Shell of vehicle-mounted navigator and vehicle-mounted navigator
By designing a mounting bracket that protrudes forward from the bottom of the car navigation system's housing frame, the physical operation area and the touch display area are set up independently. This resolves the contradiction between information display and ease of operation under the fixed size of the center console, increases the screen display area and ease of operation, and reduces the risk of distraction while driving.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520693698.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-11
AI Technical Summary
In embedded installation scenarios, existing in-vehicle navigation systems face challenges due to the fixed size of the center console. The addition of physical buttons and the expansion of the touch screen size create a space competition, making it difficult to balance information display quality and ease of operation.
Design a car navigation device housing with a mounting base protruding forward from the bottom of the frame along the width direction for mounting control components. This allows for independent setup of the physical operation area and the touch display area, avoiding the occupation of the screen's horizontal/vertical space. Furthermore, the unibody molding process improves overall rigidity and installation stability.
Without exceeding the fixed installation dimensions of the center console, the screen's effective display area is maximized to improve information display, while retaining the rapid response advantage of physical buttons, reducing the risk of distraction while driving, and balancing ease of operation and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN223896833U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a housing and a vehicle navigation device. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of intelligent transportation technology, in-vehicle navigation systems have become core in-vehicle terminals that integrate satellite positioning, electronic map processing, wireless communication, and artificial intelligence algorithms (such as route planning and voice interaction).
[0003] In related technologies, the typical architecture of an in-vehicle navigation system is an integrated structure of a bottom frame, a front cover, and a touch screen. The front cover is fitted onto the bottom frame, and the touch screen is exposed on the front cover to realize map display, function operation, and information interaction. At the same time, the bottom frame is adapted to the fixed-size frame of the center console of different vehicle models and is embedded for installation.
[0004] In driving scenarios, physical buttons remain a crucial entry point for users to access core navigation functions (such as volume adjustment, map zooming, and mode switching) due to their advantages like blind operation and fast response. To meet market demand, in-vehicle navigation systems are also required to include physical buttons. However, because the mounting frame size on the center console is fixed, adding physical buttons requires occupying horizontal or vertical space on the cover, directly reducing the effective display area of the touchscreen. Smaller screens then struggle to meet the information display needs in complex scenarios. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a vehicle navigation system that aims to solve the technical problem that existing vehicle navigation systems, in embedded installation scenarios, are limited by the fixed size of the center console, and the addition of physical buttons and the expansion of the touch screen size create space competition, making it difficult to balance information display effect and ease of operation.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a housing for a vehicle navigation device, the housing of which includes a bottom frame and a front cover, the front cover being fitted onto the bottom frame;
[0007] The bottom of the base frame has a forward-protruding mounting base, which is arranged along the width direction of the base frame and is used to install the control components.
[0008] Optionally, the mounting base is integrally formed with the base frame.
[0009] Optionally, the mounting base is located at the bottom center of the base frame; or,
[0010] The mounting base is the same width as the bottom of the base frame.
[0011] Optionally, the inner periphery of the mounting base is provided with a first snap-fit structure for engaging the control panel of the control component, and the interior of the mounting base is provided with a mounting structure for mounting the circuit board of the control component.
[0012] Optionally, the mounting base is provided with at least one knob mounting part for mounting a knob of the control component at the middle position.
[0013] Optionally, at least one knob mounting portion for mounting a knob of the control component is provided on each of the two sides of the mounting base.
[0014] Optionally, the mounting base forms an angle with the main body of the bottom frame, and this angle is defined as α, where α satisfies: 90°≤α≤180°.
[0015] Optionally, the bottom frame is provided with a second snap-fit structure for fastening the cover.
[0016] This utility model also proposes a vehicle navigation device, which includes a display screen, a control component, and a housing as described above. The display screen is disposed in the housing and exposed from the center of the faceplate, and the control component is connected to the mounting base.
[0017] Optionally, the control component includes a control panel and a circuit board, wherein the control panel is provided with operation keys and knobs;
[0018] The operation keys include multiple buttons, which are spaced apart along the length of the control panel, and the knob is rotatably mounted on the control panel.
