JP2002189556A - Manual input device and on-vehicle equipment controller using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manual input device with excellent operability and reliability and to provide an on-vehicle equipment controller with the excellent operability and reliability. SOLUTION: The manual input device is provided with a knob 3 fixed to one end of an operation shaft 2, a feeling imparting means 4 for imparting an operation feeling to the knob 3, a first detection means 5 for detecting the rotating amount and rotating direction of the operation shaft 2, an actuator 6 for loading external force on the knob 3, a second detection means 1 for detecting the driving amount and driving direction of the actuator 6, an input- output part 8 for transmitting and receiving signals to/from an external device and a control part 9 for generating and outputting the control signals c of the actuator 5 on the basis of external signals b outputted from an external detection means. For the on-vehicle equipment controller, a case body 52 is provided with one of the selection switches 54a-54f of on-vehicle electrical equipment, the selection switches 55a-55c of functions and the manual input devices 1A-1G for adjusting the function of the selected on-vehicle electrical equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a manual input device having a force feedback function and an on-vehicle equipment control device using the same, and more particularly to an actuator control means for applying an external force for force feedback to a knob.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to improve knob operation feeling and to ensure knob operation, a force feedback function is provided to impart resistance and thrust to the knob in accordance with the amount and direction of operation of the knob. Are known.

FIG. 16 shows an example of this type of manual input device conventionally known. The manual input device of this example includes a knob 101, a detecting unit 102 for detecting an operation amount and an operating direction of the knob 1, an actuator 103 for applying an external force to the knob 101, and a detection signal a output from the detecting unit 102. And a D / A converter 105 for D / A converting the control signal c output from the control unit 104.
And a power amplifier 106 that amplifies the control signal c converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 105 and obtains driving power for the actuator 103. The control unit 104 includes a CPU 104a and a memory 104b, and a control signal c corresponding to the detection signal a is stored in the memory 104b in the form of a table. CPU
104a fetches the detection signal a from the detection means 102, reads out a control signal b corresponding to the fetched detection signal a from the memory 104b, and outputs it to the D / A converter 105.

As a result, the actuator 103 is driven, and force feedback according to the operation amount and operation direction can be applied to the knob 101. Therefore, the manual input device of this embodiment has a good operation feeling of the knob 101. , The operation of the knob 101 can be assured.

[0005] This type of manual input device is applied to a by-wire type gear shift device in an automobile, and various electric devices mounted on a vehicle, for example, a function adjusting device such as an air conditioner, a radio, a television, a CD player, and a navigation system. .

When applied as a gear shift device, a force feedback function provided in a manual input device is as follows.
The switching of the range of the shift lever is given a click feeling. For example, the shift lever is shifted from a specific range to another specific range such as a P (parking) range to an R (reverse) range, a D (drive) range to a 2nd (second) range, or the like. It is used as a lock unit that prohibits unauthorized operations. In addition, when used as a function adjusting device of an in-vehicle electric device, a force feedback function provided in a manual input device provides an appropriate resistance to the knob 101 to facilitate fine adjustment of the function, The knob 1 is used to apply a great thrust to make the operation of the knob 1 light.

[0007]

When the manual input device is applied to a gear shift device of an automobile, the shift lever is shifted from a specific range to another specific range by using a force feedback function provided in the manual input device. If the configuration is such that an unauthorized operation is prohibited, power must be continuously supplied to the actuator 103 during the period when the shift lever is switched to the specific range.
Power consumption increases. To avoid such inconvenience,
In the case where the manual input device is applied to a gear shift device of an automobile, the force feedback function provided in the manual input device is used only for giving a click feeling to the range switching of the shift lever, and the specific range is changed from a specific range to another specific range. Lock means for prohibiting unauthorized operation of the shift lever is normally mechanically configured.

[0008] However, the conventional manual input device described above has
Since the actuator 103 is controlled based on only the operation amount and the operation direction of the knob 101, if the lock unit is mechanically configured, after the lock unit is released,
The force feedback function provided in the manual input device only gives a click feeling to the range switching of the shift lever. For example, even during high-speed running, switching of the shift lever from the D range to the R range or 2nd from the D range. The shift lever can be switched to the range. During high-speed driving, the gear shift device changed from D range to R range,
Or, even if erroneously operated from the D range to the 2nd range, the transmission mounted on the car does not synchronize,
The gear is not switched from the drive gear to the reverse gear. There is also a possibility that an unexpected operation such as a sudden stop or a sudden deceleration of the vehicle due to an unexpected switching may occur.

The same applies to the case where the manual input device is applied to a function adjusting device of an on-vehicle electric device. The conventional manual input device described above has a knob 101 regardless of the state of the on-vehicle electric device whose function is to be adjusted. Since the configuration is such that the actuator 103 is controlled based only on the operation amount and the operation direction, it is difficult to perform appropriate function adjustment according to the state of the vehicle-mounted electric device, and there is a problem that the usability is not always good.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a knob with a different operation feeling depending on the state of an external device to be operated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a manual input device which can be operated and is excellent in operability and reliability, and to provide an in-vehicle device control device equipped with this type of manual input device and having excellent operability and reliability.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a manual input device, firstly, a knob, a feeling giving means for giving an operation feeling to the knob, and a feeling giving means. An actuator that drives a ring applying unit, a detecting unit that detects an operation state of the knob, and an input / output unit that transmits and receives a signal to and from an external device operated by the knob, the actuator comprising: The control is performed by a control signal generated based on an external signal output from an external detection unit connected to the external device.

As described above, when the manual input device is provided with the feeling applying means and the actuator thereof, the operation feeling applied to the knob can be appropriately switched by driving the actuator to drive the feeling applying means. Therefore, the operability of the manual input device is improved, and the function adjustment of the device to be executed using the manual input device can be easily and reliably performed. In addition, when the actuator that drives the feeling imparting unit is controlled by a control signal generated based on at least an external signal output from the external detecting unit, fine control of the actuator according to the state of the external device can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a mismatch between the driving state of the external device and the operation state of the knob, and it is possible to further enhance the operability and reliability of the manual input device.

The present invention relates to a manual input device.
A knob, a feeling giving unit that gives an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator that drives the feeling giving unit, a control unit of the actuator, and a detecting unit that detects an operation state of the knob, An input / output unit for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an external device operated by the knob, wherein the control unit outputs at least an external detection unit connected to the external device via the input / output unit. An external signal is input to generate an actuator control signal corresponding to at least the external signal, and the actuator is controlled by the control signal.

As described above, when the control unit is provided in the manual input device and all the detection signals and external signals are input to the control unit, there is no need to change the external device. Can be easily applied.

Thirdly, with regard to the manual input device, thirdly, a knob, a feeling giving means for giving the operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling giving means, a control section of the actuator, A detection unit for detecting an operation state of the knob; and an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device operated by the knob, and a detection signal output from the detection unit to at least the external device. And inputting both external signals output from external detection means connected to the external device to generate control information of the actuator corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal, and transmitting the control information to the input / output unit. Via the control unit, the control unit generates a control signal of the actuator corresponding to the control information, and the control signal Ri was configured as to control the actuator.

As described above, if the external device generates the control information corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal and transmits the control information to the control unit, the load on the control unit is reduced, and the control speed of the actuator is increased. be able to.

