Vehicle operation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle operating device that is more advantageous in terms of simplifying the stowage and deployment mechanism. The present invention includes: first and second operation modules that are each movable between a first position and a second position through an opening in a panel; and a drive unit that moves one selected from the first and second operation modules using a single drive source.

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 mainly inside 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] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operating device having a relatively simple mechanism for driving the retraction and extension of a button.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operating device that can reduce the number of buttons and thereby simplify the structure.

[0007] The subject matter of the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention pertains can clearly understand other purposes not mentioned from the following description.

[0008] An operating device for a vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a panel, which is arranged on the vehicle and has an opening; a first operating module and a second operating module, which can respectively move between a first position and a second position separated from each other along a first direction as a front-to-back direction through the above-mentioned opening, and are respectively provided with a button at the front end; and a driving unit, which is provided with a single driving source, and uses power from the above-mentioned driving source to move one selected from the above-mentioned first operating module and the above-mentioned second operating module.

[0009] The first operating module and the second operating module can be arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the driving unit may include: a first contact block and a second contact block, the first contact block being formed at the rear of the first operating module, and the second contact block being formed at the rear of the second operating module; a pressure block moving between the first contact block and the second contact block along the second direction by the driving source, forming a first conical surface and a second conical surface, the first conical surface applying pressure to the first contact block along the moving direction to move the first contact block forward, and the second conical surface applying pressure to the second contact block along the moving direction to move the second contact block forward; and an elastic component applying elastic force toward the rear to the first operating module and the second operating module respectively.

[0010] The first conical surface may be shaped to gradually tilt backward from the second contact block side toward the first contact block side along the second direction, and the second conical surface may be shaped to gradually tilt backward from the first contact block side toward the second contact block side along the second direction.

[0011] The first contact block may have a tapered surface corresponding to the first tapered surface as a contact surface pressurized by the first tapered surface, and the second contact block may have a tapered surface corresponding to the second tapered surface as a contact surface pressurized by the second tapered surface.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle operating device including: a panel disposed on a vehicle and having an opening; a first operating module and a second operating module, each movable through the opening between a first position and a second position spaced apart from each other along a first direction, which is a front-to-back direction, and each having a button disposed at a front end thereof; and a drive unit provided with a single drive source for utilizing power from the drive source to move one of the first and second operating modules, the drive unit including: a first contact block and a second contact block, the first contact block being formed at a rear portion of the first operating module and the second contact block being formed at a rear portion of the second operating module; a pressure block movable between the first and second contact blocks along the second direction by the drive source and applying pressure to the first or second contact block along the moving direction; and an elastic member for applying rearward elastic force to the first and second operating modules, the first and second contact blocks each having a tapered surface, the tapered surface serving as a contact surface pressurized by the pressure block for guiding forward movement of the first and second contact blocks.

[0013] The vehicle operating device of the embodiment of the present invention having the above structure may also include: a sensor for sensing the working status of the user for operating the above button of the above first operating module and the above button of the above second operating module; and a control unit for controlling the above driving unit based on the sensing signal of the above sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, one or more of the first operating module and the second operating module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position, and when located in the front area or the rear area, the button can perform different first functions and second functions. Alternatively, one or more of the first operating module and the second operating module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position, and one or more of the first operating module and the second operating module includes a light source, and when located in the front area or the rear area, the button performs different first functions and second functions, and the light source can emit light of different first colors and second colors.

[0015] The vehicle operating device of the embodiment of the present invention having the above-mentioned structure may also include a decorative skin, which is provided with a decorative surface that blocks the above-mentioned opening by covering the surface of the above-mentioned panel. The decorative surface is flexible, and the part that blocks the above-mentioned opening moves together with the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned first operating module and the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned second operating module, so that the shape of the above-mentioned decorative surface changes with the movement of the above-mentioned first operating module and the movement of the above-mentioned second operating module.