[0019] In the housing of this in-vehicle navigation device, a mounting base protrudes forward from the bottom of the base frame. The mounting base, positioned along the width of the base frame, is used to mount the control components, allowing for independent setup of the physical operation area and the touchscreen display area on the front cover. This avoids occupying the horizontal / vertical space of the screen, maximizing the effective display area within a fixed installation size, and improving information display in complex scenarios. Furthermore, the mounting base's location at the bottom of the base frame and its forward protrusion bring the operation area closer to the driver, facilitating blind operation while retaining the fast response advantage of physical buttons. This reduces the risk of distraction while driving, balancing ease of operation and safety. In other words, through optimized spatial layout design, the housing of this in-vehicle navigation device effectively balances the needs of physical operation functions and screen display area without exceeding the fixed installation dimensions of the center console, combining ease of operation, display effect, and structural adaptability, providing an efficient solution for optimizing the functionality of in-vehicle navigation devices. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle navigation device in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the vehicle navigation system in the embodiment;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle navigation system in the embodiment from another perspective;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle navigation device in another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0025] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0026] It should also be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component present. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component present.
[0027] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This utility model embodiment proposes a housing 110 for a vehicle navigation device 100. The housing 110 of the vehicle navigation device 100 includes a bottom frame 111 and a front cover 112, with the front cover 112 covering the bottom frame 111.
[0029] The bottom of the base frame 111 has a forward-protruding mounting base 113, which is arranged along the width direction of the base frame 111 and is used to install the control component 120.
[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bottom frame 111 has a rectangular frame structure. The cover 112 can be attached to the top of the bottom frame 111 by means of clips, screws, or magnetic structures to form a closed internal space for mounting core components such as the display screen 130 and the main control circuit board 122. A display window is provided on the front area of the cover 112. The display screen 130 is fitted inside the display window, with its edges flush with or slightly recessed from the edges of the cover 112, forming a complete planar display interface. The size of the cover 112 matches the top opening of the bottom frame 111, ensuring that the display area of the touch display screen 130 is not obstructed by the bottom frame 111 or the mounting base 113.
[0031] A long, narrow mounting base 113 protrudes forward along the width of the bottom of the base frame 111. The mounting base 113 and the base frame 111 are integrally formed by injection molding or die casting. Its cross-section is shaped like a boss to form a forward-extending operating area. The mounting base 113 has a mounting groove inside for fixing the control component 120. The control component 120 may include a control panel 121 and a circuit board 122. The control panel 121 is provided with operation keys 123 and knobs 124. The control panel 121 is embedded in the front end face of the mounting base 113. The operation keys 123 on the control panel 121 may be mechanical buttons, toggle switches, or pressure sensors. The knobs 124 may include volume control knobs 124, map zoom knobs 124, etc. Both are ergonomically arranged and spaced apart on the control panel 121. The circuit board 122 can be fixed in the mounting slot of the mounting base 113 and electrically connected to the operation key 123 and knob 124 through wires, ribbon cables or other means, and communicates with the main control circuit board 122 in the bottom frame 111 to convert physical operation signals into electrical signals and transmit them to the navigation system.
[0032] The outer dimensions of the base frame 111 are precisely matched with the reserved mounting frame of the car's center console. The forward-protruding design of the mounting bracket 113 only increases the front-rear dimensions of the base frame 111, while the lateral (left-right) and vertical (up-down) dimensions remain unchanged. This ensures that the housing 110 can be directly embedded into the center console mounting frame without modifying the vehicle body structure. Furthermore, the forward-protruding position of the control component 120 is precisely within the driver's natural hand movement range, conforming to operating habits in driving scenarios.
[0033] In this embodiment, the housing 110 of the vehicle navigation device 100 has a mounting base 113 protruding forward from the bottom of the bottom frame 111. The mounting base 113 is arranged along the width of the bottom frame 111 and is used to install the control component 120. This allows the physical operation area (the control panel 121 of the control component 120, such as operation keys 123, knobs 124, etc.) and the touch display area of the cover 112 to be set independently, avoiding the occupation of the horizontal / vertical space of the screen. Within the fixed installation size, the effective display area of the screen is maximized, and the information display effect in complex scenarios is improved. Furthermore, the mounting base 113 is located at the bottom of the bottom frame 111 and protrudes forward, making the operation area closer to the driver, which is convenient for blind operation, retains the advantage of the fast response of physical buttons, reduces the risk of distraction while driving, and balances the convenience and safety of operation.