Fourthly, with regard to the manual input device, fourthly, a knob, a feeling giving means for giving an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling giving means, and an operation state of the knob are detected. Detecting means, and an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals between the external device operated by the knob, the external device,
At least both the detection signal output from the detection unit and the external signal output from the external detection unit connected to the external device are input to generate a control signal of the actuator corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal. , The actuator is controlled by the control signal.

As described above, when the control signal of the actuator corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal is generated by the external device and the actuator provided in the manual input device is controlled, the control unit is controlled for the manual input device. Since this can be omitted, the size and cost of the manual input device can be reduced.

Fifth, the manual input device has a configuration in which a knob that is linearly operated is provided as the knob in the first to fourth problem solving means.

If the sliding input device is provided with a knob that is operated linearly, the operability of the sliding type manual input device can be improved. It is possible to easily and surely adjust the function of the device to be used.

Sixth, regarding the manual input device, sixthly, a rotary knob is provided as a knob in the first to fourth problem solving means.

As described above, if the rotary input device is provided with a knob which is operated to rotate, the operability of the rotary type manual input device can be improved. Therefore, the operation will be performed using the rotary type manual input device. It is possible to easily and surely adjust the function of the device to be used.

Seventhly, with regard to the manual input device, seventhly, as the feeling imparting means in the first to fourth problem solving means, a plurality of rows of feeling generating patterns are formed, and an operation shaft operated by the knob is provided. A disk or a cylinder fixed to the disk and a ball or pin elastically contacting the disk or the cylinder,
As the actuator, an actuator that linearly reciprocates the ball or pin in the direction in which the plurality of rows of feeling generation patterns are arranged is used.

According to such a configuration, by driving the actuator to selectively contact one ball or pin with any one of the plurality of rows of feeling generation patterns, the feeling in which the ball or pin is contacted is obtained. Since the knob can be provided with a plurality of modes of operation feeling corresponding to the generated pattern, the operability of the manual input device is improved, and the function adjustment of the device to be executed using the manual input device is easily and reliably performed. Can be done.

Eighthly, with regard to the manual input device, eighthly, a feeling generating pattern in the first to fourth problem solving means is provided with a line of feeling generating patterns, and an operating shaft operated by the knob. Using a disk or cylinder fixed to the, and a plurality of balls or pins elastically contact with the disk or cylinder,
As the actuator, an actuator that reciprocates linearly in a direction in which any of the plurality of balls or pins is selectively engaged with the feeling generation pattern is used.

According to this configuration, the actuator is driven to selectively contact any one of the balls or pins with the feeling generating pattern, thereby enabling a plurality of modes of operation corresponding to the shape and size of the balls or pins. Since the feeling can be given to the knob, the operability of the manual input device is improved, and the function adjustment of the device to be executed using the manual input device can be easily and reliably performed.

Ninth, with regard to the manual input device, ninth, as the feeling applying means in the first to fourth problem solving means, a plurality of rows of feeling generating patterns formed in parallel with the axial direction of the outer surface are formed. One end of an operation shaft operated by the knob on the outer surface of the rotating polyhedron on which the feeling generation pattern is formed, using a polyhedron and using the actuator to rotate and reciprocate the rotating polyhedron around its axis. Abut on each other.

According to this structure, the actuator is driven to rotate the rotating polyhedron around its axis, and the operating shaft operated by the knob to one of a plurality of rows of feeling generating patterns formed on the outer surface of the rotating polyhedron. By abutting one end of the knob, it is possible to give the knob a plurality of modes of operation feeling corresponding to the feeling generation pattern in which one end of the operation shaft is abutted, so that the operability of the manual input device is improved. In addition, it is possible to easily and surely adjust the function of a device to be executed using the manual input device.

On the other hand, with respect to the on-vehicle equipment control device, an electric equipment selection switch for selecting an electric equipment whose function is to be adjusted, and a function adjustment based on various functions of the electric equipment selected by the selection switch. A function selection switch for selecting a function to be attempted, and a manual input device for adjusting a function selected by the function selection switch, wherein as the manual input device, a knob and a feeling for giving an operation feeling to the knob The actuator, comprising: an application unit, an actuator for driving the feeling application unit, a detection unit for detecting an operation state of the knob, and an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device operated by the knob. At least a detection signal output from the detection means and an external detection means connected to the external device. And the configuration of including those controlled by the control signal generated based on both the external signal.

As described above, when the knob, the feeling providing means, and the actuator of the feeling providing means are used as the manual input device provided in the on-vehicle equipment control device, the actuator is driven to provide the feeling. By driving the applying means, the operation feeling applied to the knob can be appropriately switched,
A different operation feeling can be given to the knob according to the adjustment content of the electric device mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the operability of the in-vehicle device control device is improved, and the function adjustment of the electric device to be executed using the in-vehicle device control device can be easily and reliably performed. Further, as a manual input device provided in the on-vehicle device control device, a control signal generated based on both a detection signal output from at least the detection unit and an external signal output from the external detection unit connected to the external device is used. The provision of a control device enables fine-grained actuator control in accordance with the state of the electric device, thereby preventing inconsistency between the drive state of the electric device and the operation state of the knob. Operability and reliability can be improved.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an embodiment of a manual input device according to the present invention will be described.

<First Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 1 shows a manual input device 1A according to a first embodiment. The manual input device 1A of this example is a rotary-type manual input device, and as is apparent from this figure, the housing 1 and the housing 1 are rotatably held by the housing 1 and one end is opened in the housing 1. Operating shaft 2 protruding to the outside through the through hole 1a, and a knob 3 fixed to one end of the operating shaft 2 protruding from the housing 1,
In the housing 1, a feeling providing means 4, a first detecting means 5 for detecting a rotation amount and a rotating direction of the operation shaft 2 and thus the knob 3, and a knob 3 by operating the feeling providing means 4.
And a second detecting means 7 for detecting a driving amount and a driving direction of the actuator 6. further,
The manual input device 1A includes an input / output unit 8 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device (not shown), and an external signal b output from external detection means connected to the external device (not shown).
Alternatively, a control unit 9 that generates and outputs a control signal c of the actuator 6 based on at least control information e generated based on the external signal b, and D that converts the control signal c output from the control unit 9 into an analog signal / A converter 10 and D /
Control signal c converted to an analog signal by A converter 10
And a power amplifier 11 that amplifies the power to obtain the driving power of the actuator 6. The actuator 6
When a stepping motor is used, the D / A converter 10 can be omitted.

The feeling applying means 4 includes a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) disks 12, 1 fixed to the operation shaft 2.
3 and 14 and a ball holder 15 which cooperates with the disks 12, 13 and 14 to give the knob 3 an operational feeling. A large-diameter recess 12 is provided on the circumferential surface of the disc 12.
The first feeling generation pattern FP1 in which a is arranged at a medium pitch is formed. On the circumferential surface of the disk 13, a second feeling pit 13a having a medium diameter is arranged at a large pitch. A ring generation pattern FP2 is formed, and a small-diameter recess 14 is formed on the circumferential surface of the disc 14.
The third feeling generation pattern FP3 in which a is arranged at a small pitch is formed. On the other hand, ball holder 1
5 includes a ball 15a that is selectively elastically contacted with one of the discs 12, 13, and 14, and a ball 15a that is constantly urged outwardly to form a circle of the discs 12, 13, and 14. An elastic member 15b elastically contacting the peripheral surface.

