Rotary shifter

Abstract

In the rotary shift, the rotation interval angle between the holding positions of the knob at the time of switching the prescribed shift stages is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a first integer A (where A ≥ N), and the rotation interval angle between the stop positions of the armature corresponding to the holding positions at the time of switching the prescribed shift stages is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a second integer B (where A > B ≥ N).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a rotary shift lever. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as an operating device used in a rotary shift lever or the like for performing a shift for a transmission mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, a rotary input device capable of generating a click feeling and capable of performing a rotary operation with a knob provided with a holding mechanism that holds at a holding position corresponding to each shift position has been used.

[0003] With regard to such a rotary input device, a technology has been disclosed in the past in which a rotation angle of an armature that rotates in conjunction with rotation of a knob is detected, a shift position at which the knob is held is determined, and an operation of an electromagnetic brake that is capable of restricting rotation of the knob by using magnetic force to attract the armature is controlled in accordance with the shift position at which the knob is held (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-530145

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-079295

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-062075 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] However, the present inventors and others have found that in the prior art, in cases in which the relationship between the number of shift positions of the knob and the rotation pitch angle of the knob and the rotation pitch angle of the armature is not properly set, it is possible for various problems to arise in conjunction with a rotary operation of the knob (for example, the operation touch feeling differs each time the operation is performed, it is not possible to accurately determine the shift position based on the rotation angle of the armature, the holding position differs before and after rotation when the operation knob is rotated one revolution, and the like).

[0011] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0012] The rotation shift device of one embodiment includes a knob that is capable of being rotationally operated, a cam mechanism that holds the knob at a holding position corresponding to a prescribed shift range, an electromagnetic brake that has a magnetic yoke and an armature capable of rotating integrally with the knob via a speed increasing mechanism, that attracts the armature when energized, and that thereby restricts rotation of the armature and the knob, a rotation angle detection portion that detects a rotation angle of the armature, a determination portion that determines a prescribed shift range in which the knob is held, among N prescribed shift ranges, on the basis of the rotation angle of the armature detected by the rotation angle detection portion, and a brake control portion that controls operation of the electromagnetic brake on the basis of a determination result of the determination portion, and sets a rotation pitch angle between holding positions of the knob at the time of switching the prescribed shift ranges to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a first integer A (A ≥ N), and sets a rotation pitch angle between stop positions of the armature corresponding to the holding positions at the time of switching the prescribed shift ranges to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a second integer B (A > B ≥ N).

[0013] Effects of Invention

[0014] According to one embodiment, each problem accompanying rotational operation of the knob can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an appearance perspective view of a rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a side view of the rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view based on an A-A cross-sectional line of the rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation input device of one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0019] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation input device of one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0020] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main body portion included in the rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view based on a B-B cross-sectional line of the rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view based on a C-C cross-sectional line of the rotation input device of one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9is a diagram showing an electrical structure of a rotary input device of an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 is an appearance perspective view of an electromagnetic brake unit of an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electromagnetic brake unit of an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 is a partial enlarged view of a sectional view based on a structure of an elastic mechanism provided in a rotary input device of an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 is a diagram showing various implementation conditions of each embodiment of a rotary input device of an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 14 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a rotational state of an armature provided in a rotary input device of a first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 18 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 19 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 20 is a diagram schematically showing a gear position of a rotary input device of a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the Z-axis direction in the drawing is set as the up-down direction, the X-axis direction in the drawing is set as the front-rear direction, and the Y-axis direction in the drawing is set as the left-right direction. Here, the X-axis positive direction is set as the front direction, the Y-axis positive direction is set as the right direction, and the Z-axis positive direction is set as the up direction. These are indicative of relative positional relationships within the device, and do not limit the setting direction, the operation direction, or the like of the device. Cases where the relative positional relationships within the device are the same are included in the scope of the present application regardless of whether the setting direction or the operation direction is different.

