JP2015098222A - Rotational operation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotational operation device which enables arbitrarily setting a position for regulating rotational operation to an operation object even in a neutral position to a region exceeding 360° leftwise and rightwise.SOLUTION: A steering device includes a fixing member 4 and a fixing member 5 into which a steering shaft to be operated for rotation is inserted, and a rotational member 6 which rotates together with the steering shaft, between the fixing members 4, 5. In the fixing member 4, a spiral groove 43 is provided around the steering shaft. The rotational member 6 includes a regulation block which displaces to the fixing member 5 side following the displacement of a slide block 63 that displaces in the radial direction of the steering shaft by being guided by the spiral groove 43. The fixing member 5 includes a counter groove 53 in which the regulation block enters. The rotation of the steering shaft is regulated by abutting of the regulation block with counter regulation edge parts 56, 57 of the counter groove 53.

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary operation device.

  Conventionally, there is a steering apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1. This steering device is a so-called by-wire type steering device, and includes a reaction force applying mechanism that applies a reaction force so that the steering returns to the neutral position when the steering is operated.

  The reaction force applying mechanism includes a cylindrical housing. A steering shaft connected to a steering wheel operated by a user is inserted through the housing. A rotating bar is fixed to the steering shaft. The rotating bar rotates around the steering shaft as the steering shaft rotates. The rotating bar is accommodated in the housing. Two stoppers project from the inner peripheral surface of the housing. When the housing is viewed from the axial direction, the two stoppers are provided at positions 220 ° to the left and right with respect to the neutral position (0 ° position) of the rotating bar. Note that the two stoppers are provided so as to be offset in the axial direction of the rotating bar. Accordingly, the two stoppers are deviated from the movement trajectory of the rotating bar. A lock bar is provided at a position 180 ° with respect to the neutral position (0 ° position) of the rotation bar. The lock bar extends parallel to the axial direction of the housing and is located on the movement locus of the rotation bar. A spring is interposed between the lock bar and the two stoppers. The elastic forces of the two springs are set so as to balance when the lock bar is at a 180 ° position. As a result, when the lock bar is displaced toward one of the stoppers, the lock bar returns to the 180 ° position by the elastic force of the spring. Note that the movement of the lock bar is restricted by contacting the stopper. That is, the lock bar can be moved from the 180 ° position by 40 ° to the left and right. For this reason, the steering shaft, and hence the steering wheel, can be rotated from the neutral position to the left and right by 220 °.

  The steering device also includes a motor that applies a reaction force to the steering shaft. The motor is controlled to increase the reaction force applied as the rotation angle of the steering shaft increases. However, while the rotating bar is in contact with the lock bar, the reaction force applied to the steering shaft by the motor is maintained at a constant value.

  Thus, according to the steering device of Patent Document 1, a reaction force is applied to the steering shaft by operating the steering wheel.

JP 2010-126031 A

  In the steering device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rotation of the steering shaft is restricted at 220 ° to the left and right from the neutral position. If the position of the stopper is changed, it is possible to regulate the rotation of the steering shaft around 360 ° left and right, but it is impossible to regulate the rotation of the steering shaft exceeding 360 ° left or right, that is, more than one rotation.

Such a problem occurs not only in the steering apparatus but also in any apparatus that is operated to rotate.
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the purpose thereof is rotation that can arbitrarily set a position that regulates rotation of a rotating shaft to be rotated even in a region exceeding 360 ° from a neutral position. It is to provide an operating device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a rotation operation device includes a rotation shaft that is rotated in first and second directions with respect to a neutral position, a rotation member that is fixed in a state of being passed through the rotation shaft, A first fixing member facing the rotating member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a second fixing member facing the rotating member on the opposite side of the first fixing member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The first fixing member has a spiral groove centered on the rotating shaft on the surface of the rotating member, and the rotating member is fixed in a state of being passed through the rotating shaft. The case is maintained in a state of entering the spiral groove inside the case, and is guided by the spiral groove along with the rotation of the rotary shaft and is slid while being displaced in the radial direction of the rotary shaft. A slide block that rotates around its axis, A regulating block that rotates about the rotation axis while being pushed out from the case toward the second fixing member along the axis of the rotation axis along with the slide displacement of the slide block, and the second fixing member Is provided with a rotation restricting portion that abuts the restricting block that rotates around the rotating shaft while being pushed out of the case as the rotating shaft rotates to restrict the rotation of the rotating member by contacting the restricting block in the rotating direction. The gist.

  According to this configuration, the amount of rotation of the rotating member, that is, the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft is determined by the position where the rotation restricting portion contacts the restricting block. That is, the position where the rotation of the rotation shaft that is rotated by the position of the rotation restricting portion can be arbitrarily set in a region within 360 ° from the neutral position and a region exceeding 360 °.

