Vehicle operation device

Abstract

The present invention provides an operating device for a vehicle. The device includes an operating module movable between a first position and a second position through an opening provided in a panel of the vehicle, and a driving unit for moving the operating module. The driving unit can move the operating module from the first position to the second position to make a button of the operating module protrude from a surface of the panel in a manner that the button is easily noticed, and can rotate the operating module to change the button of the operating module to an angle that is convenient for operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an operating device having a button for a user to activate a device included in the vehicle, primarily within the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle includes various devices related to driving and various devices related to improving the convenience of users (drivers and / or passengers), and also includes buttons (switches) for users to directly operate and activate such devices.

[0003] Buttons are designed in various ways within vehicle interiors. In recent years, as vehicles have become increasingly equipped with more features, the number of buttons installed has also increased. This can create a complex impression for users regarding button operation and can lead to user errors. Consequently, the complexity of buttons can compromise the design quality of a vehicle's interior. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operating device that can improve the visibility of buttons and the design of the vehicle by forming a structure in which buttons can appear and disappear.

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operating device that is more advantageous in improving the operability of a button.

[0006] The technical purpose of the present invention is not limited to this. Ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other purposes not mentioned through the following description.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention can provide an operating device for a vehicle, which includes: a panel, which is arranged on the vehicle and has an opening; an operating module, which can be moved between a first position and a second position through the opening, and the second position is separated from the first position toward the front along a first direction as a front-to-back direction, and a button is arranged at the front end; and a driving unit, which moves the operating module from the first position to the second position through a moving action, so that the button protrudes from the surface of the panel, and as the moving action, changes the angle of the protruding button in a manner including a rotational movement.

[0008] The drive unit may include an actuator having a movable body that performs linear motion in the first direction, the movable body being rotatably connected to one side of the rear of the operating module about an axis in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a guide member serving as a guide path for guiding the operating module from the first position to the second position via the actuator, the guide member providing a first path for guiding the linear motion of the operating module and a second path for guiding the rotational motion of the operating module. The drive unit may further include a linear motor for moving the movable body.

[0009] The guide member may include a pair of guide pins and a pin guide component. The guide pin may project from the operating module in the second direction, move along the guide path, and be spaced apart from a connection position of the movable body of the operating module along a third direction perpendicular to a plane including the first and second directions. The pin guide component includes the guide path into which the guide pin is inserted, the first path being formed along the first direction, and the second path extending from the first path away from a connection position of the movable body of the operating module.

[0010] The vehicle operating device of the embodiment of the present invention may also include a decorative thin layer, which covers the surface of the above-mentioned panel together with the above-mentioned button to provide a decorative surface. The decorative surface is flexible, and the part covering the above-mentioned button moves together with the above-mentioned button, so that the shape of the above-mentioned decorative surface changes with the movement direction of the above-mentioned button.

[0011] In the operating module, the light source may be built into the button, a light-transmitting area for transmitting light from the light source may be formed on a surface of the button, and the thin layer may be capable of transmitting light.

[0012] The vehicle operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include: a sensor for sensing an action state of a user operating the button; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit based on a sensing signal from the sensor.

[0013] Regarding the operating module, in the first position, the surface of the button can be flush with the surface of the panel. The operating module can be controlled by the control unit. In the vehicle operating device of the embodiment of the present invention, the operating module can be switched to an active state in the second position and switched to an inactive state in the first position.

[0014] The technical solutions of the present invention will become more specific and clear through the following embodiments, drawings, etc. In addition, in the following content, multiple technical solutions other than the above-mentioned technical solutions may be disclosed.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the button can be placed in a state that is easily noticed by the user (for example, the operating module is in the second position at the front, so that the button protrudes from the panel surface) or in a state that is difficult to be noticed by the user (for example, the operating module is in the first position at the rear, so that the button surface and the panel surface form a flush plane). This can further improve the visibility and design of the button.

[0016] Furthermore, the button protruding from the surface of the panel is rotated at a predetermined angle, so that the button can be changed to an angle that is convenient for operation.

[0017] The effects of the present invention are not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through this specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view and a block diagram showing a vehicle operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 The front view of the operating module assembly is shown.

