Cradle assembly for vehicle capable of connecting with mobile terminal

Disclosed is a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, including a cover unit configured to open or close an accommodation space defined in a dashboard panel by pivoting, a binding unit attached to a lower end of the cover unit so as to fix an upper end of the mobile terminal, and a support unit configured to support the mobile terminal in a state in which a lower end of the mobile terminal is seated therein. Whether or not the cover unit is pivotable is determined based on whether or not the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0183508 filed on Dec. 22, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, the many and various functions of mobile terminal have had an effect on the vehicle field, and enable the more comfortable and safe driving of occupants (including a driver) beyond the inherent transportation function of vehicles.

However, because a large number of various functional operating units are provided inside a vehicle, it is necessary to provide an additional cradle assembly capable of connecting a mobile terminal with the internal system of the vehicle.

However, an existing navigation system, black box device, automated tollgate payment device, and the like are installed in the vicinity of around a front dashboard panel near a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, which crowds the front region of a passenger compartment and makes it difficult for the driver to perform safe driving.

In addition, when installing a mobile terminal in the vehicle, there is the risk of an accident when a user operates the mobile terminal while driving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, which assists a driver in safely operating the mobile terminal while driving.

Objects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned object and other not-mentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, including a cover unit configured to open or close an accommodation space defined in a dashboard panel by pivoting, a binding unitbinding unit attached to a lower end of the cover unit so as to fix an upper end of the mobile terminal, and a support unit configured to support the mobile terminal in a state in which a lower end of the mobile terminal is seated therein, wherein whether or not the cover unit is pivotable is determined based on whether or not the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the vehicle.

Detailed items of other embodiments are included in the following description and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes “module” and “unit” are given or mingled with each other only in consideration of ease in the preparation of the specification, and do not have or serve as different meanings. Accordingly, the suffixes “module” and “unit” may be mingled with each other. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents and substitutions included in the scope and sprit of the present invention.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component or intervening components may be present. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present. In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “controlling” another component, it may directly control another component, or may also control another component via the mediation of a third component. In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “providing” another component with information and signals, it may directly provide another component with the same and may also provide another component the same via the mediation of a third component.

As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, it will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, includes,” etc. specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

In the following description, the “left side” refers to the left side relative to the forward traveling direction of the vehicle, and the “right side” refers to the right side relative to the forward traveling direction of the vehicle.

In addition, in the following description, the “front side” refers to the heading direction on the basis of the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the “rear side” refers to the reverse direction on the basis of the traveling direction of the vehicle.

In addition, as used herein, the term “downward” refers to the direction facing the ground surface, and the term “upward” refers to the direction opposite the downward direction.

In addition, as used herein with regard to an attachment unit, “the front surface of the attachment unit” refers to the surface facing the rear side of the vehicle, and the term “the rear surface of the attachment unit” refers to the surface facing the front side of the vehicle.

FIG. 1is a view illustrating the external appearance of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, the vehicle, designated by reference numeral10, may include wheels12FR,12FL,12RL and12RR, which are rotated by a power source, a steering wheel11, which serves to control the traveling direction of the vehicle10, and a vehicular cradle assembly100, which is capable of connecting with a mobile terminal.

The vehicular cradle assembly100, capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, may be placed inside the vehicle10. For example, the vehicular cradle assembly100, capable of connecting with a mobile terminal, may be installed at an arbitrary location on a dashboard.

A mobile terminal20may be mounted on the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100. The mobile terminal20may be electrically connected to the vehicle via a coupling port, which is included in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100. For example, the coupling port may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) coupling port.

In the electrically connected state, the mobile terminal20and the vehicle10may exchange signals, information, or data. For example, at least one processor included in the vehicle10may provide the mobile terminal20with a signal for controlling the mobile terminal20. For example, at least one processor included in the mobile terminal20may provide the vehicle10with a signal for controlling the vehicle10.

When the mobile terminal20is connected to the vehicle10, the vehicle10may transmit a signal to the mobile terminal20in order to check whether or not a vehicle application is installed in the mobile terminal20. When connected to the vehicle10in the state in which the vehicle application is installed therein, the mobile terminal20may switch to a vehicle mode in response to a signal provided from the vehicle10. Once the mobile terminal20has switched to the vehicle mode, only the vehicle application in the mobile terminal20may be operated. For example, the vehicle application may be a navigation application, a vehicle management application, a black box application, a climate-control application, an Audio Video (AV) application, or an odometer application.

In the case where the mobile terminal20is switched so as to be exclusively used for a vehicle, a user interface (UI) provided on the display of the mobile terminal20may be changed. The changed UI may be a dedicated vehicle UI.

FIG. 2is a view illustrating the external appearance of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3is a side view of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention may include a cover unit200, a binding unit300, a support unit400, a first pivot point510, a second pivot point520, and a locking unit600.

The cradle assembly100may couple a mobile terminal with one or more computers of a vehicle.

The cover unit200is configured to open or close an accommodation space40defined inside a dashboard panel30by pivoting.

The cover unit200may pivot in the first direction so as to change to an open state. The cover unit200may pivot in the second direction so as to change to a closed state. For example, the first direction may be the upward direction, and the second direction may be the downward direction.

A user may cause the cover unit200to be opened using a button60that is located in a region on a dashboard.

In some embodiments, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include a drive device (e.g. a first step motor, which will be described below), which provides driving power to enable the automated opening and closing of the cover unit200. For example, the drive device may be a motor or an actuator. The drive device may provide the cover unit200with driving power to enable the automated opening and closing of the cover unit200when the user operates the button60.

When the mobile terminal20is sufficiently small, the mobile terminal20may be accommodated in the accommodation space40. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a smart phone or a small tablet PC, the mobile terminal20may be accommodated in the accommodation space40. In this case, when the user attempts to use the mobile terminal20while driving, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may support the mobile terminal20disposed thereon so as to assist the user in comfortably viewing the display of the mobile terminal20. When the mobile terminal20is not used, the mobile terminal20may be accommodated in the accommodation space40.

When the mobile terminal20is sufficiently large, the mobile terminal20may not be accommodated in the accommodation space40. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a large tablet PC, the mobile terminal20may not be accommodated in the accommodation space40. In this case, when the user attempts to use the mobile terminal20while driving, although the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may support the mobile terminal20disposed thereon so as to assist the user in comfortably viewing the display of the mobile terminal20, the mobile terminal20may not be accommodated in the accommodation space40when the mobile terminal20is not used.

The cover unit200may be formed of the same material as the exterior material of the dashboard panel30, or a material similar thereto.

The accommodation space40may be sufficiently large to accommodate the mobile terminal20therein. As described above, in some embodiments, although the mobile terminal20may not be accommodated in the accommodation space40, even in this case, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may support the mobile terminal20disposed thereon.

The accommodation space40may be utilized as a space in which articles other than the mobile terminal are stored.

In some embodiments, the accommodation space40may be defined by a cabinet50. For example, the cabinet50may be located inside the dashboard. In this case, the first pivot point510may intermediate the coupling of the cover unit200and the cabinet50. The first pivot point510may connect one end of the cover unit200to one end of the cabinet50so that the other end of the cover unit200is pivotable. The second pivot point520may intermediate the coupling of the support unit400and the cabinet50. The second pivot point520may connect one end of the support unit400to the other end of the cabinet50so that the other end of the support unit400is pivotable.

Whether or not the cover unit200is pivotable may be determined based on whether or not the mobile terminal200is electrically connected to the vehicle10.

