User interface device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a user interface device. The user interface device of the disclosed embodiment comprises: a hinge, which slides in the first direction along a track arranged in a manner extending along the first direction; and a knob, which is combined with the hinge and slides in the first direction for detecting rotation input, and the knob comprises: a knob base, which is combined with the hinge; a bearing, which comprises a first component and a second component, the first component is combined with the knob base, and the second component can rotate relative to the first component with a rotation axis as the center; and a knob body, which is combined with the second component and rotates relative to the knob base, and the knob body is combined with the second component in a detachable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a knob structure of a user interface device, and more particularly, to a knob structure of a user interface device that can be easily assembled and disassembled by using a magnet. Background Art

[0002] A variety of systems that can be controlled by a user may be formed in the center fascia of a vehicle. The systems formed in the center fascia of a vehicle include navigation, radio, air conditioning control system, etc. In order to control the above-mentioned various systems, an input device for receiving user input may be formed.

[0003] On the other hand, an output device for outputting information from various systems may be formed in the center box of the instrument. In the past, a simple output device such as a display lamp was formed to output information, but recently, various information can be output to the user through a large display as needed. In addition, a touch input unit is formed on the large display device, so that the user can intuitively perform input according to the output content.

[0004] Recently, knob-on-display technology is being developed as an in-vehicle operating device that can provide driving environment information through the display in a simple manner, while controlling the in-vehicle system through physical operation. The knob allows the driver to accurately operate the device without taking their eyes off the road, and can achieve intuitive and physical control with an appropriate sense of resistance.

[0005] However, in the case of the above-mentioned knob, only a simple rotation input can be detected, and therefore, it is necessary to develop a user interface device that allows a user to control the system through multiple inputs. Summary of the invention

[0006] In the disclosed invention, a knob structure of a user interface device is provided which can be easily assembled and disassembled by using magnets.

[0007] A user interface device of one embodiment of the disclosed invention may include: a hinge, which slides in the first direction along a track arranged in a manner extending along the first direction; and a knob, which is combined with the hinge and slides in the first direction, for detecting rotational input, and the knob includes: a knob base, which is combined with the hinge; a bearing, including a first component and a second component, the first component is combined with the knob base, and the second component can rotate relative to the first component around the rotation axis; and a knob body, which is combined with the second component and rotates relative to the knob base, and the knob body is detachably combined with the second component.

[0008] The second component may be formed of a magnetic material, and the knob body includes a plurality of first magnets having a predetermined radius and arranged along a circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center, thereby being coupled to the second component.

[0009] The knob body may include a plurality of second magnets, which have a first specified radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The knob base may include a plurality of third magnets, which have the same number as the second magnets, which have a second specified radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0010] The polarities of the plurality of second magnets and the plurality of third magnets may be arranged in directions in which they exert attraction on each other.

[0011] A user interface device of one embodiment of the disclosed invention may include: a display; a track, which is arranged on one side of the display in a manner extending along a first direction parallel to the display; a hinge, which slides along the track in the first direction; and a knob, which is combined with the hinge and slides on the surface of the display in the first direction for detecting rotational input, and the knob includes: a knob base, which is combined with the hinge; a bearing, which includes a first component and a second component, the first component is combined with the knob base, and the second component can rotate relative to the first component around a rotation axis; and a knob body, which is combined with the second component and rotates relative to the knob base, and the knob body is detachably combined with the second component.

[0012] The knob may include a hollow portion, and the image displayed on the display is presented through the hollow portion.

[0013] A part or the whole of the knob body may be formed of a light-transmitting material, so that the image displayed on the display is presented through the knob body.

[0014] In the user interface device of the disclosed embodiment, the knob for detecting the rotation input is easy to assemble and disassemble, so that the user can easily replace it.

[0015] In the user interface device of the disclosed embodiment, when the knob is rotated, a magnet can be used to provide feedback on the rotation, thereby improving the user's operational sense.

