Control panel for vehicle and vehicle system having same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a control panel for a vehicle and a vehicle system with the control panel. The control panel comprises a panel and a control assembly, the panel is provided with a visible surface, and the visible surface comprises at least one control area; the control assemblies are arranged on the inner surface of the panel corresponding to the positions of the control areas, each control assembly comprises a circuit board, a linear motor, a touch sensor, a distance sensor and an illumination light source, and the linear motor, the touch sensor, the distance sensor and the illumination light source are arranged on the circuit board. The control panel is provided with a distance sensor, so that when the hand of a vehicle user approaches the control panel, a pattern on the control panel can be lightened to indicate the position of the control area in darkness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of control panels, in particular to a control panel for a vehicle and a vehicle system having the control panel. Background Art

[0002] The control panel includes at least one control button for turning on or off vehicle equipment, such as the rear window defrost system, seat heaters, emergency lights, etc. When the vehicle user presses the control button, the operating state of the vehicle equipment changes. Specifically, the control buttons can be classified into mechanical control buttons and touch control buttons. The dividing lines between the mechanical control buttons divide the control panel into several areas, making the design of the control panel unaesthetic. In contrast, when touch control buttons are used, the control panel can have a smooth and seamless decorative surface, with patterns indicating the operation of the vehicle equipment on the control panel. When the vehicle user touches one of these patterns, the corresponding vehicle equipment can be controlled by touching and / or pressing the surface of the control panel.

[0003] In the prior art, light sources are typically provided around the control panel to illuminate the control buttons in the dark. However, this arrangement of light sources makes it difficult for vehicle users to clearly see the location of the patterns on the control panel. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vehicle control panel and a vehicle system having the control panel that can indicate the location of the control buttons in the dark.

[0004] The above statement of background technology is only for the purpose of facilitating an in-depth understanding of the technical solution of the utility model (such as the technical means used, the technical problems solved and the technical effects produced), and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that the information constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The object of the utility model is to provide a control panel for a vehicle and a vehicle system having the control panel, wherein a distance sensor is provided so that when a vehicle user's hand approaches the control panel, a pattern on the control panel can light up to indicate the position of a control area in the dark.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a control panel for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a panel having a visible surface, the visible surface including at least one control area; a control assembly arranged on the inner surface of the panel corresponding to the position of each control area, and each control assembly comprising a circuit board, a linear motor, a touch sensor, a distance sensor, and an illumination light source, wherein the linear motor, the touch sensor, the distance sensor, and the illumination light source are arranged on the circuit board.

[0007] The panel may include a light-transmitting plate, a film and a light guide plate arranged in sequence from the outside to the inside; the outer surface of the light-transmitting plate forms the visible surface, the film has a transparent area and an opaque area, and the shape of the transparent area corresponds to the pattern in the control area for indicating the operation of the vehicle equipment.

[0008] The control panel may further include: a support frame, which is arranged on the inner surface of the light guide plate and forms a receiving space between the support frame and the light guide plate, and the control component is arranged in the receiving space.

[0009] The light-transmitting plate may be made of a dark, light-transmitting soft material, which includes light-transmitting leather or light-transmitting fabric.

[0010] The distance sensor may be a radar, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0011] The light-transmitting plate and the film can be combined together by in-mold injection molding or insert injection molding.

[0012] The illumination light source may include a plurality of organic light emitting diodes of different colors that are controlled separately.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle system with a control panel is provided, the system comprising: a control panel, which is the above-mentioned control panel for a vehicle, and each of the linear motor, touch sensor, distance sensor, and lighting source is electrically connected to a circuit board; an electronic control unit, which is electrically connected to the circuit board of the control panel; and at least one actuator, each actuator being electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

[0014] The distance sensor can be configured to detect whether there is a target object within a preset range of the control area, and when a target object is detected within the preset range of the control area, send a detection signal to the circuit board; the circuit board is configured to generate a signal indicating that the control area is approaching when the detection signal is received from the distance sensor, and send the signal indicating that the control area is approaching to the electronic control unit; the electronic control unit is configured to control the lighting source to light up and control the brightness of the lighting source to 50% when the signal indicating that the control area is approaching is received from the circuit board.

