JP2002189558A - 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 detection means 4 for detecting the operation state of the operation shaft 2, an actuator 5 for loading external force on the knob 3, a driving power transmission part 6 for transmitting driving power between the operation shaft 2 and the drive shaft 5a of the actuator 5, an input- output part 1 for transmitting and receiving signals to/from an external device and a control part 8 for generating and outputting the control signals c of the actuator 5 on the basis of external signals b from an external detection means or control information e generated on the basis of at least the external signals b. For the on-vehicle equipment controller, a case 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-1H 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. 17 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 the analog signal c output from the D / A converter 105
And a power amplifier 106 that amplifies the current to obtain the driving power of the actuator 103. The control unit 104
It comprises a CPU 104a and a memory 104b, in which a control signal c corresponding to the detection signal a is stored in the form of a table. CPU 104a
Receives a detection signal a from the detection means 102 and stores a control signal c corresponding to the received detection signal a in the memory 104.
b 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]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a configuration of a manual input device, which detects a knob, an actuator for applying an external force to the knob, and an operation state of the knob. Detecting means, comprising an input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device operated by the knob, wherein the actuator is adapted to output at least an external signal output from external detecting means connected to the external device. A control signal is generated based on the control signal.

As described above, when the actuator that applies an external force to the knob is controlled by the control signal generated based on the external signal output from the external detection means connected to the external device, the actuator is controlled according to the state of the external device. Since fine control of the actuator can be performed, it is possible to prevent a mismatch between the driving state of the external device and the operating state of the knob, and to improve the operability and reliability of the manual input device.

On the other hand, the on-vehicle equipment control device has a function selection switch for selecting a function to be adjusted from various functions, and a manual input device for adjusting the function selected by the function selection switch. A knob, an actuator that applies an external force to the knob, a detection unit that detects an operation state of the knob, and an input / output unit that transmits and receives signals to and from an electric device operated by the knob, as the manual input device. And an actuator that controls the actuator by a control signal generated based on an external signal output from at least an external detection unit connected to the electric device.

[0014] As described above, the manual input device provided in the on-vehicle equipment control device is provided with a device that is controlled by a control signal generated based on an external signal output from at least the external detection means connected to the external device. Since it is possible to control the actuator in detail according to the state of the electric equipment, it is possible to prevent the drive state of the electric equipment from being inconsistent with the operation state of the knob, and to improve the operability and reliability of the onboard equipment control device. Can be enhanced.

[0015]

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 includes a housing (not shown), an operation shaft 2 rotatably held by the housing, and a knob fixed to one end of the operation shaft 2. 3, a detection means 4 such as a rotary encoder or a potentiometer for detecting the amount and direction of rotation of the operation shaft 2, a rotary drive actuator 5 such as a DC motor or a stepping motor for applying an external force to the knob 3, and an operation shaft 2 and actuator 5
A power transmission unit 6 such as a gear or a friction wheel for transmitting power to and from the drive shaft 5a, an input / output unit 7 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device (not shown), and an external device (not shown) A control unit 8 that generates and outputs a control signal c of the actuator 5 based on an external signal b output from the external detection unit or at least control information e generated based on the external signal b; D / A
It comprises a D / A converter 9 for conversion, and a power amplifier 10 for amplifying the control signal c converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 9 to obtain driving power for the actuator 5. When a stepping motor is used as the actuator 5, the D / A converter 9 can be omitted.

In FIG. 1, a rotary encoder is provided as the detecting means 4. The rotary encoder of this embodiment has a code plate 4a fixed to the operation shaft 2, and a front side and a code plate 4a. It is composed of a light emitting element 4b and a light receiving element 4c which are arranged on the back side to face each other. In addition, the light emitting element 4 which is configured separately and independent of each other
Instead of using the light emitting element 4b and the light receiving element 4c, it is of course possible to use a photointerrupter in which the light emitting element 4b and the light receiving element 4c are integrated.

The input / output unit 7 includes a transmission-side interface 7a
And a receiving-side interface 7b, and a detection signal a output from the detecting means 4 is transmitted from the transmitting-side interface 7a to an external device (not shown).