[0016] In the user interface device of the disclosed embodiment, the display content of the display located at the back of the knob is presented through the knob, thereby improving the aesthetic sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 The figure briefly shows a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0018] Figure 2 The figure briefly shows the structure of the user interface device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0019] Figure 3 A diagram briefly showing the structure of a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0020] Figure 4 A diagram briefly showing the structure of a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0021] Figure 5 A diagram schematically showing the arrangement of magnets provided in a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0022] Figure 6 A diagram briefly showing a cross section of a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0023] Figure 7 A diagram briefly showing the polarity configuration of the magnet of the knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0024] Figure 8 A diagram briefly showing the polarity configuration of the magnet of the knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0025] Fig. 9 A diagram briefly showing the polarity configuration of the magnet of the knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are disclosed in order to fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but may be embodied in other forms. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted in the accompanying drawings, and the sizes of the structural elements may be appropriately enlarged to facilitate understanding.

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram briefly showing a user interface device according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention. Figure 2 The figure briefly shows the structure of the user interface device according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0028] The user interface device 1000 can be set in the center box of the vehicle instrument panel, and can simply provide driving environment information through the display 100, and can control the vehicle system through the physical operation of the knob 200. The knob 200 can slide on the display surface of the display 100 and detect the rotation input.

[0029] Reference Figure 2The user interface device 1000 may include: a display 100; a track 280, on one side of the display 100, along a first direction parallel to the display 100 (in Figure 2 The hinge 300 slides in a first direction along the track 280; the knob 200 is combined with the hinge 300 and slides in a first direction on the display surface of the display 110 for detecting rotation input; the magnet holder 400 is arranged in a second direction of the hinge 300 in a manner facing the hinge 300 and extends along the first direction; and the hinge sensor 500 is used to detect the position of the hinge 300.

[0030] On the other hand, Figure 1 As shown, the user interface device 1000 may further include a housing 150, which is stored inside in a manner that prevents the track 280, the magnet holder 400, and the hinge sensor 500 from being exposed to the outside. The housing 150 may cover an area close to the knob 200 to minimize the exposure of the hinge 300, and the hinge 300 may have a surface similar to the material of the display 100 to prevent it from being easily identified on the display 100.

[0031] The display 100 can display the required information to the user. Preferably, the display 100 can be a touch display device including a touch panel (not shown). The user can input information to the user interface device 1000 through the touch panel or input information by operating the knob 200.

[0032] The knob 200 may detect a rotation input based on a user operation. To this end, the knob 200 may include a knob body that rotates around a rotation axis. The knob 200 may include a hollow portion 290 .

[0033] The knob 200 may be combined with the hinge 300, and the hinge 300 may slide in the first direction along the track 280. Therefore, the knob 200 may also slide in the first direction. In this case, the knob 200 may slide on the display surface of the display 100.

[0034] On the other hand, the hinge sensor 500 detects the position of the hinge 300 . The hinge sensor 500 can detect the position of the hinge 300 , and the user can slide the knob 200 coupled to the hinge 300 to move the position of the hinge 300 and input information to the user interface device 1000 through the hinge sensor 500 .

[0035] Therefore, the user can input information by touching the display surface of the display 100 or by sliding or rotating the knob 200 located on the display surface.

[0036] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A diagram briefly showing the structure of a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The knob 200 may include: a knob base 210 combined with the hinge 300; a bearing 220 combined with the knob base 210; and a knob body 230 combined with the bearing 220 and rotated relative to the knob base 210.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The knob base 210 may include a base component 211 coupled to the hinge and an annular component 215 coupled to the base component 211. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of third magnets 212 may be disposed between the base member 211 and the annular member 215. The third magnets 212 will be described below.

[0039] The knob body 230 may include a handle member 231 forming the outer circumference of the knob and a connecting member 232 for connecting the handle member 231 to the bearing 220. Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first magnets 233 may be provided on the connection member 232, and a plurality of second magnets 234 may be provided on the handle member 231. The first magnets 233 and the second magnets 234 will be described below.