[0036] (Summary of the Rotary Input Device 100)

[0037] Figure 1 is an appearance perspective view of the rotary input device 100 of an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the rotary input device 100 of an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 1 The rotary input device 100 illustrated is disposed in the vicinity of a driver's seat in a vehicle such as an automobile. The rotary input device 100 is a so-called "rotary shift knob", and is rotated by a driver of the vehicle in order to perform a shift of a transmission mounted on the vehicle. The rotary input device 100 electrically controls the transmission of the vehicle by outputting a control signal corresponding to the operation performed by the driver to the outside. That is, the rotary input device 100 adopts a so-called shift-by-wire system.

[0039] Note that the rotary input device 100 can also be used for purposes other than the shift of the transmission of the vehicle. For example, the rotary input device 100 can also be used for devices other than the vehicle of the automobile (for example, an airplane, a railway vehicle, a game machine, a remote controller, and the like). In addition, the rotary input device 100 actually has an electrical structure for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to a shift operation, but in the present embodiment, the illustration and description of the electrical structure are omitted.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 1 , a cylindrical knob 110 that can be rotationally operated is provided at the uppermost portion of the rotary input device 100. The outer peripheral side surface of the knob 110 is a different member from the upper surface 111 of the knob 110, and becomes a dial portion 112 in a cylindrical shape. The upper surface 111 is not rotatable. On the other hand, the dial portion 112 is an example of a "knob that can be rotationally operated", and when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction), the dial portion 112 can be rotated with a rotation center axis AX as the center of rotation in the counterclockwise direction (arrow D1 direction illustrated in Figure 1 ) and the clockwise direction (arrow D2 direction illustrated in Figure 1 ). The driver of the vehicle can switch the gear position of the transmission mounted on the vehicle between a plurality of gear positions (for example, "P" (parking), "R" (reverse), "N" (neutral), "D" (drive), and the like) by rotationally operating the dial portion 112.

[0041] The rotary input device 100 can switch the gear position of the transmission each time the dial portion 112 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and can switch the gear position of the transmission by a cam mechanism 100B (refer to Figure 7) stops the dial portion 112 at a holding position corresponding to a prescribed gear and holds it, restricting rotation of the dial portion 112. In addition, the rotation input device 100 is able to present a click feeling to the driver of the vehicle each time the dial portion 112 rotates by a prescribed angle, by the cam mechanism 100B. Thereby, the rotation input device 100 is able to allow the driver of the vehicle to grasp tactilely that switching of the gear has been performed reliably. In addition, the rotation input device 100 is able to brake rotation of the dial portion 112 by the electromagnetic brake unit 190. Thereby, the rotation input device 100 is able to avoid unintended switching of the gear by the driver of the vehicle.

[0042] (Structure of rotation input device 100)

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation input device 100 of an embodiment (refer to Figure 1 ) based on A-A line. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation input device 100 of an embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation input device 100 of an embodiment, viewed from below.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3-5 , the rotation input device 100 is provided with a knob 110, a rotation cylinder 120, a cam unit 130, and a main body portion 100A.

[0045] As already explained, the knob 110 is a member of resin and cylindrical shape (specifically, a circular cylinder shape with the upper portion closed) having an upper surface 111 and a dial portion 112. On the inner peripheral surface of the dial portion 112, a plurality of hook portions 113 are provided integrally along the inner peripheral surface. Each hook portion 113 of the plurality of hook portions 113 is provided in a manner projecting downward from the inner peripheral surface of the dial portion 112, and engages with each claw portion 121 of a plurality of claw portions 121 provided in the rotation cylinder 120.

[0046] The rotation cylinder 120 is a member of resin and substantially cylindrical shape disposed on the lower side of the knob 110. The shaft portion 151 of the housing 150 provided in the main body portion 100A is inserted into the cylinder of the rotation cylinder 120 from the lower side of the rotation cylinder 120. The rotation cylinder 120 is shaft-supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the shaft portion 151.