The first detecting means 5 includes a code plate 16 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and a photo-interrupter in which a light emitting element 17a and a light receiving element 17b are arranged on the front and back sides of the code plate 16, respectively. 17 is provided. A large number of slits 16a are provided in the code plate 16 in a predetermined arrangement. By detecting the slits 16a crossing the photo interrupter 17, a position signal such as a rotation amount and a rotation direction of the operation shaft 2 and thus the knob 3 is transmitted. To detect.

As the actuator 6, an electromagnet 6a
And a drive shaft 6b that is linearly reciprocally driven in multiple stages by the electromagnet 6a.
The ball holder 15 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft 6b. The drive shaft 6b is provided with a rack 6c which is engaged with a pinion 7b fixed to a rotating shaft 7a of the second detecting means 7 described below and drives the second detecting means 7. The actuator 6 changes the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 6b by switching the excitation state of the electromagnet 6a, and switches the disks 12, 13, and 14 on which the ball 15a is elastically contacted. When the ball 15a is brought into elastic contact with the peripheral surface of the disk 12, a continuous operation feeling with a large tactile sensation can be given to the knob 3, and the ball 15a
When the ball 15a is in contact with the peripheral surface of the disk 14 when the ball 15a is in contact with the peripheral surface of the disk 14, the knob 3 has a large tactile sensation and an intermittent operation feeling can be imparted to the knob 3. In addition, a continuous operation feeling with a small tactile sensation can be imparted to the knob 3.

As the second detecting means 7, a rotary position sensor such as a rotary encoder or a rotary variable resistor is used. The second detecting means 7 is connected to the drive shaft 6b of the actuator 6 via the rack 6c and a pinion 7b meshed with the rack 6c, and the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 6b from the electromagnet 6a and hence the ball The discs 12, 13, and 14 on which 15a is in elastic contact are detected.

The input / output unit 8 includes a transmission-side interface 8a
And the receiving-side interface 8b. From the transmitting-side interface 8a, detection signals a1 and a2 output from the first detecting means 5 and the second detecting means 7 are transmitted to an external device (not shown).

The control unit 9 comprises a CPU 9a and a memory 9b. The memory 9b stores data and programs for analyzing the external signal b or at least control information e generated based on the external signal b. And drive data and a drive program of the actuator 6 are stored. The CPU 9a captures the external signal b or the control information e, analyzes the external signal b or the control information e based on the data and the program stored in the memory 8b, and analyzes the data and the program stored in the memory 8b. A control signal c corresponding to the external signal b or the control information e is determined based on the D / A converter
To drive the actuator.

The control signal c is a signal corresponding to the operation feeling given to the knob 3. Types of the signal include "generation of vibration", "generation of impact force", "change of operating force", and the like. When the type of the signal is “occurrence of vibration”, a control signal c representing the vibration intensity, the shape of the vibration, the load time, the frequency, and the like is configured. When the type of the signal is “generation of impact force”, a control signal c representing the impact strength, the shape of the impact, the number of loads, and the like is configured.
Further, when the type of the signal is “change of the operating force”, a control signal c representing the intensity of the operating force, the direction in which the operating force is generated, the load time, and the like is configured. Also, control information e
Is a command obtained by converting the content of the control signal c into a command. Further, when the “change of the operating force” is performed in a pattern, the control information e can be configured by a command expressing the pattern. In addition, the control information e may be configured by taking in a value indicating the load amount, the detection signal a, and a signal from another external detection means (not shown) input to an external device.

In the manual input device 1A of this embodiment, the combination of the ball 15a and the disk 12 or 13 or 14 on which the ball 15a is resiliently changed by driving the actuator 6 to move the ball holder 15. can do. Then, the ball 15a is moved to the required disk 12 or 1
When the knob 3 is rotated around the axis of the operation shaft 2 after elastically touching the circumferential surface of the operation shaft 2 or 3, the operation shaft 2 and the disks 12 and 1 are rotated.
3 and 14 rotate integrally with the knob 3, and the ball 15a constantly urged in one direction by the elastic member 15b
Or from the state of being engaged with the depression 12a or 13a or 14a formed on the circumferential surface of 13 or 14 and riding on the land, and adjoining the depression 12a or 13a or 14a.
Is repeated in accordance with the amount of rotation of the knob 3, so that the change in the operating force at that time is given to the knob 3 as a click feeling. As described above, each disk 1
On the circumferential surfaces of 2, 13, and 14, first to third feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP3 each including an array of a plurality of depressions 12a, 13a, and 14a having different sizes and formation pitches are formed. Therefore, the ball 15a and the disk 12 or 13 or 1 on which the ball 15a is elastically contacted
By changing the combination with the knob 4, the click feeling given to the knob 3 can be changed. Further, the code plate 16 also rotates integrally with the operation shaft 2 in accordance with the rotation operation of the knob 3, so that the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the knob 3 are detected by the photo interrupter 17.

As described above, the manual input device 1A according to the present embodiment is fixed to the operation shaft 2 as the feeling applying means 4 and has different feeling generation patterns FP1 on the circumferential surface.
To FP3 are formed on the plurality of disks 12, 13, 14
And a ball holder 15 having a ball 15a resiliently contacting the circumferential surfaces of the discs 12, 13, and 14. The discs 12, 13, and 14 on which the ball 15a is resiliently contacted by the actuator 6 are used. 14 is selectively switched, a plurality of modes of operation feeling can be given to the operation of the knob 3 fixed to the operation shaft 2, and therefore, if this manual input device 1A is used, execution will be performed. It is possible to easily and reliably perform the function adjustment of the device to be performed.
Further, since the plurality of disks 12, 13, and 14 are fixed to the operation shaft 2, the feeling generation pattern FP1 is formed.
FP3 can be easily changed or increased or decreased. Further, the manual input device 1A of the present example captures an external signal b or control information e output from an external detection unit connected to an external device (not shown) to the CPU 9a, and
Is determined, the actuator 6 can be finely controlled according to the state of the external device. Therefore, depending on the state of the external device, the actuator 6 can be driven so that the ball 15a of the ball holder 15 resiliently contacts the disk on which the feeling pattern that can inhibit the operation of the knob 3 is formed. Can be prevented from being inconsistent with the operating state of the knob, and the operability and reliability of the manual input device 1A can be improved.

<Second Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 2 shows a manual input device 1B according to a second embodiment. The manual input device 1 </ b> B according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of the feeling applying means 4 that provides one knob 12 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and an operation feeling to the knob 3 in cooperation with the disk 12. (In the example of FIG. 2, three ball holders 15, 18, and 19).

The plurality of ball holders 15, 18, 1
9 is attached to the drive shaft 6b of the actuator 6. On the circumferential surface of the disk 12, a plurality of depressions 12a of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size are formed at a predetermined pitch as a feeling generation pattern FP. On the other hand, the balls 15a, 18a and 19a which are selectively brought into contact with the disc 12 and the respective balls 15a, 18a and 19a are constantly urged outward by the ball holders 15, 18, and 19, respectively. Elastic members 15b, 18b, and 19b are provided for elastic contact with the circumferential surface of the disk 12, and balls 15a, 18 are provided for each of the ball holders 15, 18, and 19.
a, 19a and elastic members 15b, 18b, 19b
The elastic force has been changed. The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the corresponding parts in FIG.