[0034] In other words, the housing 110 of this car navigation device 100, through optimized spatial layout design, effectively balances the needs of physical operation functions and screen display area without exceeding the fixed installation size of the center console, combining ease of operation, display effect and structural adaptability, and provides an efficient solution for the functional optimization of the car navigation device 100.
[0035] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The mounting base 113 and the base frame 111 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the mounting base 113 and the base frame 111 are manufactured using an integral molding process. Specifically, the base frame 111 and the mounting base 113 can be integrally formed by injection molding to form a seamless, integrated structure. The main body of the base frame 111 is a rectangular frame, with the mounting base 113 extending from the bottom. Both are made of high-strength engineering plastics (such as ABS, PC, or ABS+PC alloy) or metal alloys (such as aluminum alloy). The integral molding of the mounting base 113 and the base frame 111 eliminates the weak points of connection in traditional splicing structures (such as screw holes and clip gaps), improves overall rigidity, and can effectively resist vibration stress caused by road bumps during vehicle operation. It also avoids problems such as poor contact of the operating key 123 and jamming of the knob 124 caused by loosening or deformation of the mounting base 113, thus improving the long-term reliability of the control component 120. Furthermore, no additional connectors (such as screws or glue) are needed to connect the mounting base 113 and the base frame 111, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps and improving production efficiency.
[0036] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Mounting base 113 is located at the bottom center of base frame 111; or,
[0037] Mounting base 113 has the same width as the bottom of base frame 111.
[0038] In this embodiment, the mounting base 113 extends along the width of the bottom frame 111, and its lateral (left-right) central axis coincides with the central axis of the bottom frame 111, meaning the mounting base 113 is located in the middle of the bottom of the bottom frame 111. The centrally positioned mounting base 113 brings the operating area close to the center of the cockpit, conforming to the symmetrical operating habit of naturally placing both hands. The driver can reach the operation buttons 123 and knobs 124 without having to lean to the left or right, which is especially convenient for scenarios where the left hand holds the steering wheel and the right hand operates the controls, improving the accuracy and comfort of blind operation.
[0039] Alternatively, the lateral width of the mounting base 113 is exactly equal to or approximately equal to the bottom width of the base frame 111, meaning the mounting base 113 extends along the entire width of the base frame 111, covering both the left and right ends of the bottom of the base frame 111. This equal-width design allows the mounting base 113 to cover the entire bottom width of the base frame 111, and the lateral dimension of the control panel 121 is consistent with the base frame 111. This allows for the integration of more operating elements (such as adding custom function keys or multi-knob 124 combinations), meeting the needs of high-end vehicles for rich physical operations, while not occupying the display space of the faceplate 112. Furthermore, the equal-width mounting base 113 and the base frame 111 form a symmetrical mechanical structure, reducing stress concentration caused by unilateral protrusions, especially when the vehicle is bumpy, thereby improving overall deformation resistance.
[0040] In some embodiments, the inner periphery of the mounting base 113 is provided with a first snap-fit structure for engaging the control panel 121 of the control component 120, and the interior of the mounting base 113 is provided with a mounting structure for mounting the circuit board 122 of the control component 120.
[0041] In this embodiment, the internal structure of the mounting base 113 is further optimized to achieve rapid installation and stable fixation of the control component 120. Specifically, the inner circumference of the mounting base 113 is provided with a ring-shaped or segmented first snap-fit structure. For example, multiple elastic protrusions (snap-fit arms) may be provided on the inner edge of the mounting base 113, or an undercut groove that mates with the edge of the control panel 121 may be provided on the inner sidewall. The first snap-fit structure is evenly distributed along the circumference of the mounting base 113, and the number may be 2 to 4 sets, forming a snap-fit engagement with the fastening part (such as flange, snap hole) on the back of the control panel 121. During assembly, the control panel 121 is aligned with the front end face of the mounting base 113 and pressed until the fastening part is fully engaged with the first snap-fit structure, without the need for additional screws or glue, thereby achieving rapid positioning and installation of the control panel 121.
