JP2009179137A - Operation element of steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation element of a steering device allowing the position of a grip part to be changed depending on the physical features or taste of a driver. <P>SOLUTION: The operation element includes three stationary spokes 6 extending radially from a core 3; a movable spoke 7 movably mounted on these stationary spokes 6; grip bodies 14 connected to a distal end of the movable spoke 7; a connected body 15 connecting the adjacent grip bodies 14 and 14, and going in/out of the grip bodies 14; a pinion 8 rotatably supported on the stationary spokes 6; and a rack 7 firmly secured to the stationary spoke 7 and meshed with the pinion 8. By rotating the pinion 8, the movable spoke 7 connected to the rack 7 is moved radially to change the distance between the grip bodies 14 and 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operator of a steering device such as a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, some vehicle steering apparatuses include a tilt mechanism that can change a steering inclination angle according to a driver's preference, and a telescopic mechanism that can change the front and rear positions of the steering (for example, patents). Reference 1).
JP 2007-76531 A

However, in the conventional steering apparatus, the driver cannot change the position of the grip part that grips the steering wheel, so the position of the grip part can be adjusted to the driver's physique or to the driver's preference. could not.
Therefore, the present invention provides an operator of a steering device that can change the position of the gripping portion according to the physique and preference of the driver.

In the operating device of the steering apparatus according to the present invention, the following means are adopted in order to solve the above problems.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the operation device of the steering apparatus in which the driver operates with both hands, the gripping portion gripped by the driver (for example, the grip body 14, 53a, 53b gripping portion 28 in the embodiment described later, lever) 78L, 78R, change means (for example, pinions 8, 46, 55, 74, 86 in the embodiments described later, racks 11, 48, 51, 75L, 75R, 90L, 90R) for changing the intervals of the grip portions 89L, 89R). , A gear 26), which is an operating element (for example, operating elements 1A to 1E in the embodiments described later).
By comprising in this way, the space | interval of a holding part can be changed according to a driver | operator's physique and liking.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the operation element is configured by arranging a plurality of members (for example, grip bodies 14, 53a, 53b in embodiments described later) in a substantially circular shape. The changing means is characterized in that distances of the plurality of members with respect to a circle center of the operation element are variable.
By comprising in this way, the space | interval of a holding part can be changed according to a driver | operator's physique and liking.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the changing means is configured such that an angle formed by the plurality of members according to a change in distance of the plurality of members with respect to a circle center of the operation element. It is characterized by changing.
By comprising in this way, the space | interval of a holding part can be changed according to a driver | operator's physique and liking. Further, even if the interval between the gripping portions is changed, the operation element can be formed in a shape close to a circle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the operation element includes a plurality of members (for example, levers 23L and 23R in the embodiments described later), and the changing means includes the plurality of members. The relative angle of the members is variable.
By comprising in this way, the space | interval of a holding part can be changed according to a driver | operator's physique and liking.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the operating element includes a plurality of levers (for example, levers 78L, 78R, 83L, 83R in the embodiments described later), The changing means is characterized in that intervals between the plurality of levers are variable.
By comprising in this way, the space | interval of a holding part can be changed according to a driver | operator's physique and liking.

According to the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the interval between the gripping portions can be changed according to the physique and preference of the driver, so that the operability of the operator is improved. Moreover, the magnitude | size of the steering force required for steering can be changed by changing the space | interval of a holding part.
In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the operation element can be formed in a nearly circular shape even if the interval between the gripping portions is changed.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a control device of a steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of FIGS. In the following description, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction coincide with the direction viewed from the driver's seat.

