JP4539951B2 - Input operation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input operation device for driving using a driver's hand and forearm.

An example of the input operation device described above is described in Patent Document 1. In the input operation device described in Patent Document 1, the support unit that supports the driver's elbow, and the elbow is supported by the support unit, in conjunction with the horizontal rotation of the forearm around the elbow. A first moving unit that outputs a first control signal; and a second moving unit that outputs a second control signal in conjunction with the vertical movement of the hand.
JP 2002-258959 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an input operation device for driving using a driver's hand and forearm, in which the movement of the driver's hand and forearm, which is different from the case of the input operation device described in Patent Document 1, is input operation. It is to be.

The input operation device according to claim 1 includes: (i) an armrest that supports at least a part of the driver's forearm; and (ii) (a) a straight line that is the same as the axis of the driver's forearm supported by the armrest. A shaft extending on the first rotation axis, and (b) a grip held on the shaft so as to be relatively rotatable about the first rotation axis, and at least a part of the driver's forearm on the armrest The rotation of the grip around the first rotation axis with respect to the shaft in accordance with the rotation of the wrist around the axis of the forearm in a state where the grip is held by the driver's hand is input operation And (iii) an arm that is curved in a U shape and is connected to the shaft at one end, and (d) a position deviated from the first rotational axis. Provided A holding portion that holds the other end of the arm rotatably about a second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis at the position of the wrist of at least a portion of the forearm supported by the armrest; e) the grip, and at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest, and the hand is rotated around the wrist when the grip is held by the driver's hand. And a second input operation unit that uses rotation of the arm around the second rotation axis as an input operation.
In the input operation device according to claim 2, the first input operation unit includes a first rotation detection unit that detects a relative rotation angle of the grip around the shaft, and a rotation of the grip around the shaft. And a reaction force application unit that generates a reaction force with the relative rotation of the first rotation detection unit, and both the first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit are provided inside the grip.
The input operation device according to claim 3, wherein the grip is generally oval and is sandwiched from both sides by the thumb of the driver's hand and at least one of the other four fingers and the palm of the hand. The input operation device according to claim 4, wherein the grip includes a recess that engages with the driver's thumb and a portion that contacts the other four fingers. It is supposed to have.
In the input operation device according to claim 5, the input operation by the first input operation unit is a vehicle steering operation, and the input operation by the second input operation unit is an acceleration / deceleration instruction operation of the vehicle.
The input operation device according to claim 6, wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are perpendicular to each other on the same plane, and the armrest is provided according to claim 7. Is provided in a posture extending substantially parallel to the first rotation axis, and in the input operation device according to claim 8, movement of the armrest in a direction crossing the axis of the driver's forearm is restricted. A regulation part is provided.
The input operation device according to claim 9 is attached to a driver side door of the vehicle, and at least a part of the input operation device according to claim 10 is in a recess provided in the driver side door of the vehicle. It is attached in the state located in.
The input operation device according to claim 11, wherein the second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm around the second rotation axis, and the second input The operation detection unit includes a holding unit that holds the arm.
The input operation device according to claim 12 is connected to the shaft at (i) an armrest, (ii) a first input operation unit, (iii) ′ (c) one end, and the other end is the armrest. An arm that is rotatably held around a second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis at the position of the wrist of at least a portion of the forearm supported by the arm; and (d) the grip, At least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest, and the grip and the arm that accompany the rotation of the hand around the wrist when the grip is held by the driver's hand. A second input operation unit that uses the rotation about the second rotation axis as an input operation, and the input operation by the first input operation unit is a steering operation of the vehicle, and the input operation by the second input operation unit Is the acceleration / deceleration instruction for the vehicle It is created.
The input operation device according to claim 13, wherein the first input operation unit includes a first rotation detection unit that detects a relative rotation angle of the grip around the shaft, and a relative rotation of the grip around the shaft. The input operation device according to claim 14, further comprising: a reaction force application unit that generates a reaction force with rotation, wherein both the first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit are provided inside the grip. The second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm around the second rotation axis, and the second input operation detection unit holds the arm. Including parts.
In the first input operation unit, the grip is held so as to be rotatable around the first rotation axis. While the grip is gripped by hand, the grip is rotated around the first rotational axis in accordance with the rotation of the wrist around the axis of the driver's forearm, and the rotation is an input operation. Since the first rotation axis of the grip and the axis of the driver's forearm are on the same straight line, operability can be improved.
In the second input operation unit, the grip is held so as to be rotatable around the second rotation axis. With the grip held, the grip is rotated around the second rotation axis along with the rotation of the hand around the wrist.
The grip of the first input operation unit and the grip of the second input operation unit are common .
Further, the driver performs the driving with at least a part of the forearm supported by the armrest. The armrest may be provided so as to be able to support the entire forearm or a part of the forearm. When a part of the forearm is provided to be supportable, it is desirable to provide a part close to the elbow so as to be supportable. Further, the armrest can be provided to support not only at least a part of the forearm but also the elbow.

In the input operation device according to the present invention, in the state where at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest, rotation of the grip accompanying rotation of the wrist around the axis of the forearm and rotation of the hand around the wrist The movement of the grip accompanying the movement is an input operation. A different motion is used as the input operation as compared with the case of the input operation device described in Patent Document 1.
Both the wrist rotation around the forearm axis and the hand rotation around the wrist are possible movements with at least a part of the forearm supported by the armrest.
Thus, since the rotation around the axis of the wrist forearm and the rotation around the wrist of the hand are independent movements, the two input operations can be performed independently.
In addition, since driving can be performed with at least a part of the forearm supported by the armrest, the influence of the disturbance of the vehicle on the operation of the driver's grip can be reduced. Even if force is applied to the driver due to disturbance, the upper arm of the driver can be supported because the forearm is supported by the earth rest, and the influence on the operation can be reduced. In addition, when the armrest is provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle in plan view, even if a front-rear force is applied during braking or driving of the vehicle, Since the influence on the rotation and the rotation of the hand around the wrist is small, it is possible to prevent the input operation from being different from the driver's intention.