[0040] In this case, the knob body 230 is detachably coupled to the bearing 220 .

[0041] Since the knob body 230 is combined with the bearing 220 in a detachable manner, it can be easily separated from the knob base 210 combined with the hinge 300. In this regard, the user separates the knob body 230a from the knob base 210 and the bearing 220, and combines another knob body 230b with the bearing 220 to replace the knob body 230. Therefore, the user can replace the knob body 230 with a variety of materials, sizes and designs according to the situation. For example, for users with smaller hands, a knob body 230 with a small diameter can be combined to improve the operational feel of the knob 200, and a knob body 230 of other colors can be combined according to the user's preference to improve the aesthetic sense. When the temperature is low, the knob body 230 made of metal can be replaced with a knob body 230 made of plastic to reduce the cold feeling transmitted when holding the knob 200.

[0042] On the other hand, the knob 200 slides on the display surface of the display 100, and therefore, the image displayed on the display 100 may be blocked by the knob 200. In this case, the knob 200 may include a hollow portion 290, and the image displayed on the display 100 may be presented through the hollow portion 290, so that the user can confirm the image displayed on the display 100.

[0043] In this case, a part or all of the knob body 230 of an embodiment may be formed of a light-transmitting material, so that the image displayed on the display 100 can be presented through the knob body 230. The user can replace the knob body 230 with the above light-transmitting material according to the situation to watch the image displayed on the display 100 through the knob body 230, or make the knob body 230 glow through the image displayed on the display 100, so that it can also perform the role of a decoration.

[0044] Figure 5 A diagram briefly showing the configuration of a magnet provided in a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention is shown in FIG. Figure 6 A diagram briefly showing a cross section of a knob according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

[0045] Figure 5 is a top view of the knob 200, Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of section AA. Figure 6 In the part (a), the bearing 220 may include a first component 221 and a second component 222, and the second component 222 may be rotatable relative to the first component 221 around the rotation axis. In this case, the first component 211 may be combined with the knob base 210, and the second component 222 may be combined with the knob body 230. Through the above-mentioned combination relationship, the knob body 230 is combined in a manner that it can rotate relative to the knob base 210. A bearing ball 223 may be provided between the first component 221 and the second component 222 to reduce friction during rotation.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the bearing 220 may be a thrust bearing in which the first component 221 and the second component 222 are disposed opposite to each other along the rotation axis direction, or may be a radial bearing in which the first component 221 and the second component 222 are disposed opposite to each other along the rotation radius direction.

[0047] The knob body 230 is detachably coupled to the second component 222, thereby being detachably coupled to the bearing 220. In this case, the second component 222 may be formed of a magnetic material, and a plurality of first magnets 233 are provided on the knob body 230, which have a predetermined radius and are arranged along the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center, so that the knob body 230 can be coupled to the second component 222.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 Six first magnets 233 are arranged along the circumferential direction on the connecting part 232 of the knob body 230. On the other hand, Figure 6 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of section AA when the knob body 230 is combined with the second component 222. Figure 6Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of section AA when the knob body 230 and the second component 222 are separated.

[0049] Reference Figure 6 In the parts (a) and (b) of the embodiment of the present invention, the first magnet 233 is disposed on the lower side of the connecting member 232, and contacts the second member 222 when the knob body 230 is coupled to the knob base 210, and is coupled to the second member 222 formed of a magnetic material. Therefore, the knob body 230 can be coupled to the second member 222, and can rotate relative to the first member 221 through the bearing ball 223.

[0050] On the other hand, the user can hold the knob body 230 and apply force to separate the first magnet 233 and the second component 222 , so as to separate the knob body 230 and the second component 222 .

[0051] Preferably, the first magnets 233 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In the case of being arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, the first magnets 233 can be symmetrically combined with the second component 222, thereby achieving stable combination.

