Vehicle locking unit

Abstract

A vehicle locking unit includes an engagement portion disposed at an interior member of a vehicle to face an interior space of the vehicle, a hook portion disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle and selectively engaged with the engagement portion to attach the interior portion to the interior member located in the interior space, and a locking mechanism disposed at the interior portion and coupled to the hook portion to selectively actuate the hook portion, thereby engaging or disengaging the hook portion from the engagement portion to attach or detach the interior portion from the interior member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle locking unit configured to allow an internal portion disposed within the interior space of a dedicated vehicle (PBV) to be freely attached to or detached from the vehicle floor, depending on the purpose of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Although traditional vehicles were used only as transportation devices, recently, with the development of autonomous driving technology, passengers can engage in a variety of activities in addition to driving the vehicle.

[0003] Currently, a fully autonomous driving technology that requires no driver is being developed. In the near future, when fully autonomous driving technology becomes commercially available, there will be no need to provide a separate driver's seat as in traditional vehicles, and the interior space of the vehicle will be freely convertible into various configurations.

[0004] This autonomous driving technology leads to the development of a PBV (Personalized Vehicle), which allows passengers to move around within the vehicle for specific purposes. Unlike traditional vehicles, this PBV requires an interior space, depending on its intended use. For example, it might need a bed for sleeping or tables and chairs for working.

[0005] Therefore, this PBV must be configured to allow the interior components to move freely to desired locations within the vehicle's interior space, and to allow the interior components to be attached to or detached from the vehicle depending on its intended use. For this purpose, a vehicle locking unit needs to be developed, which is configured to allow the interior components to be easily attached to or detached from the vehicle's floor.

[0006] The information included in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or suggestion in any way that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Several aspects of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle locking unit in which a hook portion disposed in an interior portion of the vehicle (which needs to be disposed in the interior space of the vehicle) is actuated to engage or disengage from an engagement portion disposed on an upper surface of the floor of the vehicle, thereby allowing the interior portion to be attached to or separated from the floor.

[0008] Several aspects of the present invention, including the above and other objects, can be achieved by providing a vehicle locking unit comprising: an engagement portion disposed at an interior component of a vehicle facing the interior space of the vehicle; a hook portion disposed at the interior portion of the vehicle and selectively engaging with the engagement portion to attach the interior portion to the interior component located in the interior space; and a locking mechanism disposed at the interior portion and coupled to the hook portion to selectively actuate the hook portion, thereby engaging or disengaging the hook portion from the engagement portion to attach or detach the interior portion to or from the interior component.

[0009] The engagement portion may be located on the upper surface of the vehicle's floor, and the hook portion may be located at the lower part of the inner portion mounted on the floor.

[0010] The joining portion may include at least one panel, the panel including a plurality of annular portions disposed on the upper surface of the panel, and the at least one panel may be coupled to the surface of the internal component to define a portion of the internal component.

[0011] The hook portion located in the inner part may include at least one pair of hooks, and the two hooks in each pair may be oriented toward each other.

[0012] The pair of hooks can be brought close together to engage the engagement portion, thereby locking the inner portion to the inner member, and the pair of hooks can be opened to release the engagement portion, thereby releasing the locking between the inner portion and the inner member.

[0013] The at least one pair of hooks may include multiple pairs of hooks arranged in at least one row, and the multiple pairs of hooks included in each row may be actuated together by the locking mechanism.

[0014] The at least one pair of hooks may be disposed in a recess recessed from the surface of the inner portion to prevent interference between the pair of hooks and the surface of the inner component when the pair of hooks are opened.

[0015] Two of the two hooks in each pair of at least one pair of hooks can rotate in opposite directions to engage with or disengage from the engagement portion.

[0016] The locking mechanism may include: a first gear connected to one of the hooks in the at least one pair of hooks; a second gear connected to the other hook in the pair of hooks; a first rack engaged with the first gear; and a second rack engaged with the second gear; wherein the first rack and the second rack move in opposite directions to each other.

[0017] The locking mechanism may further include a third gear disposed between the first rack and the second rack, and the third gear may engage with the first rack and the second rack to cause the first rack and the second rack to move in opposite directions when the third gear rotates.

[0018] The first rack and the second rack can be arranged parallel to each other, and the first rack is located at a higher position than the second rack. The diameter of the first gear engaged with the first rack can be larger than the diameter of the second gear engaged with the second rack.

