module 2 generates a magnetic force greater than or equal to the threshold "a".

[0082] On the other hand, when it is determined in the attachment holding determination step S2 that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is met (yes), the sensor activation step S3 can be executed.

[0083] In this scenario, determining that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode can be performed by receiving signals from electronic devices operating during autonomous driving, such as determining whether the seat is rotating or whether intelligent cruise control is activated. Alternatively, the disengagement condition can refer to entering disengagement mode via input from function switches 2-4 or knob module 1.

[0084] The sensor activation step S3 may include activating the sensors of the knob module 1. In this case, the sensor activation step S3 may include activating a plurality of sensors 1-4 and 1-5 contained in the knob module 1, and sending sensing information from the plurality of activated sensors 1-4 and 1-5 to the base module 2.

[0085] In this case, the multiple active sensors 1-4 and 1-5 may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a touch sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0086] The separation determination step S4 may include determining the separation status based on the detection results provided by the activated sensor.

[0087] For example, the separation determination step S4 can be performed based on the detection results provided by the activated sensors, by detecting pressure greater than or equal to a preset value from the pressure sensor of the knob module 1, detecting position changes of the knob module 1 from the accelerometer or gyroscope sensor, or detecting separation input from the touch sensor.

[0088] When the separation condition is determined to be (yes) in the separation condition determination step S4, the attachment force change step S5 can be executed.

[0089] If it is determined in the separation determination step S4 that there is no separation (no), the attachment force setting step S1 can be executed.

[0090] The attachment force change step S5 may include changing the magnetic force (X) generated in the base module 2 to be less than the threshold "a".

[0091] Separation step S6 may include separating the knob module 1 attached to the base module 2 when the magnetic force changes to be less than a threshold.

[0092] As described above, in the rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment or disengagement of the knob module 1 can be performed according to the magnitude of the magnetic force generated in the base module 2.

[0093] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotary switch device of the vehicle can maintain a magnetic force above a threshold value depending on the vehicle's condition (the vehicle is not in autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is not met), thereby preventing the knob module 1 attached to the base module 2 from being unintentionally separated from the base module 2.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a base module disposed in a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] refer to Figure 6 In a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, the base module 2 may include a first magnetic force generating region 100 and a second magnetic force generating region 200 in the area to which the knob module 1 is to be attached.

[0096] The first magnetic force generating area 100 of the base module 2 can be an area used to determine whether the attachment of the knob module 1 has occurred.

[0097] For example, the first magnetic force generating region 100 of the base module 2 can generate a magnetic force (X) greater than or equal to a threshold "a" when the knob module 1 is attached, and when separation occurs, the magnetic force (X) changes to a region less than the threshold "a".

[0098] When the knob module 1 is attached to the base module 2 and operated (rotated), the second magnetic force generating area 200 of the base module 2 can be an area that generates magnetic force (X) to cause an operational sensation of rotation of the knob module 1.

[0099] For example, the second magnetic force generating region 200 of the base module 2 can be a region that generates magnetic force (X) only when the knob module 1 is attached to the base module 2 and operated (rotated), and the magnitude of the magnetic force (X) repeatedly increases and / or decreases. In this case, the change in magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating region 200, which repeatedly increases and decreases in the magnitude of the magnetic force, can be represented as Bn.

[0100] Figure 7 This is a flowchart describing the operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the rotary switch device for a vehicle according to the present invention can be shown when the first magnetic force generating region 100 and the second magnetic force generating region 200 are included in the base module 2.

[0102] refer to Figure 7According to another embodiment of the present invention, the operation method of the rotary switch device for a vehicle may include an attachment force setting step S11, an attachment holding determination step S12, a sensor detection step S13, a function and mode detection step S14, a first attachment force changing step S15, a sensor activation step S16, a separation determination step S17, a second attachment force changing step S18, and a separation step S19.

[0103] The attachment force setting step S11 may include generating and maintaining a magnetic force (X) greater than or equal to a threshold "a" through the electromagnetic coil 2-1 of the base module 2 when the knob module 1 approaches the base module 2 (i.e., the distance between the base module 2 and the knob module 1 is within a preset distance), or when the knob module 1 is attached to the base module 2.