The pivoting of the cover unit200may be limited by the operation of the locking unit600. When the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10, the locking unit600may limit the pivoting of the cover unit200. At this time, the pivoting of the cover unit200may be limited when the locking unit600is operated.

In this case, the mobile terminal20may be an authenticated mobile terminal20. For example, an application provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle10may be installed in the mobile terminal20, and the vehicle10may authorize the mobile terminal20based on whether or not the application is installed. Alternatively, the vehicle10may authorize the mobile terminal20based on the PIN code of the mobile terminal20.

The binding unit300may be attached to the lower end of the cover unit200. The binding unit300may support the upper end of the mobile terminal20. For example, the binding unit300may bind a first portion of the mobile terminal. The binding unit300may be movable between a first position and a second position. Here, the upper end and the lower end of the mobile terminal20may be determined on the basis of the ground surface. The portion of the body of the mobile terminal200that is distant from the ground surface may be defined as the upper end, and the portion that is close to the ground surface may be defined as the lower end.

The binding unit300may be movably formed. For example, a holder assembly310included in the binding unit300may be movable via a guide structure320. For example, the binding unit300may be formed so as to be vertically movable.

The binding unit300will be described below in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 8 to 11.

The support unit400may support the mobile terminal20in the state in which the lower end of the mobile terminal20is seated therein. For example, the support unit400may support a second portion of the mobile terminal.

The support unit400may be fixed to the vehicle.

The support unit400will be described below in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 12 to 14.

The first pivot point510may be connected to one end of the cover unit200. The first pivot point510may be the center about which the other end of the cover unit200pivots. For example, when the cover unit200pivots so as to be opened or closed, the other end of the cover unit200may pivot upward or downward on the basis of the first pivot point510, which is connected to one end of the cover unit200.

The first pivot point510may be located at the same height as the front upper end of the accommodation space40. For example, the first pivot point510may intermediate the connection of the front portion of the cabinet50and the cover unit200so as to enable the pivoting of the cover unit200. With this arrangement, the cover unit200may achieve an improved sense of unity with the dashboard panel30when it pivots so as to be closed. Here, the “front side” may be the direction in which a windshield glass is located, in front of the dashboard panel30.

In some embodiments, the first pivot point510may be connected to a first step motor. The first step motor is driven by user input, thereby providing driving power required to pivot the cover unit200.

The first pivot point510may provide the elastic force required to allow the other end of the cover unit200to elastically pivot in the first direction.

For example, the first pivot point510may be provided with an elastic body (511inFIG. 5). The elastic body may apply rotational force to the first pivot point510in the first direction. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is no limitation as to variation and adjustment of the elastic force of the elastic body, and any known technology capable of adjusting, for example, the direction in which the elastic force is provided and the strength of the elastic force, may be adopted.

The second pivot point520may be connected to one end of the support unit400. The second pivot point520may be the center about which the other end of the support unit400pivots. For example, when the support unit400pivots, the other end of the support unit400may pivot upward and downward on the basis of the second pivot point520, which is connected to one end of the support unit400.

The second pivot point520may be located at the rear side of the accommodation space40. Here, the “rear side” may be the direction in which a driver's seat and a passenger seat are located on the basis of the dashboard panel30. For example, the second pivot point520may intermediate the connection between the rear side of the cabinet50and the support unit400so as to enable the support unit400to pivot.

In some embodiments, the second pivot point520may be integrally formed with a seating recess in which the lower end of the mobile terminal20is seated. In this case, the seating portion included in the second pivot point520may serve as part of the support unit400. When the seating recess is integrally formed in the second pivot point520, the outer diameter of the second pivot point520, viewed from the lateral side, may be sufficiently large to allow the mobile terminal20to be seated therein.

In some embodiments, the second pivot point520may be connected to a second step motor. The second step motor may be driven by user input, thereby providing driving power required to pivot the support unit400.

The second pivot point520may provide the elastic force required to allow the other end of the support unit400to elastically pivot in a third direction.

For example, the second pivot point520may be provided with an elastic body. The elastic body may apply rotational force to the second pivot point510in a third direction. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is no limitation as to variation and adjustment of the elastic force of the elastic body, and any known technology capable of adjusting, for example, the direction in which the elastic force is provided and the strength of the elastic force, may be adopted.

As described above, when the mobile terminal20, which has been supported on the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100, is released due to the elastic force provided by the second pivot point520, the mobile terminal20is slowly laid forward and downward, which may prevent damage to the mobile terminal20.

The locking unit600may limit the pivoting of the cover unit200. For example, when the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10, the locking unit600may prevent the cover unit200from pivoting in the first direction.

The locking unit600may fix the binding unit at the second position based on a signal, from the one or more computers of the vehicle indication that the mobile terminal is electrically coupled with the one or more computers of the vehicle.

The locking unit600will be described below in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5is a view referenced to explain the locking unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare views referenced to explain a locking operation in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 4 to 6, the locking unit600may serve to limit the pivoting of the cover unit200when the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10.

The locking unit600may include a gear610, a gear catch member620, a drive unit630, a power transmission mechanism640, and a one-way clutch bearing650.

The locking unit600may comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may fix the binding unit at the second position.

The locking mechanism may include a gear (610) and a gear catch piece (620).

The gear610may be connected to the binding unit300. The gear610may be provided on the outer circumference thereof with a plurality of teeth, and the first pivot point510may penetrate the inner circumference of the gear610. The gear610may be formed so as to transmit force in a given direction and to allow slippage in the opposite direction. To this end, the one-way clutch bearing650may be located between the gear610and the first pivot point510.

For example, when one of the teeth611is caught by the gear catch member620, the gear610may remain stationary rather than being rotated. As the gear610is fixed, the first pivot point510may also be fixed. In turn, the pivoting of the cover unit200in a given direction may be limited as the first pivot point510is fixed. In this case, the pivoting of the cover unit200may be limited in the first direction, but may not be limited in the second direction. Here, the “first direction” may be the direction in which the cover unit200pivots so as to be opened, and the “second direction” may be the direction in which the cover200pivots so as to be closed.

The gear catch member620may be configured so as to be caught by any one of the teeth611formed on the gear610. The gear catch member620may have fingers621so that any one of the teeth611is caught by the fingers621. The fingers621may be formed so as to fix any one of the teeth611from the top and bottom thereof. For example, the fingers621may be bent toward the gear610.

The gear catch member620may be horizontally moved by moving power provided from the drive unit630.

The gear catch member620may include a rack gear622. The rack gear622may be configured so as to be engaged with the power transmission mechanism640. The gear catch member620may receive, at the rack gear622thereof, the moving power provided from the drive unit630. The gear catch member620may be horizontally moved by the moving power.

The drive unit630may provide the gear catch member620with the moving power. The drive unit630may be controlled by at least one processor included in the vehicle10. For example, the processor may be a processor or an electronic control unit (ECU) of a display device included in the vehicle10.

The drive unit630may operate the locking mechanism based on the signal, from the one or more computers of the vehicle, indicating that the mobile terminal is electrically coupled with the one or more computers of the vehicle.

The drive unit630may move the gear catch piece to hold at least one of the plurality of teeth based on the signal, by the one or more computers, indicating that the mobile terminal is electrically coupled with the one or more computers of the vehicle.

The processor included in the vehicle10may be implemented in hardware using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units to perform other functions.

The drive unit630may include a electric motor or an electric actuator. The drive unit630may receive power from a battery included in the vehicle10.