<Example 1>
First, a first embodiment of an operating element of a steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The operating element according to the first embodiment is a mode of the operating element in the vehicle steering apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating element 1 </ b> A according to the first embodiment is a round handle type, and includes a core 3 connected to a tip of a steering shaft 2 of a steering device, and three spokes 4 extending radially from the core 3. And an annular grip 5 connected to the tip of each spoke 4.
The spoke 4 includes a fixed spoke 6 that is integrally formed with the core 3 and a movable spoke 7 that is movably attached to the fixed spoke 6. Each spoke 4 moves the movable spoke 7 with respect to the fixed spoke 6. It can be expanded and contracted.

  More specifically, the movable spoke 7 is attached to the fixed spoke 6 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. A shaft 9 having a pinion 8 is rotatably supported on each fixed spoke 6. On the other hand, a rack 10 extending in a direction approaching the fixed spoke 6 is fixed to each movable spoke 7, and the rack 10 meshes with the pinion 8. In order to rotate the three shafts 9 synchronously, a belt 12 is wound around a pulley 11 fixed to the tip of each shaft 9. Moreover, one shaft 9 of the three shafts penetrates the back side of the fixed spoke 6, and the dial 13 is fixed to the end thereof. When the dial 13 is rotated, the three shafts 9 simultaneously rotate in the same direction at the same angle, and the three movable spokes 7 approach or separate from the fixed spoke 6 by the same dimension.

The grip 5 includes three grip main bodies 14 having rigidity and an arc shape, and a connecting body 15 that connects the adjacent grip main bodies 14 and 14 to each other.
The connecting body 15 has flexibility, and an end portion of the connecting body 15 is slidably inserted into a storage hole provided at an end portion of the grip body 14, and a portion inserted into the grip body 14 is It deforms along the shape of the grip body 14.

  As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the three grip bodies 14 are connected in a circular shape in a state where the connecting body 15 is completely accommodated in the grip body 14, and the center of the circle is the axis of the steering shaft 2. Located on the top. FIG. 2 is a side view of this embodiment. That is, each grip body 14 has an arc shape obtained by dividing a circle into three parts. The tip of the movable spoke 7 is fixed at the center of the arc of each grip body 14. When the movable spoke 7 is moved away from the fixed spoke 6, the grip body 14 moves outward in the radial direction. The ends of the grip body 14 are separated from each other, and a part of the connecting body 15 housed in the grip body 14 is pulled out, and the adjacent grip bodies 14 and 14 are connected by the connecting body 15. It becomes a form. In FIG. 1, the solid line indicates the state of the grip 5 when the movable spoke 7 is projected from the fixed spoke 6 to the maximum extent.

In the operator 1A of the first embodiment, the driver holds the grip body 14 of the grip 5 and performs steering. Therefore, the grip body 14 becomes a grip portion.
Then, by rotating the dial 13 and moving the movable spoke 7 with respect to the fixed spoke 6, each grip body 14 can be moved in a direction approaching and separating from the center of the circle of the grip 5. The size of can be changed.
Thereby, according to a driver | operator's physique and liking, the space | interval (space | interval of a holding part) of the grip main body 14 and the grip main body 14 can be enlarged or reduced, and the operativity of the operation element 1A improves. To do.
Further, by widening the gap between the grip body 14 and the grip body 14, a steering torque of the same magnitude can be obtained with a small steering force. Therefore, the steering force required for turning is small, and the operability is improved.

In the first embodiment, the pinion 8 and the rack 10 constitute a changing unit that changes the interval between the gripping portions.
In the first embodiment, the dial 13 is manually rotated to rotate the pinion 8 and the size of the grip 5 is changed. However, the pinion 8 may be rotated by an electric motor instead of the dial. Further, the mechanism for rotating the three pinions 8 in conjunction with each other is not limited to the belt, and a chain or a gear can be used. Further, the number of divisions of the grip 5 (the number of the grip main bodies 14) is not limited to three, but may be four or more, and the number of the spokes 4 may be increased according to the number of divisions.