[0020] Figures 4 to 6 This is a side view showing the internal structure of the vehicle operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Description of Reference Signs

[0022] 1: Panel

[0023] 10: Operation module

[0024] 11: Button

[0025] 12: Light Source

[0026] 20: Shell

[0027] 30: Thin layer

[0028] 40: Drive unit

[0029] 41: Actuator

[0030] 45: Drive guide

[0031] 50: Sensor (user sensing sensor)

[0032] 60: Control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a vehicle operating device and a vehicle including the same. The operating device may be used to operate various devices comprising the vehicle. For example, the device operated by the operating device (hereinafter referred to as the "operated device") may include a navigation device, an air conditioning device, an audio device, a lighting device, a door lock device, a door opening and closing device, a starting device, a driving speed control device, and the like. Therefore, a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention may include an operating device and one or more operated devices operated by the operating device. The operating device and the operated device may be electrically connected.

[0035] The operating device is provided in the vehicle and includes buttons operated by the user. The operating device may constitute a component of the vehicle. The components to which the operating device is applied are mainly internal components of the vehicle. For example, the internal components of the vehicle may be door trims, roof side panels, dashboards, sub-instrumental panels, seats, armrests, the center portion (hub) of the steering wheel, etc. The embodiments of the present invention will be described centered on the application of the operating system to internal components of the vehicle.

[0036] Figures 1 to 6 The structure and operation of the operating device are illustrated.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating device includes: a panel 1 for constituting an interior component of a vehicle; and one or more operating module assemblies 5 arranged on the panel 1 .

[0038] Panel 1 includes a panel surface and a panel back. Depending on the type and shape of the internal component, the panel surface may be partially or entirely provided as the surface of the internal component. Panel 1 has an opening 2. Opening 2 is formed in panel 1 so as to extend through the panel surface and panel back.

[0039] The operating module assembly 5 includes an operating module 10. The operating module 10 includes a button 11 that is operated by a user, for example, by touch. The button 11 is configured at the front end of the operating module 10, and the front portion of the operating module 10 including the front end is composed of the button 11. The operating module 10 moves in the front and rear directions (refer to the first direction, the Y-axis direction) relative to the opening 2 of the panel 1, and the button 11 that moves together with the operating module 10 can be retracted through the opening 2. According to the retraction and extension operation, the button 11 protrudes in a positive shape relative to the panel surface, thereby making its own position and / or shape highly visible (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The number of openings 2 can be increased or decreased according to the number of operating module components 5 provided.

[0040] The operating device further includes a thin layer 30 that covers the panel surface together with the button 11 and forms a decorative surface. The thin layer 30 includes the opening 2 of the panel 1 and can be formed to a size that can cover a portion or the entire panel surface. The thin layer 30 is flexible, so when the button 11 moves, the portion covering the button 11 (the portion blocking the opening 2) is deformed by the button 11, thereby potentially changing the shape of the decorative surface. For example, the decorative surface is generally in the shape of a flat plate, and the portion covering the button 11 can protrude through the button 11 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the decorative surface is substantially in the shape of a flat plate, the shape of the button 11 is hidden, thereby preventing the interior design of the vehicle from becoming complicated due to the button 11 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0041] The thin layer 30 can be bonded to the panel surface. Furthermore, the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the button 11 (the portion blocking the opening 2) is bonded to the surface of the button 11 and moves along with the button 11, enabling precise deformation. The bonding of the thin layer 30 to the panel surface and / or the bonding of the thin layer 30 to the surface of the button 11 can be made secure using an adhesive or the like.

[0042] like Figure 1 、 Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the operating module assembly 5 may also include: a base 21, disposed behind the panel 1; and a base cover 22, detachably coupled to the base 21 behind the base 21. The base 21 and the base cover 22 constitute a housing 20. A receiving space 23, partially or completely isolated from the outside, is formed between the coupled base 21 and the base cover 22. The base 21 can be mounted on the back of the panel using fasteners 24, such as bolts. The base 21 has a through-region 25 facing the opening 2 of the panel 1. As an example, the through-region 25 may be in the form of a hole.