The control unit 8 comprises a CPU 8a and a memory 8b. The external signal b or control information e generated based on the external signal b is stored in the memory 8b.
Are stored, and data and a program for driving the actuator 5 are stored. The CPU 8a controls the external signal b or the control information e.
And the external signal b or the control information e based on the data and the program stored in the memory 8b.
And determines a control signal c corresponding to the external signal b or the control information e based on the data and the program stored in the memory 8b, and outputs the control signal c to the D / A converter 9.

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, the control signal 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.

According to the manual input device of this embodiment, the CPU 8a
, An external signal b output from external detection means connected to an external device (not shown) or at least a control signal e generated based on the external signal b.
Is determined, the actuator 5 can be finely controlled according to the state of the external device. Therefore, depending on the state of the external device, the actuator 5 can be driven so as to prohibit the operation of the knob 3, so that the inconsistency between the driving state of the external device and the operation state of the knob can be prevented, and manual input can be performed. Operability and reliability of the 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 example is configured such that the detecting unit 4
Is set. For others,
Since it is the same as the manual input device 1A according to the embodiment,
2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1, and description thereof will be omitted. The manual input device 1B of the present example also has the same effect as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment.

<Third Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 3 shows a manual input device 1C according to a third embodiment. The manual input device 1C of the present example is characterized in that one end of the operation shaft 2 is provided with a lever-shaped knob 3 that turns in a horizontal plane. Other components are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the corresponding portions in FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. The manual input device 1C of the present example also has the same effect as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment.

<Fourth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 4 shows a manual input device 1D according to a fourth embodiment. In the manual input device 1D of the present example, the operation shaft 2 is disposed horizontally, and a lever-shaped knob 3 that rotates in a vertical plane is fixed to one end of the operation shaft 2, and a solenoid, a linear motor, or the like is attached to the knob 3. Is connected to the linear drive type actuator 5. The external force is applied to the knob 3 (the operation feeling is given) by driving the actuator 5. 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.
The same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. The manual input device 1D of the present example also has the same effect as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment.

<Fifth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 5 shows a manual input device 1E according to a fifth embodiment. The manual input device 1E according to the present embodiment is a slide-type manual input device. The knob 3 is fixed to an upper surface of a rack 11 (power transmission unit) slidably held in a housing (not shown), and the rack 3 11 is engaged with a pinion 12 (power transmission unit) fixed to the tip of the operation shaft 2 so that the driving force of the knob 3
1 and the pinion 12 are transmitted to the operation shaft 2, and the driving force of the actuator 5 is transmitted to the knob 3 via the gear 6, the operation shaft 2, the pinion 12 and the rack 11. . Others are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment.
The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. The manual input device 1E of this example has the same effects as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and furthermore, since the knob 3 is fixed to the rack 11 slidably held in the housing, for example, It can be applied to a device in which the knob is operated linearly, such as a gear shift device in a car.

<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 this example is also a slide-type manual input device, and includes a linear drive type actuator 5 such as a solenoid or a linear motor as an actuator for applying an external force to the knob 3. The other components are the same as those of the manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment.
The same reference numerals as in FIG. 5 denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. The manual input device 1F of the present example also has the same effects as the manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment.

<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 a two-dimensional operation type manual input device,
A housing (not shown), an operation shaft 2 rotatably held by the housing, a knob 3 fixed to one end of the operation shaft 2,
The oscillating motion of the operating shaft 2 is controlled by X arranged at right angles to each other.
A converter 15 for converting the rotation amounts of the directional rotator 13 and the Y-directional rotator 14 into X-direction detectors 4A and Y provided on the central axes 13a and 14a of the two rotators 13 and 14;
Signals are transmitted and received between a direction detecting means 4B, a rotary drive type X-direction actuator 5A and a Y-direction actuator 5B which are directly connected to the central shafts 13a and 14a and apply an external force to the knob 3, and an external device (not shown). Input / output unit 7
And a control signal c1 of the X-direction actuator 5A and a Y-direction actuator 5B based on an external signal b output from external detection means connected to an external device (not shown) or at least control information e generated based on the external signal b.
A control unit 8 for generating and outputting a control signal c2 of
X that D / A converts control signals c1 and c2 output from
A direction D / A converter 9A and a Y-direction D / A converter 9B;
An X-direction power amplifier 10 which amplifies the control signals c1 and c2 converted into analog signals by these D / A converters 9A and 9B to obtain drive power for the actuators 5A and 5B.
A and Y-direction power amplifiers 10B.