[0015] The touch sensor can be configured to detect whether the pressure of the vehicle user's finger touching the control area is greater than a preset pressure value, and when it is detected that the pressure of the vehicle user's finger touching the control area is greater than the preset pressure value, send a detection signal to the circuit board; the circuit board is configured to generate a signal that the control area is triggered when receiving the detection signal from the touch sensor, and send the signal that the control area is triggered to the electronic control unit; the electronic control unit is configured to control the brightness of the lighting light source to 100% when receiving the signal that the control area is triggered from the circuit board, control the corresponding actuator according to the triggered control area, and control the operation of the linear motor.

[0016] This utility model employs the above technical solution, resulting in the following beneficial effects: The concealed touch control panel of this utility model offers a decorative effect and a strong sense of technology, allowing vehicle users to enjoy the functionality while ensuring the integration of the product appearance. The use of distance sensors and touch sensors to control the lighting of the LEDs ensures both a decorative effect and the location of the control buttons. The linear motor provides feedback on the passenger's operating experience through vibration, making it easier for vehicle users to determine whether a function is activated. Functions such as seat ventilation and heating can be determined by the color of the LEDs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following will describe the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity, the same components in different drawings are shown with the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] In the picture:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a control panel for a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a control panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown along line AA in FIG.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle system having the control panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is an operational flowchart of a vehicle system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following is a detailed description of the implementation scheme of the present invention. This implementation scheme is implemented on the premise of the technical solution of the present invention, and provides a detailed implementation method and specific operation process, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following implementation scheme.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a control panel for a vehicle. Figure 1 The control panel shown can be located on the center console of a vehicle. The control panel has a visible surface 10a visible to the vehicle user. Visible surface 10a extends substantially in a plane defined by both the left-right and the up-down directions. The vehicle user can observe patterns on visible surface 10a indicating vehicle device operations, such as patterns indicating seat heating, automatic air conditioning temperature adjustment, front windshield defogger, and rear windshield defogger. Each image region corresponds to a control area, and visible surface 10a can include at least one control area.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a vehicle user's hand approaches the control panel, at least one control area illuminates, indicating its location in the dark. Furthermore, when the vehicle user's finger presses one of the control areas, a corresponding vehicle device operation is performed. Below, a control panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0026] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the control panel according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown along line AA. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control panel includes a panel 10, a control component 20 and a support frame 30.

[0027] The panel 10 has a visible surface 10a. Specifically, the panel 10 includes a light-transmitting plate 11, a film 12, and a light guide plate 13, which are sequentially arranged from the outside to the inside.

[0028] The outer surface of the light-transmitting plate 11 forms the visible surface 10a. Preferably, the light-transmitting plate 11 is made of a dark, light-transmitting material to conceal the internal structure of the control panel. In one embodiment, the light-transmitting plate 11 can be injection molded, and the injection molded material can be completely transparent or partially transparent. In other embodiments, the light-transmitting plate 11 can be made of a soft, light-transmitting material, such as light-transmitting leather or light-transmitting fabric.

[0029] The film 12 has a transparent area and an opaque area. The shape of the transparent area corresponds to the pattern in the control area used to indicate the operation of the vehicle equipment. Specifically, the light-transmitting plate 11 and the film 12 can be combined together through in-mold label (IML) or film insert molding (INS).

[0030] The light guide plate 13 is made by injection molding a transparent light-transmitting material and has a light-guiding function, so that light incident on the light guide plate 13 can be uniformly emitted from the light guide plate 13 .

[0031] The control assembly 20 is disposed on the inner surface of the panel 10 corresponding to the position of each control area. Specifically, the support frame 30 can be disposed on the inner surface of the panel 10 (specifically, the light guide plate 13). Preferably, the support frame 30 can be fixed to the inner surface of the light guide plate 13 by clamps, welding, or screws, and a receiving space is formed between the support frame 30 and the light guide plate 13. The control assembly 20 is disposed in the receiving space, so that each control assembly 20 corresponding to a control area is disposed on the inner surface of the panel 10.

[0032] In addition, under the support of the support frame 30 , the light guide plate 13 and the light transparent plate 11 as well as the light guide plate 13 and the circuit board 21 are fixed to each other.