The drive unit630may receive an operation control signal from the processor included in the vehicle10when the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10and is authenticated.

For example, when the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10, at least one processor included in the vehicle10may try to authenticate the mobile terminal20. Here, the authentication may be implemented based on whether or not an application provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle10is installed in the mobile terminal20. Alternatively, the authentication may be implemented using the PIN code of the mobile terminal20. When the authentication is completed, the drive unit630may receive the operating control signal from the processor included in the vehicle10. For example, the processor may be a processor of the display device for the vehicle.

When the authentication of the mobile terminal20is completed in the state in which the mobile terminal20and the vehicle10are electrically connected to each other, the drive unit630may provide moving power. In this case, the moving power may be provided to the gear catch member620through the power transmission mechanism640. The gear catch member620may be horizontally moved to catch any one of the teeth611of the gear610. In this case, the cover unit200may be fixed. Because the cover unit20is fixed, the mobile terminal20may be supported by the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100. Meanwhile, although the pivoting of the cover unit200is limited in the first direction in the state in which the cover unit200is fixed, the cover unit200may pivot in the second direction. The one-way clutch bearing650may serve to prevent the pivoting of the cover unit200in a given direction.

The power transmission mechanism640may transmit the moving power provided from the drive unit630to the gear catch member620.

The power transmission mechanism640may be comprised of a plurality of gears. For example, the power transmission mechanism640may be comprised of a worm gear641, a first feed gear642, and a second feed gear643.

The worm gear641may be connected to the drive unit630. Teeth of the worm gear641may be engaged with the first feed gear642. The first feed gear642may receive driving power from the worm gear641. Teeth of the first feed gear642may be engaged with the second feed gear643. The second feed gear643may receive driving power from the first feed gear642. Teeth of the second feed gear643may be engaged with the rack gear622of the gear catch member620. The gear catch member620may receive the moving power through the power transmission mechanism640.

The one-way clutch bearing650may be located between the gear610and the first pivot point510. The one-way clutch bearing650causes the gear610to transmit power in a given direction while preventing the gear610from transmitting power in the opposite direction. For example, when the gear610is caught by the gear catch member620, the one-way clutch bearing650may prevent the cover unit200from pivoting in the first direction and allow the cover unit200to pivot in the second direction.

As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6A, when the gear610is not caught by the gear catch member620, the other end of the cover unit200may pivot upward or downward. For example, the user may push the button (60inFIG. 2) provided inside the vehicle so as to change the cover unit200to the open state. For example, the user may change the cover unit200to the closed state by pushing the upper end of the cover unit200. In some embodiments, the change to the open state or the closed state of the cover unit200may be automatically implemented.

As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6B, when the gear610is caught by the gear catch member620, the other end of the cover unit200may pivot downward, but may not pivot upward.

FIGS. 7A to 7Care views referenced to explain the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly, configured to support the mobile terminal disposed thereon, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7A, the cover unit200may change to the open state through an operation of pushing the button (60inFIG. 2). In this case, the cover unit200may receive elastic force from the first pivot point510, thereby elastically pivoting in the first direction.

As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7B, when the cover unit20is in an open state, the lower end of the mobile terminal20may be seated in and supported by the support unit400.

When the authentication of the mobile terminal20is completed in the state in which the mobile terminal20and the vehicle10are electrically connected to each other, the gear610may be caught by the gear catch member620.

In this case, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7C, in the state in which the mobile terminal20is supported at the lower end thereof by the support unit400, the cover unit200pivots downward, causing the binding unit300to fix the upper end of the mobile terminal20. At this time, because the cover unit200cannot pivot upward, the mobile terminal20may be disposed on and fixed to the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal20may switch to a vehicle mode when electrically connected to the vehicle10. In the vehicle mode, the mobile terminal20may limit the operation of applications other than a vehicle application.

As described above, by allowing the mobile terminal20to be supported by the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100only in the state in which the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10and is authenticated, the mobile terminal20may be permitted to be mounted in the vehicle only when switched to the vehicle mode, which may contribute to safe driving.

In addition, because the cover unit200covers the mobile terminal20once the mobile terminal20has been mounted, it is possible to prevent the display of the mobile terminal20from becoming hazy due to light introduced from the outside.

FIG. 8is a view schematically illustrating the binding unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating the first state of the binding unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 10is a view illustrating the second state of the binding unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11is a side view illustrating the binding unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 8 to 11, the binding unit300may be affixed to the lower end of the cover unit200. The binding unit300may fix the upper end of the mobile terminal20.

The binding unit300may include the holder assembly310, the guide structure320, and a fixing lever330.

The holder assembly310may be movably formed, and may fix the upper end of the mobile terminal20. The holder assembly310may be movable on the guide structure320. The holder assembly may be adjustable. For example, the holder assembly310may move on the guide structure320, which is inclined upward and rearward when the cover unit200is in an open state. For example, the holder assembly310may move on the guide structure320, which is inclined downward and forward when the cover unit200is in an open state.

The angle at which the mobile terminal20is placed may be determined through the movement of the holder assembly310. The user may appropriately determine the angle of the mobile terminal20in consideration of the direction of the user's eyes, which depends on the user's height when seated.

The holder assembly310may include a single holder or a plurality of holders. For example, the holder assembly310includes one or more holders and each of the one or more holders binds a different portion of the mobile terminal.

The one or more holders may be movable to bind different portions of the mobile device based on one or more characteristics of the mobile terminal.

The one or more characteristics of the mobile terminal may include a size of the mobile terminal, a thickness of the mobile terminal, or a weight of the mobile terminal.

For example, the holder assembly310may include a first holder311and a second holder312. The first holder311may fix a first location on the upper end of the mobile terminal20. The second holder312may fix a second location on the upper end of the mobile terminal20.

The first holder311and the second holder312may be formed so as to be horizontally movable.

Each of the first holder311and the second holder312may be formed so as to be horizontally movable based on the size of the mobile terminal20. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a smart phone and thus has a relatively small size, the first holder311and the second holder312may be horizontally moved so as to be closer to each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is vertically supported, the first holder311and the second holder312may be horizontally moved so as to be closer to each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a large tablet PC and thus has a relatively large size, the first holder311and the second holder312may be horizontally moved far away from each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is horizontally supported, the first holder311and the second holder312may be horizontally moved far away from each other.

As described above, because the first holder311and the second holder312are horizontally movably formed, it is possible to mount the mobile terminal having any of various sizes in the vehicle, or to mount the mobile terminal20in either a portrait or landscape orientation.

A friction member may be affixed inside each of the first holder311and the second holder312. Here, the friction member may be formed of rubber. With the friction member affixed inside each of the first holder311and the second holder312, the mobile terminal20may be more firmly supported. In addition, it is possible to support the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes.

The guide structure320may guide the movement of the holder assembly310. The guide structure320may include guide rails321and a plurality of grooves322. The guide rails321may guide the movement of the holder assembly310. A protrusion331of the fixing lever330may be inserted into any one of the grooves322. In this case, the holder assembly310may be fixed.

The guide structure320may guide the holder assembly310so that the holder assembly310is moved along the rearwardly and upwardly inclined path or along the forwardly and downwardly inclined path when the cover unit200is in an open state.

The fixing lever330may fix the holder assembly310at one location on the guide structure320.

The fixing lever330may include the protrusion331. The protrusion331may be inserted into any one of the grooves322of the guide structure320. In this case, the holder assembly310may be fixed.