As the X direction detecting means 4A and the Y direction detecting means 4B, a rotary encoder, a potentiometer or the like can be used.
As the A and Y direction actuators 5B, a DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like can be used. In addition, the configuration of the input / output unit 7, the configuration of the control unit 8, and the control signal c output from the control unit 8 are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. The manual input device 1G of this example has the same effects as the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment, and furthermore, since the knob 3 is fixed to the rack 11 slidably held in the housing, for example, The present invention can be applied to a device in which a knob is turned in a two-dimensional direction, such as a remote controller of an electric device.

<Eighth Example of Manual Input Device> FIG. 8 shows a manual input device 1H according to an eighth embodiment. The manual input device 1H of this example is characterized in that the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.
Other components are the same as those of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment. Therefore, corresponding portions in FIG. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. The manual input device 1H of this example is controlled by an actuator 5 (for the manual input device 1G according to the seventh embodiment, the X-direction actuators 5A and Y
By controlling the direction actuator 5B), the same effect as in the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment can be obtained. The control unit 8 of the manual input device 1B according to the second embodiment to the manual input device 1G according to the seventh embodiment may be omitted.

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

(2) In the eighth embodiment, the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1A according to the first embodiment is omitted, but the manual input according to the second to seventh embodiments is omitted. The present invention can be similarly implemented by omitting the control unit 8 of the devices 1B to 1G.

(3) The shape of the knob 3, the arrangement of the operating shaft 2 with respect to the housing, the type of the detecting means 4, and the type of the actuator 5 are not limited to the combinations exemplified in the above embodiments. 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. This will be described with reference to FIG.

As can be seen from this figure, the transmission control device of the present embodiment includes a transmission control device 21 as an external device and a solenoid or linear device controlled by the device 21 in the input / output section 7 of the manual input device 1E. A fork driving unit 22 composed of an actuator such as a motor, an external device detecting unit 23 such as an encoder or a potentiometer for detecting a driving state of the driving unit 22;
2, a switching fork 24 operated by the switching fork 2, a transmission 25 whose meshing is switched by the switching fork 24, and a rotation speed sensor 26 for detecting the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 25 are connected. In the case of this example, the manual input device 1
The knob 3 of E is provided in the vehicle interior and is used as a shift knob for switching the transmission 25.

The transmission control device 21 includes an input / output unit 27 connected to the input / output unit 7 provided in the manual input device 1E, an external signal b1 output from the external device detection means 23, and the rotation speed. An external device control unit 28 that generates and outputs a drive signal d of the fork drive unit 22 from an external signal b2 output from the sensor 26, and a D that performs D / A conversion of the drive signal d output from the external device control unit 28 The A / A converter 29 and a power amplifier 30 that amplifies the drive signal d converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 29 to obtain drive power for the fork drive unit 22. When a stepping motor is used as the fork drive unit 22, the D / A converter 29 can be omitted.

The input / output unit 27 includes a reception interface 27b connected to the transmission interface 7a provided in the input / output unit 7 of the manual input device 1E, and the manual input device 1E.
Receiver interface 7b provided in input / output unit 7 of E
And a transmission-side interface 27a connected to the transmission-side interface. The external device control unit 28 includes a CPU 28a and a memory 28b. The memory 28b stores data and programs for analyzing the external signals b1 and b2, and drive data and a drive program for the fork drive unit 22. It is remembered. The CPU 28a fetches the external signals b1 and b2, analyzes the external signals b1 and b2 based on the data and the program stored in the memory 28b, and analyzes these external signals b1 and b2 based on the data and the program stored in the memory 28b. The external signal b
The drive signal d corresponding to 1, b2 is determined. The CPU 28a transmits the external signals b1 and b2 to the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1E via the transmission interface 27b and the reception interface 7b.