<Example 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the operating element of the steering device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The operation element according to the second embodiment is an aspect of the operation element in the aircraft steering apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation element 1 </ b> B of the second embodiment is a lever type, and includes a core 21 that is rotatably connected to the tip of the steering column 20, a spoke 22 that extends downward from the core 21, and a spoke. 22 comprises a pair of left and right levers 23L, 23R extending left and right from the lower end of 22.

  More specifically, a pair of shafts 24, 24 are arranged side by side at the lower end of the spoke 22 and are rotatably supported by the spoke 22. The bases 25 of the left and right levers 23L and 23R are fixed to the tips of the left and right shafts 24. The levers 23L and 23R have an arcuate shape, and the base 25 is provided with a gear 26 concentrically with the axis of the shaft 25, and the gears 26 and 26 of both levers 23L and 23R are engaged with each other. Further, one shaft 24 penetrates the back surface side of the spoke 22, and a dial 27 is fixed to an end portion thereof. When the dial 27 is rotated, the shafts 24 and 24 rotate in opposite directions due to the meshing of the gears 26 and 26, and the relative angles of the left and right levers 23L and 23R are indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. It can be changed by narrowing it down or expanding it as shown by the solid line.

In the operation element 1B of the second embodiment, the driver performs steering by holding the front portions of the levers 23L and 23R. Therefore, the tip portions of the levers 23L and 23R serve as the grip portion 28.
Then, by rotating the dial 27, the relative angle of the levers 23L, 23R can be changed, and the interval between the gripping portions 28, 28 can be changed.
Thereby, according to a driver | operator's physique and liking, the space | interval of the holding parts 28 and 28 can be enlarged or reduced, and the operativity of the operation element 1B improves.
Further, by widening the gap between the grip portions 28, 28, when the core 21 is rotated with respect to the steering column 20, the same amount of steering torque can be obtained with a small steering force. Therefore, the steering force required for turning is small, and the operability is improved.
In the second embodiment, the gears 26 and 26 constitute changing means for changing the interval between the gripping portions.

<Example 3>
Next, a third embodiment of the operating element of the steering device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The operating element according to the third embodiment is a mode of the operating element in the vehicle steering apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation element 1 </ b> C according to the third embodiment is a round handle type, and includes a core 41 connected to a tip of a steering shaft (not shown) of the steering device, and a radial 3 extending from the core 41. Each spoke 42 and an annular grip 43 connected to the tip of each spoke 42 are configured.
The spoke 42 includes a fixed spoke 44 that is integrally formed with the core 41 and a movable spoke 45 that is movably attached to the fixed spoke 44. Each spoke 42 moves the movable spoke 45 relative to the fixed spoke 44. It can be expanded and contracted.

More specifically, the movable spoke 45 is attached to the fixed spoke 44 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. A shaft 47 having a pinion 46 is rotatably supported on each fixed spoke 44. On the other hand, a rack 48 extending in a direction approaching the fixed spoke 44 is fixed to each movable spoke 45, and the rack 48 meshes with the pinion 46. In order to rotate the three shafts 47 synchronously, a belt 50 is wound around a pulley 49 fixed to the tip of each shaft 47. Further, one of the three shafts 47 penetrates the back side of the fixed spoke 44, and a dial (not shown) is fixed to the end thereof. When this dial is rotated, the three shafts 47 simultaneously rotate in the same direction and at the same angle, and the three movable spokes 45 approach or separate from the fixed spoke 44 by the same dimension.
A rack 51 having rack teeth formed on both left and right side surfaces is fixed to the fixed spoke 44 with its tip extending in a direction approaching the movable spoke 45.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of shafts 52, 52 are arranged side by side at the tip of each movable spoke 45 and are rotatably supported by the movable spoke 45. The bases 54 of the left and right grip bodies 53a and 53b are fixed to the left and right shafts 52 and 52 protruding from the movable spoke 45, and the shafts 52 and 52 protruding from the grip bodies 53a and 53b are respectively provided with gears at the tips. 55 is fixed. The gears 55, 55 of both grip bodies 53 a, 53 b are disposed on the left and right sides of the rack 51 extending from the fixed spoke 44, and mesh with the rack teeth on the left and right sides of the rack 51, respectively.