[0043] When the rear portion is inserted into the through area 25 of the base 21, the operating module 10 can move between a first position and a second position that are spaced apart from each other along the front-to-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) through the opening 2 of the panel 1. The first position is a position where the button 11 is accommodated in the opening 2. When the operating module 10 is in the first position, the surface of the button 11 forms the same plane as the panel surface. The second position is located in front of the first position and refers to a position where the button 11 protrudes from the panel surface. When the operating module 10 is in the first position, the thin layer 30 forms a decorative surface that is roughly flat and can hide the button 11 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 When the operation module 10 is in the second position and the button 11 protrudes from the panel surface, the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the button 11 becomes a protruding shape due to the button 11, thereby exposing the position of the button 11 (see Figure 5and Figure 6 ).

[0044] The operating module assembly 5 further includes a driving unit 40 for moving the operating module 10 in a forward and backward direction relative to the opening 2 so that the operating module 10 is located at the first position or the second position. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The drive unit 40 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0045] The operating module 10 can be moved from the first position to the second position (forward movement) by the driving unit 40. In this regard, when the operating module 10 is in the second position, the button 11 protrudes from the panel surface, and the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the button 11 is deformed into a protruding shape (refer to FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). On the contrary, the operating module 10 can be moved from the second position to the first position (i.e., moved backward) by the driving unit 40. In this regard, when the operating module 10 is in the first position, the surface of the button 11 forms the same plane as the panel surface, and the thin layer 30 is restored to a decorative surface in a substantially flat plate shape (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0046] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The operating device further includes: a user sensing sensor 50 for sensing an action state of a user operating the button 11 ; and a control unit 60 for controlling the operating module 10 and the driving unit 40 based on a sensing signal from the user sensing sensor 50 .

[0047] The user sensing sensor 50 may be a proximity sensor for sensing whether a hand or the like as a user's body is close to the button 11. Specifically, the user sensing sensor 50 may be an optical proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, a high-frequency oscillation proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, or the like. For reference, the optical proximity sensor may include a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that receives light from the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element may be a light-emitting diode, and the light-receiving element may be a phototransistor. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the user sensing sensor 50 may be formed around the opening 2 on the panel surface.

[0048] When the operating module 10 is located at the first position, when receiving a sensing signal from the user sensing sensor 50, the control unit 60 determines that the user is trying to operate the button 11, and controls the operating module 10 to move from the first position to the second position (refer to FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6After the operating module 10 is located at the second position, when the button 11 is not operated for a preset time, the control unit 60 determines that the user does not operate the button 11, and controls the operating module 10 to move from the second position to the first position through the control of the driving unit 40 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0049] The operating module 10 remains in an inactive state in the first position and in an active state in the second position. To facilitate this state transition of the operating module 10, the control unit 60 controls the operating module 10 to remain in an inactive state when the operating module 10 is in the first position, and controls the operating module 10 to remain in an active state when the operating module 10 is in the second position. Due to the structure of the operating module 10 capable of transitioning between active and inactive states, when the operating module 10 is in the second position, the user can operate the button 11 to activate the operated device. This prevents the user from accidentally operating the button 11 while the operating module 10 is waiting in the first position, potentially causing the operated device to activate.

[0050] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the operating module 10 further includes a light source 12 for providing light. The light source 12 is built into the button 11 and can irradiate light toward the surface side of the button 11. As an example, the light source 12 may include one or more light emitting diodes. Figure 3 As shown, the button 11 forms a light-transmitting area 13 on its surface that allows light from the light source 12 to pass through, and a light-shielding area 14 that blocks light from the light source 12. The light-transmitting area 13 can be formed into a shape having text and / or graphics that represent the function of the button 11. The operating module 10 maintains the light source 12 in an off state (off) in the first position and in an on state (on) in the second position. In order to achieve this state conversion of the light source 12, when the operating module 10 is in the first position, the control unit 60 controls the light source 12 to maintain an off state, and when the operating module 10 is in the second position, the control unit 60 can control the light source 12 to maintain an on state. According to the structure in which the light source 12 can convert between an off state and an on state, when the operating module 10 is in the second position, the user can further accurately identify the activation state of the operating module 10, the position of the button 11, etc.