  In the above configuration, the restriction block is constantly applied with a first biasing force toward the first fixing member, and moves toward the second fixing member as the slide block is displaced in a direction approaching the rotation shaft. A first restricting block that moves against the first urging force and is pushed out of the case, and a second urging force is constantly applied toward the first fixing member, and the slide block rotates. A second restricting block that moves against the second urging force and pushes out of the case as it is displaced in a direction away from the shaft, and the rotation restricting portion includes: A first restricting block pushed out from the case with the rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction, a first restricting portion abutting in the rotating direction, and rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction Second regulating block extruded from with the case and a second regulating portion which abuts in its rotation direction, it is preferable to include a.

According to this configuration, even when the rotation shaft rotates from the neutral position in either the first direction or the second direction, the rotation can be restricted at an arbitrary position.
In the above-described configuration, the first restricting block converts a force displaced in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the slide block into a force directed in a direction opposite to the first fixing member. And the second restricting block converts the force that displaces the slide block in a direction away from the rotation shaft into a force that is directed in a direction opposite to the first fixing member. It is preferable that the angle of the first and second inclined surfaces changes in a plurality of stages.

  According to this configuration, the force required for the slide block to push out the first and second restriction blocks changes in a plurality of stages. Accordingly, the force for rotating the rotating shaft to slide the slide block also changes in a plurality of stages. For this reason, the user can recognize how much the rotation shaft is rotated through the force of the rotation operation.

  The rotation operation device includes a rotation shaft that is rotated in the first and second directions with respect to the neutral position, a rotation member that is fixed in a state of being passed through the rotation shaft, and the axial direction of the rotation shaft. A first fixing member facing the rotating member, and the first fixing member is a spiral groove centered on the rotating shaft on the surface of the rotating member, as viewed from the rotating member side. A rotation restricting portion that intersects the spiral groove, and the rotating member has a case that is fixed in a state of being passed through the rotating shaft, and enters the spiral groove inside the case. A slide block that rotates around the rotary shaft while being displaced in the radial direction of the rotary shaft while being guided by the spiral groove with the rotation of the rotary shaft and being displaced in the radial direction of the rotary shaft. Contact with the rotation restricting portion And gist to be restricted by Rukoto.

  According to this configuration, the amount of rotation of the rotating member, that is, the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft is determined by the position at which the rotation restricting portion contacts the slide block. That is, the position where the rotation of the rotation shaft is restricted by the position of the rotation restricting portion can be arbitrarily set in a region within 360 ° to the left and right from the neutral position and a region exceeding 360 °.

  The rotational operation device of the present invention can arbitrarily set the position for restricting the rotation of the rotationally operated rotational shaft even in a region exceeding 360 ° from the neutral position.

The disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of a steering device. (A) is a top view of a 1st fixing member, (b) is a top view of a rotation member, (c) is a top view of a 2nd fixing member. (A) is sectional drawing of a 1st fixing member in the state which has a steering wheel in a neutral position, (b) is sectional drawing of a rotation member, (c) is sectional drawing of a 2nd fixing member. (A) is a sectional view of the first fixing member, (b) is a sectional view of the rotating member, and (c) is a sectional view of the second fixing member in a state where the steering wheel is operated 600 ° to the right from the neutral position. . (A) is a cross-sectional view of the first fixing member, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating member, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the second fixing member when the steering wheel is operated 600 ° to the left from the neutral position. . (A) is sectional drawing in the 6a-6a line of FIG.2 (b), (b) is sectional drawing in the 6b-6b line of FIG.2 (b). The graph which shows the relationship between the reaction force concerning a steering shaft, and the rotation angle of a steering shaft. Sectional drawing which shows the other example of a rotating member.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a rotary operation device is embodied in a steering device will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Schematic configuration of steering device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the steering device 1 includes a steering shaft 3 coupled to a steering wheel 2 operated by a user, and first and second shafts through which the steering shaft 3 is inserted and fixed to a case (not shown). Fixing members 4 and 5. Further, the steering device 1 includes a rotating member 6 connected to the steering shaft 3 between the first fixing member 4 and the second fixing member 5. The steering device 1 includes a spiral spring (not shown). This spiral spring (not shown) urges the steering shaft 3 so as to return to a neutral position described later when the steering shaft 3 rotates.

<First fixing member>
As shown in FIG. 2A, the first fixing member 4 includes a disc 41, an insertion hole 42 provided in the center of the disc 41, and a spiral provided on the surface of the disc 41 on the rotating member 6 side. And a groove 43.

