Customized steering device and steering assembly

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of automobile manufacturing, and discloses a self-defined operation device, which has an image transmission area on a display screen, a self-defined image is displayed in the image transmission area, a plurality of operation functions are arranged in an operation main body, and each operation function is provided with a self-defined image, the self-defined image is used for displaying the type of the corresponding operation function, a first surface is arranged at the top of the operation main body along a first direction, a first included angle is formed between the first surface and the image transmission area, the first surface has an imaging area, one end of the operation main body along a second direction is provided with a second surface, the second surface is arranged correspondingly to the image transmission area, and the area of the first surface is larger than that of the second surface; and an image transmission element is used for transmitting the self-defined image in the image transmission area to the imaging area for display. The self-defined operation device and an operation assembly are provided, the assembly relationship between the operation main body and the display screen is changed, and the utilization rate of the display screen is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive manufacturing technology, and in particular to custom control devices and control components. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive buttons often optimize user choices through customizable functions, meaning different operation functions are set within the buttons, allowing users to switch between functions according to their operating habits. To further identify the type of operation currently being performed, existing automotive buttons are often used in conjunction with a display screen. This involves projecting a custom image from the display screen onto the imaging area on the automotive button, with the operation type corresponding to the custom image, making it easy to identify the current operation function by observing the custom image.

[0003] However, existing car buttons are typically mounted parallel to the display screen, meaning the imaging area of ​​the car button is parallel to the display screen after installation. To achieve clearer display of custom images, the imaging area is placed on the largest surface of the car button. However, because the imaging area is parallel to the display screen, the area of ​​the display screen covered by the car button becomes too large, further reducing the area of ​​the display screen that can display images. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application primarily addresses the technical problem of reduced image display area on a display screen when automotive buttons and screens are used together, as present in existing technologies. It provides a customizable control device and control components that enhance display screen utilization by altering the assembly relationship between the control unit and the display screen.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a custom control device, characterized in that the custom control device is used in conjunction with a display screen, the display screen having an image transmission area, and a custom image is displayed within the image transmission area. The custom control device includes...

[0006] The control body is spaced apart from the display screen. The control body has multiple operation functions, and each operation function is associated with a custom image. The custom image is used to display the type of operation function. The top of the control body along a first direction has a first surface, which forms a first angle with the image transmission area. The first surface has an imaging area. One end of the control body along a second direction has a second surface, which is associated with the image transmission area. The area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface.

[0007] An image transmission device is used to transmit the custom image within the image transmission area to the imaging area for display.

[0008] In one embodiment, the imaging area is larger than the image transmission area, and the image transmission device is used to magnify the custom image in the image transmission area and transmit it to the imaging area for display.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the image transmission device includes,

[0010] Fiber bundle, the fiber bundle being made of a high refractive index material, the fiber bundle being formed by multiple fiber tubes being bent and then assembled;

[0011] An encapsulation layer, made of a low-refractive-index material, is wrapped around the circumferential outer surface of the fiber bundle. The encapsulation layer is open at both ends along the image transmission direction to expose the two ends of the fiber bundle along the image transmission direction. The two ends of the fiber bundle along the image transmission direction have an image input surface and an image output surface, respectively. The image input surface is attached to the image transmission area, and the image output surface is attached to the imaging area.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the area of ​​the image input surface is smaller than the area of ​​the image output surface.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the image transmission device includes,

[0014] An image refractor is located between the image transmission area and the imaging area. After the custom image is emitted from the image transmission area along a first path, it is refracted by the image refractor into an image emitted along a second path and projected onto the imaging area.

[0015] An image magnifying element is located between the image refraction element and the imaging area, and the image magnifying element intersects with the second path to magnify and project the custom image onto the imaging area.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first path forms a second angle with the image refractor, and the second path forms a third angle with the image refractor, wherein the second angle is equal to the third angle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the image refractor is a reflector and the image magnifier is a convex lens.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first included angle is not less than 90°.

[0019] This application, in another aspect, provides a control component, characterized in that the control component includes any of the custom control devices described in Embodiment 1, and the custom control device further includes...