[0016] In the vehicle operating device of the embodiment of the present invention having the above structure, when the first and second operating modules are in the first position, the surfaces of the buttons can be flush with the surface of the panel. The second position refers to a position forward of the first position, and in each of the first and second operating modules, the buttons can protrude from the surface of the panel. In this case, as the first and second operating modules are positioned in the forward and rearward regions of the second position, the buttons of the first and second operating modules can protrude more when positioned in the forward region. Alternatively, the second position refers to a position backward of the first position, and in each of the first and second operating modules, the buttons can be recessed into the surface of the panel. In this case, as the first and second operating modules are positioned in the forward and rearward regions of the second position, the buttons of the first and second operating modules can be recessed more when positioned in the rear region.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 first operating module or the second operating module is in the second position, 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 first operating module and the second operating module are both in the first position, so that the surface of the button and the surface of the panel form a flush plane) depending on the position of the operating module. This can further improve the visibility and design of the button.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the retraction and extension of the button is achieved through a single driving source, not only can the retraction and extension driving mechanism of the button be simplified, but also the cost can be reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, since different functions can be executed according to the positions of buttons, the number of buttons applied to the vehicle can be reduced, thereby preventing the interior of the vehicle from becoming complicated due to excessive buttons.

[0021] 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

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 The front view of the operating module assembly is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the vehicle operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a plan view illustrating the operation of the vehicle operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Description of Reference Signs

[0027] 1: Panel

[0028] 10A, 10B: Operation module

[0029] 11A, 11B: Buttons

[0030] 12A, 12B: Light source

[0031] 20: Shell

[0032] 30: Thin layer

[0033] 40: Drive unit

[0034] 41A, 41B: Contact blocks

[0035] 43: Driving source

[0036] 46: Pressure block

[0037] 48A, 48B: Elastic components

[0038] 50: Sensor (user sensing sensor)

[0039] 60: Control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figures 1 to 6 The structure and operation of the operating device are illustrated.

[0044] 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 .

[0045] Panel 1 includes a panel front and a panel back. Depending on the type and shape of the internal component, the panel front may be provided with a portion of the internal component's surface, or the entire internal component's surface. Panel 1 is formed with a first opening 2A and a second opening 2B. These openings 2A and 2B extend through the panel front and panel back, respectively.

[0046] The operation module assembly 5 includes a first operation module 10A and a second operation module 10B. Such operation modules 10A and 10B respectively include buttons 11A and 11B operated by the user, for example, by touch. As a button of the first operation module 10A, the first button 11A is arranged at the front end of the first operation module 10A, and as a button of the second operation module 10B, the second button 11B is arranged at the front end of the second operation module 10B. The first operation module 10A and the second operation module 10B respectively form buttons 11A and 11B in the front part including the front end. The first operation module 10A and the second operation module 10B respectively move along the front-to-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) toward the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B of the panel 1, and the buttons 11A and 11B that move together with the above-mentioned operation modules 10A and 10B can be retracted and extended through the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B, respectively. As the retraction and extension work, the plurality of buttons 11A and 11B protrude from the panel surface in a positive manner, thereby making their own position and / or shape highly visible (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 To clearly indicate their position and / or shape, the buttons 11A and 11B may be recessed into the panel surface by intaglio, rather than by intaglio. Depending on implementation conditions, the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B may be integrated, and the first and second operating modules 10A and 10B may be moved toward the integrated opening along the front-to-back direction (with reference to the Y-axis).

[0047] The operating device also includes a thin layer 30, which covers the panel surface together with the multiple buttons 11A, 11B and forms a decorative surface. The thin layer 30 includes multiple openings 2A, 2B 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 multiple buttons 11A, 11B move, as the portion covering the multiple buttons 11A, 11B (the portion blocking the multiple openings 2A, 2B) is deformed by each button 11A, 11B, the shape of the decorative surface may change. For example, in the case where the decorative surface is roughly in the shape of a flat plate, the portion covering the multiple buttons 11A, 11B may protrude due to the multiple buttons 11A, 11B (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6When the decorative surface is substantially restored to the flat plate shape, the shapes of the plurality of buttons 11A and 11B are hidden, thereby preventing the interior design of the vehicle from becoming complicated due to the plurality of buttons 11A and 11B (see FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0048] The thin layer 30 can be bonded to the panel surface. Furthermore, the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the buttons 11A and 11B (the portion blocking the openings 2A and 2B) is bonded to the surfaces of the buttons 11A and 11B, respectively, and moves with the buttons 11A and 11B, enabling precise deformation. In particular, if the buttons 11A and 11B can be recessed in the panel surface, it may be necessary for the thin layer 30 to be bonded to the surfaces of the buttons 11A and 11B. The bond between the thin layer 30 and the panel surface and / or the bond between the thin layer 30 and the surfaces of the buttons 11A and 11B can be secured using an adhesive or the like.