[0047] On the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the rotation cylinder 120, a plurality of claw portions 121 are formed along the outer peripheral surface. Each hook portion 113 of the plurality of hook portions 113 provided in the dial portion 112 engages with each claw portion 121 of the plurality of claw portions 121. Thereby, the rotation cylinder 120 is fixed to the dial portion 112 at the upper portion thereof, and rotates integrally with the dial portion 112 when a rotation operation of the dial portion 112 is performed.

[0048] On the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 120, a cam surface 122 is formed over the entire circumferential range of the inner circumferential surface. The cam surface 122 has a structure in which a plurality of cam protrusions 122A are connected.

[0049] On the lower side of the cam surface 122 of the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 120, an internal gear 123 is formed over the entire circumferential range of the inner circumferential surface. The internal gear 123 is engaged with three planetary gears 142 possessed by the planetary gear mechanism 140 provided at the uppermost portion of the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150, respectively. Thereby, the rotary drum 120 can rotate the three planetary gears 142, respectively, when the rotary drum 120 itself rotates. That is, the internal gear 123 can transmit the rotation of the dial portion 112 and the rotary drum 120 to the planetary gear mechanism 140.

[0050] The cam unit 130 has a retainer 131 and a plurality of abutting members 132. The retainer 131 is a resin-made member having a thin cylindrical shape, and internally retains the plurality of abutting members 132. The plurality of abutting members 132 each have a cylindrical shape in which a front end portion is formed in a semispherical shape, and a part of the semispherical front end portion protrudes outward from the outer circumferential side surface of the retainer 131. The cam unit 130 is fixed to the uppermost portion of the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150, and is disposed inside the cam surface 122 of the rotary drum 120 by being inserted into the drum of the rotary drum 120 through the shaft portion 151. The cam unit 130 constitutes a "cam mechanism 100B" together with the cam surface 122. By the plurality of abutting members 132 abutting and sliding against the cam surface 122, respectively, the cam unit 130 can stop and hold the rotation of the dial portion 112 at a prescribed holding position, or impart a click feeling to the rotation operation of the dial portion 112. Note that the details of the "cam mechanism 100B" will be described later. Figure 7 The details will be described later.

[0051] (Structure of the main body portion 100A)

[0052] Next, the structure of the main body portion 100A will be described with reference to Figure 6 to FIG. 1. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the main body portion 100A of the rotation input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body portion 100A includes a housing 150, a planetary gear mechanism 140, an electromagnetic brake unit 190, a rubber sheet 160, a substrate 170, and a cover 180. Figure 6

[0053] ​The housing 150 is a box-shaped member made of resin in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the upper portion of the housing 150, a substantially cylindrical shaft portion 151 is provided integrally. As described above, the shaft portion 151 is inserted into the inside of the cylinder of the rotating cylinder body 120 from the lower side opening of the rotating cylinder body 120. In the inside of the cylinder of the shaft portion 151, a sun gear 141 and an electromagnetic brake unit 190, which are provided in the planetary gear mechanism 140, are arranged. In addition, three support shafts 152 are provided upright on the upper surface of the shaft portion 151. The three support shafts 152 support three planetary gears 142, which are provided in the planetary gear mechanism 140, so as to be rotatable. In addition, a support shaft 153 is provided in a hanging manner on the center of the top surface (on the rotation center axis AX) in the inside of the cylinder of the shaft portion 151. The support shaft 153 supports the sun gear 141, which is provided in the planetary gear mechanism 140, so as to be rotatable.