Patentable invention

  In the following, the invention that is claimed to be claimable in the present application (hereinafter referred to as “claimable invention”. The claimable invention is at least the “present invention” to the invention described in the claims. Some aspects of the present invention, including subordinate concept inventions of the present invention, superordinate concepts of the present invention, or inventions of different concepts) will be illustrated and described. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claimable invention, and is not intended to limit the combinations of the constituent elements constituting the claimable invention to those described in the following sections. In other words, the claimable invention should be construed in consideration of the description accompanying each section, the description of the embodiments, etc., and as long as the interpretation is followed, another aspect is added to the form of each section. Moreover, the aspect which deleted the component from the aspect of each term can also be one aspect of the claimable invention.

(1) An input operation device for driving using a driver's hand and forearm,
An armrest that supports at least a portion of the driver's forearm;
(a) a grip gripped by the driver's hand, and (b) rotation of the wrist around the axis of the forearm with at least a part of the driver's forearm supported by the armrest. Accordingly, a first input operation including a grip holding portion that rotatably holds around the first rotation axis that is the same straight line as the axis thereof, and the rotation of the grip around the first rotation axis is an input operation. And
(c) a grip gripped by the driver's hand; and (d) the grip is rotated by the hand around the wrist with at least a part of the forearm of the driver supported by the armrest. Accordingly, a grip holding portion that rotatably holds the second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis is provided, and the movement of the grip around the second rotation axis is an input operation. An input operation device comprising an input operation unit.
(2) The input operation device according to (1), wherein the input operation by the first input operation unit is a vehicle steering operation, and the input operation by the second input operation unit is an acceleration / deceleration instruction operation of the vehicle. .
(3) The input operation device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis intersect at the wrist.
In the driver (human), the forearm axis and the rotation center line of the hand intersect at the wrist. Therefore, if the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis intersect with each other in the vicinity of the wrist in a state where at least a part of the driver's forearm is held on the armrest, It is possible to naturally perform rotation of the grip around the first rotation axis along with the rotation of the wrist and rotation around the second rotation axis of the grip accompanying rotation of the hand around the wrist. That is, if the position (wrist) where the axis of the forearm and the rotation center line of the driver intersects with the driver and the position where the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis intersect are substantially the same position. The two operations can be naturally performed, so that the operability can be improved and the operation can be stabilized.
The angle formed by the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis may be 90 ° or an angle other than 90 °.
Moreover, what is necessary is just to cross | intersect a 1st rotation axis and a 2nd rotation axis in planar view. The first line axis and the second rotation axis may be on the same plane or not on the same plane, and the “intersection” described in this section includes a three-dimensional intersection.
Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately define the wrist position (the position of the rotation center line of the hand), and it cannot be determined uniformly. However, for standard adults, the length of the forearm is approximately the same. Further, the rotation center line of the hand changes depending on the rotation phase of the hand, but does not change greatly. Therefore, the approximate position of the wrist can be defined.
In addition, the relative position between the armrest and the first input operation unit or the second input operation unit can be adjusted. In this way, for example, the intersection of the second rotation axis and the first rotation axis can be located near the wrist of the driver, and operability can be further improved.
(4) The input operation device according to (3), wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are orthogonal to each other on the same plane.
It is desirable that the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis be orthogonal to each other in the vicinity of the driver's wrist. When the grip is common to the first input operation unit and the second input operation unit, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are on the same plane at the neutral position of the grip.
(5) The input operation device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the armrest is provided in a posture extending substantially parallel to the first rotation axis.
According to the input operation device described in this section, the axis of the forearm and the first rotation axis are substantially parallel with the driver supporting at least a part of the forearm on the armrest. Further, the axis of the forearm and the first rotation axis can be positioned on the same straight line. Thus, if the axis of the forearm and the first rotation axis of the grip are parallel or collinear, the operability of the grip is improved.
(6) The input operation device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the armrest is provided with a restricting portion that restricts movement in a direction intersecting the axis of the driver's forearm.
According to the restriction unit, it is possible to restrict movement in a direction intersecting the axis of the driver's forearm.
(7) The restricting portion is provided on the armrest substantially parallel to the first rotation axis (6)
The input operation device according to item.
(8) The input operation device according to (6) or (7), wherein the restriction portion has a length that is not less than 1/3 and not more than 3/4 of a length in a direction parallel to the axis of the driver's forearm. .
If the restricting portion is too long, it becomes difficult to rotate the wrist around the driver's forearm axis or to rotate the hand around the wrist. If the restricting portion is too short, the driver's forearm may be moved in a direction intersecting the axis due to disturbance. In consideration of these, it is desirable that the length of the restricting portion is 1/3 or more and 3/4 or less of the length of the forearm. Further, it is desirable that the restricting portion is provided extending from 1/3 to 3/4 toward the wrist from the vicinity of the elbow of the forearm.
The length of the restricting portion is more preferably 2/3 or less, 3/5 or less, and 1/2 or less.
(9) The armrest is provided in a posture extending substantially in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the restricting portion includes:
The input operation device according to any one of (6) to (8), which is provided on a side portion of the armrest.
The armrest may be provided in a posture extending in the front-rear direction or in a posture intersecting with the vehicle front-rear direction line. However, the armrest provided in a posture extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is driven during braking. Sometimes, the influence of the input operation on the force acting in the front-rear direction can be reduced.
The armrest may be provided in a posture that extends substantially horizontally or in a posture that intersects the horizontal line.
If the armrest is provided in a posture extending substantially in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the restricting portion is provided on the side portion, the movement of the driver in the width direction of the vehicle due to the lateral force during turning of the vehicle can be suppressed. The influence of the lateral force on the input operation can be reduced. The restricting portion can be referred to as a side member.
(10) At least one of the grip of the first input operation unit and the grip of the second input operation unit is generally egg-shaped, and the thumb of the driver's hand and the other four fingers The input operation device according to any one of items (1) to (9), wherein the input operation device has a shape that can be held between both sides of the palm and at least one of the palm.
The grip generally has an oval shape, and has a shape that can be held between both sides by the driver's thumb and at least one of the other four fingers and the palm. The grip may be gripped by the thumb and the palm, or may be gripped by the thumb and the other four fingers. In general, when a finger is bent gently (when the hand is pulled out), the little finger and index finger are usually positioned closer to the palm than the middle finger.