[0033] Each control component 20 may include a circuit board 21 , a linear motor 22 , a touch sensor 23 , a distance sensor 24 and an illumination light source 25 , and the linear motor 22 , the touch sensor 23 , the distance sensor 24 and the illumination light source 25 are disposed on the circuit board 21 .

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 21 is arranged on the support frame 30, and each of the linear motor 22, the touch sensor 23, the distance sensor 24 and the lighting source 25 is arranged on the surface of the circuit board 21 facing the panel 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The linear motor 22 can also be arranged on the surface of the circuit board 21 facing the support frame 30.

[0035] Specifically, the circuit board 21 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). Two or more circuit boards 21 may be integrated into one circuit board, or each circuit board may be provided separately.

[0036] The distance sensor 24 may be a radar sensor, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. These distance sensors may emit corresponding waves, and when the emitted waves are reflected by the target object, the reflected waves may be received.

[0037] In addition, the illumination light source 25 may be a light emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the illumination light source 25 may include a plurality of LEDs of different colors that are controlled separately.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG is a block diagram of a vehicle system having the control panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 As shown, the system includes Figure 2 The control panel, electronic control unit (ECU) 40, and at least one actuator 50 are shown. Each of the linear motor 22, touch sensor 23, distance sensor 24, and illumination light source 25 is electrically connected to the circuit board 21, the circuit board 21 is electrically connected to the ECU 40, and the ECU 40 is electrically connected to each actuator 50.

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an operational flow chart of a vehicle system having the control panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the distance sensor 24 (e.g., a radar sensor) can be configured to detect whether there is a target object within a preset range of the control area, that is, the hand of the vehicle user (S11). When the vehicle user places his hand 100 mm away from the control area, the distance sensor 24 can detect that there is a target object within the preset range of the control area ("Yes" in S11), and the distance sensor 24 can send a detection signal to the circuit board 21. When receiving the detection signal from the distance sensor 24, the circuit board 21 can generate a signal that the control area is approached, and send the signal that the control area is approached to the ECU 40. When receiving the signal that the control area is approached, the ECU 40 can control the LED to light up, and can control the brightness of the LED to 50% (S12).

[0040] Preferably, the vehicle user may move his hands within a predetermined range of the plurality of control areas, and at least one LED may light up at 50% brightness due to the movement of the vehicle user.

[0041] Light from the LED sequentially passes through light guide plate 11, the transparent area of film 12, and light-transmitting plate 13. Because the shape of the transparent area of film 12 corresponds to the pattern in the control area used to indicate vehicle device operation, the pattern indicating vehicle device operation can be displayed in a bright form on light-transmitting plate 11. The vehicle user can clearly identify the location of the control area and select the control area to be operated from at least one of the illuminated control areas.

[0042] The touch sensor 23 can be configured to detect the operation of the vehicle user's finger on the control area, that is, to detect whether the pressure of the vehicle user's finger touching the control area is greater than a preset pressure value (S13). When the finger touches the control area and the pressure of the finger touching the control area is greater than or equal to 150gf, the touch sensor 23 can detect that the pressure of the finger touching the control area is greater than or equal to the preset pressure value ("Yes" in S13), and the touch sensor 23 can send a detection signal to the circuit board 21. Upon receiving the detection signal from the touch sensor 23, the circuit board 21 can generate a signal that the control area has been triggered and send the control area triggering signal to the ECU 40. After receiving the control area triggering signal, the ECU 40 can control the brightness of the LED to change to 100% (S14).

[0043] In the case where at least one LED is lit at 50% brightness, when one of the LEDs changes to 100% brightness due to the control area being pressed, the other LEDs may be turned off until the vehicle user leaves the preset range of the control area with his hand.

[0044] When receiving a signal that the control area is triggered, the ECU 40 can control the linear motor 22 to work (S15). The linear motor 22 provides feedback on the vehicle user's operating experience through the vibration generated during operation, making it easier for the vehicle user to know whether the function (for example, seat heating) is activated.