[0054] The planetary gear mechanism 140 transmits the rotation of the rotary drum 120 to the electromagnetic brake unit 190. The planetary gear mechanism 140 has an internal gear 123 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 120, a sun gear 141, three planetary gears 142, and a sun gear base 143. The sun gear 141 is disposed on the upper end portion in the cylinder of the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150 on the rotary central axis AX. The three planetary gears 142 are disposed at equal intervals (120 degrees apart) around the sun gear 141 (on the same circumference centered on the rotary central axis AX). The three planetary gears 142 are each rotatably (rotating on their own axis) supported by a support shaft 152 protruding upward from the upper surface of the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150. Thus, the three planetary gears 142 each rotate on their own axis around the sun gear 141, but do not revolve. As a result, the planetary gear mechanism 140 is configured to allow a wiring member such as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) to pass between two adjacent planetary gears 142. The three planetary gears 142 each engage with the sun gear 141 via an opening portion 151A formed by a wall portion between them and the sun gear 141 in the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150. In addition, when the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150 is inserted into the cylinder of the rotary drum 120, the three planetary gears 142 each engage with the internal gear 123 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 120. As a result, the three planetary gears 142 each can rotate on their own axis in place with the internal gear 123 of the rotary drum 120 and transmit the rotation of the internal gear 123 to the sun gear 141, which has a smaller number of teeth than the internal gear 123, to increase the speed of the rotation of the rotary drum 120 and rotate the sun gear 141. The sun gear base 143 is provided on the lower side of the sun gear 141 and is a thin cylindrical member that is closed at the upper portion and has a larger diameter than the sun gear 141 and an armature 191 included in the electromagnetic brake unit 190. The sun gear base 143 is formed integrally with the sun gear 141 and rotates integrally with the sun gear 141. The armature 191 is disposed in the cylinder of the sun gear base 143 and is fixed by screwing. As a result, the sun gear base 143 rotates integrally with the armature 191. A through-hole 141A is formed in the sun gear 141 and the sun gear base 143 in the vertical direction of the sun gear 141. A support shaft 153 is inserted from the upper side of the through-hole 141A as the rotary central axis. In addition, the upper end portion of a rotary shaft member 197 included in the electromagnetic brake unit 190 is spline-coupled from the lower side of the through-hole 141A, that is, is inserted in a manner that has freedom in the axial direction and restricts rotation in the rotational direction in terms of shape. As a result, the sun gear 141 rotates integrally with the rotary shaft member 197 in a state that does not interfere with the attraction of the armature 191 and a magnetic yoke 192.

[0055] The electromagnetic brake unit 190 is arranged on the lower side of the sun gear base portion 143 of the planetary gear mechanism 140 in the cylinder of the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150. The electromagnetic brake unit 190 is a device capable of braking the rotation of the dial portion 112. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake unit 190 has an armature 191 at the uppermost portion. The armature 191 is threadedly fastened and fixed to the top surface in the cylinder of the sun gear base portion 143 of the planetary gear mechanism 140. Thus, as the dial portion 112 rotates, the armature 191 rotates with the rotation center axis AX as the center, together with the rotating cylinder 120, the three planetary gears 142, the sun gear 141, and the sun gear base portion 143. Also, the electromagnetic brake unit 190 brakes the rotation of the armature 191 using an electromagnetic brake 190A, and thus can brake the rotation of the rotating cylinder 120, the three planetary gears 142, the sun gear 141, the sun gear base portion 143, and the dial portion 112. Note that the detailed structure of the electromagnetic brake unit 190 will be described later using Figure 10 and Figure 11 will be described later.

[0056] For example, the electromagnetic brake unit 190 brakes the rotation of the armature 191 by operating the electromagnetic brake 190A when a prescribed lock condition is satisfied, and thus can make it impossible to perform a rotation operation based on the dial portion 112. Thus, the electromagnetic brake unit 190 can avoid an unintended inappropriate shift of the gear position when the prescribed lock condition is satisfied. The prescribed lock condition is, for example, when the gear position is “P” and the brake pedal is not depressed, or when a rotation operation to shift the gear position to “R” is performed in a state in which the vehicle is advancing.

[0057] The rubber sheet 160 is a sheet-shaped member arranged so as to overlap the upper surface 170A of the substrate 170. The rubber sheet 160 is formed using an elastic raw material (for example, silicone rubber or the like). The rubber sheet 160 covers the upper surface 170A of the substrate 170 in the entire area, and thus can suppress the upper surface 170A of the substrate 170 from getting wet even if water has entered the inside of the housing 150.