[0020] The display screen has an image transmission area on the side near the control body. The image transmission area is corresponding to the second surface and is used to display a custom image. The custom image is corresponding to the operation function within the control body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the image transmission area is located at the bottom of the display screen.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, this application features a display screen with an image transmission area displaying a custom image. This custom image corresponds to a specific operation function, meaning the type of current control function can be determined by observing the custom image. The control unit of this application has a first surface positioned at the top along a first direction and a second surface positioned at one end along a second direction. An angle is formed between the first surface and the image transmission area. The image transmission unit transmits the custom image from the image transmission area to the imaging area for display, allowing the user to determine the current operation function of the custom control device by observing the custom image in the imaging area. The second surface corresponds to the image transmission area, and the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface. Furthermore, the area of ​​the display screen covered by the control unit changes from a first plane to a second plane, increasing the area available for image display while maintaining a consistent screen area, thus improving screen utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0024] Appendix Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0026] X, first direction; Y, second direction;

[0027] 10. Customizable control device;

[0028] α, the first included angle;

[0029] 100. Control body; 110. First surface; 111. Imaging area; 120. Second surface;

[0030] 200, Image transmission component; 210, Fiber bundle; 211, Image input surface; 212, Image output surface; 220, Encapsulation layer; 230, Image refraction component; 231, First path; 232, Second path; 240, Image magnification component;

[0031] 20. Display screen;

[0032] 300. Image transmission area. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] The existing technology has a technical problem where the proportion of the display screen's image display area decreases when automotive buttons are used in conjunction with the display screen.

[0035] Therefore, this application provides a custom control device, wherein the custom control device is used in conjunction with a display screen, the display screen having an imaging area, and a custom image is displayed within the imaging area. The custom control device includes...

[0036] The control body is spaced apart from the display screen. The control body has multiple operation functions, and each operation function is associated with a custom image. The custom image is used to display the type of operation function. The top of the control body along a first direction has a first surface, which forms a first angle with the image transmission area. The first surface has an imaging area. One end of the control body along a second direction has a second surface, which is associated with the image transmission area. The area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface.

[0037] An image transmission device is used to transmit the custom image within the image transmission area to the imaging area for display.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] In the existing technology, cars are often equipped with various buttons to operate related functions within the car. However, existing car buttons can generally only perform one operation function. In order to further optimize user selection, current car buttons are usually set to be customizable, that is, different operation functions are set within the buttons, and users can switch the operation functions of car buttons according to their operating habits.

[0040] However, existing custom buttons have technical issues that make it inconvenient to identify the current operation function. To further facilitate users in identifying the current operation function, custom buttons are usually used in conjunction with a display screen. That is, the custom image on the display screen is transmitted to the imaging area on the custom button, and the type of operation function is set to correspond to the custom image, so that users can easily know the type of operation function of the current car button by observing the custom image.

[0041] In existing systems where custom buttons and displays work together, automotive buttons are typically mounted parallel to the display screen. This means the imaging area of ​​the custom button is parallel to the display screen after installation. To display the custom image on the imaging area, it's usually placed on the largest surface of the custom button. However, this alignment results in the custom button covering an excessively large area of ​​the display screen. Even enlarging the custom image and displaying it within the imaging area doesn't solve the problem of the excessive screen coverage. With a fixed screen area, a larger area covered by the custom button reduces the available display area, thus decreasing screen utilization. While assigning a separate display screen to each custom button could increase utilization, it also raises the overall cost.

[0042] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown, the first direction X of this application refers to the height direction of the custom control device, that is, the direction from top to bottom or from bottom to top of the custom control device, and the first surface 110 of this application is disposed on the first direction X. The second direction Y of this application refers to the length direction of the custom control device, that is, the direction from left to right or from right to left of the custom control device, and the second surface 120 of this application is disposed on the second direction Y.

[0043] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to Embodiment 1 of this application. (Attached) Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this application. Please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 and appendix Figure 2 As shown, the custom control device of this application is used in conjunction with the display screen. The custom device of this application does not include the display screen 20, but the custom control device can be installed on the display screen 20 by post-installation, that is, the custom control device can be sold separately.

[0044] To further explain the specific structure of the custom control device, the specific structure of the display screen 20 is described first. The display screen 20 has a touch display surface used to display images or perform touch operations. The display screen 20 also has an image transmission area 300 used to display custom images and emit them as light signals. The display screen 20 is linked to the custom control device; that is, when the custom control device switches operation functions, the display screen 20 simultaneously switches to the custom image corresponding to the current operation function. Furthermore, the user can identify the type of current operation function by observing the custom image.

[0045] The operation functions include displaying a map and adjusting the volume. When displaying a map, the custom image is the map icon. When adjusting the volume, the custom image is the volume icon. The operation functions of the custom control device are not limited to the two mentioned above.