[0045] Furthermore, upon receiving a signal indicating that a control zone has been triggered, the ECU 40 may control the corresponding vehicle actuator 50 to perform an operation according to the triggered control zone (S16). For example, when a vehicle user's finger touches a pattern indicating seat heating (i.e., a control zone), the ECU 40 controls the seat heating actuator to operate. For example, when a vehicle user's finger touches a pattern indicating front windshield defogger, the ECU 40 controls the defogger actuator to operate.

[0046] In the case where the illumination light source 25 includes a plurality of LEDs of different colors and controlled separately, the intensity of the seat heating or seat ventilation can be determined by the color of the LEDs.

[0047] The vehicle control panel of the present invention features a concealed touchscreen display with a decorative aesthetic and a strong sense of technology, allowing vehicle users to enjoy the functionality while ensuring a seamless integration with the product's appearance. Using distance and touch sensors to control the LED lighting ensures a decorative effect while allowing vehicle users to identify the location of control buttons. A linear motor provides feedback on the passenger's operating experience through vibration, making it easier for vehicle users to identify whether a function is activated. Functions such as seat ventilation and heating can be controlled by LED color to determine their intensity.

[0048] The various embodiments of the present invention are not an exhaustive list of all possible combinations, but are intended to describe representative aspects of the present invention, and what is described in terms of various embodiments can be applied independently or in combinations of two or more.

[0049] The descriptions presented in the above exemplary embodiments are only intended to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms described. Obviously, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make many changes and variations based on the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are selected and described in order to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical applications, so that other persons of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand, implement and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its various selected forms and modified forms. The scope of protection of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control panel for a vehicle, characterized in that: The control panel includes: a panel having a visible surface including at least one control area; A control component is arranged on the inner surface of the panel corresponding to the position of each control area, and each control component includes a circuit board, a linear motor, a touch sensor, a distance sensor and an illumination light source, and the linear motor, the touch sensor, the distance sensor and the illumination light source are arranged on the circuit board.

2. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The panel includes a light-transmitting plate, a film and a light guide plate arranged in sequence from the outside to the inside; The outer surface of the light-transmitting plate forms the visible surface. The film has a transparent area and an opaque area. The shape of the transparent area corresponds to the pattern in the control area for indicating the operation of the vehicle equipment.

3. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control panel further comprises: The support frame is arranged on the inner surface of the light guide plate and forms a receiving space with the light guide plate. The control component is arranged in the receiving space.

4. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that The light-transmitting plate is made of a dark, light-transmitting soft material, which includes light-transmitting leather or light-transmitting fabric.

5. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The distance sensor is a radar, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

6. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that The light-transmitting plate and the film are combined together by in-mold injection molding or insert injection molding.

7. The control panel for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The lighting source includes a plurality of organic light emitting diodes of different colors that are controlled separately.

8. A vehicle system having a control panel, characterized in that: The system comprises: a control panel, which is a control panel for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and each of the linear motor, the touch sensor, the distance sensor, and the illumination light source is electrically connected to the circuit board; an electronic control unit electrically connected to the circuit board of the control panel; At least one actuator, each actuator is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

9. The vehicle system with a control panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The distance sensor is configured to detect whether there is a target object within a preset range of the control area, and when detecting that there is a target object within the preset range of the control area, send a detection signal to the circuit board; The circuit board is configured to: generate a signal indicating that the control area is approaching when receiving a detection signal from the distance sensor, and transmit the signal indicating that the control area is approaching to the electronic control unit; The electronic control unit is configured to control the lighting source to light up and control the brightness of the lighting source to 50% when receiving a signal from the circuit board indicating that the control area is approached.

10. The vehicle system with a control panel according to claim 9, characterized in that: The touch sensor is configured to detect whether the pressure of the vehicle user's finger touching the control area is greater than a preset pressure value, and send a detection signal to the circuit board when it is detected that the pressure of the vehicle user's finger touching the control area is greater than the preset pressure value; The circuit board is configured to: generate a signal that the control area is triggered when receiving a detection signal from the touch sensor, and send the signal that the control area is triggered to the electronic control unit; The electronic control unit is configured to: when receiving a signal from the circuit board indicating that the control area is triggered, control the brightness of the lighting source to change to 100%, control the corresponding actuator according to the triggered control area, and control the linear motor to operate.

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