[0058] The substrate 170 is a flat member. The substrate 170 has a quadrangular shape in plan view. The substrate 170 is fixedly provided on the upper surface of the cover 180 in a horizontal posture with respect to the XY plane inside the case 150. As the substrate 170, for example, a PWB (Printed Wiring Board) is used. On the upper surface 170A of the substrate 170, as an example of a "rotation angle detection portion", a magnetic rotation angle detection sensor 171 is mounted. The rotation angle detection sensor 171 is provided at a position directly below a rotation shaft member 197 provided in the electromagnetic brake unit 190, and opposes a magnet 198 provided on the lower end surface of the rotation shaft member 197. The rotation angle detection sensor 171 can detect the rotation angle of the rotation shaft member 197 by detecting the change in the direction of the magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the magnet 198. Also, the rotation angle detection sensor 171 can output a rotation angle signal indicating the detected rotation angle to the control device 200 via a connector 182 provided in the cover 180. Note that the rotation shaft member 197 rotates integrally with the sun gear 141 and the armature 191, and thus the rotation angle of the rotation shaft member 197 detected by the rotation angle detection sensor 171 is also the rotation angle of the sun gear 141 and the armature 191. The control device 200 can calculate the rotation angle of the rotary drum 120 using the gear ratio corresponding to the number of teeth of the internal gear 123 of the rotary drum 120 and the number of teeth of the sun gear 141. The calculated rotation angle of the rotary drum 120 is detected as the rotation angle of the rotation operation by the dial portion 112 that rotates integrally with the rotary drum 120, and is used for the purpose of outputting a shift switching signal in accordance with the detection result, for the purpose of controlling the operation of the electromagnetic brake unit 190 in accordance with the detection result, and the like. Note that the rotation input device 100 of one embodiment uses a magnetic rotation angle detection sensor 171 (GMR sensor) as an example of a "sensor" for detecting a rotation angle. However, the rotation input device 100 can use other types of sensors (e.g., optical, mechanical, electrostatic, resistive, and the like) as other examples of a "sensor" for detecting a rotation angle.

[0059] The cover 180 is a flat member made of resin that closes the lower side opening of the case 150. The cover 180 has a quadrangular shape in plan view. The cover 180 is fixed to the case 150 by four screws 181 that pass through the four corners of the cover 180, respectively. On the bottom surface of the cover 180, a quadrangular cylindrical connector 182 (see FIG. 2) is provided protruding downward. Figure 5 In the inside of the connector 182, a plurality of connector pins (not shown) are arranged in a manner that they are provided downward from the lower surface of the substrate 170. The connector 182 electrically connects the plurality of connector pins to an external connector (not shown) by fitting the external connector.

[0060] (Structure of Cam Mechanism 100B)

[0061] Figure 7 The BB section line of the rotary input device 100 based on one embodiment (see reference). Figure 2 ) sectional view. Figure 7 It is a cross-section of the rotary input device 100 at the height of the cam surface 122 of the aforementioned rotary cylinder 120.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, a retainer 131, which is circular in shape when viewed from above, is disposed inside the cam surface 122 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 120. Four abutment members 132 are disposed at 90-degree intervals on the inner side of the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 131. Each of the four abutment members 132 has a cylindrical shape extending outward in the radial direction, with its front end formed into a hemispherical shape. Furthermore, each of the four abutment members 132 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 131 at its hemispherical front end. Additionally, each of the four abutment members 132 is subjected to force outward in the radial direction by a helical spring 133. Thus, the four abutment members 132 are pushed against the cam surface 122 of the rotating cylinder 120, pressing the cam surface 122.