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

When the knob 3 is operated, the operation amount and operation direction are detected by the detection means 4, and the detection means 4 outputs a detection signal a corresponding to the operation amount and operation direction of the knob 3. This detection signal a is transmitted to the external device control unit 28 via the transmission interface 7a and the reception interface 27a. On the other hand, the CPU 28a provided in the transmission control device 21 analyzes the detection signal a and the external signals b1 and b2, and responds to the signals a, b1 and b2 based on the data and the program stored in the memory 28b. Is determined, and D /
Output to the A converter 29. The D / A converter 29 converts the drive signal d into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 30. The power amplifier 30 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 29 and applies the amplified analog signal to the fork driving unit 22. Thereby, the fork 24 is driven, and the engagement of the gear of the transmission 25 is switched according to the operation content of the knob 3. The external device control unit 28 converts the detection signal a, the external signal b1 output from the external device detection unit 23, and the external signal b2 output from the rotation speed sensor 26 into a transmission interface 27b and a reception interface 7b. To the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1E via the. The control unit 8 transmits the transmitted external signal b1,
b2 is analyzed, a control signal c corresponding to each of these signals b1 and b2 is determined based on the data and program stored in the memory 8b, and output to the D / A converter 9. D /
The A converter 9 converts the control signal c into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 10. The power amplifier 10 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 9 and applies the amplified signal to the actuator 5. As a result, an external force corresponding to the external signals b1 and b2 is applied to the knob 3, and a required operation feeling is given to the knob 3.
When a shift operation is performed from the shift position to the other shift position, a slight sense of resistance is applied to the operation shaft 2 from the actuator 5, whereby a click feeling can be imparted to the operation of the knob 3. When the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 25 is high and the knob 3 is operated, for example, in the switching direction from the D range to the R range,
By giving a strong resistance to the operation shaft 2 from the actuator 5, the operation of the knob 3 is prohibited, and the erroneous operation of the knob 3 can be prevented.

In the case of this example, the manual input device 1E having the control unit 8 is used, and the external signals b1 and b2 are transmitted to the control unit 8
, The external device control unit 28 does not need to be changed, and the manual input device can be easily applied to the transmission control device 21 which is an external device.

The same effect as described above can be obtained when the manual input device 1F according to the sixth embodiment is applied instead of the configuration using the manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment. Can be.

Also, instead of the configuration in which the slide type manual input devices 1E and 1F according to the fifth or sixth embodiment are applied, a two-dimensional operation type manual input device according to the seventh embodiment is used. By applying 1G, it is possible to impart a required operation feeling to the shift knob of the manual vehicle.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 25 output from the rotation speed sensor 26 is input to the CPU 28a 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 are transmitted to the CPU 28a provided in the external device control unit 28.
Or a CPU 8a 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. This application example is also one in which the slide-type manual input device 1E according to the fifth embodiment is applied to a shift control device of an automatic vehicle. However, unlike the first application example, an external signal is transmitted from the external device control unit 28. Instead of transmitting b1 and b2 to the control unit 8, the external device control unit 28 converts the raw detection signal a and the external signals b1 and b2 or the external signals b1 and b2 into control information e having a simpler data configuration. Then, the control information e generated by the conversion is transmitted to the control unit 8.

That is, in the memory 28b provided in the external device control unit 28, the detection signal a and the external signals b1, b2 or the external signals b1, b2 taken into the CPU 28a are converted into control information e having a simpler data structure. A conversion program for conversion is provided, and the CPU 28a repeatedly starts the conversion program and converts the captured detection signal a and the external signals b1, b2 or the external signals b1, b2 into control information e, The data is transmitted to the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1E via the transmission interface 27b and the reception interface 7b. When other external signals such as vehicle speed and engine speed are input, these external signals
It is connected to a CPU 28a provided in the external device control unit 28.

The CPU 8a of the manual input device 1E analyzes the control information e and, based on the data and the program stored in the memory 8b, the control signal c corresponding to the control information e.
Is determined and output to the D / A converter 9. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first application example, FIG.
The same reference numerals as in FIG. 9 denote the same parts as in FIG. 9, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of this example, the CPU 28a provided in the external device control section 28 generates the raw detection signal a and the control information e whose data configuration is simpler than the external signals b1, b2 or the external signals b1, b2. Since the control information e is analyzed by the control unit 8 provided in the manual input device 1E, the load on the control unit 8 is reduced, and the control speed of the actuator 5 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 1H according to the eighth embodiment is applied to a shift control device of an automatic vehicle, and a control signal c of the actuator 5 is transmitted from the external device control unit 28 to the manual input device 1H. It is characterized by doing.