The disc 41 is fixed to a case (not shown).
The insertion hole 42 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering shaft 3.
The spiral groove 43 is formed so as to spiral the insertion hole 42. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), when viewed from the rotating member 6 side, the spiral groove 43 has a clockwise position from the neutral position when the position at 6 o'clock with the insertion hole 42 as the center is taken as the neutral position. The angle is formed by 600 ° in each of the first direction as the direction and the second direction as the counterclockwise direction. A first direction from the neutral position of the spiral groove 43 is referred to as a first spiral groove 44, and a second direction from the neutral position is referred to as a second spiral groove 45. In the following description, the angle from the neutral position in the first direction is a positive angle, and the angle from the neutral position in the second direction is a negative angle. That is, the first spiral groove 44 is provided in a range of 0 ° to 600 °, and the second spiral groove 45 is provided in a range of −600 ° to 0 °. The first spiral groove 44 is formed so that the distance from the insertion hole 42 becomes shorter as it goes in the first direction, and the second spiral groove 45 becomes the insertion hole as it goes in the second direction. It is formed so that the distance to 42 becomes long. Further, the edge of the first spiral groove 44 provided at a position 600 ° from the neutral position is used as the first restricting edge 46, and the second spiral groove 45 provided at a position −600 ° from the neutral position. This edge portion is referred to as a second restriction edge portion 47. The first and second restricting edge portions 46 and 47 correspond to rotation restricting portions.

<Second fixing member>
As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the second fixing member 5 includes a disc 51, an insertion hole 52 provided in the center of the disc 51, and a counter provided on the surface of the disc 51 on the rotating member 6 side. And a groove 53.

The disc 51 is fixed to a case (not shown) similarly to the disc 41 of the first fixing member 4.
The insertion hole 52 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering shaft 3, similar to the insertion hole 42 of the first fixing member 4.

The facing groove 53 includes a first facing groove 54 and a second facing groove 55.
The first facing groove 54 faces the 420 ° to 600 ° portion of the first spiral groove 44. Note that the edge portion of the first facing groove 54 facing the first restriction edge portion 46 is a first opposite restriction edge portion 56. The first opposing restriction edge 56 corresponds to a rotation restriction part and a first restriction part.

  The second facing groove 55 faces the portion of −600 ° to −420 ° of the second spiral groove 45. The edge portion of the second facing groove 55 facing the second restriction edge portion 47 is referred to as a second opposite restriction edge portion 57. The second opposing restriction edge 57 corresponds to a rotation restriction part and a second restriction part.

<Rotating member>
As shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, the rotating member 6 includes an insertion hole 62 and a case 61 having a cubic outer shape, a slide block 63 accommodated in the case 61, and a case. First and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 housed in 61.

  The insertion hole 62 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the steering shaft 3, similar to the insertion holes 42 and 52 of the first and second fixing members 4 and 5. A caulking member (not shown) is inserted into the insertion hole 62 together with the steering shaft 3. As a result, the case 61, that is, the rotating member 6 rotates integrally with the steering shaft 3.

  The case 61 includes a slide block housing portion 71. The slide block accommodating portion 71 extends in the longitudinal direction of the case 61 which is also the radial direction of the insertion hole 62. An opening 72 is continuous on the first fixing member 4 side of the slide block housing portion 71. The size of the opening 72 is set so as to restrict the displacement of the pressing portion 66 of the slide block 63 described later to the first fixing member 4 side. Further, a cylindrical shaft 67 of the slide block 63 described later protrudes from the opening 72.

  The slide block 63 includes a cubic pressing portion 66 and a cylindrical shaft 67 extending from the pressing portion 66 toward the first fixing member 4 side. The corner of the pressing portion 66 on the second fixing member 5 side is chamfered. Since the opening 72 restricts the pressing portion 66 from being displaced toward the first fixing member 4, the slide block 63 can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the case 61, which is also the radial direction of the insertion hole 62. When the steering shaft 3 is in the neutral position, the slide block 63 is assumed to be in the center position of the slide block housing portion 71. In this case, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is assumed to be a distance L1.

  The outer diameter of the cylindrical shaft 67 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the pressing portion 66, and the outer diameter of the tip portion 68 is set smaller than the groove width of the spiral groove 43. The cylindrical shaft 67 protrudes from the opening 72, and the tip end 68 enters the spiral groove 43 provided in the first fixing member 4. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 3 (a), 4 (a), and 5 (a), the rotation member 6 (case 61) rotates, so that the slide block 63 is rotated. Is guided to the spiral groove 43. As a result, the slide block 63 is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the case 61.

  Note that the rotation of the rotating member 6 in the first direction is restricted by the front end portion 68 coming into contact with the first restricting edge portion 46. At this time, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is assumed to be a distance L2 shorter than the distance L1. Further, the rotation of the rotating member 6 in the second direction is restricted by the front end portion 68 coming into contact with the second restricting edge portion 47. At this time, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is assumed to be a distance L3 longer than the distance L1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the case 61 includes cylindrical first and second restricting block accommodating portions 74 and 75 that are continuous to the second fixing member 5 side of the slide block accommodating portion 71. .
The first restriction block accommodating portion 74 is provided closer to the insertion hole 62 than the second restriction block accommodating portion 75. The first restriction block accommodation portion 74 and the second restriction block accommodation portion 75 are separated by a partition wall 76.