[0046] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 and appendix Figure 2 As shown, the custom control device of this application also includes a control body 100, which is used to execute operation functions. The control body 100 is equipped with a control component, which stores a variety of operation functions. Users can switch operation functions within the control body 100 through the vehicle's central control screen or the UI interface of a mobile terminal. Each operation function is equipped with a corresponding custom image, and the display screen 20 is responsible for switching the custom image. That is, after the control body 100 switches operation functions, the display screen 20 synchronously switches the custom image corresponding to the operation function and projects the custom image onto the imaging area 111 on the control body 100. Users can identify the current operation function by observing the custom image. The control body 100 and the display screen 20 are spaced apart, thus causing interference between them. To further enhance the connection between the control body 100 and the display screen 20, a connector is provided between them. The connector can be located on both sides of the control body 100, and the control body 100 is connected to both sides of the display screen 20 through the connector, thus preventing the connector from obstructing the touch display surface on the display screen 20.

[0047] The control body 100 has a first surface 110 at its top along the first direction X. The first surface 110 forms a first angle α with the image transmission area 300. This angle α means that the first surface 110 and the image transmission area 300 are not parallel. The first surface 110 has an imaging area 111, which is the receiving surface for a custom image. The custom image is emitted by the image transmission area 300 in the form of an optical signal and received in the imaging area 111. The control body 100 also has a second surface 120 at one end along the second direction Y. The second surface 120 corresponds to the image transmission area 300. This means that the surface of the control body 100 covering the display screen 20 changes from the first surface 110 to the second surface 120. Since the area of ​​the second surface 120 is smaller than that of the first surface 110, the area of ​​the display screen 20 obscured by the control body 100 also decreases. Furthermore, in order to allow the light signal of the custom image to pass through the control body 100, the areas within the control body 100 where the light signal of the custom image can pass through are uniformly set to transparent.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first included angle α is not less than 90°. Further, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 As shown, the first included angle α is 90°. Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 As shown, the first included angle α is greater than 90°.

[0049] In one embodiment, a first ratio is formed between the area of ​​the second surface 120 and the area of ​​the first surface 110. The smaller the first ratio, the smaller the area of ​​the display screen 20 obscured by the control body 100. Further, the first ratio is between 0.15 and 0.3. Therefore, even though the image transmission member 200 occupies a certain space in the first direction X of the display screen 20 and further obstructs part of the display screen 20, the area available for image display released by the display screen 20 after the surface corresponding to the display screen 20 is switched from the first surface 110 to the second surface 120 is larger than the area obscured by the image transmission member 200. Therefore, the area available for image display of the display screen 20 in this application is increased compared to the area available for image display of the display screen in the prior art.

[0050] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 and appendix Figure 2 As shown, the custom control device of this application also includes an image transmission unit 200, which is used to transmit the custom image in the image transmission area 300 to the imaging area 111 for display, so that the custom image can still be displayed on the control body 100 even when the control body 100 is isolated from the real screen.

[0051] In one embodiment, the imaging area 111 is larger than the image transmission area 300, and the image transmission unit 200 is used to enlarge a custom image in the image transmission area 300 and transmit it to the imaging area 111 for display.

[0052] In one embodiment, the image transmission device 200 includes a fiber bundle 210 made of a high refractive index material, which is formed by bending and assembling multiple fiber tubes. The image transmission device 200 also includes a wrapping layer 220, which is open at both ends along the image transmission direction to expose the two ends of the fiber bundle 210 along the image transmission direction. The two ends of the fiber bundle 210 along the image transmission direction have an image input surface 211 and an image output surface 212, respectively. The image input surface 211 is attached to the image transmission area 300, and the image output surface 212 is attached to the imaging area 111.

[0053] Furthermore, the fiber optic tube is typically made of a transparent, high-refractive-index material such as glass, quartz, or plastic, while the cladding layer 220 is made of a low-refractive-index material such as rubber. When light carrying a custom image enters the fiber bundle 210 from the image input surface 211, because the refractive index of the fiber bundle 210 is higher than that of the cladding layer 220, light rays with an incident angle greater than the critical angle of total internal reflection will undergo continuous total internal reflection within the fiber bundle 210 at the interface between the fiber bundle 210 and the cladding layer 220. This allows the light to propagate along the length of the fiber optic tube with low loss, thereby enabling long-distance transmission of optical signals.

[0054] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the image input surface 211 is smaller than the area of ​​the image output surface 212. This creates a magnification effect on the image output surface 212, thereby further reducing the coverage area of ​​the fiber bundle 210 on the display screen 20.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to Embodiment 2 of this application. Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 3 As shown, another implementation of the custom control device is presented. The difference between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 lies in the specific structure of the image transmission component; all other structures are the same, therefore, other structures of the custom control device will not be described in detail here.