The holder assembly310, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 9, may be in the first state. Here, by way of example, the “first state” may mean the state in which the holder assembly310comes into close contact with the cover unit200.

The holder assembly310, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 10, may be in the second state. Here, by way of example, the “second state” may mean the state in which the holder assembly310is spaced apart from the cover unit200. The holder assembly310may protrude downward from the cover unit200when the cover unit200is in an open state.

The height of the cover unit200may be determined based on whether the holder assembly310is in the first state or in the second state when the mobile terminal20is supported. The visibility of the mobile terminal20may be increased by adjusting the height of the cover unit200based on the incident angle of solar light.

FIG. 12is a view illustrating the support unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13is a side view of the support unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14is a view referenced to explain pivoting elastic force provided by the second pivot point in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 12 to 14, the support unit400may support the mobile terminal20when the lower end of the mobile terminal20is seated therein.

The support unit400may include a single holder or a plurality of holders. For example, the support unit may include one or more holders and each of the one or more holders binds a different portion of the mobile terminal.

The one or more holders are movable to bind different portions of the mobile terminal based on one or more characteristics of the mobile terminal.

For example, the support unit400may include a third holder411and a fourth holder412.

When a first point on the lower end of the mobile terminal20is seated thereon, the third holder411may support the first point. When a second point on the lower end of the mobile terminal20is seated thereon, the fourth holder412may support the second point.

The third holder411and the fourth holder412may be formed so as to be horizontally movable.

Each of the third holder411and the fourth holder412may be horizontally movably formed based on the size of the mobile terminal20. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a smart phone and thus has a relatively small size, the third holder411and the fourth holder412may be horizontally moved so as to be closer to each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is vertically supported, the third holder411and the fourth holder412may be horizontally moved so as to be closer to each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is a large tablet PC and thus has a relatively large size, the third holder411and the fourth holder412may be horizontally moved far away from each other. For example, when the mobile terminal20is horizontally supported, the third holder411and the fourth holder412may be horizontally moved far away from each other.

As described above, because the third holder411and the fourth holder412are horizontally movably formed, it is possible to mount the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes in the vehicle.

A friction may be affixed inside each of the third holder411and the fourth holder412. Here, the friction member may be formed of rubber. With the friction member affixed inside each of the third holder411and the fourth holder412, the mobile terminal20may be more firmly supported. In addition, it is possible to support the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes.

Meanwhile, as described above, the second pivot point520may provide the elastic force required to cause the other end of the support unit400to elastically pivot in a given direction. In this way, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 14, when the cover unit200changes to the open state in the state in which the mobile terminal20is supported by the support unit400, the second pivot point520may cause the mobile terminal20to slowly pivot, which may prevent damage to the mobile terminal20.

The support unit400may be operative to pivot about an axis of the pivot point520.

The pivot point may include a pivot shaft and a pivot hole, the pivot shaft pivoting by elastic force.

The support unit400may be hidden in the accommodation space40when the cover unit200is closed in the state in which the mobile terminal20is not seated therein.

FIG. 15is a view referenced to explain a stopper in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include a stopper710. The stopper710may alleviate shocks that are applied to the mobile terminal20when the cover unit200changes to the open state so as to enable the pivoting of the mobile terminal20in the state in which the mobile terminal20is supported. The stopper710may be formed on a region of the cabinet50. The stopper710may be located at a position at which it is expected that collision shocks with the mobile terminal20will occur when the cover unit200changes to the open state.

For example, the stopper710may be formed on the inner bottom surface of the cabinet50. When the mobile terminal20is small enough to be accommodated in the accommodation space40, the stopper710formed on the inner bottom surface of the cabinet50may alleviate shocks applied to the mobile terminal20.

For example, the stopper710may be formed at the highest portion of the cabinet50that faces the mobile terminal20. As such, even when the mobile terminal20is too large to be accommodated in the accommodation space40, the stopper710may act to alleviate shocks applied to the mobile terminal20.

FIG. 16is a view referenced to explain a coupling port in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include a coupling port720. The coupling port720may be formed on a region of the cabinet50, which defines the accommodation space40. One end of a connection cable C, which connects the vehicle10and the mobile terminal20to each other, may be inserted into the coupling port720. Various mobile terminals may be connected to the vehicle10according to the shape of the other end of the connection cable C.

When the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the coupling port720via the connection cable C, the mobile terminal20may receive electricity from a battery of the vehicle10. In this case, the mobile terminal20may be charged.

FIGS. 17 and 18are views referenced to explain a hole formed in the cover unit and a hole cover in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, the cover unit200may include a hole211, a hole cover212, and a third pivot point213.

The connection cable C may penetrate the hole211when the vehicle10and the mobile terminal20are connected to each other via the connection cable C. For example, one end of the connection cable C may be connected to the coupling port720and the other end of the connection cable C may be connected to the mobile terminal20. The mobile terminal20may be located in the space inside the vehicle, rather than being accommodated the accommodation space40. In this case, the connection cable C may penetrate the hole211. Accordingly, even when the cover unit200is in a closed state, the connection cable C may penetrate the hole211so that one end of the connection cable C is connected to the coupling port720and the other end of the connection cable C is connected to the mobile terminal20.

When the mobile terminal20does not assist driving, but is merely connected to the vehicle10for charging, no damage to the connection cable C occurs. In this case, the mobile terminal20may not be the driver's mobile terminal, but may be the passenger's mobile terminal.

The hole cover212may cover the hole211. In the state in which the connection cable C does not penetrate the hole211, the hole211may be covered with the hole cover212. The hole cover212may pivot about the third pivot point212so as to cover the hole211.

FIGS. 19 and 20are views referenced to explain a vehicle mode of the mobile terminal in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 19 and 20, when the vehicle10authenticates the mobile terminal20connected thereto, the mobile terminal20may switch to a vehicle mode in response to a control instruction from the vehicle10. In this case, only an application for the vehicle10may be driven among various applications installed in the mobile terminal20.

The mobile terminal20may control the vehicle10when the application is executed. For example, when receiving user input to control air conditioning in the state in which a vehicle air conditioning application1910is running, the vehicle10may control air conditioning in response to the user input.

Meanwhile, when switched to the vehicle mode, the mobile terminal20may display application icons that are different from those displayed in a normal mode. For example, the mobile terminal20may display larger icons in the vehicle mode than in the normal mode. These icons may have a circular or polygonal shape.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the display of the mobile terminal20may be divided into a plurality of areas2010,2020,2030and2040in order to receive user input to drive applications. Because the applications that may be executed in the vehicle mode are limited, the mobile terminal20may divide the display into areas that suit the applications, and may match the areas to respective vehicle applications. In this case, the range within which user touch input for controlling a vehicle application may be received may be increased. Thereby, the user may easily drive the vehicle application without paying attention while driving.

FIG. 21is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly during a pop-up operation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly when closed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23A and 23Bare sectional views illustrating the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly in accordance with the present invention during the pop-up operation and when closed, referenced viaFIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 24is a perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal attachment unit ofFIG. 21.

FIGS. 25A and 25Bare exploded perspective views illustrating a front surface portion and a rear surface portion of the mobile terminal attachment unit ofFIG. 24.

The mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 21 to 25B, includes a cover unit1110, which opens or closes the accommodation space40defined inside a dashboard panel1by pivoting, a mobile terminal attachment unit1120, which is moved in connection with the cover unit1110so as to be exposed outward or to be accommodated in the accommodation space40, and guide units1140, which are located so as to be hidden in the accommodation space40and serve to guide the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

Here, the dashboard panel1, as is generally well known, is a member that is located between the front side of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat (not illustrated) and the front windshield glass (not illustrated) of the vehicle, and serves to provide a place for the installation of a plurality of functional operating units in the vehicle.