[0052] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the disclosed invention, the knob body 230 may include a plurality of second magnets 234, which have a first predetermined radius and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction based on the rotation center, and the knob base 210 includes the same number of third magnets 212 as the second magnets 234, which have a second predetermined radius and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction based on the rotation center. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, 25 second magnets 234 and 25 third magnets 212 are respectively configured.

[0053] The seventh magnet 212 is disposed and fixedly arranged on the knob base 210. On the other hand, the second magnet 234 is disposed on the knob body 230 and rotates together with the rotation of the knob body 230. In this case, the plurality of second magnets 234 and the plurality of third magnets 212 may be arranged with polarities in the direction in which the attraction forces exerted on each other.

[0054] exist Figure 5In the position shown, the second magnet 234 and the third magnet 212 facing each other exert an attractive force on each other, thereby generating a force that hinders the rotation or guides the direction of rotation. For example, one second magnet 234a and the third magnet 212a facing each other exert an attractive force on each other, another second magnet 234b and the third magnet 212b facing each other exert an attractive force on each other, and another second magnet 234c and the third magnet 212c facing each other exert an attractive force on each other. As described above, the second magnet 234 and the third magnet 212 exert an attractive force on each other in the facing position, so that the knob body 230 rotates in the clockwise direction to generate a force that hinders the distance between the second magnet 234 and the third magnet 212 facing each other from becoming larger. In this case, when the knob body 230 continues to rotate to make one second magnet 234a closer to the adjacent third magnet 212b than the third magnet 212a facing each other, the attractive force between the second magnet 234a and the third magnet 212a facing each other will become greater than the attractive force between the second magnet 234a and the adjacent third magnet 212b. Similarly, the attractive force between the second magnet 234b and the third magnet 212b facing each other will become greater than the attractive force between the second magnet 234b and the adjacent third magnet 212c. As described above, the attractive force between the second magnet 234 and the adjacent third magnet 212 generates a force in the direction of guiding the rotation of the knob body 230, and the second magnet 234 and the adjacent third magnet 212 will face each other.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment in which 25 second magnets 234 and third magnets 212 are configured, each time the knob body 230 rotates 14.4 degrees, a force that hinders the rotation and a force that guides the rotation are alternately generated. When the user holds the knob body 230 and rotates it, this will provide feedback on the rotation, thereby improving the operational feel.

[0056] Figures 7 to 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram briefly showing the polarity configuration of the magnet of the knob of one embodiment of the disclosed invention. Figure 6 As shown, each figure is Figure 5 The section AA of the knob 200 is shown, in which the bearing 220 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0057] The second magnets 234 and the third magnets 212 may have polarities arranged along a direction in which they exert attraction on each other. Figures 7 to 9 Various embodiments are shown in which the second magnet 234 and the third magnet 212 are respectively disposed on the knob body 230 and the knob base 210 .

[0058] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the invention, the second magnets 234 have a first predetermined radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the second magnets 234 may be arranged with polarity along the rotation radius direction. Figure 7In FIG. 1 , the polarities of the magnets are indicated by arrows, and the polarity of the second magnet 234 is arranged so as to face the rotation center (right side) at the rotation radius.

[0059] On the other hand, the third magnet 212 has a second predetermined radius based on the rotation center and is arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the second predetermined radius may be smaller than the first predetermined radius. On the other hand, the third magnet 212 may be arranged offset from the second magnet 234 toward one side of the rotation axis direction. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the third magnet 212 may be arranged offset from the second magnet 234 toward the lower side in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0060] In this case, the third magnet 212 may be configured with polarity along the rotation axis direction to exert an attractive force on the second magnet 234. Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the polarity of the third magnet 212 can be arranged as shown by the arrow so as to exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234. The third magnet 212 is arranged offset from the second magnet 234 to the lower side in the direction of the rotation axis, and therefore, the polarity of the third magnet 212 is also arranged to face the lower side in the direction of the rotation axis, so as to exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234.