That is, the memory 28b provided in the external device control unit 28 has data and programs for analyzing the detection signal a and the external signals b1 and b2 taken into the CPU 28a, and the driving data and driving data for the actuator 5 The CPU 28a repeatedly starts the driving program, and the captured detection signal a and the external signal b1, b2 or the external signal b1, b2 are stored.
, A control signal c of the actuator 5 corresponding to
/ A converter 9. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first application example, and the corresponding parts in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 9, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of this example, the actuator 5 provided in the manual input device 1H is controlled by the CPU 28a provided in the external device control unit 28, so that the control unit can be omitted for the manual input device 1H. The size and cost of the manual input device can be reduced.

In this embodiment, other external signals such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed are also connected to the CPU 28a provided in the external device control unit 28.

<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 example has a radio control device 31 as an external device and a DC motor or a stepping device controlled by the control device 31 in the input / output section 7 of the manual input device 1A. A tuner driving unit 32 including an actuator such as a motor; an external device detecting unit 33 such as an encoder or a potentiometer for detecting a driving state of the driving unit 32; a tuner 34 operated by the tuner driving unit 32;
Is connected to a tuning detection means 35 for detecting that the mobile station has tuned to the station. In the case of this example, the knob 3 of the manual input device 1A is provided in the vehicle interior, and the tuner 34 is provided.
Used as a tuner operation knob for operating the.

The radio control device 31 includes a manual input device 1
I / O unit 37 connected to I / O unit 7 provided in A
And a driving signal d of the tuner driving unit 32 based on a detection signal a output from the detection unit 4, an external signal b3 output from the external device detection unit 33, and an external signal b4 output from the tuning detection unit 35. An external device control unit 38 for generating and outputting; a D / A converter 39 for D / A converting the drive signal d output from the external device control unit 38;
The power amplifier 40 amplifies the drive signal d converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 99 to obtain the drive power of the tuner drive unit 32. When a stepping motor is used as the tuner driving section 32, the D / A converter 39 can be omitted.

The input / output unit 37 includes a reception interface 37b connected to the transmission interface 7a provided in the input / output unit 7 of the manual input device 1A, and the manual input device 1A.
A receiving interface 7b provided in the input / output unit 7 of A
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. In the memory 38b, data and programs for analyzing the detection signal a and the external signals b3 and b4, and the driving of the tuner driving unit 32 Data and a driving program are stored. CPU3
8a takes in the detection signal a and the external signals b3 and b4, and based on the data and the program stored in the memory 38b, the detection signal a and the external signal b
3 and b4 are analyzed, and a drive signal d corresponding to the detection signal a and the external signals b3 and b4 is determined based on the data and the program stored in the memory 38b.
Further, the CPU 38a controls the external signals b3, b4
Is transmitted to the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1A via the transmission interface 37b and the reception interface 7b.

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

When the knob 3 is operated, the operation amount and operation direction are detected by the detection means 4, and the detection means 4 outputs a detection signal a corresponding to the operation amount and operation direction of the knob 3. The detection signal a is transmitted to the external device control unit 38 via the transmission interface 7a and the reception interface 37a. On the other hand, the CPU 38a provided in the radio control device 31 analyzes the detection signal a and the external signals b3, b4, and based on the data and the program stored in the memory 38b, these signals a, b3,
The drive signal d corresponding to b4 is determined, and the D / A converter 39
Output to The D / A converter 39 converts the drive signal d into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 40. The power amplifier 40 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 39 and applies the amplified analog signal to the tuner driving unit 32. As a result, the tuner 34 is driven, and a desired station is selected. The external device control unit 38 controls the external device detection unit 3.
3 and the tuning detecting means 35
Is transmitted to the control unit 8 of the manual input device 1A via the transmission interface 37b and the reception interface 7b. The control unit 8 analyzes the transmitted external signals b3 and b4, and based on the data and the program stored in the memory 8b, each of these signals b3 and b4.
The control signal c corresponding to 3 and b4 is determined and output to the D / A converter 9. The D / A converter 9 converts the control signal c into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the power amplifier 10. The power amplifier 10 amplifies the analog signal output from the D / A converter 9 and applies the amplified signal to the actuator 5. As a result, an external force corresponding to the external signals b3 and b4 is applied to the knob 3 and a required operation feeling is imparted to the knob 3, and as shown in FIG. 13, each time the tuner 34 tunes to the station. By giving a light resistance to the operation shaft 2 from the actuator 5, the presence or absence of synchronization can be accurately transmitted to the operator. If the tuned station is not the desired station when a slight resistance is received, the knob 3 can be easily rotated by applying a force greater than the resistance to the knob 3, so that a tuner is provided for each station. A desired channel can be selected more quickly than a tuner of an automatic scan system that stops. 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 of the manual input devices 1B to 1D according to the second to fourth embodiments is described. 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. 14 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state where the in-vehicle device control device according to the present embodiment is mounted on a dashboard, and FIG. 15 shows a state of the interior of a vehicle to which the in-vehicle device control device according to the present embodiment is mounted. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of an in-vehicle device control device according to the present embodiment.