[0049] like Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the operating module 5 may also include: a base 21, which is arranged at the rear of the panel 1; and a base cover 22, which is combined with the base 21 at the rear of the base 21 in a manner that allows it to be assembled and detached. The base 21 and the base cover 22 constitute a housing 20. A receiving space 23 that is partially or completely blocked from the outside is formed between the combined base 21 and the base cover 22. The base 21 can be mounted on the back of the panel by fastening elements 24 such as bolts. A first through-area 25 and a second through-area 25B are formed on the base 21, which are opposite to the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B of the panel 1, respectively. As an example, such through-areas 25A and 25B may be holes. Depending on the implementation conditions, etc., the first through-area 25 and the second through-area 25B may also be formed into a comprehensive form.

[0050] When respectively inserted into the first through-area 25A and the second through-area 25B of the base 21, the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B can move between a first position and a second position separated from each other along the front-to-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) through the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B of the panel 1. The first position refers to a position where the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B are accommodated in the plurality of openings 2A, 2B, and when the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B are located in the first position, the surfaces of the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B form 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 plurality of buttons 11A, 11B protrude from the panel surface. When the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B are located in the first position, the thin layer 30 is formed into a decorative surface that is roughly in the shape of a flat plate, which can hide the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4As the plurality of operation modules 10A, 10B move toward the second position, if the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B protrude from the panel surface, the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B is deformed into a protruding shape by the respective buttons 11A, 11B, thereby exposing the positions of the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 Depending on implementation conditions, the second position may be located behind the first position, where the buttons 11A and 11B are recessed into the panel surface. In this case, as the operating modules 10A and 10B move toward the second position, the portion of the sheet 30 covering the buttons 11A and 11B deforms into a recessed shape, exposing the positions of the buttons 11A and 11B.

[0051] The first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B are arranged at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction), which is a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the first openings 2A and 2B for storing and releasing the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B, and the first through-area 25 and the second through-area 25B for inserting the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B are also arranged along the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction). However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B, the first openings 2A and the second openings 2B, and the first through-area 25 and the second through-area 25B may also be arranged along the up-down direction (refer to the Z-axis direction), which is another direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, or other directions other than the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0052] Although not shown, the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B can be accurately moved toward the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B along the front-to-back direction (with reference to the Y-axis direction) via a first guide member and a second guide member, respectively. As an example, such a guide member may include a plurality of guide pins formed on the base. The plurality of guide pins of the first guide member guiding the first operating module 10A and the plurality of guide pins of the second guide member guiding the second operating module 10B can be respectively arranged around the first through-area 25 and around the second through-area 25B in the accommodating space 23. The first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B each have a plurality of guide holes for inserting the plurality of guide pins of the first guide member and a plurality of guide holes for inserting the plurality of guide pins of the second guide member, and thus can be moved by being guided by the plurality of guide pins.

[0053] The operating module assembly 5 further includes a driving unit 40 for moving the operating modules 10A, 10B toward the openings 2A, 2B along the front-rear direction so that the operating modules 10A, 10B are located at the first position or the second position. Figures 4 to 6 shown.