[0051] The thin layer 30 has a predetermined light transmittance, allowing light from the light source 12 passing through the light-transmitting region 13 to pass through the thin layer 30. Even if the user sensing sensor 50 is formed around the opening 2 on the panel surface, the user's action state of operating the button 11 can be sensed by the user sensing sensor 50. For example, the thin layer 30 can be a sheet having light transmittance, made of flexible fiber.

[0052] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the driving unit 40 can move the operating module 10 from the first position to the second position to make the button 11 protrude from the surface of the panel 1 (refer to Figure 5 ), the protruding operation module 10 can be rotated to change the angle of the button 11 relative to the surface of the panel 1 (refer to Figure 6 ). Of course, the operation is reversed to move the operating module 10 from the second position to the first position to restore the position and angle of the button 11 to the original state (waiting state) (refer to Figure 4 The driving unit 40 includes an actuator 41 and a driving guide 45 , and the actuator 41 and the driving guide 45 are accommodated in the accommodation space 23 .

[0053] The actuator 41 includes a rotary motor 41 m , a rack 42 , a pinion 43 , and a connecting shaft 44 .

[0054] In the actuator 41, the bracket 42 is a movable body that performs linear motion along the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction). Although not shown in the figure, the bracket 42 can be accurately moved along the front-back direction by a guide. The bracket 42 is linear, extends along the front-back direction and has a predetermined length. The bracket 42 can be rotatably connected to the rear of the operating module 10 through a connecting shaft 44 extending along the left-right direction (refer to the second direction, the X-axis direction) in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction toward the front end, and the operating module 10 can rotate relative to the bracket 42 around the connecting shaft 44. As an example, the connecting shaft 44 in the left-right direction is located behind the operating module 10 in a manner that can be tilted downward, and the front end of the bracket 42 is rotatably coupled to the connecting shaft 44. The position of the connecting shaft 44 can be fixed by a support component, etc., and the support component can be formed at the rear of the operating module 10.

[0055] The pinion 43 is meshed with the bracket 42 and bidirectionally rotated by a rotary motor 41m. The rotary motor 41m can be fixed to the base 21 or the base cover 22. When the pinion 43 is rotated by the rotary motor 41m, the bracket 42 moves forward and backward, and the operating module 10 also moves with the bracket 42 and is positioned in the first position or the second position.

[0056] The drive guide 45 provides a guide path 48 for guiding the movement of the operating module 10 by the actuator 41. Specifically, the guide path 48 includes a first path 48s and a second path 48c. The first path 48s guides the linear movement of the operating module 10, while the second path 48c guides the rotational movement of the linearly moving operating module 10. In response to the linear movement of the operating module 10, the button 11 is accommodated in the opening 2 or protrudes from the surface of the panel 1. In response to the rotational movement of the operating module 10, the angle of the button 11 changes.

[0057] The drive guide 45 includes a pair of guide pins 46 and a pin guide member 47 having a guide path 48 .

[0058] Guide pins 46 are formed on operating module 10 and move with operating module 10, guiding the linear and rotational movement of operating module 10 according to the guidance of guide path 48. Guide pins 46 extend in the left-right direction (see the X-axis direction) and are located at a position spaced apart from connecting shaft 44 in the up-down direction (see the third direction, the Z-axis direction). For example, guide pins 46 may protrude from the rear of operating module 10 in the left-right direction and may be located above connecting shaft 44. The connecting shaft 44 corresponds to the connection position of bracket 42 to operating module 10, and the up-down direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to a plane including the front-back direction (see the Y-axis direction) and the left-right direction.

[0059] The pin guide member 47 guides the guide pin 46 in a fixed position. The position of the pin guide member 47 can be fixed on the base 21 or the base cover 22. The guide pin 46 is inserted into the guide path 48 of the pin guide member 47. The guide path 48 can be in the form of a hole or a slot for inserting the guide pin 46. The first path 48s and the second path 48c of the guide path 48 are connected to each other. The first path 48s, which guides the linear movement of the operating module 10, is a straight path extending in a straight line along the front-to-back direction (with reference to the Y-axis direction). The second path 48c, which guides the rotational movement of the operating module 10, extends from the front end of the first path 48s. Specifically, the second path 48c extends away from the connecting shaft 44 in the vertical direction (with reference to the Z-axis direction). For example, the second path 48c can be an inclined path that can extend away from the connecting shaft 44 according to a preset inclination angle based on the first path 48s, or a curved path that extends away from the connecting shaft 44 according to a preset curvature.