[0061] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the second magnets 234 have a first predetermined radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the polarity of the second magnets 234 can be arranged along the rotation axis direction. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the polarities of the magnets are indicated by arrows, and the polarity of the second magnet 234 is arranged so as to face upward in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0062] On the other hand, the third magnet 212 has a second predetermined radius based on the rotation center and is arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the second predetermined radius can be the same as the first predetermined radius. That is, the third magnet 212 can be arranged in a manner symmetrical to the second magnet 234 in the direction of the rotation axis. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the third magnet 212 is arranged on the lower side of the second magnet 234 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0063] In this case, the third magnet 212 can be configured with a polarity in the direction of the rotation axis so as to exert an attractive force on the second magnet 234. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the third magnet 212 is configured with polarity as indicated by the arrow in a manner that can exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234. The third magnet 212 is arranged side by side from the second magnet 234 in the direction of the rotation axis, and therefore, the polarity of the third magnet 212 is also configured in a manner that faces upward in the direction of the rotation axis, similarly to the second magnet 234, so that the third magnet 212 can exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234.

[0064] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the invention, the second magnets 234 have a first predetermined radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the second magnets 234 may be arranged with polarity along the rotation radius direction. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the polarities of the magnets are indicated by arrows, and the polarity of the second magnet 234 is arranged so as to face the center of rotation (right side) in the rotation direction.

[0065] On the other hand, the third magnets 212 have a second predetermined radius based on the rotation center and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the second predetermined radius may be smaller than the first predetermined radius. On the other hand, the third magnets 212 can be arranged in a manner facing each other in the rotation radius direction from the second magnet 234. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the third magnet 212 is arranged facing the second magnet 234 from the rotation radius of the second magnet 234 toward the rotation center (right side).

[0066] In this case, the third magnet 212 can be configured with polarity along the rotation center direction in such a manner that the third magnet 212 and the second magnet 234 exert an attractive force on each other. Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the third magnet 212 is configured with polarity as indicated by the arrow in such a manner that it can exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234. The third magnet 212 is arranged side by side from the second magnet 234 in the direction of the rotation radius, and therefore, the polarity of the third magnet 212 is also configured in such a manner that the rotation radius faces the rotation center (right side) in the same manner as the second magnet 234, so that it can exert an attraction force on the second magnet 234.

[0067] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the second magnet 234 and the third magnet 212 can be configured at multiple positions. Even if configured at one position, the polarities are configured along the direction of mutual attraction, so that when the knob body 200 rotates, feedback can be provided to the user to improve the operating feel.

[0068] As described above, in the user interface device 1000 of the disclosed embodiment, the knob 200 for detecting rotational input is easy to assemble and disassemble, so that the user can easily replace it. When the knob 200 rotates, a magnet can be used to provide feedback on the rotation, thereby improving the user's operating feel.

Claims

1. A user interface device, characterized in that: include: monitor; A track is arranged on one side of the display in a manner of extending along a first direction parallel to the display; The hinge slides along the track toward the first direction; and A knob, combined with the hinge, slides on the surface of the display toward the first direction, and is used to detect rotation input. The above knobs include: A knob base, combined with the hinge; A bearing, comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is coupled to the knob base, and the second component is rotatable relative to the first component about a rotation axis; and The knob body is combined with the second component and rotates relative to the knob base. The knob body is detachably coupled to the second component; The knob body includes a plurality of second magnets having a first predetermined radius based on the rotation center and arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The knob base includes a base component coupled to the hinge, an annular component coupled to the base component, and third magnets having the same number as the second magnets, wherein the third magnets are arranged between the base component and the annular component, have a second predetermined radius based on the rotation center, and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction; The knob includes a hollow portion, and the image displayed on the display is presented through the hollow portion.

2. The user interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A part or the whole of the knob body is formed of a light-transmitting material, so that the image displayed on the display is presented through the knob body.

3. The user interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polarities of the plurality of second magnets and the plurality of third magnets are arranged in directions in which they exert an attractive force on each other.

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