[0054] The plurality of operating modules 10A and 10B can be moved from the first position (moved forward) to the second position by the driving unit 40. In this regard, when the plurality of operating modules 10A and 10B are located at the second position, the plurality of buttons 11A and 11B protrude from the panel surface, and the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the plurality of buttons 11A and 11B is deformed into a protruding shape (refer to FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). Of course, if the second position is rearward of the first position and the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B are recessed in the panel surface, then when the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B are located in the second position, the portion of the thin layer 30 covering the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B can be deformed into a recessed shape. In contrast, the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B can be moved (moved rearward) from the second position to the first position by the driving unit 40. In this regard, if the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B are located in the first position, the surfaces of the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B form the same plane as the panel surface, and the thin layer 30 is restored to a decorative surface that is roughly in the shape of a flat plate (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0055] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The operating device further includes: a user sensing sensor 50 for sensing the working state of a user for operating the plurality of buttons 11A, 11B; and a control unit 60 for controlling the plurality of operating modules 10A, 10B and the driving unit 40 based on a sensing signal of the user sensing sensor 50.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, the user sensing sensor 50 can be formed near the multiple openings 2A and 2B on the panel surface. The user sensing sensor 50 may include one or more sensor elements. For example, the user sensing sensor 50 may include a first sensor element for sensing the user's operating status for operating the first button 11A, and a second sensor element for sensing the user's operating status for operating the second button 11B. These sensor elements may be arranged around the first opening 2A and the second opening 2B, respectively. Alternatively, the user sensing sensor 50 may utilize a single sensor element to sense both the user's operating status for operating the first button 11A and the user's operating status for operating the second button 11B. In this user sensing sensor 50, the sensor element may be a proximity sensor for sensing whether the user's body or hand is near the first button 11 or the second button 11B. Specifically, the sensor element 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, an optical proximity sensor may include a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for receiving 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.

[0057] When the plurality of operating modules 10A and 10B are located at the first position, if a sensing signal is received from the user sensing sensor 50, it is determined that the user is attempting to operate the first button 11A or the second button 11B, and the control unit 60 controls the driving unit 40 to move the first operating module 10A or the second operating module 10B from the first position to the second position (see FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 After the first operating module 10A or the second operating module 10B is located at the second position, if the button 11A or the button 11B is not operated within the preset time, the control unit 60 determines that the user does not want to operate the button 11A or the button 11B, and controls the driving unit 40 to move the first operating module 10A or the second operating module 10B from the second position to the first position (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0058] The multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are maintained in an inactive state in the first position and in an active state in the second position. In order to switch the states of the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B, if the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the first position, the control unit 60 controls the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B to remain in an inactive state. If the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the second position, the control unit 60 controls the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B to remain in an active state. According to the structure in which the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B can switch between the active state and the inactive state, when the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the second position, the user can operate the multiple buttons 11A and 11B to operate the operated device. When the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the first position, the problem of the operated device being operated due to the user's accidental operation of the multiple buttons 11A and 11B can be prevented.

[0059] like Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first operating module 10A further includes a first light source 12A for providing light, and the second operating module 10B further includes a second light source 12B for providing light. Such light sources 12A and 12B are respectively built into the buttons 11A and 11B, and can irradiate light to the surface side of the buttons 11A and 11B. The multiple light sources 12A and 12B can provide light of multiple colors. As an example, the multiple light sources 12A and 12B can each include one or more light-emitting diodes. Figure 3 As shown, the surfaces of the first button 11A and the second button 11B are respectively formed with light-transmitting regions 13A and 13B that allow light from the light sources 12A and 12B to pass through, and light-blocking regions 14A and 14B that block light from the light sources 12A and 12B. Light-transmitting regions 13A and 13B can be formed into text and / or graphic shapes representing the functions of buttons 11A and 11B. When the operating modules 10A and 10B are in the first position, the light sources 12A and 12B remain in the off state. When the operating modules 10A and 10B are in the second position, the light sources 12A and 12B remain in the on state. To switch the states of the multiple light sources 12A and 12B, if the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the first position, the control unit 60 controls the multiple light sources 12A and 12B to remain off. If the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are in the second position, the control unit 60 controls the multiple light sources 12A and 12B to remain on. According to the structure in which multiple light sources 12A and 12B can switch between the off state and the on state, when multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the second position, the user can further accurately identify the activation status of multiple operating modules 10A and 10B, the positions of multiple buttons 11A and 11B, etc.