The cover unit1110is normally hidden and constitutes part of the external appearance of the dashboard panel1, and pivots to enter a pop-up mode from the dashboard panel1so as to outwardly expose the mobile terminal attachment unit1120in order to allow the user to easily mount the mobile terminal20thereto.

When defining the “rear end” as facing the front seats and the “front end” as facing the front windshield glass on the basis of the vehicle body, the cover unit1110may gradually open or close the accommodation space40as the rear end of the cover unit1110pivots upward or downward about a pivot point1111located at the front end of the cover unit1110.

With regard to the dashboard panel1, a rounded portion thereof that faces rearward and downward may be selected as the position of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with the present invention, in order to ensure that the mobile terminal20may be properly attached to the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100despite the short upward and downward pivoting distance of the cover unit1110.

Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with the present invention, the mobile terminal20may be implemented in various forms. For example, the mobile terminal20may correspond to all of wireless communication devices, which can perform wireless communication via, for example, mobile communication networks and Bluetooth communication, such as, for example, a cellular phone, smart phone, notebook computer, digital broadcast terminal, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), or tablet PC.

Once the mobile terminal, which can perform wireless communication as described above, has been disposed on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be inserted into the accommodation space40so that both the mobile terminal20and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120are accommodated inside the dashboard panel1to thereby be hidden by the cover unit1110.

More specifically, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 23A and 23B, when the accommodation space40is closed, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be tilted rearward and upward so as to be accommodated in the accommodation space40. When the accommodation space40is open, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is vertically oriented so as to allow the driver and the passenger(s) to easily observe the display on the front side of the mobile terminal20disposed thereon without the interference of light.

In particular, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be in the rearwardly and upwardly tilted state described above when accommodated in the accommodation space40. Thereby, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be efficiently accommodated without occupying much space inside the dashboard panel1.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be shaped to allow the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes to be attached thereto and supported thereby.

To this end, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may include a support panel1121, which is configured to come into close contact with the rear surface of the mobile terminal20, a support unit1122, which is located at the lower end of the support panel1121and is configured to allow the lower end of the mobile terminal20to be seated therein, and a binding unit1123, which is vertically movably located at the upper end of the support panel1121and is configured to support the upper end of the mobile terminal20.

The support unit1122is configured such that a seating base is provided with a holder portion.

The binding unit1123is firstly upwardly moved by the user to allow the mobile terminal20, having any of various sizes, to be easily seated on the support unit1122without interference, and is subsequently downwardly moved by the user so as to support the upper end of the mobile terminal20once the mobile terminal20has been seated in the support unit1122. A detailed description thereof will follow.

The support panel1121may form the framework of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, and may be integrally formed at the lower end thereof with the support unit1122. The support unit1122affixed to the lower end of the support panel1121takes the form of a gutter, the top of the front side of which is open. The binding unit1123is vertically movably coupled to the rear surface of the support panel1121as described above.

Although not illustrated, the support unit1122having the form of a gutter may have a variable front-and-rear dimension in order to allow the mobile terminal20having any of various thicknesses to be firmly seated therein.

Meanwhile, the binding unit1123, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 25A and 25B, may include a coupling portion1124, which is movably coupled to the rear surface of the support panel1121, a bent portion1125, which is bent to the lateral rear side of the mobile terminal20from the upper end of the coupling member1124, and a holder portion1126, which is bent downward from the tip end of the bent portion1125.

The support panel1121may support a third portion of the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the holder portion1126and the bent portion1125may be referred to as a holder structure.

FIGS. 26A to 26Care sectional views and a detailed view illustrating a locking unit included in the mobile terminal attachment unit1120ofFIG. 24.

The coupling portion1124serves to intermediate the coupling of the binding unit1123in relation to the support panel1121. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 25A, guide panels1129are affixed to the front surface of the coupling portion1124so as to protrude toward the support panel1121. The guide panels1129are configured so as to be inserted into the support panel1121, thus serving to guide the upward or downward movement of the binding unit1123.

The support panel1121has insertion holes1132aformed in the top surface thereof to allow the respective guide panels1129to be inserted in the vertical movement direction. Once the guide panels1129has been inserted into the insertion holes1132a, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B, the guide panels1129guide the vertical movement of the binding unit1123while being in contact with the rear wall surface of the support panel1121that defines the inner space of the support panel1121.

Meanwhile, a vertically elongated guide rod1131may be formed at the lower end of each guide panel1129as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B. The guide rod1131is inserted into the inner space of the support panel1121, and is configured to elastically support the binding unit1123in the upward direction owing to an elastic body1135fitted around the outer circumference thereof. Here, the elastic body1135may be a spring fitted around the outer circumference of the guide rod1131without being limited thereto. Of course, any other elastic member may be employed, so long as it can elastically support the binding unit1123in the upward direction.

The mobile terminal attachment unit1120may further include a locking unit (not designated by a reference numeral, see reference numerals1129to1134), which limits the elastic movement of the binding unit1123caused by the elastic body1135.

The locking unit, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B, may include a rack gear1130, which is disposed on one surface of the binding unit1123and extends lengthwise in the movement direction of the binding unit1123, a stopping pinion1133, which is provided with pinion gear teeth1133aconfigured to be rotatably engaged with rack gear teeth of the rack gear1130, a pivoting member1134, which is pivotably disposed so as to be brought into close contact with the stopping pinion1133by prescribed elastic support force and is configured so as to be caught by one-way limiting gear teeth1133a(designated by the same reference numeral as the pinion gear teeth) formed on the stopping pinion1133so that the pivoting thereof is prevented in a given direction by the stopping pinion1133, and an unlock button1136, which selectively releases a gear catch piece1134cof the pivoting member1134.

Here, the rack gear teeth of the rack gear1130may be integrally formed on the front surface of the guide panel1129so as to extend lengthwise in the vertical direction. The rack gear teeth may be configured as recesses indented in the front surface of the guide panel1129. Of course, the rack gear teeth may be configured as ridges formed on the front surface of the guide panel1129.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pinion gear teeth1133aof the stopping pinion1133, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B, may serve as one-way limiting gear teeth, which are caught by one gear catch piece1134cof the pivoting member1134, which is located in the direction in which the pinion gear teeth1133aof the stopping pinion1133are rotated, when the rack gear1130is elastically moved in the upward direction. Although the pinion gear teeth1133aof the stopping pinion1133may also be caught by the opposite gear catch piece of the pivoting member1134, in this case, certain slippage may occur. However, the pinion gear teeth1133aof the stopping pinion1133need not be limited to the one-way limiting gear teeth that are caught in a given direction by the pivoting member1134, and any other shape may be employed so long as it may be easily caught in a given direction by the pivoting member1134.

The gear catch piece1134cof the pivoting member1134, which forms the upper end above a rotation center point1134a, may be caught by the one-way limiting gear teeth1133a, and a lower end1134bof the pivoting member1134may be guided by the guide units1140(not illustrated). The rotation center point1134amay be elastically supported by an elastic body (not illustrated) in the direction in which the pivoting member1134is caught by the pinion gear teeth1133a.