[0042] Furthermore, the mounting base 113 has an internal mounting structure for mounting and fixing the circuit board 122. For example, 2 to 4 studs are pre-set on the bottom or side wall of the mounting base 113, with threaded holes at the top of the studs. The circuit board 122 is fixed to the studs with screws. To improve installation stability, a U-shaped groove matching the edge of the circuit board 122 can be provided on the inner wall of the mounting base 113. The circuit board 122 can slide into the groove, forming a dual fixing structure of "sliding + screwing" with the studs.
[0043] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The mounting base 113 has at least one knob mounting portion 1131 at its center for mounting the knob 124 of the control component 120. Specifically, the knob mounting portion 1131 at the center of the mounting base 113 is used to accommodate and install the knob 124 when installing the control component 120. The number of knob mounting portions 1131 can be one or more, depending on actual needs. For example, the knob mounting portions 1131 are arranged along the central axis of the width direction of the mounting base 113. A single main knob (such as a multi-function control knob) can be provided, or two knobs (such as a volume knob and a map zoom knob) can be arranged side by side to form a symmetrical or functionally partitioned layout. Correspondingly, the knob 124 is located at the center of the mounting base 113, forming a symmetrical layout with the operation keys 123 on the left and right sides, which conforms to the driver's intuitive understanding of "frequently used central functions". For example, the main knob is located in the middle, the mode switching button is placed on the left, and the confirmation button is placed on the right, forming a golden combination of "knob + operation button". Users can quickly locate the knob through muscle memory and complete complex operations without looking, reducing the risk of distraction while driving.
[0044] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The mounting base 113 has at least one knob mounting portion 1131 on each side for mounting the knob 124 of the control component 120. Specifically, the mounting base 113 has knob mounting portions 1131 on both sides along its width direction (left-right direction) to accommodate and install the knob 124 when installing the control component 120. The number of knob mounting portions 1131 can be one or more, depending on actual needs. For example, one knob mounting portion 1131 can be provided on the left and right sides of the mounting base 113, and the two are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the mounting base 113. Correspondingly, the knobs 124 are symmetrically distributed along both sides of the mounting base 113, which conforms to the human muscle memory principle. Drivers can quickly locate the knobs through the intuitive association of "left knob for volume, right knob for map", improving the accuracy of blind operation.
[0045] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3The mounting base 113 and the main body of the base frame 111 form an angle, which is defined as α, and α satisfies: 90°≤α≤180°.
[0046] The main body of the base frame 111 is a rectangular frame, with its front side used to mount the faceplate 112 and the display screen 130. The mounting base 113 at the bottom extends forward from the bottom edge of the main body of the base frame 111, forming an angle α with the main body. When α = 90°, the front end face of the mounting base 113 is perpendicular to the front side of the base frame 111, protruding at a right angle; when 90° < α < 180°, the front end face of the mounting base 113 is tilted forward (the smaller α is, the larger the tilt angle), so that the operating surface of the control panel 121 faces the driver; when α = 180°, the mounting base 113 is coplanar with the main body of the base frame 111 (i.e., extends vertically; in practical applications, α ≤ 150° is often used to optimize the operating angle).
[0047] The included angle α creates a three-dimensional spatial layout of "upper layer display, lower layer operation". The upper layer consists of a display screen 130 occupying the cover 112, responsible for information display and complex interactions. The lower layer features a tilted control panel 121 integrating physical buttons and knobs 124, responsible for rapid operation of high-frequency functions. This partitioning avoids the visual interference of "display and operation mixed" in traditional planar layouts, allowing users to complete the interactive loop of "information viewing - physical operation" by naturally lowering their gaze.
[0048] In some embodiments, the bottom frame 111 is provided with a second snap-fit structure for fastening the cover 112.
[0049] In this embodiment, the internal structure of the base frame 111 is further optimized to achieve rapid installation and stable fixation of the face cover 112. Specifically, the base frame 111 is provided with a second snap-fit structure to fasten the face cover 112. The specific structure of the second snap-fit structure can be set with reference to the first snap-fit structure in the aforementioned embodiment, including but not limited to it, and will not be described in detail here. During assembly, the face cover 112 is aligned with the front of the base frame 111 and pressed until it is fully engaged with the second snap-fit structure, without the need for additional screws or glue, thereby achieving rapid positioning and installation of the face cover 112.