[0060] The thin layer 30 has a predetermined light transmittance, allowing light from the multiple light sources 12A and 12B to pass through the thin layer 30. Even if the user sensing sensor 50 is formed near the multiple openings 2A and 2B on the panel surface, the user sensing sensor 50 can sense the user's operation of the multiple buttons 11A and 11B. For example, the thin layer 30 can be a sheet with light transmittance, made of flexible fiber.

[0061] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the driving unit 40 includes a single driving source 43 , and uses power from the single driving source 43 to move one selected from the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B in the front-rear direction (refer to the Y-axis direction).

[0062] As described above, the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B are arranged along the left and right direction (with reference to the X-axis direction). The driving source 43 includes a moving body 44, which moves linearly along the left and right direction, which is the same direction as the arrangement direction of the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B. The driving source 43 can be a linear actuator including a moving body 44. The moving body 44 can be further accurately moved along the left and right directions by a guide (X-axis guide) 49. For example, the driving source 43 includes a rotary motor 45, which has an external thread formed on the outer periphery of the motor shaft, and the moving body 44 can be formed with an internal threaded hole that is threadedly coupled to the external thread of the motor shaft formed on the rotary motor 45. Among them, the rotation of the moving body 44 can be limited by the guide 49 or a separate guide that guides the moving body 44 to move left and right. In this regard, the moving body 44 can move toward the left or right based on the rotation direction of the rotary motor 45.

[0063] The driving unit 40 further includes a first contact block 41A, a second contact block 41B, a pressing block 46 , a first elastic member 48A, and a second elastic member 48B.

[0064] The first contact block 41A is formed at the rear of the first operating module 10A, and the second contact block 41B is formed at the rear of the second operating module 10B. The first contact block 41A and the second contact block 41B are arranged along the left-right direction (with reference to the X-axis direction) which is the same as the arrangement direction of the first operating module 10A and the second operating module 10B. The pressure block 46 is arranged in the area between the first contact block 41A and the second contact block 41B, and is moved left and right by the driving source 43, and contacts the first contact block 41A along the moving direction to pressurize the first contact block 41A, or contacts the second contact block 41B to pressurize the second contact block 41B. The first contact block 41A and the second contact block 41B can protrude backward from the rear of the first operating module 10A and the rear of the second operating module 10B, respectively. The pressure block 46 is combined with the moving body 44 of the driving source 43 and can move together with the moving body 44.

[0065] The first contact block 41A is formed with a tapered surface 42A. When the first contact block 41A contacts the pressure block 46, the tapered surface 42A serves as a contact surface pressed by the pressure block 46, guiding the first contact block 41A to move forward. The second contact block 41B is formed with a tapered surface 42B. When the second contact block 41B contacts the pressure block 46, the tapered surface 42B serves as a contact surface pressed by the pressure block 46, guiding the second contact block 41B to move forward. The pressure block 46 is formed with a first tapered surface 47A and a second tapered surface 47B. When the first tapered surface 47A contacts the first contact block 41A, the first tapered surface 47A presses the first contact block 41A, causing the first contact block 41A to move forward. When the second tapered surface 47B contacts the second contact block 41B, the second tapered surface 47B presses the second contact block 41B, causing the second contact block 41B to move forward.

[0066] When the pressure block 46 is moved in the left-right direction (with reference to the X-axis direction) toward the first contact block 41A by the driving source 43, the first tapered surface 47A contacts the tapered surface 42A of the first contact block 41A. When the pressure block 46 is moved in the left-right direction toward the second contact block 41B by the driving source 43, the second tapered surface 47B contacts the tapered surface 42B of the second contact block 41B. The tapered surface 42A of the first contact block 41A and the first tapered surface 47A of the pressure block 46 have a corresponding inclination, and the tapered surface 42B of the second contact block 41B and the second tapered surface 47B of the pressure block 46 have a corresponding inclination. Specifically, in order to enable the pressure block 46 to move multiple contact blocks 41A and 41B forward, the first conical surface 47A has a shape that gradually tilts backward at a specified angle from the second contact block 41B side toward the first contact block 41A side along the left-right direction, and the second conical surface 47B has a shape that gradually tilts backward at a specified angle from the first contact block 41A side toward the second contact block 41B side along the left-right direction.