Therefore, if the grip has an egg shape, the grip can be accommodated in the hand when the power of the hand is removed. Since the driver can perform the operation without strongly grasping the grip or bending the finger greatly, the detailed operation becomes easy. In addition, it is possible to reduce fatigue during the grip operation. Furthermore, since a large force is not required to grip the grip, even a person with a weak force (a person who cannot exert a large force) can grip the grip.
(11) The at least one grip has an elliptical cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the length of the minor axis of the elliptical shape changes along the axis. In addition, the input operation device according to item (10), wherein the maximum value of the length of the minor axis is 3 cm or more.
The maximum value of the short axis is preferably 4 cm or more, 5 cm or more, and 6 cm or more, and if it is about 5 cm, it can be easily held by an adult's hand with a lightly bent finger.
(12) The cross section of the at least one grip in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis is elliptical, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical shape is 1. The input operation device according to (10) or (11), which is 5 or more and 2.0 or less.
(13) The at least one grip includes a recess that engages with the driver's thumb and a portion that contacts the other four fingers. Input operation device.
Providing a recess that engages the thumb is convenient for gripping the grip. Although it is possible to provide a recess that engages with the other four fingers, the four fingers are not indispensable because they can be bent along the grip.
(14) The input according to any one of (10) to (13), wherein the first rotation axis is provided at a position separated from a center of a cross section perpendicular to the first rotation axis of the grip. Operating device.
When the center of the grip is located on the axis of the forearm, it is desirable to provide the first rotation axis at the center of the grip. When this is different, the first rotation axis is at a position corresponding to the axis of the forearm of the grip. It is desirable to provide
(15) The first input operation unit detects a relative rotation angle of the grip around the shaft, and a reaction that generates a reaction force with the relative rotation of the grip around the shaft. The input operation device according to any one of items (1) to (14), further including a force applying unit, which are provided inside the common grip.
The first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit may be provided inside or outside the grip. However, if at least one of them is provided inside, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.
The rotation angle around the first rotation axis of the grip detected by the first rotation detector is used as an input operation.
Note that both the first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit may be provided inside the grip, or either one may be provided inside.
The first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit can be collectively referred to as a first rotation mechanism.
(16) The grip is common to the first input operation unit and the second input operation unit. (1)
The input operation device according to any one of Items 15 to 15.
If the grip is common, it is not necessary to change the grip between the first input operation and the second input operation, which is effective when two input operations are performed continuously or simultaneously.
(17) The input according to (16), wherein the second input operation portion includes an arm connected to the grip at one end and rotatably held around the second rotation axis at the other end. Operating device.
The arm has a generally U-shaped curved shape, is connected to the grip at one end, and is held rotatably at the other end around the second rotation axis. As a result, the grip can be rotated around the second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis.
(18) The grip holding portion of the first input operation portion includes a shaft that extends on the same axis as the first rotation axis and holds the grip so as to be relatively rotatable around the axis. The input operation unit according to (16) or (17), wherein the input operation unit includes an arm connected to the shaft at one end and held at the other end so as to be relatively rotatable about the second rotation axis. Operating device.
(19) The input operation device according to (17) or (18), wherein the second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm around a second rotation axis. .
The rotation angle of the grip around the second rotation axis associated with the rotation of the hand around the wrist corresponds to the rotation angle of the arm around the second rotation axis. If a rotation angle is detected, an input operation can be detected.
In the input operation device described in this section, since the grip is held by the arm so as to be rotatable around the first rotation axis, it is considered that the grip holding unit of the first input operation unit is configured by the arm or the like. be able to. Further, it can be considered that the grip holding portion of the second input operation portion is configured by the arm and the portion that holds the arm so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis.
The arm can be connected not to the grip directly but to a member that moves as the grip moves. However, the direct connection to the grip can reduce the moment (force) when the grip is rotated about the second rotation axis. For example, the first rotation mechanism can be provided outside the grip so as to be movable as the grip moves, and an arm can be connected to the main body of the first rotation mechanism, but the first rotation mechanism is provided inside the grip. If the arm is connected to the grip, the moment (force) required to rotate the grip around the second rotation axis can be reduced.
(20) The input operation device according to any one of (1) to (19) , wherein the input operation device is attached to a driver side door of the vehicle.
The input operation device can be provided at a position corresponding to the armrest of the driver's seat. However, if the input operation device is attached to the door on the driver's seat side, the space in the passenger compartment can be widely used. Further, when the input operation device is provided on the right side of the driver's seat, it gets in the way when the driver gets in and out of the car. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to have a structure in which the member (armrest) for holding the input operation device can be switched (rotatable) between the operation position and the standby position, but the input operation device is provided on the door. For example, the above-described structure becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.
The input operation device may be provided on the right side, the left side, or both sides of the driver's seat.
(21) at least a portion of the input operating device, in a state located in a recess provided in the door on the driver's seat side of the vehicle, mounted (20) input operating device according to claim.
Protruding into the passenger compartment can be reduced if a recess is provided in the door and the door is attached in a state where a part of the input operation device is located in the recess.
(22) The first input operation unit includes a first input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle around the first rotation axis of the grip, and the input operation device is detected by the first input operation detection unit. The input operation device according to any one of items (1) to (21) , including an operation input information supply unit that supplies information representing the input operation performed to an actuator control unit provided in the vehicle.
The operation input information supply unit may transmit information representing the input operation to the actuator control unit wirelessly or via a signal line. In the case of wireless transmission, the degree of freedom of installation of the input operation device can be improved. When the input operation is a steering operation, the actuator corresponds to a steering actuator that steers the wheel, and the actuator control unit corresponds to the steering control unit.
(23) The second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the grip around the second rotation axis, and the input operation device is detected by the second operation detection unit. The input operation device according to any one of items (1) to (22) , further including an operation input supply unit that supplies information representing an input operation to an actuator control unit provided in the vehicle.
When the input operation is an acceleration / deceleration instruction operation, for example, the actuator corresponds to a drive actuator or a brake actuator, and the actuator control unit corresponds to a drive control unit or a brake control unit.

Hereinafter, an input operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 4, the input operation device is attached to the inside of the driver side door 10. It is attached in a state in which a part is disposed in the recess 12 provided in the door 10 and using the armrest 14 provided in the door 10.
The armrest 14 provided on the door 10 extends substantially in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and substantially horizontally.
The armrest 14 is provided with a side member 20 as a restricting portion. The side member 20 is provided in parallel with the armrest 14.
In addition, it can also be set as a control part using the inner surface of the door 10. FIG.

  1 to 3, the input operation device includes a steering input operation unit 26 as a first input operation unit and an acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation unit 28 as a second input operation unit. In the present embodiment, the grip 30 is common to the steering input operation unit 26 and the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation unit 28.

The grip 30 generally has an egg shape, and the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the steering rotation axis Ls as the first rotation axis is an elliptical shape. A recess 36 is provided on the side of the grip 30.
The grip 30 is held so as to be rotatable around the steering rotation axis Ls. A shaft 38 (see FIG. 4) having the steering rotation axis Ls as an axis is provided, and is attached to the shaft 38 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the arm 40 is connected to the shaft 38. In the present embodiment, the shaft 38, the arm 40, etc. constitute a grip holding portion (first grip holding portion) 41 (see FIG. 5) of the first input operation portion. 2 and 3, the shaft 38 is provided slightly below the center of the grip 30 (the arm 40 is connected below the center of the grip 30).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a steering rotation mechanism 42 is provided inside the grip 30. The steering input operation unit 26 is configured by the steering rotation mechanism 42, the grip 30, the grip holding unit 41, and the like.

  The arm 40 has a U-shaped curved shape, one end is connected to the shaft 38, and the other end is held by the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotating mechanism 44 so as to be rotatable about the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg. The As a result, the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg and the steering rotation axis Ls intersect (orthogonal) each other. The grip 30 is rotatably held around the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg by the arm 40, the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotating mechanism 44, etc. A grip holding portion (second grip holding portion) 45 of the second input operation portion is configured. Further, the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation unit 28 is configured by the grip 30, the arm 40, the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotating mechanism 44, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the steering rotation mechanism 42 and the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 44 have the same structure. Therefore, the steering rotation mechanism 42 will be described, and the description of the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 44 will be omitted.
In FIG. 5, the base member 52 is attached to the shaft 38 via a bearing 54 so as to be relatively rotatable. A housing 53 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the grip 30 is attached to the base member 52 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The housing 53 is divided into a plurality of parts, and each divided part is attached to form an egg shape. When the driver grips the grip 30 and rotates the grip 30 (holds the housing 53), the base member 52 is rotated.

A damper drive gear 54 and a potentiometer drive gear 56 are attached to the shaft 38 so as not to be relatively rotatable.
On the other hand, a damper drive transmission gear 58 and potentiometer gears 60 and 62 (see FIG. 6) are attached to the base member 52 so as to be rotatable relative to the base member 52. The damper drive transmission gear 58 is attached so as to mesh with the damper drive gear 54, and the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 are attached so as to mesh with the potentiometer drive gear 56.

A damper 70 is provided on the base member 52.
As conceptually shown in FIG. 8, the damper 70 meshes with the damper drive transmission gear 58 and rotates integrally with the damper gear 74 provided to be rotatable relative to the base member 52. And a base side member 78 provided so as not to move relative to the base member 52, and a silicon oil 80 provided between the rotary side member 76 and the base side member 78. Along with the rotation of the base member 52 around the steering rotation axis Ls, the damper drive transmission gear 58 is rotated and the damper gear 74 is rotated, whereby the base side member 78 and the rotation side member 76 are relatively rotated. Due to the relative rotation between them, resistance is applied by the viscosity of the silicon oil 80.
In addition, although it is desirable to provide a plurality of pairs of mutually opposing surfaces of the rotation side member 76 and the base side member 78, one pair may be provided.

The base member 52 is also provided with two potentiometers 82 (only one is shown in FIG. 5). The potentiometer 82 detects the rotation angle of the potentiometer gear 60 (62) with respect to the base member 52.
Although not shown in the figure, a detected portion that can rotate integrally with the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 and a detecting portion fixed to the base member 52 are included. In the present embodiment, since the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 and the potentiometer gear shaft 84 are provided so as to be integrally rotatable, the detected portion is provided on the potentiometer gear shaft 84 even if it is provided on the potentiometer gears 60 and 62. Also good.
The reason for providing two potentiometers is for fail-safe.
In the potentiometer, the detection unit may optically detect the rotation of the detected portion or may detect it electrically (magnetically).

On the other hand, a torsion coil spring (hereinafter simply referred to as a spring) 90 is wound around the shaft 38. Although the spring 90 is provided between the pair of spring retainers 92 and 93, the spring retainers 92 and 93 are attached to the shaft 38 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Spring fixing members 96 and 97 are provided at portions corresponding to both ends 94 and 95 of the spring 90 of the spring retainers 92 and 93, and spring drive members 98 and 97 are provided at portions corresponding to both ends 94 and 95 of the base member 52. 99 is provided.
In the present embodiment, the spring fixing members 96 and 97 and the spring driving members 98 and 99 are provided in contact with the end portions 94 and 95 of the spring 90, respectively, in the neutral position. In this state, an initial load is applied to the spring 90 and the spring 90 is slightly twisted.
The spring driving member 98 fixed to the base member 52 and the spring fixing member 96 fixed to the spring retainer 92 are provided in a state (shape) that does not interfere with each other in the relative rotation in any direction. It is done. Similarly, the spring drive member 99 and the spring fixing member 97 are provided in a state where they do not interfere with each other even when they rotate relative to each other.

When the grip 30 is in the neutral position, it is in the state shown in FIGS. Further, as described above, since the spring fixing members 96 and 97 and the spring driving members 98 and 99 are in contact with the ends 94 and 95 of the spring 90, the base member 52 and the shaft 38 are in the neutral position of the grip 32. And relative rotation is prevented.
When the grip 30 is rotated in the right direction, the base member 52 is relatively rotated around the shaft 38 in the right direction.
As shown in FIG. 6, the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 are rotated by the potentiometer drive gear 56, and the damper drive transmission gear 58 is rotated by the damper drive gear 54. The rotation of the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 is detected by the potentiometer 82, and based on this, the rotation angle of the base member 52 around the shaft 38 is detected. This rotation angle is used as a steering input.
The damper gear 74 is rotated with the rotation of the damper drive transmission gear 58, and the rotation side member 76 and the base side member 78 are relatively rotated in the damper 70. Resistive force according to these relative speeds is applied by the silicon oil 80.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the base member 52 is rotated rightward, in the spring 90, the movement of the end 95 is blocked by the spring fixing member 97, and the end 94 is the spring drive member 98. Moved by. As a result, the spring 90 is wound and a reaction force corresponding to the elastic force of the spring 90 is generated and applied to the driver. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the spring drive members 98 and 99 and the spring fixing members 96 and 97 are in contact with the spring 90 in the neutral position, the reaction force is generated as the base member 52 rotates. Can be granted.
In this case, the rotation limit of the base member 52 is defined by the spring driving member 98 coming into contact with the spring fixing member 97. In this case, the end portion 94 is sandwiched between the spring drive member 98 and the spring fixing member 97. If the force applied to the grip 30 is weakened or made zero, the restoring force of the spring 90 is returned to the original position, but in that case, it is prevented from returning suddenly by the operation of the damper 70.

In the case of rotation in the left direction, the rotation directions of the potentiometer gears 60 and 62 and the damper drive gear 58 are reversed in FIG. 6, and the end portion 94 is moved by the spring fixing member 96 in the spring 90 in FIG. In the blocked state, the end portion 95 is moved by the spring driving member 99 and wound. In this case, when the spring drive member 99 abuts against the spring fixing member 96, the left rotation limit of the base member 52 is defined. In this case, the end portion 95 is sandwiched between the spring drive member 99 and the spring fixing member 96.
Thus, the rotation limit of the grip 30 is defined by the spring driving members 98 and 99 coming into contact with the spring fixing members 97 and 96. The spring driving members 98 and 99 and the spring fixing members 96 and 97 are It also has a function as a stopper.
That is, the allowable rotation range of the base member 52 is determined by the fixing positions of the spring driving members 98 and 99 with respect to the base member 52 and the fixing positions of the spring fixing members 96 and 97 with respect to the spring retainers 92 and 93. By changing, the allowable rotation range can be adjusted.

In the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotating mechanism 44, the shaft 38 is provided such that its axis is the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg, the shaft 38 is provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the base member 52, and the arm 40 is provided with the shaft 38. It is connected to non-rotatable. The base member 52 is fixed to the armrest 14. As the arm 40 rotates, the shaft 38 is rotated relative to the base member 52, and the rotation angle of the shaft 38 relative to the base member 52 is input as an acceleration / deceleration instruction.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg and the steering rotation axis Ls are positioned on the same plane at the neutral position with respect to the acceleration / deceleration input of the grip 30. As a result, the steering rotation axis Ls and the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg are on the same plane and orthogonal to each other.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the steering input detection unit 120 is configured by the potentiometer drive gear 56, the potentiometer gears 60 and 62, the potentiometers 82 and 83 of the steering rotation mechanism 42, and the spring 90 and the spring drive members 98 and 99. The reaction force applying portion 122 is configured by the spring fixing members 96, 97 and the like. The same applies to the acceleration / deceleration rotation mechanism 44, and an acceleration / deceleration instruction input detection unit is configured by the potentiometer drive gear 56, potentiometer gears 60 and 62, potentiometers 82 and 83, and the like, and the spring 90, the spring drive members 98 and 99, and the spring are fixed. The reaction force applying portion is constituted by the members 96, 97 and the like.

When driving the vehicle, the driver places the forearm 150 on the armrest 14 and presses it against the side member 20 as shown in FIGS. The forearm 150 extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the axial line Lh of the forearm 150 is in a state of being substantially collinear with the steering rotation axis Ls. The grip 30 is gripped in this state, but the thumb 152 is engaged with the recess 36, and a part of the palm 154 and the other four fingers 156 are in contact with the grip 30. The fingers 152 and 156 are loosely (reasonably) bent.
When steering the vehicle, the wrist 160 is rotated around the axis Lh of the forearm 150 with the grip 30 held. The grip 30 is rotated around the steering rotation axis Ls. The rotation direction of the grip 30 corresponds to the steering direction, and the rotation angle corresponds to the steering angle.
When accelerating or decelerating the vehicle, the hand 162 holding the grip 30 is rotated up and down around the wrist 160. The upward or downward rotation from the neutral position of the grip 30 corresponds to an acceleration instruction or a deceleration instruction, and the rotation angle corresponds to an instruction acceleration and an instruction deceleration (instruction drive force, instruction brake force).

In this way, with the forearm 150 supported by the armrest 14, the driver can perform the steering input operation and the addition of the vehicle by the rotation of the wrist 160 around the forearm axis Lh and the rotation of the hand 162 around the wrist 160. Deceleration instruction input operation can be performed. The steering input operation and the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation can be performed with one hand. Further, since the rotation of the wrist 160 around the axis Lh of the forearm 150 and the rotation of the hand 162 around the wrist 160 are independent movements, the steering input operation and the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation can be performed independently. it can.
Further, since the armrest 14 extending in the front-rear direction is provided with the side member 20, the lateral movement of the forearm 150 can be prevented when a lateral force is applied when the vehicle turns. Further, the upper body of the driver can be supported by the side member 20.
Further, since the forearm 150 extends and is supported in the front-rear direction, the wrist 160 is rotated around the axis Ls of the forearm 150 and the hand 162 is rotated with respect to the wrist 160 due to the longitudinal force acting when the vehicle is braked or driven. The influence can be reduced.
Thus, according to this operation input device, since the influence of the disturbance of the vehicle in the steering input operation and the acceleration / deceleration support input operation is small, the input operation can be performed accurately as the driver intends.
Further, since the grip 30 can be gripped without difficulty, it is difficult to get tired and operability is good. Therefore, detailed operation is possible.

The neutral position in the steering operation of the grip 30 is a position corresponding to the case where the vehicle goes straight, and is determined by the shape of the grip 30. In the present embodiment, the neutral position is a position where the driver can hold the grip 30 naturally with the forearm 150 supported by the armrest 14.
The neutral position in the acceleration / deceleration operation of the grip 30 is a position when the vehicle neither accelerates nor decelerates, and is a position where the arm 40 is substantially horizontal (the steering rotation axis Ls and the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg are on the same plane. Position).
Further, the allowable rotation range around the shaft 38 of the grip 30 and the allowable rotation range around the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg of the arm 40 are an ergonomic range where the wrist 160 is rotatable, a range where the hand 162 is rotatable, and the like. Can be set based on each.
Further, the magnitude of the reaction force applied during the steering operation (relationship between the rotation angle around the shaft 38 of the grip 30 and the reaction force), the magnitude of the reaction force applied during the acceleration / deceleration instruction operation (the rotation angle of the arm 40) Can be set ergonomically based on the magnitude of the force that can be output when the wrist 160 rotates, the magnitude of the force that can be output when the hand 162 rotates, and the like. it can. These can be adjusted by changing the elastic force of the spring 90. Further, the magnitude of the resistance force can be adjusted by changing the design of the damper 70.
Further, the relationship between the operation amount and the reaction force, the operable range, and the like in each of the steering input operation unit 26 and the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation unit 28 may be adjusted separately or in relation to each other. . It can also be individually adjusted according to the characteristics of the driver (whether or not the person is weak, whether or not he / she is not good at rotating the wrist forearm around the axis, rotating the hand around the wrist, etc.).
In addition, the steering input operation unit 26, the acceleration / deceleration input operation unit 28, and the like (in the present embodiment, the acceleration / deceleration rotation mechanism 44 that holds the grip 30 and the arm 40) can be movably provided on the armrest 14. In the case of a standard driver, the length of the forearm does not change greatly, so the necessity for adjustment is not high, but if it can be adjusted, it can be set to be suitable for each driver and the operability can be improved. It can be further enhanced.

Note that the neutral position in the steering input operation of the grip 30 may be a position where the driver's thumb 152 is below the other four fingers 154 while the grip 30 is naturally gripped. This is because, for a driver with weak force, the movement in the direction in which the thumb 152 moves upward or outward (the direction in which the palm 154 faces upward) is easier than the movement in the opposite direction, and it is easier to produce a force.
Further, the neutral position in the steering input operation of the grip 30 and the neutral position in the acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation can be appropriately set by the driver.

Furthermore, the structure of the steering rotation mechanism 42 and the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 44 is not limited to that in the above embodiment.
For example, a damper, a potentiometer or the like can be provided coaxially with the shaft 38. The rotation angle of the grip 30 around the steering rotation axis Ls and the rotation angle of the arm 40 around the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg can be detected by an encoder or the like.
Furthermore, instead of detecting the rotational motion, a motion conversion device that converts the rotational motion into a linear motion can be provided so that the movement distance in the linear motion can be detected. Similarly, the damper is not a rotary damper and can generate a resistance force corresponding to the relative linear motion of the two members.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although rotation of the grip 30 was transmitted to a damper and a potentiometer via several gears, it is not restricted to it. Transmission can also be accomplished using pulleys and wires or timing belts.
Furthermore, an electric motor can be used to apply a reaction force. The magnitude of the reaction force can be controlled by controlling the current supplied to the electric motor. The reaction force can also be controlled based on the running state of the vehicle and the road surface state.

Moreover, it is not indispensable to attach the input operation device to the door 10 on the driver's seat side, and it may be attached to a position that can be used as an armrest on at least one of the right side and the left side of the driver's seat. The input operation device may be provided on the right side, the left side, or both the left and right sides of the driver's seat.
Furthermore, it is not essential to provide the input operation device substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the input operation device can be provided in a direction intersecting with an axis extending in the front-rear direction.
In addition, it is not essential to provide in a horizontal posture, and it can be provided in a posture that intersects the horizontal line. In this case, it is desirable to provide a posture that allows operation in a state where the angle between the forearm and the upper arm is greater than 90 °.

FIG. 9 shows an input operation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the steering rotation mechanism 200 is provided outside the grip 30. Further, the arm 202 is not directly connected to the grip 30 but is connected via the steering rotation mechanism 200.
In FIG. 9, a shaft 210 having the same axis as the steering rotation axis Ls is provided on the grip 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable and is connected to the steering rotation mechanism 200. The steering rotation mechanism 200 is not fixedly provided, but is movable with the movement of the shaft 210.
In the steering rotation mechanism 200, a base member 212 is attached to the shaft 210 so as to be relatively rotatable. The arm 202 has a generally L-shaped curved shape, and one end thereof is held by the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotating mechanism 213 so as to be rotatable with respect to the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg, and the other end is steered. It is fixed to the base member 212 of the rotation mechanism 200.
As the grip 30 moves in the vertical direction (rotation of the hand 162 around the wrist 160 of the driver), the base member 212 (steering rotation mechanism 200) is moved in the vertical direction, thereby causing the arm 202 to instruct acceleration / deceleration. The rotation mechanism 213 is rotated with respect to the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg.

Since the steering rotation mechanism 200 and the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 213 have the same structure, the steering rotation mechanism 200 will be described.
In the steering rotation mechanism 200, the damper drive gear 214 is attached to the shaft 210 so as not to be relatively rotatable, while the damper drive transmission gear 220 is engaged with the damper drive gear 214 so as to be relatively rotatable on the base member 212. It is attached. As the damper drive transmission gear 220 rotates, the damper 222 is actuated.
Further, potentiometers 226 and 228 are provided coaxially with the shaft 210, and a reaction force applying portion 122 similar to that in the above embodiment is provided.
In the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 213, one end of the arm 202 is connected to a rotation transmission arm 230 provided on the shaft 210 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

As the forearm 150 of the driver's wrist 160 rotates about the axis Lh, the grip 30 and the shaft 210 are rotated about the steering rotation axis Ls. This rotation is detected by potentiometers 226 and 228 and is used as a steering input.
As the driver's hand 162 rotates in the vertical direction around the wrist 160, the grip 30 and the steering rotation mechanism 200 are moved in the vertical direction, whereby the arm 202 and the rotation transmission arm 230 are rotated around the shaft 210. It is done. This rotation is detected by a potentiometer (not shown) and used as an acceleration / deceleration instruction input.

In the present embodiment, the first grip holding unit 250 is configured by the steering rotation mechanism 200 and the shaft 210, and the steering input detection unit 252 is configured by the potentiometers 226, 228 and the like. Further, it can be considered that the arm 202 and the rotation transmission arm 230 constitute the arm described in the claims.
In the input operation device (shown in FIG. 9) in the present embodiment and the input operation device (shown in FIGS. 1 to 8) in the above embodiment, the grip 30 is rotated around the acceleration / deceleration rotation axis Lg in the present embodiment. A large moment (force) is required when moving. Accordingly, when the relationship between the rotation angle of the arm 202 and the reaction force is the same as that in the input operation device in the embodiment, the reaction force application unit 122 of the acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 44 according to the embodiment is used. The spring can have a small elastic force.

In addition, the structure of the reaction force provision part 122 is not restricted to that in the said embodiment. For example, the structure shown in FIG. 10 can be formed. In the present embodiment, a case where the reaction force applying unit 260 is applied to the steering rotation mechanism 200 will be described.
In FIG. 10, a pulley 262 is attached to the shaft 210 so as not to rotate relative thereto. A pair of tension coil springs 270 and 272 are attached to the base member 212. One end portions of the springs 270 and 272 are fixed to the base member 212 by fixing members 274 and 276, respectively, and the other end portions are connected to each other through a wire 278. The wire 278 is wound around the pulley 262 and fixed at the fixing point Ps.

In the neutral state, both the springs 270 and 272 have a small elastic force.
On the other hand, when rotated in the right direction, the pulley 262 rotates as the shaft 210 rotates, and the spring 270 is extended. A reaction force corresponding to the elastic force of the spring 270 is applied. Further, if the force applied to the shaft 210 is reduced or reduced to 0, the shaft 210 is returned to the neutral position by the restoring force of the spring 270. In this case, the relationship between the reaction force of the springs 270 and 272 and the rotation angle is shown in FIG.

The reaction force applying unit 260 can also be applied to the steering rotation mechanism 42 and the acceleration / deceleration rotation mechanism 44. In that case, the pulley 262 is attached to the shaft 38 so as not to be relatively rotatable. When the base member 52 rotates relative to the shaft 38 in the right direction, the spring 272 is pulled and a reaction force is applied.

Although the above-described plurality of embodiments have been described, it is also possible to implement the embodiments in a combination of the embodiments.
In addition to the above aspects, the present invention can be practiced in variously modified and improved forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

It is a top view of the input operation device which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the said input operation device. It is the figure which looked at the above-mentioned input operation device from the front of vehicles. It is a figure which shows notionally the attachment state of the said input operating device. It is sectional drawing of the steering rotation mechanism of the said input operating device. It is a figure which shows notionally the action | operation of the said steering rotation mechanism. It is a figure which shows notionally another action | operation of the said steering rotation mechanism. It is a partial cross section figure (conceptual figure) of the said steering rotation mechanism. It is a figure (including sectional drawing of a steering rotation mechanism) which shows the whole input operation apparatus which is another one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the action | operation of the said steering rotation mechanism. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the steering input of the said steering rotation mechanism, and reaction force .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Door 14: Armrest 20: Side member 26: Steering input operation part 28: Acceleration / deceleration instruction input operation part 30: Grip 38: Shaft 40: Arm 41: 1st grip holding part 42: Steering rotation mechanism 44: Acceleration / deceleration instruction Rotation mechanism 45: second grip holding unit 120: steering input detection unit 122: reaction force applying unit 200: steering rotation mechanism 213: acceleration / deceleration instruction rotation mechanism 252: steering input detection unit 250: first grip holding unit 260: reaction force Granting part

Claims (14)

An armrest that supports at least a portion of the driver's forearm;
(a) a shaft extending on a first rotation axis that is the same straight line as the axis of the driver's forearm supported by the armrest; and (b) a relative rotation about the first rotation axis on the shaft. Rotation of the wrist around the axis of the forearm in a state where at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest and the grip is held by the driver's hand A first input operation unit that performs an input operation on rotation of the grip around the first rotation axis with respect to the shaft;
(c) an U-shaped curved shape, and an arm connected to the shaft at one end; (d) provided at a position deviated from the first rotation axis; and the other end of the arm A holding portion that holds the second pivot axis that intersects the first pivot axis at the wrist position of at least a portion of the forearm supported by the armrest, and (e) the grip. The grip and the arm associated with the rotation of the hand around the wrist in a state where at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest and the grip is gripped by the driver's hand A second input operation unit that uses rotation about the second rotation axis as an input operation;
The input device, which comprises a. The first input operating section, the reaction force applying to generate a first rotation detecting unit for detecting a relative rotation angle of the grip around the shaft, the reaction force with around the relative rotation of the shaft of the grip The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein both the first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit are provided inside the grip . 3. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip is generally oval and can be held between both sides of the thumb of the driver's hand and at least one of the other four fingers and the palm. The input operation device described in 1. The input operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the grip includes a recess that engages with a driver's thumb and a portion that contacts the other four fingers.   5. The input operation by the first input operation unit is a vehicle steering operation, and the input operation by the second input operation unit is an acceleration / deceleration instruction operation of the vehicle according to claim 1. Input operation device.   The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are orthogonal to each other on the same plane.   The input operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the armrest is provided in a posture extending substantially parallel to the first rotation axis.   The input operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the armrest is provided with a restricting portion that restricts movement in a direction intersecting with an axis of the driver's forearm. The input operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the input operation device is attached to a door on a driver's seat side of the vehicle. The input operation device according to claim 9 , wherein at least a part of the input operation device is attached in a state where the input operation device is located in a recess provided in a door on a driver's seat side of the vehicle.   The second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm around the second rotation axis, and the second input operation detection unit holds the arm. The input operation device according to claim 1, comprising: An armrest that supports at least a portion of the driver's forearm;
  (a) a shaft extending on a first rotation axis that is the same straight line as the axis of the driver's forearm supported by the armrest; and (b) a relative rotation about the first rotation axis on the shaft. Rotation of the wrist around the axis of the forearm in a state where at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest and the grip is held by the driver's hand A first input operation unit that performs an input operation on rotation of the grip around the first rotation axis with respect to the shaft;
  (c) One end is connected to the shaft, and the other end is rotated about a second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis at the position of the wrist of at least a portion of the forearm supported by the armrest. (D) the grip, and at least a part of the driver's forearm is supported by the armrest, and the grip is gripped by the driver's hand. A second input operation unit that uses the grip and the rotation of the arm around the second rotation axis as input operations, with the rotation of the hand around the wrist,
  An input operation device, wherein an input operation by the first input operation unit is a steering operation of the vehicle, and an input operation by the second input operation unit is an acceleration / deceleration instruction operation of the vehicle.   The first input operation unit detects a relative rotation angle of the grip around the shaft, and applies a reaction force that generates a reaction force in association with the relative rotation of the grip around the shaft. The input operation device according to claim 12, wherein both the first rotation detection unit and the reaction force application unit are provided inside the grip.   The second input operation unit includes a second input operation detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm around the second rotation axis, and the second input operation detection unit includes a portion that holds the arm. The input operation device according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising:

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