The manual input device 1B of this embodiment drives the actuator 6 and simultaneously moves the ball holders 15, 18, and 19 by the same amount in the same direction, thereby forming the disk 12
And balls 15a, 1 elastically contacting the circumferential surface of the disk 12
The combination with 8a and 19a can be changed.
Then, after the required ball 15a or 18a or 19a is elastically contacted with the circumferential surface of the disk 12, when the knob 3 is rotated around the axis of the operation shaft 2, the operation shaft 2 and the disk 12
And the elastic member 15b or 18b or 19b
Ball 15a or 18 constantly biased in one direction by
a or 19a is a depression 1 formed on the circumferential surface of the disk 12
The operation of climbing onto the land from the state of being engaged with 2a and engaging with the adjacent recess 12a is repeated according to the amount of rotation of the knob 3, so that the change in the operating force at that time is clicked on the knob 3 as a click feeling. Granted. As described above, each of the ball holders 15, 18, 19 is provided with the balls 15a, 18a, 19a having different sizes and / or the elastic members 15b, 18b, 19b having different elastic forces. By changing the combination with the balls 15a, 18a, and 19a elastically contacting the circumferential surface of the disk 12, the click feeling given to the knob 3 can be changed. The operation of the other parts is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

As described above, the manual input device 1B of the present embodiment, as the feeling applying means 4,
Discs 12 and the disc 1 in which the depressions 12a are formed.
Balls 15a and 18 that are selectively elastically contacted with the circumferential surface of No. 2
a, 19a, and the ball holders 15, 18, 19, and
Since the balls 15a, 18a and 19a which are brought into contact with the knob 3 are selectively switched, a plurality of modes of operation feeling can be given to the operation of the knob 3, and an attempt is made to execute using the manual input device 1B. It is possible to easily and reliably perform the function adjustment of the electrical device to be performed. Operation axis 2
Because only one disk 12 is fixed to the manual input device, the size, weight, and cost of the manual input device can be reduced.

<Third Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 3 shows a manual input device 1C according to a third embodiment. The manual input device 1 </ b> C according to the present embodiment includes a feeling imparting unit 4 that imparts an operation feeling to the knob 3 by cooperating with one cylinder 20 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and the cylinder 20. And a plurality of ball holders 15. On the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body 20, a first feeling generation pattern FP1 in which large-diameter depressions 12a are arranged at a medium pitch near the upper end is formed, and a depression 13a having a medium diameter is formed at a central portion. A second feeling generation pattern FP2 arranged at a large pitch is formed, and a third feeling generation pattern FP3 having small-diameter depressions 14a arranged at a small pitch near the lower end is formed. The configuration of other parts is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and the corresponding parts in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. Also, the operation is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the manual input device 1C of this embodiment, the feeling imparting means 4 is connected to one cylindrical body 20 fixed to the operation shaft 2.
And the single ball holder 15 which cooperates with the cylindrical body 20 to give the knob 3 an operation feeling, so that the manual input device 1 according to the first and second embodiments is provided.
In addition to the same effects as A and 1B, it is possible to reduce the cost by reducing the number of parts.

<Fourth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 4 shows a manual input device 1D according to a fourth embodiment. The manual input device 1 </ b> D according to the present embodiment is configured such that the feeling applying unit 4 is configured to apply one operation feeling to the knob 3 by cooperating with one disk 12 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and the disk 12. And a plurality of rows (three rows in the example of FIG. 4) of the feeling generation pattern F on the disk surface of the disk 12.
P1 to FP3 are formed concentrically, and the ball holder 15 is moved by the actuator 6 in the radial direction of the disk 12.

On the disk surface of the disk 12, as shown in FIG. 4, a first feeling generation pattern FP1 having a waveform in which peaks 21a and valleys 21b are alternately formed from the inner peripheral side.
Second feeling generation pattern FP2 in which small-diameter depressions 12a are formed at a small pitch, and large-diameter depressions 12b
Are formed concentrically with the third feeling generation pattern FP3 formed at a large pitch. As the actuator 6, a linear motor such as a voice coil motor is provided, and a ball holder 15 is attached to a distal end of a drive shaft 6b arranged in a radial direction of the disk 12. The actuator 6 changes the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 6b, and switches the feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP3 in which the ball 15a is elastically contacted. When the ball 15a is elastically contacted with the first feeling generation pattern FP1, an operation feeling that moves up and down continuously can be given to the knob 3, and the ball 15a can be elastically contacted with the second feeling generation pattern FP2. When the ball 15a is in contact with the knob 3, the touch feeling is small and an intermittent operation feeling can be imparted to the knob 3. When the ball 15a is in elastic contact with the third feeling generation pattern FP3, the touch feeling is large. An intermittent operation feeling can be given to the knob 3. Since the configuration of other parts is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, the corresponding parts in FIG. Also,
The operation is the same as that of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment except that the driving direction of the ball holder 15 is different, and therefore the description is omitted.

In the manual input device 1D of the present embodiment, the feeling applying means 4 applies an operation feeling to the knob 3 in cooperation with one disk 12 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and the disk 12. The manual input devices 1A and 1B according to the first and second embodiments are constituted by one ball holder 15.
In addition to the same effect as described above, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Further, since the ball holder 15 is transferred in the radial direction of the disk 12, the thickness of the manual input device can be reduced.

<Fifth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 5 shows a manual input device 1E according to a fifth embodiment. The manual input device 1E of this example is a slider-type manual input device, and a feeling providing means 4 is provided in a housing (not shown) (see FIG. 1).
And a single ball holder 15 fixed to the operation shaft 2 and cooperating with the rotary polyhedron 22 to impart an operation feeling to the knob 3. The rotary polyhedron 22 is rotated and reciprocated around its axis by the
It is characterized in that the operation feeling given to the user is switched.

The rotating polyhedron 22 has a hexagonal cross section perpendicular to the axis, and a feeling generating pattern is formed on each of the six planes arranged parallel to the axis (FIG. 9). 5 shows only three lines of feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP3). The first feeling generation pattern FP1 has a waveform in which peaks 21a and valleys 21b are alternately formed, and the second feeling generation pattern FP2 includes small-diameter depressions 12a arranged at a small pitch. The feeling generation pattern FP3 is formed by arranging large-diameter depressions 12b at a large pitch.
A rotary motor is used which drives the rotary shaft reciprocally around its axis. As the first detecting means 5, a slide (not shown) is connected to the ball holder 15 via a connecting member 23, and outputs a position signal corresponding to the moving amount and moving direction of the operation shaft 2 and thus the knob 3. A shaped volume is used. Further, as the second detecting means 7, a rotary position sensor such as a rotary encoder or a rotary variable resistor in which the drive shaft 7a is directly connected to the rotary polyhedron 22 is used,
The rotational position of the rotating polyhedron 22, that is, the feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP3 in which the ball 15a is elastically contacted is detected.

The manual input device 1E of this embodiment can switch the feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP3 in which the ball 15a is elastically contacted by driving the actuator 6 to rotate. When the knob 3 is linearly operated in the axial direction of the rotating polyhedron 22 after the ball 15a is elastically contacted with the required feeling generation pattern FP1, FP2, or FP3, the operation shaft 2 and the ball holder 15 move in the moving direction of the knob 3. Because the knob moves by the moving amount of the knob, the ball 15
feeling generation patterns FP1 to FP in which a is elastically contacted
An operation feeling according to the shape and / or arrangement of the knob 3 is provided to the knob 3. That is, when the ball 15a is brought into elastic contact with the first feeling generation pattern FP1, a strong shocking operation feeling that moves up and down continuously can be given to the knob 3, and the ball 15a is moved to the second feeling. When the ball 15a is elastically contacted with the ring generation pattern FP2, an intermittent operation feeling with a small tactile sensation can be imparted to the knob 3, and when the ball 15a is elastically contacted with the third feeling generation pattern FP3. Can provide the knob 3 with a large tactile sensation and an intermittent operation feeling. The rotation position of the rotating polyhedron 22 is detected by the second detecting means 7. Further, in accordance with the operation of the knob 3, the slider (not shown) provided in the first detecting means 5 moves the operating shaft 2,
Since the knob 3 is moved in the operation direction of the knob 3 via the ball holder 15 and the connecting member 23 by the operation amount of the knob 3, the first
The operation amount and operation direction of the knob 3 can be detected by the detection means.