The grip bodies 53a and 53b have rigidity and have an arc shape, and are provided in pairs for each movable spoke 45 as described above. The tip 56 of the grip body 53a and the tip 57 of the grip body 53b that are approaching each other are connected by a connecting body 58.
The connecting body 58 has flexibility, and the end of the connecting body 58 is slidably inserted into a storage hole provided in the tip portion 56 of the grip body 53a and the tip portion 57 of the grip body 53b. The portions inserted into the grip bodies 53a and 53b are deformed along the shape of the grip bodies 53a and 53b.

In the third embodiment, the grip 43 is configured by the six grip bodies 53 a and 53 b and the three coupling bodies 58. The driver grips the grip main bodies 53a and 53b of the grip 43 to perform steering. Therefore, the grip bodies 53a and 53b serve as gripping portions.
The six grip bodies 53a and 53b are connected in a circular shape in a state where the connecting body 58 is completely accommodated in the grip bodies 53a and 53b, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Located on the shaft axis.

  In the operation element 1C according to the third embodiment, when the dial connected to the shaft 47 of the pinion 46 is rotated and the movable spoke 45 is moved away from the fixed spoke 44, the base portions 54 of the grip bodies 53a and 53b are obtained. , 54 move radially outward. Further, when the movable spoke 45 moves in a direction away from the fixed spoke 44, the pinion 55, 55 fixed to the shafts 52, 52 of the grip bodies 53 a, 53 b engages with the rack 51 and moves away from the fixed spoke 44. Therefore, both pinions 55 and 55 rotate in opposite directions, whereby the grip bodies 53a and 53b rotate around the shafts 52 and 52 so as to widen their relative angles. As a result, the diameter of the grip 43 is increased, and the tip portions 56 and 57 of the grip main bodies 53a and 53b that are in contact with each other are separated from each other, and accordingly, one of the connecting bodies 58 accommodated in the grip main bodies 53a and 53b. The portions 56 and 57 of the grip bodies 53a and 53b that are pulled out and separated from each other are connected by a connecting body 58. In FIG. 6, the solid line indicates the state of the grip 43 when the movable spoke 45 is protruded from the fixed spoke 44 to the maximum extent.

  On the contrary, when the dial is rotated in the reverse direction from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 and the movable spoke 45 is moved in the direction approaching the fixed spoke 44, the base portions 54 and 54 of the grip bodies 53a and 53b are moved. At the same time, the grip bodies 53a and 53b rotate to reduce the relative angle. As a result, the diameter of the grip 43 gradually decreases, the tip portions 56 and 57 of the grip bodies 53a and 53b approach each other, and the connecting body 58 is accommodated in the grip bodies 53a and 53b. And finally, as shown with a dashed-two dotted line in FIG. 6, the grip 43 becomes circular.

Thus, according to the operation element 1C of the third embodiment, the size of the grip 43 can be changed according to the physique and preference of the driver, and the interval between the gripping portions can be increased or decreased. Therefore, the operability of the operation element 1C is improved. Moreover, even when the diameter of the grip 43 is increased, the grip 43 can be formed in a shape close to a circle.
Further, by increasing the interval between the gripping portions, the same amount of steering torque can be obtained with a small steering force. Therefore, the steering force required for turning is small, and the operability is improved.
In the third embodiment, the pinion 46 and the rack 48, and the pinion 55 and the rack 51 constitute changing means for changing the interval between the gripping portions.

  In the third embodiment, the pinion 46 is manually rotated, but the pinion 46 may be rotated by an electric motor. Further, the mechanism for rotating the three pinions 46 in conjunction with each other is not limited to a belt, and a chain or a gear can be used. Further, the number of divisions of the grip 43 (the number of grip bodies 53a and 53b) is not limited to six, but may be eight or more, and the number of spokes 42 may be increased according to the number of divisions.