[0019] The locking mechanism may further include an actuator configured to be coupled to the third gear, the actuator causing the third gear to rotate in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to engage the hook portion with the engagement portion or disengage the hook portion from the engagement portion.

[0020] The hook portion may include multiple pairs of hooks, and the locking mechanism may include: multiple gears connected to the multiple pairs of hooks respectively; and multiple racks engaging with corresponding gears, such that the multiple pairs of hooks are rotated by the corresponding gears, thereby engaging or disengaging from the engaging portion, wherein the gears are rotated by movement of the multiple racks in one direction or in the opposite direction.

[0021] Each pair of hooks can be located at a position spaced apart from the corresponding two gears among the plurality of gears and can receive driving force via a plurality of shafts, wherein the plurality of shafts connect the corresponding pair of hooks to the corresponding two gears among the plurality of gears.

[0022] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, or will be set forth in more detail in the drawings and detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exemplary view showing a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This exemplarily illustrates a front view of a hook portion of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hook portion being actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism; and

[0025] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a plan view of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein the hook portion is actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0026] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a slightly simplified representation of several features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention as disclosed herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, and in several figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exemplary view showing a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The image shows a front view of a hook portion of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hook portion being actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a plan view of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein the hook portion is actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0031] Figure 1 This is an exemplary view showing a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: an engagement portion 100 disposed at an interior component of the vehicle facing the interior space of the vehicle; a hook portion 200 disposed at an interior component of the vehicle facing the engagement portion 100, and engaging with the engagement portion 100 to attach the interior component of the vehicle to an interior component located in the interior space of the vehicle; and a locking mechanism 300 disposed at the interior component of the vehicle and connected to the hook portion 200 to actuate the hook portion 200 such that the hook portion 200 engages with or disengages from the engagement portion 100 to attach the interior component of the vehicle to or remove the interior component of the vehicle from the interior component.

[0032] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an engaging portion 100 may be disposed on the upper surface of the vehicle's floor, and a hook portion 200 may be disposed at the lower portion of the vehicle's interior portion, wherein the interior portion is attached to the vehicle's floor. For example, the vehicle's interior portion may include a seat or a table, and at least one hook portion 200 may be disposed at the lower end portion of the seat or table.

[0033] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the engagement portion 100 may include at least one panel having a plurality of annular portions disposed on its upper surface, and the at least one panel may be coupled to a surface of an interior component of the vehicle to form part of the interior component.

[0034] The interior portion of the vehicle can be freely arranged within the interior space of the PBV (Private Vehicle) depending on the type of activities the passengers will engage in within the interior space, and at least one panel can form part of a surface of an interior component (such as the vehicle floor). A hook portion 200 located at the lower end of the interior portion engages with some of the annular portions of the engagement portion 100, thereby facilitating the attachment of the interior portion to a position according to the passenger's purpose or desired location.

[0035] For example, a PBV can be used for travel, rest, sleeping, reading, exercising, shopping, working, etc. Therefore, the interior components located within the PBV's interior space can include seats, tables, beds, bookshelves, fitness equipment, etc. Through the vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned components can be freely installed at desired locations within the vehicle's interior space and can be easily attached and detached, thereby improving passenger convenience.

[0036] Figure 2This is an exemplary front view of a hook portion of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hook portion being actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism. In the vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hook portion 200 disposed in an interior portion of the vehicle may include multiple pairs of hooks, and each pair of hooks may be oriented toward each other.

[0037] In the vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each pair of hooks can be brought close together to engage the portion 100, thereby locking the interior portion of the vehicle to the interior components. Simultaneously, a pair of hooks can be opened to release the engaging portion, thereby releasing the locking between the interior portion of the vehicle and the interior components.

[0038] Multiple pairs of hooks can be arranged on the surface of the interior portion of the vehicle to define one or more rows of hooks, and the multiple pairs of hooks included in each row can be actuated together by the locking mechanism 300.

[0039] Because multiple pairs of hooks are provided in the recesses 250 that are recessed from the surface of the interior parts of the vehicle, these hooks will not interfere with the surface of the interior components even when the multiple pairs of hooks are open.