As described above, in the manual input device 1E of this embodiment, the feeling imparting means 4 is fixed to the rotary polyhedron 22 and the operation shaft 2 which is linearly operated, and cooperates with the rotary polyhedron 22 to the knob 3. The operation feeling provided to the knob 3 is switched by reciprocally driving the rotary polyhedron 22 around its axis by the actuator 6, comprising one ball holder 15 providing an operation feeling. , About the slider type manual input device,
A plurality of operation feelings can be given to the operation of the knob 3, and the function adjustment of the electric device to be executed can be easily and reliably performed by using the manual input device.

<Sixth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 6 shows a manual input device 1F according to a sixth embodiment. The manual input device 1F of the present example is a two-dimensional operation type manual input device,
A housing (not shown), an operation shaft 2 slidably held by the housing, a knob 3 fixed to one end of the operation shaft 2, and a oscillating motion of the operation shaft 2 are arranged in directions perpendicular to each other. And a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 6) fixed to the center axis 24a of the X-direction rotator 24. Disk 12A,
13A and X direction first detecting means 5A, and discs 12A, 1A.
Feeling pattern FP1 formed on circumferential surface of 3A
A and FP2A, a ball holder 15A provided with a ball 15a elastically contacting the circumferential surfaces of the disks 12A and 13A, and a disk 12A or 13A which drives the ball holder 15A to elastically contact the ball 15a. 6A, the X-direction second detecting means 7A for detecting the driving amount and the driving direction of the X-direction actuator 6A, and a plurality of sheets fixed to the central axis 25a of the Y-direction rotating body 25 (see FIG. In the example, two discs 12B, 13B and Y-direction first detecting means 5B, and feeling patterns FP1B and FP2B formed on the circumferential surfaces of discs 12B, 13B.
And the ball 1 which is in elastic contact with the circumferential surfaces of the disks 12B and 13B.
A ball holder 15B provided with a ball 5a, and a disk on which the ball 15a is resiliently driven by driving the ball holder 15B.
Y-direction actuator 6B for switching to B or 13B
A Y-direction second detecting means 7B for detecting a driving amount and a driving direction of the Y-direction actuator 6B; an input / output unit 7 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device (not shown); The control signal c1 of the X-direction actuator 6A and the control signal c of the Y-direction actuator 6B based on the external signal b output from the external detecting means or at least the control information e generated based on the external signal b.
2, an X-direction D / A converter 10A and a Y-direction D / A converter 10B that convert control signals c1 and c2 output from the control unit 9 into analog signals.
An X-direction power amplifier 11A and a Y-direction power amplifier 11B for amplifying the control signals c1 and c2 converted into analog signals by the D / A converters 10A and 10B to obtain driving power for the actuators 6A and 6B. Have been.

The X direction first detecting means 5A, the X direction second detecting means 5A
Detection means 7A, Y direction first detection means 5B and Y direction second
As the detection means 7B, a rotary encoder, a potentiometer, or the like can be used. As the X-direction actuator 6A and the Y-direction actuator 6B, a solenoid, a linear motor, or the like can be used. In addition, the configuration of the input / output unit 8, the configuration of the control unit 9, and the command configuration of the control signal c output from the control unit 9 are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment. 6 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and the description is omitted.

In the manual input device 1F of this embodiment, when the operating shaft 2 is swung, the amount of swing and the amount of rotation of the X-direction rotator 24 and the Y-direction rotator 25 are arranged at right angles to each other. And the rotation direction. At this time, the disk 12
A and 13A rotate integrally with the X-direction rotator 24 and the disks 12B and 13B rotate integrally with the Y-direction rotator 25. , FP1B, FP2
An operation feeling corresponding to B is given. Further, the operation feeling of the knob 3 is changed by driving the X-direction actuator 6A and / or the Y-direction actuator 6B to switch the feeling patterns FP1A, FP2A, FP1B, and FP2B in which the ball 15a is elastically contacted. Can be. The swing amount and swing direction of the knob 3 are obtained by calculation from the detection signals a1 and a3 output from the X direction first detecting means 5A and the Y direction first detecting means 5B. The switching positions of the ball holders 15A and 15B can be detected by detection signals a2 and a4 output from the X-direction second detection means 7A and the Y-direction second detection means 7B.

The manual input device 1F of the present embodiment has the same effects as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment.
Since the operation shaft 2 is swingably held in the housing, it can be applied to a device in which a knob is turned in a two-dimensional direction, such as a remote controller of various electric devices.

<Seventh Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 7 shows a manual input device 1G according to a seventh embodiment. The manual input device 1G of this example is characterized in that the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.
The other parts are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and the corresponding parts in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. The manual input device 1H of the present example has the same effect as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment by controlling the actuator 6 by control means provided in an external device (not shown). Similarly, the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1B according to the second embodiment to the manual input device 1F according to the sixth embodiment (the X-direction actuator is used for the manual input device 1F according to the sixth embodiment). 6A and the Y-direction actuator 6B) can be omitted.

<Other Embodiments of Manual Input Device> (1) In each of the above embodiments, the actuator 6 is controlled based on the external signal b or control signal e output from the external detection means connected to the external device. Although the control signal c is generated, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this.
The control signal c of the actuator 5 can be generated by adding an external signal output from another external detection means not connected to an external device to the detection signal a and / or the external signal b.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the ball 15a is provided in the feeling imparting means 4. However, a pin may be used instead of this configuration. In a manual input device of a type including a plurality of ball holders 15, such as the manual input device 1B according to the second embodiment, both the ball 15a and the pin can be used.

(3) The shape of the knob 3, the arrangement of the operation shafts 2 with respect to the housing, the types of the detecting means 5, 7 and the type of the actuator 6 are not limited to the combinations exemplified in the above embodiments. However, any combination can be used as needed.

<First Application Example of Manual Input Device> Hereinafter, as a first application example of the manual input device, a shift control device for an automatic vehicle to which the slide type manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment is applied will be described. A description will be given based on FIG.

As can be seen from this figure, the transmission control device of this embodiment includes a transmission control device 31 as an external device and a solenoid or linear motor controlled by the device 31 in the input / output section 8 of the manual input device 1E. A fork driving unit 32 composed of an actuator such as a motor, external device detecting means 33 such as an encoder or a potentiometer for detecting the driving state of the fork driving unit 32, and a switching fork 3 operated by the fork driving unit 32
4, a transmission 35 whose gear engagement is switched by the switching fork 34, and a rotation speed sensor 36 that detects the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 35. In the case of this example, the knob 3 of the manual input device 1E is provided in the vehicle interior,
It is used as a shift knob for switching the transmission 35.