<Example 4>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the operating element of the steering device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The operating element according to the fourth embodiment is a mode of the operating element in the vehicle steering apparatus.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operation element 1D of the fourth embodiment is a lever type. A gear box 71 is fixed to the tip of the steering shaft 70 of the steering device. In a state in which the vehicle is traveling straight, the gear box 71 is arranged with its axis along the vehicle width direction, and a through hole 72 is provided along the axis. A shaft 73 is rotatably attached to the center of the gear box 71, and the axis of the shaft 73 is disposed on the extension of the axis of the steering shaft 70. A pinion 74 is fixed to the shaft 73 inserted into the through hole 72. A dial 76 is fixed to the shaft 73 protruding upward from the gear box 71.

A pair of racks 75L and 75R meshing with the pinion 74 are accommodated in the through hole 72 of the gear box 71 so as to sandwich the pinion 74, and these racks 75L and 75R can move in the axial direction in the gear box 71. Is attached. The racks 75 </ b> L and 75 </ b> R extend in opposite directions from each other and project from the end openings of the gear box 71.
Lever 78L, 78R is erected and attached to the tip of rack 75L, 75R protruding from gear box 71.
In the fourth embodiment, the operating element 1D is configured by the gear box 71, the left and right racks 75L and 75R, and the levers 78L and 78R. The driver holds the levers 78L and 78R and rotates the operating element 1D. The steering shaft 70 is rotated to perform steering. Therefore, the levers 78L and 78R serve as gripping portions.

In the operation element 1D of the fourth embodiment, by rotating the dial 76, the racks 75L and 75R can be moved in the opposite directions to each other, whereby the interval between the levers 78L and 78R can be widened or narrowed. . 8 and 9, the solid line shows the case where the interval between the levers 78L and 78R is maximized, and the two-dot chain line shows the case where the interval between the levers 78L and 78R is minimized.
As described above, according to the operation element 1D of the fourth embodiment, the interval between the levers 78L and 78R can be changed according to the physique and preference of the driver, and the interval between the gripping portions can be increased or decreased. Since it can be changed, the operability of the operation element 1D is improved.
Further, by increasing the interval between the gripping portions, the same amount of steering torque can be obtained with a small steering force. Therefore, the steering force required for turning is small, and the operability is improved.

In the fourth embodiment, the pinion 74 and the racks 75L and 75R constitute changing means for changing the interval between the gripping portions.
In the fourth embodiment, the dial 76 is manually rotated to rotate the pinion 74, but the pinion 74 may be rotated by an electric motor instead of the dial 76.

<Example 5>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the operator of the steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
The operation element of the fifth embodiment is an aspect of the operation element in the aircraft steering system.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the operation element 1 </ b> E of the fifth embodiment is a lever type, and includes a core 81 that is rotatably connected to the tip of the steering column 80, a spoke 82 that extends downward from the core 81, and a spoke. And a pair of left and right levers 83L and 83R supported by 82.

  The lower end of the spoke 82 is provided with a gear box 84 whose longitudinal direction extends to the left and right, and the gear box 84 is provided with a through hole 85 along the longitudinal direction. A shaft 91 with its axis oriented in the front-rear direction is rotatably attached to the center of the gear box 84, and a pinion 86 is fixed to the shaft 91 inserted into the through hole 85. A dial 87 is fixed to the shaft 91 protruding forward from the back surface of the gear box 84.

  On the other hand, the left and right levers 83L, 83R are L-shaped and have horizontal portions 88L, 88R and grip portions 89L, 89R. The horizontal portion 88L of the left lever 83L is inserted into the through hole 85 from the left opening of the gear box 84, and the horizontal portion 88R of the right lever 83R is inserted into the through hole 85 from the right opening of the gear box 84. These horizontal portions 88L and 88R are attached to the gear box 84 so as to be movable through the through hole 85 in the axial direction.