  The first and second restricting block accommodating portions 74 and 75 have openings 78 and 79 on the second fixing member 5 side. The inner diameters of the openings 78 and 79 are set to be smaller than the inner diameters of the first and second restriction block accommodating portions 74 and 75.

  Further, flanges having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameters of the first and second restricting block accommodating portions 74 and 75 are provided on the first fixing member 4 side of the first and second restricting block accommodating portions 74 and 75. Portions 80 and 81 are provided. The first and second restricting block accommodating portions 74 and 75 are continuous with the slide block accommodating portion 71 through the flange portions 80 and 81.

  A first restriction block 64 is accommodated in the first restriction block accommodation portion 74. The first restriction block 64 includes a first cylindrical portion 91 extending in parallel with the insertion hole 42, a first enlarged diameter portion 92 continuous with the slide block accommodating portion 71 of the first cylindrical portion 91, and a first And a first inclined portion 93 continuous to the slide block housing portion 71 side of the enlarged diameter portion 92.

The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 91 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 78, and the outer diameter of the tip portion 94 is set to be smaller than the groove width of the facing groove 53.
The outer diameter of the first enlarged diameter portion 92 is set larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 91 and further larger than the inner diameter of the flange portion 80.

  The first inclined portion 93 enters the slide block housing portion 71. Accordingly, the first inclined portion 93 is located on the movement locus of the slide block 63, more precisely, the pressing portion 66. More specifically, when the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is displaced between the distance L2 from the distance L4 that is shorter than the distance L1 and longer than the distance L2, the pressing portion 66 is 1 is in contact with the inclined portion 93. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the rotating member 6 is rotated by 420 ° in the first direction, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is a distance L4.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the first inclined portion 93 is an inclined surface that gradually and uniformly inclines toward the first fixing member 4 as it advances toward the insertion hole 62. The first inclined portion 93 converts the force that moves the pressing portion 66 toward the insertion hole 62 into the force that the first restricting block 64 moves toward the second fixing member 5.

  A coil spring 84 is accommodated in the first restriction block accommodation portion 74. The inner diameter of the coil spring 84 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 91 and smaller than the outer diameter of the first enlarged diameter portion 92. The coil spring 84 is inserted between the opening 78 and the first enlarged diameter portion 92 in an elastically compressed state. Accordingly, the first restricting block 64 is always biased toward the first fixing member 4 side.

  With the pressing portion 66 and the first inclined portion 93 in contact with each other, the rotating member 6 rotates in the first direction, and the slide block 63 is displaced toward the insertion hole 62 against the biasing force of the coil spring 84. As a result, the first restriction block 64 is displaced toward the second fixing member 5. With this displacement, as shown in FIG. 6B, the tip end portion 94 of the first cylindrical portion 91 protrudes from the first restricting block accommodating portion 74 and faces the opposing groove 53, more precisely, the first opposing groove. Enter 54. Then, the rotation of the rotating member 6 in the first direction is restricted by the front end portion 94 coming into contact with the first opposing restriction edge portion 56. Since the first opposing restriction edge 56 faces the first restriction edge 46, when the first restriction block 64 contacts the first opposite restriction edge 56, the cylindrical shaft 67 is also It abuts on the first restriction edge 46.

  A second restriction block 65 is accommodated in the second restriction block accommodation portion 75. The second restriction block 65 includes a second cylindrical portion 96 extending in parallel with the insertion hole 42, a second diameter-expanding portion 97 continuous to the slide block accommodating portion 71 side of the second cylindrical portion 96, and a second And a second inclined portion 98 continuous to the slide block housing portion 71 side of the enlarged diameter portion 97.

The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 96 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 79, and the outer diameter of the tip portion 99 is set to be smaller than the groove width of the facing groove 53.
The outer diameter of the second enlarged diameter portion 97 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 96 and further larger than the inner diameter of the flange portion 81.

  The second inclined portion 98 enters the slide block housing portion 71. Therefore, the second inclined portion 98 is located on the movement locus of the slide block 63, more precisely, the pressing portion 66. More specifically, when the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 is displaced between the distance L5 and the distance L3, which is longer than the distance L1 and shorter than the distance L3, It contacts the second inclined portion 98. 2A, when the rotating member 6 is rotated 420 ° in the second direction, that is, when the rotating member 6 is rotated to a position of −420 °, the center of the insertion hole 62 and the center of the cylindrical shaft 67 are Is the distance L5.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the second inclined portion 98 is an inclined surface that gradually and uniformly inclines toward the first fixing member 4 as it advances to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62. The second inclined portion 98 converts a force that moves the pressing portion 66 to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62 into a force that causes the second restricting block 65 to move to the second fixing member 5 side.

  A coil spring 85 is accommodated in the second restriction block accommodating portion 75. The inner diameter of the coil spring 85 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 96 and smaller than the outer diameter of the second enlarged diameter portion 97. The coil spring 85 is inserted between the opening 79 and the second enlarged diameter portion 97 in an elastically compressed state. Accordingly, the first restricting block 64 is always biased toward the first fixing member 4 side.

  With the pressing portion 66 and the second inclined portion 98 in contact with each other, the rotating member 6 rotates in the second direction and the slide block 63 resists the biasing force of the coil spring 85 and is opposite to the insertion hole 62. As a result of the displacement, the second restriction block 65 is displaced toward the second fixing member 5. With the displacement, the tip 99 of the second cylindrical portion 96 protrudes from the second restricting block accommodating portion 75 and enters the facing groove 53, more precisely, the second facing groove 55. Then, the rotation of the rotating member 6 in the second direction is restricted by the front end portion 99 coming into contact with the second opposing restriction edge portion 57. Since the second opposing restriction edge 57 faces the second restriction edge 47, when the second restriction block 65 comes into contact with the second opposing restriction edge 57, the cylindrical shaft 67 also It abuts on the second restriction edge 47.

<Operation of steering device>
Next, the operation of the steering device 1 will be described. First, a case where the steering wheel 2 is operated and the steering shaft 3 rotates in the first direction from the neutral position will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 are accommodated in the case 61. Accordingly, the tip portions 94 and 99 do not enter the facing groove 53. As shown in FIG. 6A, the slide block 63 is not in contact with the first and second restricting blocks 64 and 65.

  When the steering wheel 2 is operated in the first direction from the neutral position against the elastic force of a spiral spring (not shown), as shown in FIG. 68) moves along the first spiral groove 44. Since the first spiral groove 44 is formed so as to gradually approach the insertion hole 42 as it rotates in the first direction, the slide block 63 is gradually displaced toward the insertion hole 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 4 (b) and 6 (b), when the steering shaft 3 rotates 420 ° from the neutral position, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the cylindrical shaft 67 becomes a distance L4. The pressing portion 66 comes into contact with the first inclined portion 93. Then, when the steering shaft 3 further rotates in the first direction and the slide block 63 is displaced toward the insertion hole 62, the slide block 63 presses the first inclined portion 93 of the first restricting block 64. To do. The first inclined portion 93 converts a force that displaces the slide block 63 toward the insertion hole 62 into a force that displaces the first restricting block 64 toward the second fixing member 5. Since the first restricting block 64 is constantly urged toward the first fixing member 4 by the coil spring 84, when the force converted by the first inclined portion 93 becomes larger than the urging force of the coil spring 84, The first restricting block 64 is pushed out from the case 61 of the rotating member 6 to the second fixing member 5 side. Accordingly, displacement of the slide block 63 toward the insertion hole 62, that is, rotation of the rotating member 6 in the first direction is allowed.

  Note that while the pressing portion 66 is pressing the first inclined portion 93, the steering shaft 3 is subjected to a reaction force that attempts to displace the slide block 63 toward the center position side by the urging force of the coil spring 84, that is, rotation. A reaction force is applied to rotate the member 6 in the second direction. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the force for operating the steering wheel 2 changes at 420 ° where the pressing portion 66 and the first inclined portion 93 abut. This is because the reaction force applied to the steering shaft 3 is only due to the urging force of the spiral spring (not shown) from the neutral position to 420 °, whereas the spiral spring (not shown) is from 420 ° to 600 °. This is because of the urging force of the coil spring 84. Thereby, the operator of the steering wheel 2 can easily recognize how much the steering wheel 2 is operated. When the operator cancels the operation of the steering wheel 2, the steering wheel 2 returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the spiral spring (not shown) and the coil spring 84.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the rotating member 6, that is, the steering shaft 3 is rotated by 600 ° in the first direction, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the cylindrical shaft 67 becomes the distance L2, and the slide block 63 The tip 68 of the cylindrical shaft 67 in contact with the first restricting edge 46. Thereby, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the first direction is restricted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, while the steering shaft 3 is rotated 420 ° to 600 ° from the neutral position, the first restricting block 64 is pushed out by the slide block 63 and the first opposing groove. Enter 54. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the steering shaft 3 is rotated by 600 ° from the neutral position, the distal end portion 94 of the first cylindrical portion 91 in the first restricting block 64 is the first opposing restricting edge portion. 56 abuts. Thereby, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the first direction is restricted.

  Thus, since the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the first direction is restricted by both sides of the rotating member 6 in the rotation axis direction, that is, by the cooperation of the slide block 63 and the first restriction block 64, The force applied to is distributed. For this reason, in comparison with the case where the rotation is restricted only by the slide block 63 or only the first restriction block 64, problems in the slide block 63 and the first restriction block 64 are less likely to occur.

A case where the operation is performed in the second direction from the neutral position will be described.
When the steering wheel 2 is operated in the second direction from the neutral position against the elastic force of a spiral spring (not shown), as shown in FIG. 68) moves along the second spiral groove 45. Since the second spiral groove 45 is formed so as to gradually move away from the insertion hole 42 as it rotates in the second direction, the slide block 63 is gradually displaced to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 5B, when the steering shaft 3 is rotated by −420 ° from the neutral position, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the cylindrical shaft 67 becomes a distance L5, and the pressing portion 66 is It contacts the second inclined portion 98. Then, when the steering shaft 3 further rotates in the second direction and the slide block 63 is displaced to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62, the slide block 63 becomes the second inclined portion of the second restriction block 65. Press 98. The second inclined portion 98 converts a force that displaces the slide block 63 to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62 into a force that causes the second restricting block 65 to displace to the second fixing member 5 side. When the converted force becomes larger than the urging force of the coil spring 85, the second restricting block 65 is pushed out from the case 61 of the rotating member 6 to the second fixing member 5 side, and the slide block 63 is further inserted. Displacement to the opposite side of the hole 62, that is, rotation of the rotating member 6 in the second direction is allowed.

  It should be noted that while the pressing portion 66 is pressing the second inclined portion 98, the steering shaft 3 is subjected to a reaction force that tries to displace the slide block 63 toward the center position by the urging force of the coil spring 85, that is, rotation. A reaction force is applied to rotate the member 6 in the first direction. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the force for operating the steering wheel 2 changes at a boundary of −420 ° where the pressing portion 66 and the second inclined portion 98 abut. This is because the reaction force applied to the steering shaft 3 is only due to the urging force of the spiral spring (not shown) from the neutral position to -420 °, whereas the spiral is not shown from -420 ° to -600 °. This is because of the urging force of the coil spring and the coil spring 85. Thereby, the operator of the steering wheel 2 can easily recognize how much the steering wheel 2 is operated. Further, when the operator cancels the operation of the steering wheel 2, the steering wheel 2 returns to the neutral position by the urging force of the spiral spring (not shown) and the coil spring 85.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the rotating member 6, that is, the steering shaft 3 is rotated by 600 ° in the second direction, the distance between the center of the insertion hole 62 and the cylindrical shaft 67 becomes the distance L3, and the slide block 63 The tip 68 of the cylindrical shaft 67 in contact with the second restricting edge 47. Thereby, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the second direction is restricted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, while the steering shaft 3 is rotated from −420 ° to −600 ° from the neutral position, the second restriction block 65 is pushed out by the slide block 63 and is moved to the second position. The counter groove 55 is entered. Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the steering shaft 3 is rotated by −600 ° from the neutral position, the tip 99 of the second cylindrical portion 96 in the second restriction block 65 becomes the second opposing restriction edge. Abuts against the part. Thereby, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the second direction is restricted.

  As described above, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 in the second direction is regulated by the cooperation of the slide block 63 and the second regulating block 65 on both sides of the rotating member 6 in the rotational axis direction. The force applied to is distributed. For this reason, as compared with the case where the rotation is restricted only by the slide block 63 or only the second restriction block 65, the problems in the slide block 63 and the second restriction block 65 are less likely to occur.

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) A steering shaft 3 connected to a steering wheel 2 operated by a user, and first and second fixing members 4 through which the steering shaft 3 is inserted and fixed to a case (not shown). , 5 are provided. The steering device 1 is provided with a rotating member 6 connected to the steering shaft 3 between the first fixing member 4 and the second fixing member 5.

The first fixing member 4 includes a spiral groove 43 centered on the steering shaft 3 on the surface of the disc 41 on the rotating member 6 side.
The second fixing member 5 includes a counter groove 53 facing the spiral groove 43 on the surface of the disk 51 on the rotating member 6 side, and first and second crossing with the counter groove 53 when viewed from the rotating member 6 side. Opposed regulating edge portions 56 and 57. The first opposing restriction edge 56 is at a position corresponding to 600 ° in the first direction from the neutral position, and the second opposing restriction edge 57 is at a position corresponding to 600 ° from the neutral position in the second direction. , Each provided.

The rotating member 6 includes a case 61, a slide block 63, and first and second restricting blocks 64 and 65.
The slide block 63 is maintained in the state of entering the spiral groove 43 and is guided by the spiral groove 43 as the steering shaft 3 rotates, and rotates around the steering shaft 3 while being slidably displaced in the radial direction of the steering shaft 3. The slide block 63 is located on the side of the steering shaft 3 when the steering shaft 3 rotates in the first direction, and with the steering shaft 3 when the steering shaft 3 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction. Displace to the opposite side.

  The first restricting block 64 is constantly urged toward the first fixing member 4 by a coil spring 84. Further, the first restricting block 64 is pushed to the second fixing member 5 side by coming into contact with the slide block 63 that is displaced to the steering shaft 3 side and enters the facing groove 53, and around the steering shaft 3. Rotate in the first direction. The first restricting block 64 that rotates around the steering shaft 3 in the first direction while entering the facing groove 53 abuts on the first facing restricting edge 56 so that the first restricting block 64 rotates in the first direction. Be regulated.

  The second restriction block 65 is constantly urged toward the first fixing member 4 by the coil spring 85. Further, the second restriction block 65 is pushed to the second fixing member 5 side by coming into contact with the slide block 63 that is displaced to the opposite side of the steering shaft 3 and enters the facing groove 53, and the steering shaft 3. Around in the second direction. The second restricting block 65 that rotates around the steering shaft 3 in the second direction in the state of entering the facing groove 53 abuts on the second facing restricting edge portion 57 to rotate in the second direction. Be regulated.

  With this configuration, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is restricted at a position rotated 600 ° from the neutral position in the first direction and a position rotated 600 ° from the neutral position in the second direction. That is, the amount of rotation of the steering shaft 3 is determined by the position where the first and second opposing restriction edges 56 and 57 are provided. Therefore, if the positions where the first and second opposing restriction edges 56 and 57 are provided are changed, the position where the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is restricted is set in a region within 360 ° left and right from the neutral position and a region exceeding 360 °. It can be set arbitrarily.

  (2) The first fixing member 4 is provided with first and second regulating edge portions 46 and 47 that intersect with the spiral groove 43 when viewed from the rotating member 6 side. The first restricting edge 46 is at a position where the slide block 63 contacts when the rotating member 6 is rotated 600 ° in the first direction from the neutral position, and the second restricting edge 47 is at a position where the rotating member 6 is away from the neutral position. The slide blocks 63 are provided at positions where the slide blocks 63 come into contact with each other when rotated by 600 ° in the second direction.

  With this configuration, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is restricted at a position rotated 600 ° from the neutral position in the first direction and a position rotated 600 ° from the neutral position in the second direction.

  When the slide block 63 comes into contact with the first restriction edge 46, the first restriction block 64 comes into contact with the first opposing restriction edge 56, and when the slide block 63 comes into contact with the second restriction edge 47, Since the two restriction blocks 65 abut against the second opposing restriction edge 57, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 can be more reliably restricted.

  (3) When the rotating member 6 rotates 420 ° or more in the first direction, the slide block 63 rotates the first restricting block 64, and when the rotating member 6 rotates 420 ° or more in the second direction, the slide block 63 Are configured to press the second restriction blocks 65, respectively.

  Thereby, the force that the slide block 63 tries to slide and displace in the radial direction of the steering shaft 3 when the slide block 63 is not pressing the first and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 and when the slide block 63 is pressing. That is, the force for operating the steering wheel 2 changes. Thereby, the operator of the steering wheel 2 can easily recognize how much the steering wheel 2 is operated.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, the first and second inclined portions 93 and 98 are uniform inclined surfaces, but may be inclined surfaces that change in a plurality of stages. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an inclined surface 93a that gradually inclines toward the first fixing member 4 as the first inclined portion 93 proceeds toward the insertion hole 62, and an insertion hole 62 side of the inclined surface 93a. And an inclined surface 93b which is further inclined more than the inclined surface 93a. As the second inclined portion 98 is advanced to the side opposite to the insertion hole 62, the inclined surface 98a is gradually inclined toward the first fixing member 4 side, and the inclined surface 98a is continuously inclined to the opposite side of the insertion hole 62. And an inclined surface 98b inclined more greatly than the surface 98a.

  With this configuration, the slide block 63 pushes out the first and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 at the boundary between the inclined surface 93a and the inclined surface 93b and the boundary between the inclined surface 98a and the inclined surface 98b. Since the necessary force changes, the operator of the steering wheel 2 can easily recognize how much the steering wheel 2 is being operated.

  Note that the first and second inclined portions 93 and 98 may include three or more inclined surfaces. When it has n inclined surfaces, there are n-1 boundaries between the inclined surfaces. As the number of boundaries increases, the number of times that the force required for the slide block 63 to push out the first and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 changes increases, so that the operator of the steering wheel 2 It is possible to recognize more whether it is operating to some extent.

  In the other example, the inclined surface 93a and the inclined surface 98a do not necessarily have to be inclined with respect to the moving direction of the slide block 63. In other words, the surfaces corresponding to the inclined surface 93a and the inclined surface 98a of the other example may be surfaces parallel to the moving direction of the slide block 63. Even when configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the other example can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the slide block 63 moves the first restriction block 64 when the rotating member 6 rotates 420 ° or more in the first direction, and the rotating block 6 rotates 420 ° or more in the second direction. Although the second restricting blocks 65 are pressed respectively, the pressing positions may be arbitrarily set.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the slide block 63 is rotated from the neutral position in the first direction, the first restriction block 64 is rotated when the slide block 63 is rotated in the second direction from the neutral position. You may comprise the control block 65 so that it may each press. If comprised in this way, the spiral spring which is not illustrated which urges | biases the steering shaft 3 in the said embodiment toward a neutral position can also be abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the second fixing member 5 may be omitted. In this case, the first and second restriction blocks 64 and 65 may also be omitted. Even in such a configuration, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 is restricted by the slide block 63 coming into contact with the first and second restriction edges 46 and 47 of the spiral groove 43.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second regulating edge portions 46 and 47 may be omitted. That is, the spiral groove 43 may continue to the insertion hole 42 and the outside in the spiral direction. Even when configured in this manner, the rotation of the steering shaft 3 causes the first restriction block 64 to move to the first opposed restriction edge 56 and the second restriction block 65 to the second opposed restriction edge 57, respectively. It is regulated by contact.

In the above embodiment, the pressing portion 66 of the slide block 63 may not be chamfered.
In the above embodiment, the reaction force is applied to the steering shaft 3 by a spiral spring (not shown). However, for example, a motor that directly applies the reaction force to the steering shaft 3 may be provided instead of the spiral spring. Good. Even when configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, other urging members may be employed in place of the coil springs 84 and 85 that apply the first and second urging forces to the first and second restricting blocks 64 and 65. For example, a magnet may be used. Even when configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

-In above-mentioned embodiment, you may use the steering apparatus 1 not only for a real vehicle but for the driving game machine etc. which drive the vehicle displayed on a display.
In the above embodiment, the steering device 1 has been described as a representative example of the rotation operation device, but may be applied to other devices. For example, the present invention may be applied to a so-called rotary switch that adjusts the brightness and volume of illumination by rotating a knob portion connected to a rotating shaft.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device, 2 ... Steering wheel, 3 ... Steering shaft, 4 ... 1st fixing member, 5 ... 2nd fixing member, 6 ... Rotating member, 42, 52, 62 ... Insertion hole, 43 ... Spiral groove, 46, 47 ... Restriction edge portion (rotation restriction portion), 53 ... Opposing groove, 56, 57 ... Opposing restriction edge portion (rotation restriction portion, first and second restriction portions), 61 ... Case, 63 ... Slide block, 64: First restriction block, 65: Second restriction block, 84, 85: Coil spring, 93: First inclined portion, 93a, 93b, 98a, 98b ... Inclined surface, 98: Second inclined portion.

Claims (4)

A rotating shaft that is rotated in the first and second directions with respect to the neutral position, a rotating member that is fixed while being passed through the rotating shaft, and the rotating member that faces the rotating member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft A first fixing member; and a second fixing member facing the rotating member on the opposite side of the first fixing member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft,
The first fixing member has a spiral groove with the rotation axis as a center on the surface of the rotating member.
The rotating member has a case fixed in a state of being passed through the rotating shaft,
Inside the case, a slide that is maintained in the state of entering the spiral groove, is guided by the spiral groove with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and rotates around the rotary shaft while being displaced in the radial direction of the rotary shaft. A restriction block that rotates around the rotation axis while being pushed out from the case to the second fixing member side along the axis of the rotation axis in accordance with the slide displacement of the slide block;
The second fixing member is a rotation that restricts the rotation of the rotating member by contacting the restricting block that rotates around the rotating shaft while being pushed out of the case as the rotating shaft rotates in the rotating direction. A rotary operation device provided with a regulating part. The rotary operation device according to claim 1,
A first urging force is always applied to the restriction block toward the first fixing member, and the first fixing member is moved toward the second fixing member as the slide block is displaced in a direction approaching the rotation shaft. A first restriction block that moves against the urging force and is pushed out of the case, and a direction in which the second urging force is constantly applied toward the first fixing member and the slide block is separated from the rotation shaft. A second restriction block that moves against the second urging force toward the second fixing member as it is displaced and is pushed out of the case.
The rotation restricting portion includes a first restricting block that is pushed out from the case as the rotating shaft rotates in the first direction, a first restricting portion that abuts in the rotating direction, and the first restricting portion of the rotating shaft. A rotation operation device comprising: a second restriction block pushed out from the case along with the rotation in the direction of 2; and a second restriction portion that abuts in the rotation direction. The rotary operation device according to claim 2,
The first restricting block has a first inclined surface that converts a force displaced in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the slide block into a force directed in a direction opposite to the first fixing member,
The second restriction block has a second inclined surface that converts a force displaced in a direction away from the rotation axis of the slide block into a force directed in a direction opposite to the first fixing member,
The first and second inclined surfaces are rotational operation devices whose angles change in a plurality of stages. A rotating shaft that is rotated in the first and second directions with respect to the neutral position, a rotating member that is fixed while being passed through the rotating shaft, and the rotating member that faces the rotating member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft A first fixing member;
The first fixing member has a spiral groove centered on the rotation shaft and a rotation restricting portion that intersects the spiral groove when viewed from the rotation member side on the surface of the rotation member. And
The rotating member has a case fixed in a state of being passed through the rotating shaft,
Inside the case, a slide that is maintained in the state of entering the spiral groove, is guided by the spiral groove with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and rotates around the rotary shaft while being displaced in the radial direction of the rotary shaft. With blocks,
A rotation operation device in which the rotation of the slide block is regulated by contacting the rotation regulation unit.