The transmission control device 31 includes an input / output unit 37 connected to the input / output unit 8 provided in the manual input device 1E, an external signal b1 output from the external device detection unit 33, and the rotation speed. An external device control unit 38 that generates and outputs a drive signal d of the fork drive unit 32 from the external signal b2 output from the sensor 36, and a D that performs D / A conversion of the drive signal d output from the external device control unit 38 It comprises a / A converter 39 and a power amplifier 40 for amplifying the drive signal d converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 39 to obtain drive power for the fork drive unit 32. When a stepping motor is used as the fork drive unit 32, the D / A converter 39 can be omitted.

The input / output unit 37 includes a reception interface 37b connected to the transmission interface 8a provided in the input / output unit 8 of the manual input device 1E, and a manual input device 1E.
Receiver interface 8b provided in input / output unit 8 of E
And a transmission-side interface 37a connected to the transmission-side interface. The external device control unit 38 includes a CPU 38a and a memory 38b. The memory 38b stores data and programs for analyzing the external signals b1 and b2, and drive data and a drive program for the fork drive unit 32. It is remembered. The CPU 38a fetches the external signals b1 and b2, and detects these detection signals a based on the data and program stored in the memory 38b.
1, a2 and the external signals b1 and b2 are analyzed, and a drive signal d corresponding to the external signals b1 and b2 is determined based on data and programs stored in the memory 38b. Further, the CPU 38a controls the external signal b
1 and b2 to the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1E via the transmission interface 37b and the reception interface 8b.
Send to

Hereinafter, the operation of the shift control device configured as described above will be described.

When the knob 3 is operated, the amount and direction of operation of the knob 3 are detected by the first detecting means 5, and the first detecting means 5 outputs a detection signal a1 corresponding to the amount and direction of operation of the knob 3. Is output. The engagement state between the feeling patterns FP1 to FP3 and the ball 15a is the second state.
Detected by the detecting means 7, the second detecting means 7 outputs a detection signal a2 corresponding to the operation amount of the actuator 6. These detection signals a1 and a2 are transmitted to the external device control unit 38 via the transmission interface 8a and the reception interface 37a. On the other hand, the CPU 38a provided in the transmission control device 31
Analyzes the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b1, b2, and determines a drive signal d corresponding to each of these signals a1, a2, b1, b2 based on data and a program stored in the memory 38b. , D / A converter 39. The D / A converter 39 converts the drive signal d into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 40. Power amplifier 40
Amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 39 and applies the amplified signal to the fork driving unit 32. by this,
The fork 34 is driven, and the engagement of the gear of the transmission 35 is switched according to the operation content of the knob 3. The external device control unit 38 includes the external device detection unit 33.
And the external signal b2 output from the rotation speed sensor 36 are transmitted to the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1E via the transmission interface 37b and the reception interface 8b. The control unit 9 analyzes the transmitted external signals b1 and b2, and based on the data and the program stored in the memory 9b, each of these signals b1 and b2.
The control signal c corresponding to 1 and b2 is determined and output to the D / A converter 10. The D / A converter 10 converts the control signal c into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 11. The power amplifier 11 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 10 and applies the amplified signal to the actuator 6. As a result, the rotating polyhedron 22 is driven to rotate, and the ball 15a is resiliently contacted with a required feeling pattern. For example, the ball 15a is resiliently contacted with the feeling pattern that gives the knob 3 a light resistance, so that the knob 15 3 is 1
When a shift operation is performed from the shift position to another shift position, a click feeling that causes the knob 3 to sense the shift change can be given. When the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 35 is high, the knob 3
When the knob 15 is operated in the switching direction from the range to the R range, the operation of the knob 3 is prohibited by hitting the ball 15a with a feeling pattern that gives a strong sense of resistance to the knob 3, thereby preventing the erroneous operation of the knob 3 from occurring. Can be prevented.

In the case of this example, the manual input device 1E having the control unit 9 is used, and the external signals b1 and b2 are transmitted to the control unit 9.
, The external device control unit 38 does not need to be changed, and the manual input device can be easily applied to the transmission control device 31 which is an external device.

It should be noted that, instead of applying the manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment, the second embodiment according to the sixth embodiment can be used.
By applying the one-dimensional operation type manual input device 1F, a required operation feeling can be imparted to the shift knob of the manual vehicle.

In the above-described embodiment, the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 35 output from the rotation speed sensor 36 is input to the CPU 38a as the external signal b2. And other external signals such as engine speed and the like. In this case, other external signals such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed can be connected to the CPU 38a provided in the external device control unit 38 or to the CPU 9a provided in the manual input device 1E.

<Second Application Example of Manual Input Device> Hereinafter, a second application example of the manual input device will be described with reference to FIG. In this application example, the slide type manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment is also applied to a shift control device of an automatic vehicle. However, unlike the first application example, the external device control unit 3 is different from the first application example.
Instead of transmitting the external signals b1 and b2 from the control unit 8 to the control unit 9, the raw detection signals a1 and a2 and the external signals b1 and b2
Alternatively, the external signals b1 and b2 are converted into control information e having a simpler data configuration by the external device control unit 38, and the control information e generated by the conversion is transmitted to the control unit 9.

That is, in the memory 38b provided in the external device control unit 38, the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b1, b2 or the external signals b1,
A conversion program for converting b2 into control information e having a simpler data structure is provided.
Repeatedly activates the conversion program, converts the captured detection signals a1, a2 and external signals b1, b2 or external signals b1, b2 into control information e, and transmits the control information e through the transmission interface 37b and the reception interface 8b. To the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1E. When other external signals such as a vehicle speed and an engine speed are input, these external signals are input to a C
Connected to PU 38a.

The CPU 9a of the manual input device 1E analyzes the control information e and, based on the data and the program stored in the memory 9b, the control signal c corresponding to the control information e.
Is determined and output to the D / A converter 10. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first application example. Therefore, the corresponding portions in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, the CPU 38a provided in the external device control unit 38 has a data structure of a raw detection signal a.
1, a2 and the control signals e simpler than the external signals b1 and b2, and the control information e is analyzed by the control unit 9 provided in the manual input device 1E.
Is reduced, and the control speed of the actuator 6 can be increased.

<Third Application Example of Manual Input Device> Hereinafter, a third application example of the manual input device will be described with reference to FIG. In this application example, the manual input device 1G according to the seventh embodiment is applied to a shift control device of an automatic vehicle, and a control signal c of the actuator 6 is transmitted from the external device control unit 38 to the manual input device 1G. It is characterized by doing.

That is, data and a program for analyzing the detection signals a1 and a2 and the external signals b1 and b2 fetched by the CPU 38a and driving data of the actuator 6 are stored in the memory 38b provided in the external device control section 38. And a driving program, and the CPU 38a
Generates the control signal c of the actuator 6 corresponding to the detected signals a1, a2 and the external signals b1, b2 or the external signals b1, b2 by repeatedly activating the driving program, and generates the D / A converter 10 Output to Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first application example, and the corresponding parts in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9 and description thereof is omitted.

In the case of this example, since the actuator 6 provided in the manual input device 1G is controlled by the CPU 38a provided in the external device control unit 38, the control unit can be omitted for the manual input device 1G. The size and cost of the manual input device can be reduced.

In this example, other external signals such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed are also connected to the CPU 38a provided in the external device control unit 38.