Meanwhile, the pivoting member1134may receive power from the drive unit (630inFIG. 5). A power transmission mechanism (e.g. one or more gears) may be located between the pivoting member1134and the drive unit (630inFIG. 5). The gear catch piece1134cmay be caught by the one-way limiting gear teeth1133aby being pivoted by the power provided from the drive unit (630inFIG. 5).

Meanwhile, the drive unit (630inFIG. 5), as described above, may provide driving power when the mobile terminal20is authenticated in the state in which the mobile terminal20is electrically connected to the vehicle10.

When the user pushes the unlock button1136provided on one side surface of the support panel1121in order to upwardly move the binding unit1123prior to seating the mobile terminal20in the support unit1122, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 26A, the pivoting member1134is spaced apart from the one-way limiting gear teeth1133aof the stopping pinion1133. At this time, as the elastic member1135applies upward elastic support force to the binding unit1123, the binding unit1123is automatically moved upward so as to be spaced apart from the support unit1122, thereby allowing the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes to be inserted into the space between the support unit1122and the holder portion1126of the binding unit1123.

Once sufficient space has been created between the support unit1122and the holder portion1126, after inserting the mobile terminal20so as to be supported by the support unit1122, the user may push the binding unit1123downward so that the holder portion1126is positioned to suit the vertical size of the mobile terminal20so as to catch the upper end of the mobile terminal20. At this time, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 26B, slippage between the gear catch piece1134cof the pivoting member1134and the one-way limiting gear teeth1133aoccurs, which may assist the user in stably installing the mobile terminal20with an appropriate sense of manipulation.

The unlock button1136serves to move the pivoting member1134away from the one-way limiting gear teeth1133awhen being pushed by the user, and to return the pivoting member1134to the original position when the push force of the user is removed. Here, the pivoting member1134, as described above, is elastically supported at the center thereof by the elastic body1135in the direction in which it is caught by the one-way limiting gear teeth1133a. Therefore, the unlock button1136may temporarily release the elastic support force of the elastic body1135, or may pivot the pivoting member1134in the direction opposite the direction in which the elastic support force is applied.

In addition, the binding unit1123may be elastically supported downward by an elastic body. Specifically, the guide rod1131is inserted into the inner space of the support panel1121, and an elastic body (not illustrated) is fitted around the outer circumference of the guide rod1131so as to elastically support the binding unit1123downward. Here, the elastic body may be a spring fitted around the outer circumference of the guide rod1131without being limited thereto, and any other elastic element may be employed so long as it can elastically support the binding unit1123downward.

At this time, before the user seats the mobile terminal20in the support unit1122, the binding unit1123is located at a lower position upon receiving the downward elastic support force of the elastic body applied thereto. When the user attempts to seat the mobile terminal20in the support unit122, the user may manually move the binding unit1123upward so that the mobile terminal20having any of various sizes may be inserted into the space between the support unit1122and the holder portion1126of the binding unit1123.

Once sufficient space has been created between the support unit122and the holder portion1126, after inserting the mobile terminal20into the support unit1122, the user may no long grip the binding unit1123, causing the binding unit1123to be moved downward by the elastic support force of the elastic body. Thereby, the holder portion1126is positioned to suit the vertical size of the mobile terminal20, thereby catching the upper end of the mobile terminal20.

In the present embodiment, although the support unit1122has been described as a mobile terminal seating structure by way of example, the seating base not provided with the holder portion may be provided.

Referring toFIG. 26C, the binding unit1123may be connected to a first rack gear2611. The first rack gear2611may be engaged with a first pinion gear2621.

The support unit1122may be connected to a second rack gear2612. The second rack gear2612may be engaged with a second pinion gear2622.

Here, the first rack gear2611, the second rack gear2612, the first pinion gear2621, and the second rack gear2622may be referred to as a power transmission mechanism.

Meanwhile, the gear catch piece (620inFIG. 5) may be provided so as to be caught by any one of teeth of the first pinion gear2621or any one of teeth of the second pinion gear2622.

The gear catch piece (620inFIG. 5) may include the finger (621inFIG. 5) to catch any one of the teeth of the first pinion gear2621or any one of the teeth of the second pinion gear2622. The finger (621inFIG. 5) may be formed to fix any one of the teeth of the first pinion gear2621or any one of the teeth of the second pinion gear2622. For example, the finger621may have a bent shape so that it is bent toward the first pinion gear2621or the second pinion gear2622.

The gear catch piece (620inFIG. 5) may be moved by the moving power provided from the drive unit (630inFIG. 5).

FIGS. 27A and 27Bare side views illustrating the connection relationship and the operating relationship between the cover unit1110and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120ofFIG. 21.

The mobile terminal attachment unit1120is moved in connection with the cover unit1110. To this end, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be connected at the upper end thereof to the inner surface of the cover unit1110.

More specifically, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 27aand 27b, in the configuration of the binding unit1123, a pair of upper end connection rods1127bmay extend from the left and right sides of the upper end of the coupling portion1124by a prescribed distance in the width direction of the support panel1121so as to intermediate the connection between the mobile terminal attachment unit1120and the inner surface of the cover unit1110. The upper end connection rods1127bmay be arranged respectively at the left and right sides of the upper end of the coupling portion1124.

Meanwhile, the cover unit1110may have a pair of orbital rings1113formed in the inner side surfaces thereof so that the upper end connection rods1127bare respectively inserted into the orbital rings1113.

As the upper end connection rods1127bare inserted into the respective orbital rings1113, the upper end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be connected to the inner surface of the cover unit1110.

Here, the orbital ring1113may have a curved orbit to allow the upper end connection rod1127bto move by a prescribed distance along the inner side surface of the cover unit1110and to allow the cover unit1110to pivot by a prescribed angle about the pivot point1111that is the pivoting center when the binding unit1123is moved downward on the support panel1121.

More specifically, the upper end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, as described above, is oriented vertically perpendicular to the inner surface of the cover unit1110when the cover unit1110is opened, and then is tilted upward and rearward inside the accommodation space40when the cover unit1110is closed. At this time, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is moved in connection with the cover unit1110. Any one point on the rear end of the cover unit1110needs to pivot at the same radius from the pivot point1111at the front end of the cover unit1110. In particular, there is a precondition that the portion of the upper end connection rod1127bthat is connected to the upper end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120does not interfere with the pivoting of the cover unit1110while the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is moving. Here, the orbital rings1113described above may satisfy this precondition owing to the curved orbit, which allows the cover unit1110to pivot more smoothly when the mobile terminal attachment unit1120moves.

For example, each of the upper end connection rods1127bis located close to the rear end of the orbital ring1113when the cover unit1110is opened as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 27A, and is located close to the front end of the orbital ring1113when the cover unit1110is closed as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 27B. The upper end connection rod1127bis moved along the inner surface of the cover unit1110while being located inside the orbital ring1113.

In the state described above, when the user brings the mobile terminal20into close contact with the front surface of the support panel1121and moves the binding unit1123downward based on the size of the mobile terminal20so that the upper end of the mobile terminal20is caught by the holder portion1126, the cover unit1110also pivots downward according to the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120. Therefore, a constant distance between the cover unit1110and the upper end of the installed mobile terminal20may be maintained regardless of the size of the mobile terminal20that is installed. By maintaining the constant distance between the cover unit1110and the upper end of the installed mobile terminal20, the external appearance of the installed product may be maintained consistently regardless of the kind of mobile terminal20that is attached for connection with the internal system of the vehicle.

FIGS. 28A and 28Bare side views illustrating the connection relationship and the operating relationship between the guide unit1140and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120ofFIG. 21.