[0063] The rotating cylinder 120 rotates integrally with the dial portion 112. On the other hand, the retainer 131 is fixed to the shaft portion 151 of the housing 150 and therefore does not rotate. The four abutment members 132 slide along the cam surface 122 as the dial portion 112 and the rotating cylinder 120 rotate. Furthermore, while the four abutment members 132 slide along the cam surface 122 as the dial portion 112 and the rotating cylinder 120 rotate, they can also move radially along the shaft portion 151 while the coil spring 133 extends and retracts. Additionally, whenever the dial portion 112 and the rotating cylinder 120 rotate by a predetermined angle, the four abutment members 132 stop and remain in the valley portion 122B, which serves as a holding position, between two adjacent cam protrusions 122A.

[0064] Each abutting member 132 is gradually pressed towards the rotational center axis AX by the cam protrusion 122A from its position in the valley 122B held between two adjacent cam protrusions 122A until it reaches the top of the cam protrusion 122A in the direction of rotation as the rotating cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112 rotate. As a result, the load that is to be returned in the opposite direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112 gradually increases.

[0065] On the other hand, each abutting member 132 moves to the outer side in the radial direction by the elastic force of the coil spring 133 when passing over the top of the cam protrusion 122A in the rotation direction along with the rotation of the rotation cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112. Also, each abutting member 132 slides into the next valley portion 122B while the cam protrusion 122A exerts a force on the rotation of the rotation cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112 in the rotation direction. At this time, the load related to the rotation of the rotation cylinder 120 and the knob 110 is sharply reduced. Also, when each abutting member 132 reaches the next valley portion 122B, the rotation of the rotation cylinder 120 is stopped, and the rotation cylinder 120 is held at that position.

[0066] The cam mechanism 100B is able to impart an operation feel (so-called click feeling) to the rotation operation of the dial portion 112 by thus varying the rotation load of the rotation cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112, and is able to drive the dial portion 112 to rotate to the valley portion 122B between the nearest two cam protrusions 122A as a holding position at the end of the rotation operation of the dial portion 112, and hold it at the nearest holding position.

[0067] (Structure of Planetary Gear Mechanism 140)

[0068] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the C-C cross section line (refer to Figure 2 ) of the rotation input device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 8 indicates a cross section of the rotation input device 100 at the height position of the internal gear 123 of the rotation cylinder 120 described above.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8 , the internal gear 123 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotation cylinder 120 meshes with the three planetary gears 142 provided by the planetary gear mechanism 140, respectively. Thereby, the internal gear 123 causes the three planetary gears 142 to rotate in place, respectively, along with the rotation based on the rotation operation of the dial portion 112 and the rotation cylinder 120, and is able to cause the sun gear 141 that meshes with the three planetary gears 142, respectively, to rotate. In addition, when a braking force is exerted on the rotation of the sun gear 141 by the electromagnetic brake unit 190, the internal gear 123 transmits the braking force to the rotation cylinder 120, and is able to cause the dial portion 112 and the rotation cylinder 120 not to rotate.

[0070] Here, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the number of teeth of the internal gear 123 is 64 teeth, which is more than the number of teeth of the sun gear 141, which is 20 teeth. Thus, the rotation input device 100 of the present embodiment is able to amplify the braking force applied to the rotation of the sun gear 141 by the electromagnetic brake unit 190 by 3.2 (= 64 ÷ 20) times and transmit it to the rotation cylinder 120 and the dial portion 112. In addition, when a rotation operation based on the dial portion 112 is performed, the rotation angle of the rotation operation is amplified, and the rotation shaft member 197 provided in the electromagnetic brake unit 190 is caused to perform a rotation action. That is, the rotation input device 100 of the present embodiment is able to more reliably detect a case where a rotation operation is performed using the rotation angle detection sensor 171 mounted to the substrate 170, even in a case where a rotation operation of a relatively small rotation angle is performed using the dial portion 112, since the rotation angle is amplified.