<Fourth Application Example of Manual Input Device> Hereinafter, FIG.
A radio to which the rotary type manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

As is clear from this figure, the radio of the present embodiment has a radio control device 41 as an external device and a DC motor or a stepping device controlled by the control device 41, which are connected to the input / output section 8 of the manual input device 1A. A tuner driving section 42 composed of an actuator such as a motor; an external device detecting means 43 such as an encoder or a potentiometer for detecting a driving state of the tuner driving section 42; a tuner 44 operated by the tuner driving section 42; Detection means 4 for detecting that the station has tuned to the station
5 is connected. In this case,
The knob 3 of the manual input device 1A is provided in the vehicle compartment and is used as a tuner operation knob for operating the tuner 44.

The radio control device 41 includes the manual input device 1
A input / output unit 46 connected to the input / output unit 8 provided in A
And detection signals a1, a2 output from the detection means 5
An external device control unit 47 that generates and outputs a drive signal d of the tuner drive unit 42 from an external signal b3 output from the external device detection unit 43 and an external signal b4 output from the tuning detection unit 45; D / which converts the drive signal d output from the device control unit 47 into an analog signal
The A converter 48 and the drive signal d converted to an analog signal by the D / A converter 48 are amplified and the tuner driving unit 42
And a power amplifier 49 that obtains the driving power of When a stepping motor is used as the tuner driving section 42, the D / A converter 49 can be omitted.

The input / output unit 46 includes a reception interface 46b connected to the transmission interface 8a provided in the input / output unit 8 of the manual input device 1A, and the manual input device 1A.
A receiving interface 8b provided in the input / output unit 8 of A
And a transmission-side interface 46a connected thereto. The external device control unit 47 includes a CPU 47a and a memory 47b. The memory 47b stores data and programs for analyzing the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b3, b4, and a tuner driving unit 4.
2 of driving data and a driving program.
The CPU 47a captures the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b3, b4, and based on the data and the program stored in the memory 47b, detects the detection signals a1, a2.
a2 and the external signals b3 and b4 are analyzed, and a drive signal d corresponding to the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b3 and b4 is determined based on data and a program stored in the memory 47b. Also, this CPU 47
a transmits the external signals b3 and b4 to the transmission-side interface 4
The data is transmitted to the control unit 9 of the manual input device 1A via the interface 6b and the receiving interface 8b.

Hereinafter, the operation of the radio control device configured as described above will be described.

When the knob 3 is operated, the amount and direction of operation of the knob 3 are detected by the first detecting means 5, and the first detecting means 5 outputs a detection signal a1 corresponding to the amount and direction of operation of the knob 3. Is output. The engagement state between the feeling patterns FP1 to FP3 and the ball 15a is the second state.
Detected by the detecting means 7, the second detecting means 7 outputs a detection signal a2 corresponding to the operation amount of the actuator 6. These detection signals a1 and a2 are transmitted to the external device control unit 47 via the transmission interface 8a and the reception interface 46a. On the other hand, the CPU 47a provided in the radio control device 41 analyzes the detection signals a1, a2 and the external signals b3, b4,
A drive signal d corresponding to each of these signals a1, a2, b3, and b4 is determined based on the data and program stored in 7b, and is output to the D / A converter 48. The D / A converter 48 converts the drive signal d into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 49. The power amplifier 49 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 48 and applies the amplified analog signal to the tuner driving unit 42. As a result, the tuner 44 is driven to select a desired station. External device control unit 4
7 controls the external signal b3 output from the external device detection means 43 and the external signal b4 output from the tuning detection means 45 via the transmission interface 46b and the reception interface 8b to control the manual input device 1A. Transmit to the unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the transmitted external signals b3, b4
And determines a control signal c corresponding to these signals b3 and b4 based on the data and the program stored in the memory 9b, and outputs the control signal c to the D / A converter 10. D / A
The converter 10 converts the control signal c into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 11. The power amplifier 11 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 10 and applies the amplified signal to the actuator 6. Thereby, the ball holder 1
5 is driven, and the ball 1 is set in a required feeling pattern.
For example, each time the tuner 44 tunes to the domestic station, the ball 15a hits a feeling pattern that gives a relatively strong sense of resistance, and every time the tuner 44 tunes to the foreign station, the ball 15a touches the foreign station. By driving the ball holder 15 so as to resiliently touch a feeling pattern that gives a relatively weak resistance, it is possible to accurately synchronize with a domestic station and a foreign station. If the station tuned in when the resistance is received is not the desired station,
Since the knob 3 can be easily rotated by applying a force higher than the resistance to the knob 3, a desired channel can be selected more quickly than an automatic scan tuner in which the tuner stops at each station. Can be. Thus, according to the radio apparatus of the present example, tuning of the tuner 34 to a desired station can be performed easily and quickly.

In the above description, the case where the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment is used has been described as an example, but any one of the manual input devices 1B to 1D according to the second to fourth embodiments is used. The same effect as described above can be obtained also when using.

<Embodiment of In-Vehicle Equipment Control Apparatus> An embodiment of the in-vehicle equipment control apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state in which the in-vehicle device control device according to the present embodiment is mounted on a dashboard. FIG. FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the in-vehicle device control device according to the present embodiment.

As is clear from FIG. 13, in the on-vehicle equipment control device 51 according to the present embodiment, the housing 52 is formed in a rectangular container having a required size. Any one of the manual input devices 1A to 1G according to the first to seventh embodiments is incorporated, and the knob 3 provided in any of the manual input devices 1A to 1G is disposed above the housing 52. Has been established. On the upper surface of the housing 52, six push button switches 54a, 54b, 54c, 54 arranged in an arc with the setting portion of the knob 3 as a center.
d, 54e, 54f, three push button switches 55a, 55b, 55c concentrically arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the arrangement position of the six push button switches, and a volume knob 56 are arranged. I have. A card slot 57 and a disk slot 58 are provided on the front of the housing 22.
And has been established.

As shown in FIG. 14, the in-vehicle device control apparatus includes a driver seat B and a passenger seat C of a dashboard A of an automobile.
Attached between and.

Six push-button switches 5 arranged in an arc
Reference numerals 4a to 54f denote in-vehicle electric devices to be operated using the in-vehicle device control device 51 of the present example, for example, a radio, an air conditioner, a television, a CD player, a car navigation system, a steering wheel tilt device, a seat posture adjusting device, and a telephone. An electric device selection switch for selecting an electric device, etc., which is individually connected to each electric device mounted on the vehicle. Which push button switch is connected to which on-vehicle electric device can be arbitrarily set.
In FIG. 1, as shown in FIG.
a is a radio, a push button switch 54b is an air conditioner, a push button switch 54c is a television, and a push button switch 54d is a CD.
The player and the push button switch 54e are connected to the car navigation system, and the push button switch 54f is connected to the steering wheel tilting device. By pressing the knob of the desired push button switch, the in-vehicle electric device connected to the push button switch can be selected. It has become.

The three push-button switches 55a to 55c arranged on the outer periphery of the six push-button switches select the function of the on-vehicle electric device selected by operating the six push-button switches 54a to 54f. For example, when the radio is selected by the push button switch 54a, the three push button switches 55a to 55c are respectively a tuner selection switch, a volume selection switch, and a sound quality selection switch as shown in FIG. Functions as a switch. Of course, the types of functions that can be selected by the push button switches 55a to 55c also change according to the type of the on-vehicle electric device selected by the push button switches 54a to 54f. The manual input device 1A (~ 1
G) is used as a means for adjusting the function selected by the push-button switches 55a to 55c. For example, when the radio tuner is selected by the push-button switch 55a, the tuning of the radio station is performed by operating the knob 3. Can be. The tuning operation of the radio station and the force feedback control of the knob 3 performed at that time are the same as those described in the section of the <4th application example of the manual input device>, and thus the description is omitted.