As is apparent from FIG. 14, in the vehicle-mounted device control device 51 according to the present embodiment, the housing 52 is formed in the shape of a rectangular container having a required size. Any of the manual input devices 1A to 1H according to the first to eighth embodiments is built in, and the knob 3 provided in any of the manual input devices 1A to 1H 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. 15, the in-vehicle equipment control device includes a driver's seat B and a passenger's seat C of a dashboard A of an automobile.
Attached between and.

Six pushbutton 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 functions 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, as shown in FIG. 16, the three push button switches 55a to 55c are respectively a tuner selection switch, a volume selection switch, and a sound quality selection switch. 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
H) 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 functions 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.

[0064]

According to the manual input device of the present invention, an actuator for applying an external force to the knob is generated based on a detection signal output from the detection means and an external signal output from the external detection means connected to the external device. Control by the control signal to be performed, it is possible to perform fine control of the actuator in accordance with the state of the external device, to prevent inconsistency between the driving state of the external device and the operation state of the knob, Operability and reliability can be improved.

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, since a manual input device that generates a control signal for the actuator based on a detection signal output from the detection unit and an external signal output from the external detection unit is used, the state of the on-vehicle electric device to be adjusted is used. It is possible to improve the knob operability by obtaining the knob operation feeling according to the above, and to easily and reliably perform the function adjustment of the electric device to be executed using the on-vehicle device control device. it can.

[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 configuration diagram of a manual input device according to an eighth embodiment.

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

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

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

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a fourth application example of the manual input device.

FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram illustrating an example of an operation feeling applied to a knob of a manual input device according to a fourth application example.

FIG. 14 is an essential part perspective view showing a state where the in-vehicle device control device according to the embodiment is attached to the dashboard.

FIG. 15 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. 16 is a functional block diagram of the vehicle-mounted device control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a manual input device according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A to 1H Manual input device 2 Operation shaft 3 Knob 4 Detecting means 5 Actuator 6 Power transmission unit 7 Input / output unit 8 Control unit 9 D / A converter 10 Power amplifier 21 Transmission control unit 22 Fork drive unit 23 External device detection unit 24 Switching fork 25 Transmission 26 Revolution sensor 31 Radio control device 32 Tuner drive unit 33 External device detection means 34 Tuner 35 Tuning detection means a Detection signal b (b1, b2, b3, b4) External signal c Control signal d Drive signal 51 Vehicle mounted Input device 52 housing 54a-54f push button switch 55a-55c push button switch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/033 310 G06F 3/033 310Y (72) Inventor Kenichi Kiino 1-7 Yukitani Otsukacho, Ota-ku, Tokyo No.Alps Electric Co., Ltd. F-term (reference)

Claims (2)

[Claims] An input / output unit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a knob, an actuator for applying an external force to the knob, detection means for detecting an operation state of the knob, and an external device operated by the knob Wherein the actuator is controlled by a control signal generated based on an external signal output from at least an external detection unit connected to the external device. 2. A function selection switch for selecting a function to be adjusted from various functions, and a manual input device for adjusting a function selected by the function selection switch. A knob, an actuator that applies an external force to the knob, a detecting unit that detects an operation state of the knob, and an input / output unit that transmits and receives signals to and from an electric device operated by the knob, An on-vehicle device control device comprising: a device for controlling an actuator by a control signal generated based on an external signal output from at least an external detection unit connected to the electric device.