[0104] In this case, a magnetic force greater than or equal to the threshold "a" generated in the base module 2 can prevent the knob module 1 from being accidentally removed.

[0105] In the attachment holding determination step S12, it can be determined whether the vehicle is in a non-autonomous driving mode (normal driving mode) or whether the preset separation conditions are met.

[0106] If, in the attachment holding determination step S12, it is determined that the vehicle is in normal driving mode instead of automatic driving mode or that the preset separation condition is not met (no), the sensor detection step S13 can be executed.

[0107] On the other hand, when it is determined in the attachment holding determination step S12 that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is met (yes), the sensor activation step S16 can be executed.

[0108] In this scenario, determining that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode can be performed by receiving signals from electronic devices operating during autonomous driving, such as determining whether the seat is rotating or whether intelligent cruise control is activated. Alternatively, the disengagement condition can refer to entering disengagement mode via input from function switches 2-4 or knob module 1.

[0109] The sensor detection step S13 may include activating multiple sensors disposed in the knob module 1 and receiving detection results from the activated sensors.

[0110] For example, sensor detection step S13 may include detecting input from the driver or passenger through an activated sensor.

[0111] The function and mode detection step S14 may include selecting a function or mode corresponding to the input of the driver or passenger detected in the sensor detection step S13.

[0112] The first attachment force change step S15 may include generating a vibration mode corresponding to the function or mode selected in the function and mode detection step S14.

[0113] For example, the first attachment force changing step S15 may be a step of generating an additional magnetic force in addition to the magnetic force (X) equal to or greater than the threshold “a” generated in the attachment force setting step S11, and the first attachment force changing step S15 may include repeatedly increasing and then decreasing the magnitude (Bn) of the additionally generated magnetic force.

[0114] In this case, the magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the base module 2 in the first attachment force changing step S15 can be expressed as "a+Bn".

[0115] The first attachment force change step S15 can be maintained for a preset time period, and the attachment force setting step S11 can be executed again after the first attachment force change step S15 is completed.

[0116] When it is determined in the attachment holding determination step S12 that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode and the separation condition is met (yes), the sensor activation step S16 can be executed.

[0117] The sensor activation step S16 may include activating the sensors of the knob module 1. In this case, the sensor activation step S16 may include activating a plurality of sensors 1-4 and 1-5 included in the knob module 1, and sending detection information from the plurality of activated sensors 1-4 and 1-5 to the base module 2.

[0118] In this case, the activated multiple sensors 1-4 and 1-5 may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a touch sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0119] When a pressure sensor is present among multiple activated sensors 1-4 and 1-5, the pressure detected in sensor activation step S16 can be detected as greater than the pressure detected in sensor detection step S13.

[0120] The reason for this is that the driver or passenger may touch the knob module 1 with greater force than when operating the knob module 1, in order to detach the knob module 1 from the base module 2.

[0121] The separation determination step S17 may include determining separation based on the detection results provided by the activated sensor.

[0122] For example, the separation determination step S17 can be performed based on the detection results provided by the activated sensors by detecting pressure greater than or equal to a preset value from the pressure sensor of the knob module 1, detecting position changes of the knob module 1 from the accelerometer or gyroscope sensor, or detecting separation input from the touch sensor.

[0123] When the separation condition is determined to be (yes) in the separation condition determination step S17, the second attachment force change step S18 can be executed.

[0124] If it is determined in the separation determination step S17 that there is no separation (no), the attachment force setting step S11 can be executed.

[0125] The second attachment force changing step S18 may include changing the magnetic force (X) generated in the base module 2 to be less than the threshold "a".

[0126] Separation step S19 may include separating the knob module 1 attached to the base module 2 when the magnetic force changes to be less than a threshold.

[0127] As described above, in a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the knob module 1 is operated while it is attached to the base module 2 (X>=a), an additional magnetic force can be generated in addition to the magnetic force maintained above a threshold. In this case, the additional magnetic force is generated by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the magnitude of the magnetic force.