As described above, the on-vehicle equipment control device of the present embodiment can centrally control a plurality of on-vehicle electric equipment, so that the function of each on-vehicle electric equipment can be easily adjusted, and the safety of the vehicle can be improved. Drivability can be improved. Also,
Adjust the knob 3 according to the condition of the onboard electrical equipment to be adjusted.
Knob 3 is controlled.
Operability can be improved, and the function adjustment of the electric device to be executed using the on-vehicle device control device can be easily and reliably performed.

[0093]

According to the manual input device of the present invention, since the manual input device is provided with the feeling applying means and its actuator, the operation applied to the knob by driving the actuator to drive the feeling applying means. The feeling can be appropriately switched, the operability of the manual input device can be improved, and the function adjustment of a device to be executed using the manual input device can be easily and reliably performed. In addition, the manual input device of the present invention controls the actuator that drives the feeling applying means by a control signal generated based on both the detection signal output from the detection means and the external signal output from the external detection means. Therefore, it is possible to perform fine control of the actuator according to the state of the external device, to prevent inconsistency between the driving state of the external device and the operation state of the knob, and to improve the operability and reliability of the manual input device. Can be further enhanced.

Further, the on-vehicle equipment control device of the present invention includes, in one housing, a selection switch of the on-vehicle electric equipment, a function selection switch of the selected on-vehicle electric equipment, and a manual input device as function adjusting means. Therefore, a plurality of in-vehicle electric devices can be centrally controlled, the function of each in-vehicle electric device can be easily adjusted, and the safe driving of the vehicle can be improved. In addition, as the manual input device, one provided with the knob, the feeling giving means, and the actuator of the feeling giving means is used, so that the actuator is driven to drive the feeling giving means, so that the knob is given to the knob. The operation feeling to be performed can be appropriately switched, and a different operation feeling can be given to the knob according to the adjustment content of the electric device mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the operability of the in-vehicle device control device is improved, and the function adjustment of the electric device to be executed using the in-vehicle device control device can be easily and reliably performed. Also,
Since the manual input device includes a device controlled by a control signal generated based on both a detection signal output from at least the detection unit and an external signal output from the external detection unit connected to the external device, Fine control of the actuator according to the state of the electric equipment can be performed, and the mismatch between the driving state of the electric equipment and the operation state of the knob can be prevented, thereby improving the operability and reliability of the on-vehicle equipment control device. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a first application example of the manual input device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a second application example of the manual input device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a third application example of the manual input device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a fourth application example of the manual input device.

FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram showing an example of an operation feeling applied to a knob of a manual input device according to a fourth application example.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state in which the in-vehicle device control device according to the embodiment is attached to a dashboard.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a main part showing a state of the interior of a vehicle to which the vehicle-mounted device control device according to the embodiment is attached.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the in-vehicle device control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A to 1G Manual input device 2 Operation shaft 3 Knob 4 Feeling giving means 5 First detecting means 6 Actuator 7 Second detecting means 8 Input / output unit 9 Control unit 10 D / A converter 11 Power amplifier 31 Transmission control device 32 Fork Drive unit 33 External device detection means 34 Switching fork 35 Transmission 36 Revolution speed sensor 41 Radio control device 42 Tuner drive unit 43 External device detection means 44 Tuner 45 Tuning detection means a1, a2 Detection signal b (b1, b2) External signal c control Signal d Drive signal 51 In-vehicle input device 52 Housing 54a to 54f Push button switch 55a to 55c Push button switch

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenichi Seino 1-7 Yukitani Otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alps Electric Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B020 AA15 DD02 DD05 DD51 GG01 KK03 5B087 AA09 AB12 AE00 BC13 BC16 BC19 BC26 BC34 DD03 DD10 DG01 5H303 AA13 BB01 BB02 BB06 BB07 BB12 BB20 DD01 DD03 DD04 EE01 FF09 GG04 HH05 KK33

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A knob, a feeling providing means for providing an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling providing means, a detecting means for detecting an operation state of the knob, and an operation by the knob An input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device,
A manual input device, wherein the actuator is controlled by a control signal generated based on at least an external signal output from external detection means connected to the external device. 2. A knob, a feeling imparting unit for imparting an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling imparting unit, a control unit of the actuator, and a detection for detecting an operation state of the knob. Means, and an input / output unit for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an external device operated by the knob, wherein the control unit includes an external detection unit connected to at least the external device via the input / output unit. A manual input device for generating an actuator control signal corresponding to at least the external signal by inputting an external signal output from the controller, and controlling the actuator with the control signal. 3. A knob, a feeling imparting unit for imparting an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling imparting unit, a control unit of the actuator, and detection for detecting an operation state of the knob. Means, an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device operated by the knob, and a detection signal output from at least the detection means to the external device and an external device connected to the external device. Inputting both of the external signals output from the detection means to generate control information of the actuator corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal, taking the control information into the control unit via the input / output unit, A control unit generates a control signal of the actuator corresponding to the control information, and controls the actuator by the control signal. A manual input device. 4. A knob, a feeling giving means for giving an operation feeling to the knob, an actuator for driving the feeling giving means, a detecting means for detecting an operation state of the knob, and an operation by the knob An input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device,
To the external device, at least a detection signal output from the detection unit and an external signal output from the external detection unit connected to the external device are input, and the actuator corresponding to the detection signal and the external signal is input. A manual input device for generating a control signal and controlling the actuator with the control signal. 5. The manual input device according to claim 1, further comprising a linearly operated knob as the knob. 6. The manual input device according to claim 1, further comprising a knob that is operated to rotate as said knob. 7. A disk or a cylinder fixed to an operation shaft operated by the knob, wherein a plurality of rows of feeling generation patterns are formed as the feeling imparting means, and a bullet is formed on the disk or the cylinder. A device comprising a single ball or pin that is in contact with the device, and an actuator that linearly reciprocates the ball or pin in the direction in which the plurality of rows of feeling generating patterns are arranged is used as the actuator. The manual input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 8. A disk or a cylinder, in which a feeling generating pattern in one row is formed and fixed to an operation shaft operated by the knob, as the feeling applying means,
A plurality of balls or pins elastically contacting the disk or the cylinder are used, and one of the plurality of balls or pins is selectively engaged with the feeling generation pattern as the actuator. The manual input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a device that reciprocates linearly in a direction in which the manual input is performed. 9. A rotating polyhedron in which a plurality of rows of feeling generating patterns are formed parallel to an axial direction of an outer surface as said feeling applying means, and said rotating polyhedron is reciprocated around said axis as said actuator. 5. A driving device, wherein one end of an operation shaft operated by the knob is brought into contact with an outer surface of the rotating polyhedron on which the feeling generation pattern is formed. The manual input device according to item 1. 10. An electric device selection switch for selecting an electric device for which function adjustment is to be performed, and a function for selecting a function for which function adjustment is to be performed from various functions of the electric device selected by the selection switch. A selection switch, and a manual input device for adjusting a function selected by the function selection switch; as the manual input device, a knob; a feeling providing unit for providing an operation feeling to the knob; An actuator for driving the means, a detecting means for detecting the operation state of the knob, and an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device operated by the knob, wherein the actuator is provided at least from the detecting means Based on both the detection signal output and the external signal output from the external detection means connected to the external device, An in-vehicle device control device comprising: a device that is controlled by a generated control signal.