[0057] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 3As shown, the image transmission device of this application includes an image refractor 230. Since the first surface 110 and the projection area have a first angle α, when it is necessary to project a custom image located in the image transmission area 300 onto the imaging area 111 on the first surface 110, it is necessary to further set the image refractor 230 to change the emission direction of the light from the custom image. The image refractor 230 is located between the projection area and the imaging area 111. The image refractor 230 has a refractive surface, which is set towards the imaging area 111 and the image transmission area 300. The refractive surface intersects with the first path 231 and the second path 232 of the custom image. After the custom image is emitted from the projection area along the first path 231, it is refracted by the image refractor 230 and emitted along the second path 232, and projected onto the imaging area 111.

[0058] The image transmission device of this application also includes an image magnifier, which is located between the image refraction device and the imaging area 111, and intersects with the second path 232 to project a magnified custom image onto the imaging area 111. Furthermore, the magnification of the custom image can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the image magnifier and the imaging area 111.

[0059] In one embodiment, a second angle is formed between the first path 231 and the image refractor, and a third angle is formed between the second path 232 and the image refractor 230, wherein the second angle is equal to the third angle.

[0060] In one embodiment, the image refractor is a reflector and the image magnifier 240 is a convex lens.

[0061] Example 3:

[0062] Please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown, the control components of this application include the custom control device described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. Please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 As shown, the control component of this application also includes a display screen 20, which has a touch display surface for displaying images or performing touch operations. The display screen 20 has an image transmission area 300, which is located close to the control body 100 and corresponds to the second surface 120 of the control body 100. The image transmission area 300 is used to display custom images and emit custom images as light signals. The display screen 20 is linked with the custom control device, that is, when the custom control device switches operation functions, the display screen 20 simultaneously switches the custom image corresponding to the current operation function, and the user can know the type of the current operation function by observing the custom image.

[0063] The operation functions include displaying a map and adjusting the volume. When displaying a map, the custom image is the map icon. When adjusting the volume, the custom image is the volume icon. The operation functions of the custom control device are not limited to the two mentioned above.

[0064] In one embodiment, the image transmission area 300 is located at the bottom of the display screen 20 to further expand the usable area of ​​the display screen 20.

[0065] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A customizable control device, characterized in that, The custom control device works in conjunction with a display screen, which has an image transmission area displaying a custom image. The custom control device includes... The control body is spaced apart from the display screen. The control body has multiple operation functions, and each operation function is associated with a custom image. The custom image is used to display the type of operation function. The top of the control body along a first direction has a first surface, which forms a first angle with the image transmission area. The first surface has an imaging area. One end of the control body along a second direction has a second surface, which is associated with the image transmission area. The area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface. An image transmission device is used to transmit the custom image within the image transmission area to the imaging area for display.

2. The custom control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging area is larger than the image transmission area, and the image transmission device is used to enlarge the custom image in the image transmission area and transmit it to the imaging area for display.

3. The custom control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image transmission device includes, Fiber bundle, the fiber bundle being made of a high refractive index material, the fiber bundle being formed by multiple fiber tubes being bent and then assembled; An encapsulation layer, made of a low-refractive-index material, is wrapped around the circumferential outer surface of the fiber bundle. The encapsulation layer is open at both ends along the image transmission direction to expose the two ends of the fiber bundle along the image transmission direction. The two ends of the fiber bundle along the image transmission direction have an image input surface and an image output surface, respectively. The image input surface is attached to the image transmission area, and the image output surface is attached to the imaging area.

4. The custom control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area of ​​the image input surface is smaller than the area of ​​the image output surface.

5. The custom control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image transmission device includes, An image refractor is located between the image transmission area and the imaging area. After the custom image is emitted from the image transmission area along a first path, it is refracted by the image refractor into an image emitted along a second path and projected onto the imaging area. An image magnifying element is located between the image refraction element and the imaging area, and the image magnifying element intersects with the second path to magnify and project the custom image onto the imaging area.

6. The custom control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first path forms a second angle with the image refraction element, and the second path forms a third angle with the image refraction element, wherein the second angle is equal to the third angle.

7. The custom control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The image refraction element is a reflector, and the image magnification element is a convex lens.

8. The custom control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first included angle is not less than 90°.

9. A control component, characterized in that, The control component includes a custom control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the custom control device further includes... The display screen has an image transmission area on the side near the control body. The image transmission area is corresponding to the second surface and is used to display a custom image. The custom image is corresponding to the operation function within the control body.

10. The control component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The image transmission area is located at the bottom of the display screen.

Images