[0040] In other words, because multiple pairs of hooks are arranged in a row on the lower part of the inner part, the inner part is securely fixed to the connecting part 100 by the actuation of the multiple pairs of hooks. Since each pair of hooks is actuated together by a locking mechanism 300, the multiple pairs of hooks can be actuated conveniently in a desired manner.

[0041] If the hook portion 200, which includes a pair of hooks, is configured to protrude from the lower end of the inner portion, the pair of hooks may interfere with the base plate and may therefore break or collide, even when the pair of hooks are not actuated. To avoid such a problem, a recess 250 is provided that is recessed upward from the lower end of the inner portion, and the hook portion 200 is located in the recess 250.

[0042] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the hook portion 200 can engage or disengage from the engagement portion 100 by rotating a pair of hooks in opposite directions.

[0043] The engaging portion 100 includes a plurality of annular portions arranged densely on the surface of an interior component (such as a floor). Hook portions 200, disposed on the surface of the interior portion of the vehicle, engage with the engaging portion 100 at a desired location. The hook portions 200 include a pair of hooks that rotate in opposite directions like pliers, thereby securely fixing the interior portion to the interior component without separating it from the engaging portion 100.

[0044] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the engaging portion 100 can be manufactured in a manner similar to that used in carpet manufacturing. A base panel is prepared, and a rope or thread with slightly high rigidity is woven through the base panel using a loom or the like, such that the engaging portion 100 is continuously formed on the base panel.

[0045] When the vehicle's interior floor is constructed such that the joint portion 100 is set to cover the entire floor area (like a carpet), passengers' feet feel more comfortable, thus providing the effect of a finely finished floor. Furthermore, when objects such as seats or consoles are attached to the joint portion 100, the objects can be freely positioned on the floor at desired locations without needing to be pre-installed in one position.

[0046] In typical living spaces, objects can be held in place by their own weight. However, in situations involving continuous vehicle movement and swaying, objects freely positioned in desired locations must be held in place by being securely fixed to the vehicle's floor. In the event of a vehicle collision, passengers are safe because objects such as seats are held in their designated positions. Therefore, this invention provides the effect of satisfying all requirements regarding arrangement and safety.

[0047] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism 300 includes a first gear 330, a second gear 340, a first rack 320, and a second rack 322. The first gear is connected to one of a pair of hooks in the hook portion 200, the second gear is connected to the other hook in the pair, the first rack engages with the first gear 330, and the second rack engages with the second gear 340. The first rack 320 and the second rack 322 are movable in opposite directions to each other.

[0048] A third gear 310 is disposed between the first rack 320 and the second rack 322, engaging with the first rack and the second rack. Therefore, when the third gear 310 rotates, the first rack 320 and the second rack 322 move in opposite directions.

[0049] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an actuator 305 is provided near the third gear 310, and the locking mechanism 300 uses the actuator 305 to rotate the third gear 310 in one direction or in the opposite direction, so that the hook portion 200 engages with or disengages from the engagement portion 100.

[0050] During the operation of the locking mechanism 300, the third gear 310 rotates by activating a single actuator 305, and the first rack 320 and the second rack 322 move in opposite directions due to the rotation of the third gear 310. Therefore, the first gear 330 and the second gear 340, which respectively engage with the first rack 320 and the second rack 322, rotate in opposite directions. Consequently, a pair of hooks on the hook portion 200, which are respectively connected to the first gear 330 and the second gear 340, engage with the engaging portion 100 like pliers, thereby securely attaching the inner portion to the inner member.

[0051] At the same time, when the locking mechanism 300 is operated so that the third gear 310 rotates in such a direction (opposite to the rotational direction in which the third gear 310 achieves engagement between the hook portion 200 and the engagement portion 100) via a single actuator 305, the hook portion 200 disengages from the engagement portion 100, thereby separating the inner portion from the inner component.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an exemplary plan view of a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein the hook portion is actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism. In the vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism 300 includes a first gear 330 and a second gear 340 connected to a pair of hooks of the hook portion 200, and further includes a first rack 320 and a second rack 322 respectively engaging with the first gear 330 and the second gear 340. This pair of hooks of the hook portion 200 rotates in opposite directions via the first gear 330 and the second gear 340 (wherein the first gear and the second gear rotate via forward or backward movement of the first rack 320 and the second rack 322), thereby engaging or disengaging the hooks of the hook portion 200 with or from the engaging portion 100.