[0060] In the driving unit 40, when the operating module 10 is located at the first position, the guide pin 46 formed on the operating module 10 is located at the rear end side of the first path 48s formed on the pin guide member 47. In this case, the operating module 10 makes the surface of the button 11 flush with the panel surface of the panel 1 and is in an inactive state, so that the light source 12 remains off (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0061] In this state, the pinion 43 is rotated by the rotary motor 41m, and thus, when the bracket 42 as the moving body moves forward and backward in the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction), the guide pin 46 moves along the first path 48s toward the front end side of the first path 48s. In this case, the operation module 10 moves linearly from the first position to the second position by the movement action of the drive unit 40, and the button 11 protrudes from the surface of the panel 1 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0062] When the bracket 42 continues to move forward and backward along the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction), the guide pin 46 enters the second path 48c from the first path 48s and moves along the second path 48c toward the front end side of the second path 48c. In this case, the operation module 10 rotates around the connecting shaft 44 in the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction) by the rotational movement of the driving unit 40 and changes the angle of the button 11 to maintain the activation state and the lighting state of the light source 12 (refer to Figure 6 The angle of the protruding button 11 is determined by the moving distance of the bracket 42, the position of the guide pin 46 in the second path 48c, and the like.

[0063] Thereafter, when the bracket 42 moves rearward along the front-rear direction (refer to the Y-axis direction), the operating module 10 at the second position returns to the angle before the change by rotational movement, and then returns to the first position by linear movement.

[0064] On the other hand, although the second direction perpendicular to the first direction (the front-back direction) is described as the left-right direction, and the operating module 10 rotates about the axis in the second direction (connecting axis 44) for rotational movement, the embodiment is not limited to this. The rotational movement of the operating module 10 is intended to change the angle of the button 11 to an angle that is convenient for the user to operate. Therefore, depending on the applicable position of the operating module 10, the shape of the button 11, etc., the second direction may be a direction other than the left-right direction, and the operating module 10 may rotate about the axis in the other second direction. Of course, due to this change, the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the first and second directions will also become a direction other than the up-down direction.

[0065] While the present invention has been described above, it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and accompanying drawings. Persons skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the technical concepts described in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented independently or in combination with two or more.

Claims

1. A vehicle operating device, characterized in that: include: a panel, disposed on the vehicle, having an opening; an operating module capable of moving between a first position and a second position through the opening, the second position being spaced forward from the first position along a first direction serving as a front-to-back direction, and having a button disposed at a front end thereof; and a driving unit configured to move the operating module from the first position to the second position by a movement action, so that the button protrudes from the surface of the panel, and to change the angle of the protruding button by a method including rotational movement as the movement action; The driving unit includes: an actuator having a movable body that performs linear motion in the first direction, the movable body being rotatably connected to one side of the rear of the operating module about an axis in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and The guide member serves as a guide path for guiding the operation module to move from the first position to the second position via the actuator, and provides a first path for guiding the linear movement of the operation module and a second path for guiding the rotational movement of the operation module.

2. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide member includes a pair of guide pins and a pin guide component. The guide pin protrudes from the operating module in the second direction, moves along the guide path, and is spaced apart from a connection position of the movable body with respect to the operating module along a third direction perpendicular to a plane including the first direction and the second direction. The pin guide member includes the guide path into which the guide pin is inserted, the first path is formed along the first direction, and the second path extends from the first path away from a connection position with the movable body of the operation module.

3. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a decorative thin layer, which covers the surface of the panel together with the button to provide a decorative surface. The layer is flexible, and the portion covering the button moves together with the button, so that the shape of the decorative surface changes with the movement direction of the button.

4. The vehicle operating device according to claim 3, wherein: In the above operation module, the light source is built into the above button. The button has a light-transmitting area formed on its surface for transmitting light from the light source, and the decorative thin layer is capable of transmitting light.

5. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also includes: A sensor for sensing an action state of a user operating the button; as well as The control unit controls the driving unit based on the sensing signal from the sensor.

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