The mobile terminal attachment unit1120is connected to the guide units1140so that the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is guided by the guide units1140. In particular, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be connected at the lower end thereof to the guide units1140.

More specifically, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B, in the configuration of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, a pair of lower end connection rods1127amay extend from the left and right sides of the lower end of the support panel1121by a prescribed distance in the width direction of the support panel1121so as to intermediate the connection between the guide units1140and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120. The lower end connection rods1127amay be arranged respectively at the left and right sides of the lower end of the support panel1121.

As the respective lower end connection rods1127aare inserted into the guide units1140adjacent thereto, the lower end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is connected to the guide units1140.

Meanwhile, each of the guide units1140, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B, may include a guide slot1141formed to guide the movement of the lower end of the support panel1121according to the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

Here, the guide slots1141formed in the guide units1140may have the same circumference about the pivot point1111, which is the pivoting center of the cover unit1110. When the guide slots1141are curved to have the same circumference about the pivot point1111, which is the pivoting center of the cover unit1110, the front-and-rear length of the orbital rings1113described above may be minimized, and the lower end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be integrally formed with the cover unit1110even when the cover unit1110and the upper end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120interfere with each other inside the orbital rings1113, and thus the mobile terminal attachment unit1120cannot move smoothly. With this integrated configuration, the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit120may be naturally guided without interference.

Meanwhile, the guide slot1141is tilted rearward and upward, and the guide unit1140may further include a stopper unit (not designated by a reference numeral, see reference numerals1143,1147,1150and1151), which supports the lower end of the support panel1121, which has moved to a top dead center position of the guide slot1141so as to resist gravity.

The stopper unit, as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 28A and 28B, is provided to protrude into the moving path of the lower end of the support panel1121, and more specifically, to protrude into the moving path of the lower end connection rods1127a. The stopper unit may be positioned to interfere with the movement only of the lower end connection rods1127a, rather than being positioned to interfere with the movement of the support panel1121.

The stopper unit may include a stopping block1143, which protrudes into the moving path of the lower end connection rods1127a, an elastic member1145, which applies prescribed elastic force to the stopping block1143so as to elastically support the stopping block1142toward the moving path, and a button1150, which separates the stopping block1142from the moving path in response to user selection. The elastic member1145may be supported by a support plate1147, which is provided inside the accommodation space40.

Here, the portion of the stopping block1143that comes into contact with the lower end connection rod1127amay be rounded so that the stopping block1143is located in the moving path when the cover unit1110is opened and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is moved to the top dead center position of the guide unit1140, and is then pushed in the direction opposite the direction in which it is elastically supported by the elastic member1145by coming into contact with the lower end connection rod1127a.

The lower end connection rod1127aenters the gap between the rounded portion of the stopping block1143and the inner wall surface of one side of the guide slot1141when the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is moved to the top dead center position of the guide slot1141, thereby pushing the stopping block1143in the direction opposite the direction in which it is elastically supported so as to forcibly separate the stopping block1143from the moving path. Thereafter, when the lower end connection rod1127areaches the top dead center position, the stopping block1143, which is released from interference with the lower end connection rod1127a, is returned to the moving path of the guide slot1141by the elastic force of the elastic member1145, thereby supporting the mobile terminal attachment unit1120so as to resist gravity.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated in detail inFIGS. 28A and 28B, the button1150serves as a closure switch, which separates the stopping block1143, which supports the mobile terminal attachment unit1120so as to resist gravity, from the moving path, thereby causing the mobile terminal attachment unit1120to sag downward along the guide slot1141due to gravity and pivoting and closing the cover unit1110.

A connection structure151may be provided between the button1150and the stopping block1143to allow the stopping block1143to separate from the moving path when the button1150is pushed. The connection structure151may be a mechanical link structure, and as needed, may be a solenoid structure, which moves the stopping block1143using an electrical signal generated via the operation of the button1150.

Considering the movement of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120under the guidance of the guide unit1140configured as described above, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 28A, the lower end connection rod1127a, formed at the lower end of the support panel1121, is supported by the top dead center position of the guide slot1141by the stopping block1143of the stopper unit when the cover unit1110is opened. Then, when the user pushes the button1150, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 28B, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120slides downward under the guidance of the guide slot1141as the stopping block1143is separated from the moving path.

In an exemplarily embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may be configured such that an elastic member1145(not illustrated) is provided at the pivot point1111which is the pivoting center of the cover unit1110and such that the elastic member (not illustrated) may apply prescribed elastic force in the direction in which the cover unit1110is opened.

In addition, in an exemplarily embodiment of the present invention, although not illustrated, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include an absorber member configured to absorb the pivoting force in the direction in which the cover unit1110is opened.

The absorber member serves to prevent the generation of noise by absorbing the pivoting force of the cover unit1110when the cover unit1110is opened by the elastic force of the elastic member1145described above.

The absorber member may absorb the pivoting force of the cover unit1110in a hydraulic manner, and may take the form of a gas spring. Generally, the gas spring is configured such that liquid-phase fluid and gas-phase fluid contained therein dampen the force of a dynamic object using variation in shape depending on the force exerted therein so as to resist pressure. In the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly110in accordance with the present invention, the gas spring is connected at one side thereof to the cover unit1110and at the other end thereof to the accommodation space40inside the dashboard panel1, thereby serving to absorb the pivoting force of the cover unit1110, which is generated when the cover unit1110is opened or closed.

More specifically, the user may exert prescribed operating force, which is initial operating force, on the cover unit1110in order to open the cover unit1110. Here, the initial operating force may be generated when the user pushes the closed cover unit1110and then removes the pushing force. The cover unit1110may be configured to change to the open state by being unlocked from the dashboard panel1when the user applies a prescribed pushing force in order to input the initial operating force. A detailed description related to the configuration in the state in which the cover unit1110is locked in relation to the dashboard panel1will be omitted herein.

Because the cover unit1110, unlocked from the dashboard panel1, may rapidly pivot so as to be opened by the elastic force of the elastic body provided at the pivot point1111which is the pivoting center, the absorber member serves to gradually reduce the speed at which the cover unit1110is opened, in order to reduce the generation of noise when the cover unit1110is completely opened.

FIG. 29is a perspective view illustrating correct position holder units1160and1170between the mobile terminal20and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

When the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is exposed outward by moving in a pop-up mode owing to the opening and closing mechanism of the cover unit1110as described above, the user mounts his/her mobile terminal on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120and connects the mobile terminal to the internal system of the vehicle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include correct position holder units1160and1170, which cause the mobile terminal20to be attached to the correct position on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120when the occupant mounts the mobile terminal20on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120in order to drive the vehicle.

The correct position holder units1160and1170, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 29, may include a first holder unit1160provided on the rear surface of the mobile terminal20, and a second holder unit1170provided on the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

The first holder unit1160and the second holder unit1170are comprised of a plurality of groups of magnetic bodies1161to1165and1171to1175. To allow the left and right sides of the mobile terminal20to be attached to correct positions, each of the first holder unit1160and the second holder unit1170may include a group of magnetic bodies1161to1165or1171to1175, which are vertically arranged in a line at the left side of the mobile terminal20or the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, and a group of magnetic bodies1161to1165or1171to1175, which are vertically arranged in a line at the right side of the mobile terminal20or the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

Among the groups of magnetic bodies1161to1165or1171to1175included in each of the first holder unit1160and the second holder unit1170, at least one1163or1173may be a stronger magnetic body than the other magnetic bodies, i.e. may be a ferromagnetic body. The ferromagnetic bodies1163and1173substantially serve to set the correct position of the mobile terminal20relative to the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120. For example, the ferromagnetic body1163included in the first holder unit1160and the ferromagnetic body1173included in the second holder unit1170may be an S-pole ferromagnetic body and an N-pole ferromagnetic body, which generate stronger attraction force than the other magnetic bodies.