Further, racks 90L and 90R are formed at the front portions of the horizontal portions 88L and 88R of the left and right levers 83L and 83R, respectively, and the two racks 90L and 90R are arranged so as to sandwich the pinion 86 and mesh with the pinion 86. ing.
The grip parts 89L and 89R are bent substantially at right angles to the horizontal parts 88L and 88R and extend upward.
In the operator 1E of the fifth embodiment, the driver performs the steering operation by gripping the grip portions 89L and 89R of the levers 83L and 83R. Accordingly, the grip portions 89L and 89R serve as grip portions.

  In the operation element 1E of the fifth embodiment, by rotating the dial 87, the racks 90L and 90R can be moved in the opposite directions to each other, thereby widening or narrowing the gap between the grip portions 89L and 89R. it can. The solid line in FIG. 10 shows the case where the interval between the grip portions 89L and 89R is maximized, and the two-dot chain line shows the case where the interval between the grip portions 89L and 89R is minimized.

As described above, according to the operator 1E of the fifth embodiment, the interval between the grip portions 89L and 89R can be changed according to the physique and preference of the driver, and the interval between the grip portions can be increased or decreased. Therefore, the operability of the operation element 1E is improved.
Further, by increasing the interval between the gripping portions, the same amount of steering torque can be obtained with a small steering force. Therefore, the steering force required for turning is small, and the operability is improved.

In the fifth embodiment, the pinion 86 and the racks 90L and 90R constitute a changing unit that changes the interval between the gripping portions.
In the fifth embodiment, the dial 87 is manually rotated to rotate the pinion 86, but the pinion 86 may be rotated by an electric motor instead of the dial 87.

[Other Examples]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
For example, each of the above-described embodiments has been described with respect to an operation element of a steering device for a vehicle or an aircraft, but the present invention can also be applied to an operation element of a steering device for another moving body (such as a ship). .

It is a front view in Example 1 of the operation element of the steering device which concerns on this invention. It is a side view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part of operation element of the said Example 1. FIG. It is a front view which expands and shows the principal part of the operation element of the said Example 1. FIG. It is a front view in Example 2 of the operation element of the steering device which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the operation element of the second embodiment. It is a front view in Example 3 of the operation element of the steering device which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which expands and shows the principal part of the operation element of the said Example 3. It is a top view which fractures | ruptures and shows in Example 4 of the operation element of the steering device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part of operation element of the said Example 4. FIG. It is a front view which fractures | ruptures and shows in Example 5 of the operation element of the steering device which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the operation element of Example 5.

Explanation of symbols

1A to 1E Controller 8 Pinion (changing means)
11 racks (change means)
14 Grip body (grip)
23L, 23R Lever 26 Gear (Change means)
28 Grip part 46 Pinion (change means)
48 racks (change means)
53a, 53b Grip body (gripping part)
51 racks (change means)
55 pinion (change means)
74 pinion (change means)
75L, 75R rack (change means)
78L, 78R lever (grip)
83L, 83R Lever 86 Pinion (Change means)
89L, 89R Grip part (grip part)
90L, 90R rack (change means)

Claims (5)

In the operation device of the steering device where the driver operates with both hands,
An operating element of a steering apparatus, comprising: a changing unit that changes an interval between gripping portions held by a driver.   2. The operation element according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of members are arranged in a substantially circular shape, and the changing unit is configured to change a distance of the plurality of members with respect to a circle center of the operation element. Steering device operator.   3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein the changing unit changes an angle formed by the plurality of members in accordance with a change in a distance of the plurality of members with respect to a circle center of the operation element. An operator.   2. The operating element of the steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating element includes a plurality of members, and the changing unit is configured to change a relative angle of the plurality of members.   2. The operating device of a steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating device includes a plurality of levers arranged in parallel to each other, and the changing unit is configured to change a distance between the plurality of levers.

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