Navigation apparatus

• US 8,698,344 B2
• Filed: 05/02/2008
• Issued: 04/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honda Access Corp. (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Access Corp. (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Tokue, Jun, Yamamoto, Kazuhiro, Masuda, Hiroaki, Oishi, Yasuo, Suzaki, Yukihiko
• Primary Examiner(s): AMAYA, CARLOS DAVID
• Application Number:
  US12/598,707
• Publication Number:
  US 20100121570A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,174 Days
• Field of Search: 307/1, 307/9.1, 701/1, 701/444
• US Class Current: 307/9.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/55 Remote control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/50 Instruments characterised by their means of attachment to or integration in the vehicle B60K35/231 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0211 for record carriers apparatus, e.g. video recorders, tape players or CD players
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0258 for navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0215 Protecting, fastening and routing means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0078 Quick-disconnect two-parts mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/027 for Din-sized apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/265 constructional aspects of navigation devices, e.g. housings, mountings, displays G01C21/3688 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3688 Systems comprising multiple parts or multiple output devices (not client-server), e.g. detachable faceplates, key fobs or multiple output screens

Abstract

In a navigation apparatus having a cradle unit that is fastenable to a vehicle and is equipped with at least a microcomputer; and a front panel unit that is attachable to and detachable from the cradle unit and is equipped with at least a display displaying map data and a microcomputer performing a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data, it is configured such that a panel is integrally formed at bottom of the cradle unit to be attachable to the vehicle. With this, it becomes possible to provide the navigation apparatus configured such that a member having a microcomputer performing a navigation function is attachable/detachable to/from the main body, i.e., the base unit, thereby improving ease of use, that the member can be easily attached to the dashboard of the vehicle, and that unnatural impression is prevented from arising in the appearance.

Claims

1. A navigation apparatus, comprising:

a cradle unit that is fastenable to a vehicle and is equipped with at least a microcomputer;

a front panel unit that is attachable to and detachable from the cradle unit and is equipped with at least a display displaying map data and a microcomputer performing a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data; and

a panel integrated cradle comprising a cradle case part accommodating the cradle unit and a panel integrally formed at bottom of the cradle case part to surround a device installed on a dashboard of the vehicle,

wherein the panel integrated cradle is formed to be attachable to the vehicle,

and the panel has a shape along a front surface of the dashboard of the vehicle.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the panel is formed with an extension part that is extended to vicinity of an external power supply socket when the panel is attached to the vehicle.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein back of the extension part is formed with a gap that houses an electrical wire extending from the external power supply socket to the cradle unit.