Although the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described under the assumption that the above-described magnetic bodies are permanent magnets, in some embodiments, the magnetic bodies may be electromagnets, and the electromagnets, which correspond to the S-pole and N-pole ferromagnetic bodies among the magnetic bodies described above, are set to create a stronger magnetic field than that created by electromagnets, which correspond to the magnetic bodies other than the ferromagnetic bodies, when the approach of the mobile terminal20to the mobile terminal attachment unit1120is sensed. In this case, the magnetism of the ferromagnetic body1173included in the second holder unit1170of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may be changed to be equal to the magnetism of the ferromagnetic body1163included in the first holder unit1160of the mobile terminal20, which may enable the mobile terminal20to be easily attached to or detached from the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

In this way, when the user brings the mobile terminal20in proximity to the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, the mobile terminal20may be guided so as to be attached to the correct position owing to the groups of magnetic bodies1161to1165and1171to1175of the first holder unit1160and the second holder unit1170even if the user tries to attach the mobile terminal at an incorrect position by mistake, which may improve user convenience and reduce the risk of an accident when the driver tries to mount the mobile terminal20on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120while driving.

In consideration of the case where the user detaches the mobile terminal20from the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, the support unit, in which the mobile terminal20is seated, may have no holder portion in order to ensure easier detachment.

Meanwhile, the first holder unit1160may be detachable from the mobile terminal20, and thus may be configured as a dedicated mounting holder unit for the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

FIG. 30is a front view illustrating a multi-cable unit ofFIG. 21, andFIG. 31is a conceptual view illustrating the power connection relationship between the vehicle and the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

The multi-cable unit1128may accept one or more of connectors.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may further include a pin type power connection cable W, which is any type corresponding to any one of various mobile terminals.

Various pin type power connection lines may be sorted based on the number of pins included in a terminal unit thereof for connection to an electronic appliance. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may include a multi-cable unit1128to enable at least three kinds of pin type terminals1128I,1128II and1128III, currently available on the market, to be used in common in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100.

The multi-cable unit1128, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 30, may be located in a cable receiving recess1128dformed in the center of the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

The front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may further be provided with a cable discharge recess1128′, through which the cable W is discharged outward from the cable receiving recess1128dwithout interference with the mounted mobile terminal20. The cable receiving recess1128dand the cable discharge recess1128′ may be indented to the same depth in the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120.

A first pin type cable winding spool1128a, a second pin type cable winding spool1128b, and a third pin type cable winding spool1128c(hereinafter referred to as a plurality of winding spools) are arranged in the cable receiving recess1128dsuch that only pin type terminals1128I,1128II and1128III thereof are exposed outward and such that a cable cover (not designated by a reference numeral) is formed on the front surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120so as to shield the remaining parts other than the terminals.

The winding spools1128ato1128cmay be configured such that the respective cables W are unwound therefrom and pulled out by the user and are then automatically wound therearound when the user no longer applies force. The respective cables W, which are pulled out from the winding spools1128ato1128cby the user as described above, are discharged outward through the cable receiving recess1128dand the cable discharge recess1128′ without interference with the rear surface of the mobile terminal20. Thereby, any one of the cables W is inserted into a terminal hole (not designated by a reference numeral) formed in the mobile terminal20so as to enable the wired charging of the mobile terminal20.

The winding spools1128ato1128cmay be provided so as to rotate along with the cable cover. The user may rotate the cable cover, and may position the cable winding spools1128a,1128bor1128csuch that the one among the pin type terminals1128I,1128II and1128III that suits the terminal hole in the mobile terminal20is close to the cable discharge recess1128. Thereafter, the user may pull out the corresponding cable W for electrical connection with the mobile terminal20.

Meanwhile, in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 31, power supply connectors1190A and1190B and power cables W, which supply power from a power source provided in the vehicle body, may be directly connected to a power source connection hole1180formed in the side surface of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120and may be terminal-coupled via the lower end connection rod1127awhich is formed at the lower end of the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, so as to ensure the supply of power at ordinary times.

However, although not illustrated in the drawings, in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a wireless charging receiver is provided in the mobile terminal20to enable the wireless charging of the mobile terminal20, the mobile terminal attachment unit1120may include a wireless charging transmitter, so as to enable the mobile terminal20to be charged in a wireless manner, rather than a wired manner.

At least one of magnetic induction or magnetic resonance may be adopted as a wireless charging method, but any other charging method may be used so long as it satisfies the wireless charging standard.

As described above, once the mobile terminal20has been mounted on the mobile terminal attachment unit1120, the mobile terminal20may be connected with the internal system of the vehicle. When the mobile terminal20is connected with the internal system of the vehicle, the mobile terminal20automatically switches from a mobile terminal mode to a vehicle mode, which may advantageously allow the user to additionally use smart functions provided by the mobile terminal20.

FIG. 32is a view referenced to explain the position of the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly within the vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 32, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may be located at an arbitrary position on the dashboard as described above with reference toFIGS. 1 to 31. In this case, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may be located on the upper end of the center fascia.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may be located at the center of the center fascia. In this case, the center fascia may have a space for accommodating the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100. The space may be defined so as not to limit the movement of a binding unit1123bincluded in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may be formed so as to protrude rearward from the center fascia.

The mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100may include a rotating member (not illustrated). The rotating member (not illustrated) may be formed on the rear surface of the support panel1121. The rotating member (not illustrated) may be formed to allow the support panel1121to rotate about a prescribed axis. In the state in which the mobile terminal20is mounted on the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly100, the mobile terminal20may be rotated when the support panel1121is rotated. In this case, the user may orient the mobile terminal20horizontally or vertically.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, a plurality of mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assemblies may be provided in the vehicle. In this case, a first cradle assembly100amay be located at an arbitrary position on the dashboard, and a second cradle assembly100bmay be located at an arbitrary position on the center fascia.

A first mobile terminal20a, which is mounted on the first cradle assembly100a, may be operated to provide an additional function such as, for example, navigation function. In addition, the first mobile terminal20amay be operated as an instrument cluster, which displays, for example, the speed of the vehicle, OBD information, and remaining fuel information.

A second mobile terminal20b, which is mounted on the second cradle assembly100b, may be operated as an input device that receives input for controlling various devices of the vehicle. For example, the second mobile terminal20bmay be operated as an input device for controlling, for example, an air conditioning device, an AV device, an ADAS device, or various sensors of the vehicle.

As is apparent from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention have one or more effects as follows.

First, it is possible to mount only an authenticated mobile terminal on a cradle assembly for a vehicle capable of connecting with a mobile terminal.

Second, when the mobile terminal is mounted on the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly, the mobile terminal may be switched to a vehicle mode so that only an application required for driving is available, which contributes to safe driving.

Third, improved compatibility may be accomplished because various sizes of mobile terminals may be mounted on and connected to the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly.

Fourth, the accommodation space defined in the mobile terminal connectable vehicular cradle assembly may be used to store articles when the cradle assembly is not connected to the mobile terminal.

Effects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned effects and other not-mentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims.