JP2022170289A - input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience of an input device mounted on an operation controller.SOLUTION: An input device 10 is mounted on a steering device 20. The steering device 20 comprises a right grip part 22 and a shaft part 23. The right grip part 22 can revolve along a moving route M centered on a first axis A1 and has a shape that can be gripped by a driver's right hand 42 and allows a motion of the right hand 42 crossing the moving route M. The shaft part 23 is allowed to rotate centered on the first axis A1 according to the revolution of the right grip part 22. A first input receiving part 11 is displaced in a first direction to receive, from the driver, handling input for executing a second operation to be controlled different from a first operation to be controlled corresponding to the revolution of the shaft part 23. A second input receiving part 12 is displaced in a second direction different from the first direction to receive, from the driver, handling input for executing the second operation to be controlled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an input device mounted on a motion control device having a shaft and a grip. The shaft is rotatable about the axis, and the rotation is associated with the controlled motion. The gripping portion is configured to rotate the shaft portion by moving along the movement path, and has a shape that can be gripped by the user's hand.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a steering device that changes the traveling direction of a vehicle as a controlled action. The steering device includes a shaft portion that is rotatable about a rotation axis, and a grip portion that can be gripped by a driver's hand and has an annular shape about the rotation axis. The steering system is equipped with an input device that receives an operation input from the driver for realizing a controlled operation other than steering in the vehicle.

Steering devices are also known in which the shape of the grip is not ring-shaped about the axis of rotation of the shaft, as described in US Pat.

JP 2012-206692 A JP 2005-161922 A JP 2005-246987 A

An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of an input device mounted on a motion control device.

A first aspect for achieving the above object is to provide a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about a first shaft, and a shaft portion that moves along a movement path to move the shaft portion about the first shaft. An input device mounted on a motion control device, comprising: a grip portion configured to rotate about a center and grippable by a user's hand;
a first input receiving unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing a second controlled action different from the first controlled action corresponding to the rotation of the shaft by being displaced in the first direction;
a second input reception unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing the second controlled action by displacing in a second direction different from the first direction;
It has

The direction in which operation input is easy to perform changes according to how the user grips the grip portion. On the other hand, there are individual differences in how to grip the grip. Also, the grip of the grip may change as the grip moves along the path of travel. According to the above configuration, the second controlled action can be executed by inputting an operation to either the first input receiving section or the second input receiving section, which have different displacement directions. That is, since the degree of freedom in how to input an operation for executing the second controlled action is increased, it is possible to suppress deterioration in operability according to changes in how the grip is gripped. Therefore, the convenience of the input device mounted on the motion control device can be enhanced.

A second aspect for achieving the above object is to provide a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about a first shaft, and a shaft portion that moves along a movement path to move the shaft portion about the first shaft. An input device mounted on a motion control device, comprising: a gripping portion configured to rotate about a center and grippable by a user's hand;
an input receiving unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing a second controlled action different from the first controlled action corresponding to the rotation of the shaft by displacing in the first direction,
The input reception section has a plurality of operation sections each displaceable in different directions, and displaces in the first direction according to displacement of any one of the plurality of operation sections.

The direction in which operation input is easy to perform changes according to how the user grips the grip portion. On the other hand, there are individual differences in how to grip the grip. Also, the grip of the grip may change as the grip moves along the path of travel. According to the above configuration, the second controlled action can be executed by the user's operation of displacing one of the plurality of operation units of the input reception unit. That is, since the degree of freedom in how to input an operation for executing the second controlled action is increased, it is possible to suppress deterioration in operability according to changes in how the grip is gripped. Therefore, the convenience of the input device mounted on the motion control device can be enhanced.

1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an input device according to a first embodiment; A vehicle on which the input device of FIG. 1 is mounted is illustrated. 2 illustrates the operation of the input device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the input device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates another example of the input device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates another example of the input device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates another example of the input device of FIG. 1; 1 shows an example of the configuration of an input device according to a second embodiment; 9 illustrates the operation of the input device of FIG. 8;

Exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member recognizable.

FIG. 1 illustrates an input device 10 according to one embodiment. The input device 10 is mounted on the steering device 20 . The steering device 20 is a device mounted on a vehicle 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 to change the direction of travel of the vehicle 30 . The steering device 20 is an example of an operation control device. Vehicle 30 is an example of a mobile object. The action of changing the traveling direction of the vehicle 30 is an example of the first controlled action.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the steering device 20 has a left grip portion 21 and a right grip portion 22 . The left gripping part 21 and the right gripping part 22 are movable along a movement path M, as exemplified by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 . A movement path M viewed from a direction along the first axis A1 has a circular shape centered on the first axis A1.

The left grip portion 21 has a shape that can be gripped by the driver's left hand 41 and that allows movement of the left hand 41 across the movement path M. As shown in FIG. The right grip part 22 has a shape that can be gripped by the driver's right hand 42 and allows movement of the right hand 42 across the movement path M. As shown in FIG. In this example, each of the left grip portion 21 and the right grip portion 22 has a spherical shape. That is, the steering device 20 has a non-annular grip portion. A driver is an example of a user.

The steering device 20 has a shaft portion 23 , a left arm portion 24 and a right arm portion 25 . The left arm portion 24 connects the left grip portion 21 and the shaft portion 23 . The right arm portion 25 connects the right grip portion 22 and the shaft portion 23 . The shaft portion 23 is rotatable about the first axis A1 according to the movement of the left grip portion 21 and the right grip portion 22 along the movement path M. As shown in FIG. The counterclockwise rotation of the shaft portion 23 about the first axis A1 is associated with the operation of changing the course of the vehicle 30 to the left. The clockwise rotation of the shaft portion 23 about the first axis A1 is associated with the operation of changing the course of the vehicle 30 to the right.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the input device 10 includes a first input reception section 11 . The first input receiving section 11 is arranged on the right arm section 25 of the steering device 20 . The first input receiving portion 11 is configured to be displaceable in a direction along a second axis A2 extending in a direction intersecting the first axis A1 when viewed from the direction along the first axis A1. A direction intersecting the first axis A1 is an example of a direction non-parallel to the first axis A1. A direction along the second axis A2 is an example of a first direction.

The first input reception unit 11 is configured as a switch that receives a driver's operation input for operating a horn mounted on the vehicle 30 . The switch is a mechanical switch that is slide-operated by the driver's fingers.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first input reception unit 11 receives an operation input by the thumb F1 of the driver's right hand 42, the horn outputs a sound of a predetermined volume. The volume of the sound output from the horn can be changed according to the amount of displacement of the first input receiving section 11 from the initial position. For example, the volume of the sound output from the horn increases as the first input receiving section 11 approaches the right grip section 22 . Horn movement is an example of a second controlled movement.

The input device 10 includes a second input reception section 12 . The second input reception section 12 is arranged on the right arm section 25 of the steering device 20 . The second input reception unit 12 is configured as a switch that receives a driver's operation input for operating a horn mounted on the vehicle 30 . The switch is a mechanical switch that is pushed in a predetermined direction by the finger of the driver.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second input receiving section 12 is configured to be rotatable around a second axis A2. The rotation direction about the second axis A2 is an example of the second direction. That is, rotation about the second axis A2 is an example of displacement in the second direction.

For example, when the second input reception unit 12 receives an operation input by the index finger F2 of the driver's right hand 42, the horn outputs a sound of a predetermined volume. The volume of the sound output from the horn can be changed according to the amount of displacement of the second input receiving section 12 from the initial position. For example, the volume of the sound output from the horn increases as the second input reception unit 12 is displaced clockwise when viewed from the right along the second axis A2.

Depending on how the driver grips the right grip portion 22, the direction in which operation input is likely to occur changes. On the other hand, there are individual differences in how the right grip 22 is gripped. Also, how the right grip 22 is gripped can change as the right grip 22 moves along the movement path M. FIG. According to the configuration as described above, the operation of the horn can be executed by inputting an operation to either the first input receiving section 11 or the second input receiving section 12 having different displacement directions. That is, since the degree of freedom in how to input the operation for executing the horn action is increased, it is possible to suppress deterioration in operability according to changes in the way of gripping the right grip portion 22 . Therefore, the convenience of the input device 10 mounted on the steering device 20 can be enhanced.

In this embodiment, the right grip 22 has a shape that allows movement of the right hand 42 across the movement path M. As shown in FIG. Especially in such a case, the way in which the right hand grip 22 is gripped by the right hand 42 is likely to change as the right hand grip 22 moves along the movement path M. However, as described above, since the degree of freedom in how to input the operation for executing the operation of the horn is increased, even in a situation where the way of gripping the right grip part 22 is likely to change, the deterioration of operability is suppressed. can.

In the present embodiment, the input device 10 can include a return mechanism that returns the displaced first input reception unit 11 and second input reception unit 12 to their initial positions. For example, the return mechanism can have a torsion spring. In this case, the return mechanism can be configured such that when the driver's right hand 42 releases the load on the second input reception section 12, the elastic restoring force of the torsion spring returns the second input reception section 12 to the initial position. .

If the first input reception unit 11 and the second input reception unit 12 are configured to be displaceable in directions different from each other, the shape, position and position of each of the first input reception unit 11 and the second input reception unit 12 The direction of displacement can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first input reception section 11 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged on the front side of the right grip section 25 as seen from the driver. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first input reception section 11 can be arranged on the back side of the right grip section 25 as seen from the driver. That is, the first input reception unit 11 may be arranged at a position where it can receive an operation with the middle finger or ring finger of the right hand 42 of the driver holding the right grip 22 .

Alternatively, like the second input reception unit 12, the first input reception unit 11 can be configured as a mechanical switch accompanied by a pushing operation in a predetermined direction by the driver's finger. For example, it can be configured to rotate about the second axis A2 in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the second input reception section 12 when viewed from the right along the second axis A2. Alternatively, the first input reception unit 11 can be configured as a mechanical switch that is pressed by the driver's finger.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the input device 10 may adopt a structure having a single input reception unit 13 instead of each having the first input reception unit 11 and the second input reception unit 12 . For example, the input reception unit 13 can be configured to be displaceable along the second axis A2 and rotatable about the second axis A2. In this case, the input reception unit 13 is an example of a first input reception unit and an example of a second input reception unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the input device 10 can include a connecting mechanism 14 that connects the first input receiving section 11 and the second input receiving section 12 to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first input reception unit 11 and the second input reception unit 12 are arranged on the front side of the right grip 25 when viewed from the driver and are connected by the connection mechanism 14 . The connecting mechanism 14 is displaced around the fixed axis AF in accordance with the displacement of either the first input receiving portion 11 or the second input receiving portion 12 . The connecting mechanism 14 may be provided with a movable contact that comes into contact with the fixed contact as the connecting mechanism 14 is displaced. In this case, compared to a contact structure in which a movable contact and a fixed contact are provided corresponding to each of the first input receiving portion 11 and the second input receiving portion 12, the number of parts constituting the contact structure can be reduced.

Next, the configuration of the input device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Elements that are substantially the same as those in the configuration described with reference to FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the input device 10 includes an input reception section 15 . The input reception section 15 is arranged on the right arm section 25 of the steering device 20 . More specifically, the input receiving portion 15 is attached to the right arm portion 25 so as to be rotatable about a third axis A3 extending in a direction intersecting the first axis A1 when viewed from the direction along the first axis A1. Supported. The input reception unit 15 is an example of an input reception unit. A direction intersecting the first axis A1 is an example of a direction non-parallel to the first axis A1.

The input receiving unit 15 is configured as a switch that receives a driver's operation input for turning on a lamp that notifies the surroundings of the vehicle 30 that the vehicle 30 is changing course to the left. The switch is a mechanical switch that is accompanied by a driver's finger-pushing operation on a plurality of operating parts. Turning on the left course change notification lamp is an example of the second controlled action.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the input reception section 15 includes a first operation section 151 and a second operation section 152 . The first operating portion 151 and the second operating portion 152 are arranged so as to be exposed from the right arm portion 25 . The first operating portion 151 and the second operating portion 152 are configured to be displaceable in mutually different directions. As one of the first operation portion 151 and the second operation portion 152 is displaced, the input reception portion 15 rotates around the third axis A3. The first operating section 151 and the second operating section 152 are examples of a plurality of operating sections.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first operation unit 151 is pushed to the right when viewed from the direction along the third axis A3 by the thumb of the right hand 42 of the driver, the input reception unit 15 It rotates clockwise about the third axis A3. In FIG. 9, the state after rotation is illustrated by a chain double-dashed line. Alternatively, when the second operation unit 152 is pushed downward when viewed from the direction along the third axis A3 by the ring finger of the driver's right hand 42, the input reception unit 15 is moved around the third axis A3. Rotate clockwise. When the input reception unit 15 receives an operation input from the driver's right hand 42 by rotating clockwise, a lamp that notifies the vehicle 30 of changing the course to the left lights up. A clockwise direction about the third axis A3 is an example of the first direction. Rotation in the clockwise direction about the third axis A3 is an example of displacement in the first direction.

According to the configuration as described above, when the driver operates to displace either the first operation unit 151 or the second operation unit 152 of the input reception unit 15, the left direction change notification lamp is turned on. can be made That is, since the degree of freedom is increased in how to input an operation for turning on the left course change notification lamp, it is possible to suppress deterioration in operability according to changes in how the right grip 22 is gripped. Therefore, the convenience of the input device 10 mounted on the steering device 20 can be enhanced.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the input reception section 15 can have a third operation section 153 . In this case, the input receiving portion 15 is supported by the right arm portion 25 so as to be slidable in a direction intersecting the third axis A3. For example, when the third operation unit 153 is pushed by the thumb of the driver's right hand 42 to the right when viewed from the direction along the third axis A3, the input reception unit 15 is pushed from the direction along the third axis A3. Displaced to the right when viewed. When the input reception unit 15 receives an operation input by the driver's right hand 42 due to displacement to the right, the left course change notification lamp is extinguished. In other words, the input receiving unit 15 serves as a switch for receiving an operation input by the driver for canceling the lighting of the left course change notification lamp in addition to the driver's operation input for turning on the left course change notification lamp. can also be configured. The right side as viewed from the direction along the third axis A3 is an example of the second direction. Cancellation of lighting of the left course change notification lamp is an example of the third controlled operation. According to such a configuration, a single input reception unit 15 can realize a plurality of controlled actions, so that an increase in the area occupied by the input device 10 can be suppressed.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the input reception unit 15 can have a fourth operation unit 154 instead of or in addition to the third operation unit 153 . For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the fourth operation unit 154 is pushed to the right when viewed from the direction along the third axis A3 by the thumb of the right hand 42 of the driver, the input reception unit 15 is moved to the third rotates in the counterclockwise direction around the axis A3. In this case, when the second operation unit 152 is pushed upward when viewed from the direction along the third axis A3 by the ring finger of the right hand 42 of the driver, the input reception unit 15 is rotated about the third axis A3. It can be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction. When the input reception unit 15 receives an operation input from the driver's right hand 42 by rotating in the counterclockwise direction, a lamp that notifies the vehicle 30 of changing the course to the right lights up.

That is, the input receiving unit 15 is also configured as a switch that receives a driver's operation input for lighting the right course change notification lamp in addition to the driver's operation input for lighting the left course change notification lamp. can be A counterclockwise direction about the third axis A3 is an example of the second direction. Rotation in the counterclockwise direction about the third axis A3 is an example of displacement in the second direction. Turning on the right course change notification lamp is an example of the third controlled operation. Even in such a configuration, a single input reception unit 15 can realize a plurality of controlled operations, so that an increase in the area occupied by the input device 10 can be suppressed. Further, since the right course change notification lamp can be turned on by the driver's operation of displacing either the fourth operation section 154 or the second operation section 152, the right course change notification lamp lights up. The degree of freedom is increased regarding how to input an operation for executing

The configuration of each embodiment described so far is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configuration according to this embodiment can be modified and improved as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first input reception unit 11, the second input reception unit 12, and the input reception unit are positioned at positions where the operation of the right hand 42 of the driver who grips the right grip 22 of the steering device 20 can be received. 13 and an input reception unit 15 are arranged. However, the first input reception unit 11, the second input reception unit 12, the input reception unit 13, and the input reception unit 15 are located at positions where they can receive an operation with the left hand 41 of the driver holding the left grip 21 of the steering device 20. may be placed in Alternatively, in addition to the first input reception unit 11, the second input reception unit 12, the input reception unit 13, and the input reception unit 15, another input reception unit that receives operation input for executing another controlled operation may be arranged at a position capable of accepting an operation by the left hand 41 of the driver holding the left grip 21 .

In each of the embodiments described above, each of the left grip portion 21 and the right grip portion 22 has a spherical shape. However, if the driver's hand has a shape that traverses the movement path M, the shape of each of the left grip portion 21 and the right grip portion 22 can be changed as appropriate. Unless the driver's hand presents an annulus that cannot traverse the path of travel M, a single grip having a portion gripped by the driver's left hand 41 and a portion gripped by the driver's right hand 42 may be provided. may be provided.

In each of the above embodiments, the steering device 20 has a non-annular grip. However, the steering device 20 may also have a gripping portion that is ring-shaped.

The input device 10 can also be mounted on a steering device for changing the course of a moving body other than the vehicle 30 . Examples of such moving bodies include railroads, ships, and aircraft.

The input device 10 does not need to be mounted on a steering device of a mobile body. For example, the input device 10 can be mounted on a controller for controlling the movement of an object displayed on the display of a shooting game device in an amusement facility. The first input reception unit 11 can be used as a switch for causing the object to shoot a weapon. In this case, the controller is an example of an operation control device. Movement of the object is an example of a first controlled action. An action of firing a weapon at the object is an example of a second controlled action.

10: input device, 11: first input reception unit, 12: second input reception unit, 13: input reception unit, 14: connection mechanism, 15: input reception unit, 20: steering device, 21: left grip unit, 22 : right grip part 23: shaft part 24: left arm part 25: right arm part 30: vehicle 41: left hand 42: right hand 151: first operation part 152: second operation part 153: third Operation unit 154: fourth operation unit A1: first axis A2: second axis A3: third axis AF: fixed axis M: movement path

Claims (5)

A shaft portion configured to be rotatable about a first axis, and a movement path configured to rotate the shaft portion about the first axis by moving along a movement path. An input device mounted on a motion control device comprising a grip that can be gripped by one's hand,
a first input receiving unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing a second controlled action different from the first controlled action corresponding to the rotation of the shaft by being displaced in the first direction;
a second input reception unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing the second controlled action by displacing in a second direction different from the first direction;
An input device having a A shaft portion configured to be rotatable about a first axis, and a movement path configured to rotate the shaft portion about the first axis by moving along a movement path. An input device mounted on a motion control device comprising a grip that can be gripped by one's hand,
an input receiving unit that receives an operation input from the user for executing a second controlled action different from the first controlled action corresponding to the rotation of the shaft by displacing in the first direction,
The input receiving unit has a plurality of operation units displaceable in different directions, and is displaced in the first direction according to displacement of any one of the plurality of operation units. The input reception unit receives an operation input for executing a third controlled operation different from the first controlled action and the second controlled action by being displaced in a second direction different from the first direction. configured to receive from said user,
3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein said input reception section has an operation section different from said plurality of operation sections, and is displaced in said second direction according to displacement of said operation section. 4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein said third controlled action is an action of canceling execution of said second controlled action. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the grip portion has a shape that allows movement of the hand across the movement path.

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