[0067] First tapered surfaces 47A and second tapered surfaces 47B may be formed on the left and right sides of the front portion of pressure block 46. Tapered surface 42A of first contact block 41A may be formed at the rear portion of first contact block 41A so as to face first tapered surface 47A. Tapered surface 42B of second contact block 41B may be formed at the rear portion of second contact block 41B so as to face second tapered surface 47B. Tapered surfaces 42A and 42B of first contact block 41A and second contact block 41B, as well as first tapered surface 47A and second tapered surface 47B of pressure block 46, serve to change the direction of pressure applied by pressure block 46 from the left-right direction (with reference to the X-axis) to the front-back direction (with reference to the Y-axis). Depending on implementation conditions, tapered surfaces 42A and 42B of first contact block 41A and second contact block 41B may be excluded from drive unit 40, or first tapered surface 47A and second tapered surface 47B of pressure block 46 may be excluded from drive unit 40.

[0068] The first elastic member 48A is interposed between one or more first operating modules 10A and the base 21, and applies a rearward elastic force to the first operating module 10A along the front-to-back direction (with reference to the Y-axis direction). The second elastic member 48B is interposed between one or more second operating modules 10B and the base 21, and applies a rearward elastic force to the second operating module 10B along the front-to-back direction. As an example, the first elastic member 48A and the second elastic member 48B may be coil springs.

[0069] In the drive unit 40 having the above structure, as the pressure block 46 is located in the middle of the area between the first contact block 41A and the second contact block 41B, the first tapered surface 47A is separated from the tapered surface 42A of the first contact block 41A, and the second tapered surface 47B is separated from the tapered surface 42B of the second contact block 41B. In this case, the plurality of operating modules 10A and 10B are moved toward the rear in the front-to-back direction by the action of the plurality of elastic members 48A and 48B and are maintained in the first position (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0070] In this state, if the pressure block 46 is moved toward the first contact block 41A side along the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction) by the driving source 43 so that the conical surface 42A of the first contact block 41A is pressurized by the first conical surface 47A of the pressure block 46, the first operating module 10A moves forward along the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) (from the first position to the second position), and the first elastic component 48A will be compressed. This is the operation of the driving unit 40 achieved through the control of the control unit 60 when the user sensing sensor 50 senses the working state of the user operating the first button 11A. Through this operation, the first operating module 10A is located in the second position (activated state, the first light source is on), and the second operating module 10B is located in the first position (inactivated state, the second light source is off) (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0071] On the contrary, if the driving source 43 moves the pressure block 46 toward the second contact block 41B along the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction) so that the conical surface 42B of the second contact block 41B is pressurized by the second conical surface 47B of the pressure block 46, the second operating module 10B moves forward along the front-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) (from the first position to the second position), and the second elastic component 48B will be compressed. This is the operation of the driving unit 40 achieved by the control of the control unit 60 when the user sensing sensor 50 senses the working state of the user operating the second button 11B. Through this operation, the first operating module 10A is located in the first position (inactive state, the first light source is off), and the second operating module 10B is located in the second position (active state, the second light source is on) (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0072] As described above, after the first operating module 10A or the second operating module 10B is located in the second position, if the button 11A or the button 11B is not operated within the preset time, the pressure block 46 that moves along the left-right direction (refer to the X-axis direction) toward the first contact block 41A side or the second contact block 41B side is moved to the middle of the area between the first contact block 41A and the second contact block 41B by the driving source 43, and the first operating module 10A or the second operating module 10B in the second position moves toward the rear along the front-to-back direction (refer to the Y-axis direction) due to the restoring force of the elastic component 48A or the elastic component 48B (from the second position to the first position).

[0073] On the other hand, the second position of the operating device for the first operating module 10A and the second position for the second operating module 10B can be located in a relatively forward front area or a relatively rearward rear area, respectively. Of course, the rear area is located behind the front area. In the operating device, as the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are moved by the drive unit 40 from the first position by different first or second distances and positioned in the front or rear area of ​​the second position, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B can protrude to different heights. In this case, if the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the front area, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B protrude to the second height. If the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the rear area, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B can protrude to a first height that is lower than the second height. In this case, if the second position is located behind the first position and the multiple buttons 11A and 11B are recessed into the panel surface, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B can be recessed to different heights (depths).

[0074] In this regard, in the operating device, as the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B move a first distance from a first position and are positioned in the rear area of ​​the second position based on a sensing signal from the user sensing sensor 50, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B may protrude a first height. As the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B move a second distance from the first position and are positioned in the front area of ​​the second position based on a sensing signal from the user sensing sensor 50, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B may protrude a second height. Furthermore, when the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are positioned in the rear area or in the front area, the multiple buttons 11A and 11B perform different functions, respectively performing the first and second functions. For example, the first and second functions of the first button 11A may be activated, while the first and second functions of the second button 11B may be activated. As another example, when the operated devices are an audio device and a lighting device, the first and second functions corresponding to first button 11A can be used to increase and decrease the volume of the audio device, while the first and second functions corresponding to second button 11B can be used to turn the lighting device on and off. This configuration allows multiple functions to be performed by a single button, thus reducing the number of buttons required.

[0075] To enable a single button to perform multiple functions, the user sensing sensor 50 can sense, as an operating state of a user operating the first button 11A, whether the user's hand or the like approaching the first button 11A of the first operating module 10A at a first position is located in a first range or a second range different from the first range. It can also sense, as an operating state of a user operating the second button 11B, whether the user's hand or the like approaching the second button 11B of the second operating module 10B at a first position is located in a third range or a fourth range different from the third range. For example, the first range and the third range can be, respectively, a relatively close distance range for the user's hand or the like approaching the first button 11A and a relatively close distance range for the user's hand or the like approaching the second button 11B. The second range and the fourth range can be, respectively, a relatively distant distance range for the user's hand or the like approaching the first button 11A and a relatively distant distance range for the user's hand or the like approaching the second button 11B. As another example, the first range and the second range may be the upper and lower regions based on the first button 11A, and the third range and the fourth range may be the upper and lower regions based on the second button 11B.

[0076] In this regard, when the plurality of operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the first position, if the user sensing sensor 50 senses that the user's hand or the like is located in the first range (or second range), it is determined that the user is attempting to operate the first function (or second function) of the first button 11A, and the control unit 60 can control the drive unit 40 to move the first operating module 10A to the rear area (or front area) of the second position. Alternatively, if the user sensing sensor 50 senses that the user's hand or the like is located in the third range (or fourth range), it is determined that the user is attempting to operate the first function (or second function) of the second button 11B, and the control unit 60 can control the drive unit 40 to move the second operating module 10B to the rear area (or front area) of the second position.

[0077] Furthermore, when the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the front or rear area of ​​the second position, the control unit 60 can cause the multiple light sources 12A and 12B to emit light of different colors. When the first operating module 10A is located in the rear or front area, the first light source 12A can emit light of the first color and the second color, respectively. When the second operating module 10B is located in the rear or front area, the second light source 12B can emit light of the third color and the fourth color, respectively. This configuration allows the user to more accurately distinguish whether the multiple operating modules 10A and 10B are located in the front or rear area.

[0078] 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; The first operating module and the second operating module are each movable between a first position and a second position spaced apart from each other along a first direction as a front-back direction through the opening, and each is provided with a button at a front end; and a driving unit provided with a single driving source, utilizing power from the driving source to move one selected from the first operating module and the second operating module; The first operating module and the second operating module are arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The drive unit includes: a first contact block and a second contact block, wherein the first contact block is formed at the rear of the first operating module, and the second contact block is formed at the rear of the second operating module; a pressure block that moves along the second direction between the first contact block and the second contact block by the driving source, and is formed with a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, wherein the first tapered surface applies pressure to the first contact block along the moving direction to move the first contact block forward, and the second tapered surface applies pressure to the second contact block along the moving direction to move the second contact block forward; as well as The elastic component applies rearward elastic force to the first operating module and the second operating module respectively.

2. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The first tapered surface is in a shape that gradually tilts backward from the second contact block side toward the first contact block side along the second direction. The second tapered surface has a shape that gradually slopes backward from the first contact block side toward the second contact block side along the second direction.

3. The vehicle operating device according to claim 2, wherein: The first contact block has a tapered surface corresponding to the first tapered surface as a contact surface pressurized by the first tapered surface. The second contact block has a tapered surface corresponding to the second tapered surface as a contact surface pressed by the second tapered surface.

4. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle operating device further includes: a sensor for sensing an operating state of a user for operating the button of the first operating module and the button of the second operating module; and A control unit controls the driving unit based on the sensing signal of the sensor. One or more of the first operation module and the second operation module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position. When located in the front area or the rear area, the button performs different operation functions.

5. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle operating device further includes: a sensor for sensing an operating state of a user for operating the button of the first operating module and the button of the second operating module; and A control unit controls the driving unit based on the sensing signal of the sensor. One or more of the first operating module and the second operating module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position. One or more of the first operating module and the second operating module includes a light source. When located in the front area or the rear area, the button performs different operating functions and the light source emits light of different colors.

6. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a decorative skin, which is provided with a decorative surface that blocks the above-mentioned opening by covering the surface of the above-mentioned panel. The decorative skin is flexible, and the part that blocks the above-mentioned opening moves together with the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned first operating module and the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned second operating module, so that the shape of the above-mentioned decorative surface changes with the movement of the above-mentioned first operating module and the movement of the above-mentioned second operating module.

7. A vehicle operating device, characterized in that: include: a panel, disposed on the vehicle, having an opening; The first operating module and the second operating module are each movable between a first position and a second position spaced apart from each other along a first direction as a front-back direction through the opening, and each is provided with a button at a front end; and a driving unit provided with a single driving source, utilizing power from the driving source to move one selected from the first operating module and the second operating module; The first operating module and the second operating module are arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The drive unit includes: a first contact block and a second contact block, wherein the first contact block is formed at the rear of the first operating module, and the second contact block is formed at the rear of the second operating module; a pressure block, which moves between the first contact block and the second contact block along the second direction by the driving source, and applies pressure to the first contact block or the second contact block along the moving direction; and The elastic component applies rearward elastic force to the first operating module and the second operating module respectively. The first contact block and the second contact block each have a tapered surface, and the tapered surface serves as a contact surface pressed by the pressurizing block to guide the forward movement of the first contact block and the forward movement of the second contact block.

8. The vehicle operating device according to claim 7, wherein: The vehicle operating device further includes: a sensor for sensing an operating state of a user for operating the button of the first operating module and the button of the second operating module; and A control unit controls the driving unit based on the sensing signal of the sensor. One or more of the first operation module and the second operation module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position. When located in the front area or the rear area, the button performs different operation functions.

9. The vehicle operating device according to claim 7, wherein: The vehicle operating device further includes: a sensor for sensing an operating state of a user for operating the button of the first operating module and the button of the second operating module; and A control unit controls the driving unit based on the sensing signal of the sensor. One or more of the first operating module and the second operating module moves from the first position at a first distance or a second distance different from each other based on the working state and is located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the second position. One or more of the first operating module and the second operating module includes a light source. When located in the front area or the rear area, the button performs different operating functions and the light source emits light of different colors.

10. The vehicle operating device according to claim 7, wherein: It also includes a decorative skin, which is provided with a decorative surface that blocks the above-mentioned opening by covering the surface of the above-mentioned panel. The decorative skin is flexible, and the part that blocks the above-mentioned opening moves together with the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned first operating module and the above-mentioned button of the above-mentioned second operating module, so that the shape of the above-mentioned decorative surface changes with the movement of the above-mentioned first operating module and the movement of the above-mentioned second operating module.

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