[0053] In a vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a hook portion 200 is located at a position spaced apart from a first gear 330 and a second gear 340, and the first gear 330 and the second gear 340 provide driving force to the hook portion 200 via a shaft 350 that connects the first gear 330 and the second gear 340 to the hook portion 200.

[0054] As is evident from the above description, in the vehicle locking unit according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the hook portion provided at the interior part of the vehicle (which needs to be located in the interior space of the vehicle) is actuated such that the hook portion engages or disengages from the engagement portion provided on the upper surface of the floor of the vehicle, the interior part of the vehicle can be detachably attached to the engagement portion, thereby allowing the interior part to move freely and be reinstalled in the interior space of the vehicle.

[0055] For ease of description and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “up,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “inward,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “inner,” “external,” “forward,” and “rearward” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the locations of such features shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that the term “connection” or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0056] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle locking unit, comprising: A joining portion, wherein the joining portion is disposed at an internal component of the vehicle to face the interior space of the vehicle; A hook portion, which is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle and selectively engages with the engagement portion to attach the interior portion to the interior member located in the interior space; as well as A locking mechanism, disposed at the internal portion and coupled to the hook portion, selectively actuates the hook portion, thereby engaging or disengaging the hook portion from the engaging portion, so that the internal portion is attached to or detached from the internal member. The joining portion includes at least one panel, the at least one panel including a plurality of annular portions densely arranged on the upper surface of the at least one panel, the at least one panel being coupled to the surface of the inner member to define a portion of the inner member, and the plurality of annular portions being distributed across the entire surface of the inner member; and wherein the hook portion disposed at the inner portion includes at least one pair of hooks, and the at least one pair of hooks being oriented toward each other.

2. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, The engagement portion is located on the upper surface of the vehicle's floor, and the hook portion is located at the lower part of the inner portion mounted on the floor.

3. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, Each pair of hooks is brought close to each other to engage the engagement portion, thereby locking the inner portion to the inner member, and each pair of hooks is opened to release the engagement portion, thereby releasing the locking between the inner portion and the inner member.

4. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, The at least one pair of hooks includes multiple pairs of hooks arranged in at least one row, and the multiple pairs of hooks included in each row are actuated together by the locking mechanism.

5. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, The at least one pair of hooks is disposed in a recess that is recessed from the surface of the inner portion to prevent the at least one pair of hooks from interfering with the surface of the inner member when the at least one pair of hooks is opened.

6. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, Two hooks in each pair of at least one pair of hooks rotate in opposite directions to engage with or disengage from the engagement portion.

7. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 6, wherein, The locking mechanism includes: The first gear is connected to one of the hooks in one of the at least one pair of hooks; The second gear is connected to the other hook of the pair of hooks; A first rack, engaging with the first gear; and The second rack engages with the second gear; The first rack and the second rack move in opposite directions.

8. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 7, in, The locking mechanism further includes a third gear disposed between the first rack and the second rack; and The third gear engages with the first rack and the second rack to cause the first rack and the second rack to move in opposite directions when the third gear rotates.

9. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 8, in, The first rack and the second rack are arranged parallel to each other, and the first rack is located at a higher position than the second rack; and Wherein, the diameter of the first gear engaged with the first rack is greater than the diameter of the second gear engaged with the second rack.

10. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 8, in, The locking mechanism further includes an actuator configured to be coupled to the third gear; and The actuator is configured to rotate the third gear in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to engage the hook portion with the engagement portion or disengage the hook portion from the engagement portion.

11. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 1, in, The hook portion includes multiple pairs of hooks; and The locking mechanism includes: a plurality of gears connected to the plurality of hooks respectively; and a plurality of racks engaging with the corresponding gears, such that the plurality of hooks rotate via the corresponding gears, thereby engaging or disengaging the plurality of hooks with or from the engaging portion, wherein the gears rotate by movement in one direction or in the opposite direction via the plurality of racks.

12. The vehicle locking unit according to claim 11, in, Each pair of hooks is located at a position spaced apart from two corresponding gears among the plurality of gears and receives driving force via a plurality of shafts, wherein the plurality of shafts connect the respective pair of hooks to the corresponding two gears among the plurality of gears.

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