[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This utility model embodiment also proposes a vehicle navigation device 100, which includes a display screen 130, a control component 120, and a housing 110 as described in the foregoing embodiments. The display screen 130 is disposed on the housing 110 and exposed from the center of the faceplate 112. The control component 120 is connected to the mounting base 113. The specific structure of the housing 110 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this vehicle navigation device 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the technical effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.
[0051] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The control component 120 includes a control panel 121 and a circuit board 122. The control panel 121 is provided with operation keys 123 and knobs 124.
[0052] The operation keys 123 include multiple buttons, which are spaced apart along the length of the control panel 121. The knob 124 is rotatably mounted on the control panel 121.
[0053] In this embodiment, the control component 120 is composed of a control panel 121 and a circuit board 122. The circuit board 122 is located below the control panel 121 and is stacked on top of the control panel 121. The control panel 121 has a control structure design with operation keys 123 and a knob 124. The operation keys 123 include multiple buttons, which are linearly spaced along the length direction (vertical or horizontal, depending on the panel shape) of the control panel 121 to avoid accidental touches. For example, on a horizontally extending single-side panel, the buttons are spaced horizontally to form a "left-center-right" functional partition (the left side is the map button, the middle is the mode switching button, and the right side is the volume control button). The surface of the buttons is textured with anti-slip material (e.g., the volume buttons have horizontal raised textures, and the map buttons have diagonal concave textures), which assists blind touch positioning through tactile differences and provides a clear operating feel. Function-related buttons can be arranged adjacently (e.g., the "map zoom +" and "map zoom -" buttons are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the knob) to form a modular operation area that conforms to the user's functional association habits. The knob 124 can employ a 360° stepless or segmented rotation encoder (e.g., in 15° increments), with a damped knurled or anti-slip texture on its surface. A Hall sensor or potentiometer is integrated at the bottom, supporting precise continuous adjustment (e.g., map scale, volume). The operation keys 123 and knob 124 are electrically connected to the circuit board 122, which converts the physical operation signals of the keys 123 and knob 124 into electrical signals and transmits them to the navigator's control system. The control panel 121 can also be equipped with several data interfaces and / or several indicator lights. The number of data interfaces can be one or more, depending on actual needs. Data interfaces can be of various types, such as USB or Type-C, without limitation. Similarly, the number of indicator lights can be one or more, depending on actual needs. By integrating a data interface and indicator lights into the control panel 121, the in-vehicle navigation system 100 can be upgraded from a "single operating terminal" to a "multi-functional interactive center". The data interface supports external devices and charging, while the indicator lights can provide multi-dimensional status feedback, covering all functional needs of daily use and extreme scenarios.
[0054] The above description is only a part or preferred embodiment of this utility model. Neither the text nor the drawings should limit the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings under the overall concept of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A housing for a vehicle navigation device, characterized in that, It includes a base frame and a front cover, wherein the front cover fits over the base frame; The bottom of the base frame has a forward-protruding mounting base, which is arranged along the width direction of the base frame and is used to install the control components.
2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base is integrally formed with the bottom frame.
3. The housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base is located at the bottom center of the base frame; or, The mounting base is the same width as the bottom of the base frame.
4. The housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base has a first snap-fit structure on its inner periphery for engaging the control panel of the control component, and the mounting base has an internal mounting structure for mounting the circuit board of the control component.
5. The housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base has at least one knob mounting part for mounting a knob of the control component at the middle position.
6. The housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting base has at least one knob mounting part on each side for mounting the control component knob.
7. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The mounting base forms an angle with the main body of the base frame, and this angle is defined as α, where α satisfies: 90°≤α≤180°.
8. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom frame is provided with a second snap-fit structure for fastening the cover.
9. A vehicle navigation system, characterized in that, The device includes a display screen, control components, and a housing as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display screen is disposed in the housing and exposed from the center of the faceplate, and the control components are connected to the mounting base.
10. The vehicle navigation system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control component includes a control panel and a circuit board, and the control panel is provided with operation keys and knobs; The operation keys include multiple buttons, which are spaced apart along the length of the control panel, and the knob is rotatably mounted on the control panel.