[0128] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function and operation of a rotary switch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] refer to Figure 8 The separation mode can be entered through the touch display located on the upper part of the knob module 1 (i.e., the front of the knob module 1).

[0130] When the knob module 1 is attached (docked) to the base module 2, the base module 2 can maintain the magnetic force at a value greater than or equal to the threshold "a", and when the operation of the knob module 1 is detected, an additional magnetic force (Bn) is generated that repeatedly increases and decreases in magnitude.

[0131] The additional changes in magnetic force can occur in various pulse patterns.

[0132] The above description is merely an explanation of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0133] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are provided not to limit the spirit and scope of the invention, but to explain the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be understood to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0134] According to embodiments of the present invention, by providing a multifunctional touch-sensitive rotary switch device that can be stably attached and easily detached, operability and accessibility in various usage environments, such as those of autonomous vehicles with rotating seats, can be ensured.

[0135] Furthermore, various effects can be provided directly or indirectly through this invention.

[0136] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary switch device for a vehicle, the rotary switch device comprising: The knob module includes multiple sensors and materials configured to respond to magnetic force; as well as A base module is configured to generate a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold to enable the knob module to attach to the base module, and when the knob module is attached to the base module, to send the detection results of multiple sensors included in the knob module to electronic devices within the vehicle. The base module includes: Electromagnetic coils; and A magnetically controlled actuator configured to adjust the intensity of the current supplied to an electromagnetic coil based on detection results from multiple sensors, such that the magnetic force is less than a threshold, thereby enabling the knob module to be detached from the base module.

2. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The knob module includes a display located at the top of the knob module and a magnetic material located at the bottom of the knob module.

3. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The knob module further includes a battery that wirelessly charges when the knob module is attached to the base module, based on the magnetic field generated by the base module.

4. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The knob module further includes: The lighting module is configured to illuminate indicator lights in specific sections, and The communication module is configured to communicate with the base module.

5. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The knob module further includes a tactile module configured to generate vibration patterns corresponding to functions selected by the plurality of sensors.

6. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The base module includes: A communication module configured to communicate with the knob module; The lighting module is configured to illuminate the indicator lights in the part to which the knob module will be attached. A CAN communication module configured to communicate with electronic devices within the vehicle; and A function switch configured to send operational inputs to the occupants.

7. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The base module includes: A first magnetic force generating region, in which a magnetic force is generated for attaching the knob module, and A second magnetic force generating area generates additional magnetic force to provide a tactile feedback when the knob module is rotated.

8. The rotary switch device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The second magnetic force generating region is a region that generates additional magnetic force in the form of pulses that repeatedly increase and decrease the magnitude of the magnetic force.

9. A method of operating a rotary switch device for a vehicle, the method comprising: The attachment force setting step involves generating and maintaining a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold when the knob module is attached to the upper part of the base module. The attachment and holding determination steps include determining whether the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode or whether the separation conditions are met; The sensor activation step, wherein when it is determined in the attachment holding determination step that the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is met, the sensor included in the knob module is activated and the detection result of the activated sensor is received. The separation status determination step, wherein the separation status is determined based on the detection result in the sensor activation step; and In the first attachment force changing step, when a separation condition is determined in the separation condition determination step, the magnetic force is changed to be less than the threshold.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The separation conditions include entering the separation mode via the function switch of the base module or the sensor input of the knob module.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The separation conditions include situations where a pressure greater than or equal to a preset pressure is detected based on the detection results provided by the sensor of the knob module, situations where a change in the position of the knob module is detected, or situations where the touch input is determined to be a separation input.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The sensor detection step, function and mode detection step, and second attachment force change step, when it is determined in the attachment holding step that the vehicle is not in autonomous driving mode or the separation condition is not met, activate multiple sensors included in the knob module in the sensor detection step and receive the detection results provided by the multiple sensors; select a function or mode corresponding to the detection result received in the sensor detection step in the function and mode detection step; and additionally generate a magnetic force whose magnitude repeatedly increases and decreases in the second attachment force change step.

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