[0071] (Electrical structure of the rotation input device 100)

[0072] Figure 9 is a view showing an electrical structure of the rotation input device 100 of an embodiment. As shown, the rotation input device 100 is provided with a rotation angle detection sensor 171, an electromagnetic brake 190A, and a control device 200. Figure 9

[0073] The control device 200 is connected to the rotation angle detection sensor 171 and the electromagnetic brake 190A mounted to the substrate 170. The control device 200 is provided with a rotation angle calculation portion 201, a rotation restriction portion 202, an automatic release control portion 203, and a determination portion 204. Note that the rotation restriction portion 202 and the automatic release control portion 203 are examples of a "brake control portion".

[0074] The rotation angle calculation portion 201 calculates the rotation angle of the rotation cylinder 120 as the rotation angle of the dial portion 112 using the rotation angle indicated by the detection signal of the rotation angle detection sensor 171, the number of teeth of the internal gear 123 of the rotation cylinder 120, the number of teeth of each of the three planetary gears 142, and the number of teeth of the sun gear 141, in accordance with the gear ratio.

[0075] The determination portion 204 calculates and determines the current gear position based on the rotation angle indicated by the detection signal of the rotation angle detection sensor 171 or the rotation angle of the dial portion 112 calculated by the rotation angle calculation portion 201.

[0076] ​The rotation restriction portion 202 controls the electromagnetic brake 190A so as to energize the electromagnetic brake 190A based on the determination result of the current gear calculated by the determination portion 204, when it is determined that the prescribed lock condition is satisfied (for example, when the gear is in "P" and the brake pedal is not depressed, or when the rotation operation to switch the gear to "R" is performed in a state where the vehicle is advancing), thereby restricting the rotation of the dial portion 112.

[0077] The automatic release control portion 203 controls the electromagnetic brake 190A so as to release the energization of the electromagnetic brake 190A based on the determination result of the current gear calculated by the determination portion 204, when it is determined that the prescribed lock release condition is satisfied (for example, when the gear is in "P" and the brake pedal is depressed, or when the rotation in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction of the dial portion 112 is detected), thereby releasing the restriction of the rotation of the dial portion 112.

[0078] Note that the control device 200 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Each function of the control device 200 described above is realized, for example, in the control device 200 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0079] (Structure of electromagnetic brake unit 190)

[0080] Figure 10 is an external perspective view of the electromagnetic brake unit 190 according to an embodiment. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the electromagnetic brake unit 190 according to an embodiment. As Figure 10 and Figure 11 indicated, the electromagnetic brake unit 190 includes an electromagnetic brake 190A, a yoke holding member 194, three plate springs 195, a yoke opposing member 196, a rotation shaft member 197, and a magnet 198.

[0081] Note that the yoke holding member 194 is provided separately from the yoke 192 in the embodiment, but the yoke holding member 194 can be provided integrally with the yoke 192 to reduce the number of components and assembly man-hours.

[0082] In addition, the yoke opposing member 196 is provided separately from the housing 150 in the embodiment, but the yoke opposing member 196 can be provided integrally with the housing 150 to reduce the number of components and assembly man-hours.

[0083] The electromagnetic brake 190A has an armature 191, a yoke 192, and a coil 193.

[0084] The armature 191 is a disc-shaped member disposed at the uppermost portion of the electromagnetic brake unit 190. The armature 191 is screw-fastened and fixed to the top surface of the inside of the cylinder of the sun gear base 143 of the planetary gear mechanism 140. Thus, the armature 191 is able to rotate integrally with the sun gear 141 and the sun gear base 143 of the planetary gear mechanism 140. The armature 191 is formed of a magnet (e.g., iron), for example, so as to be able to be attracted by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic brake 190A. A through-hole 191A that penetrates the armature 191 in the up-down direction is formed at the center (on the rotation center axis AX) of the armature 191. The rotation shaft member 197 penetrates the through-hole 191A.

[0085] The magnetic yoke 192 is a cylindrical member disposed at the lower side of the armature 191. The magnetic yoke 192 is formed with a recessed portion 192A that is recessed in a cylindrical shape from the upper surface thereof downward. Further, a through-hole 192B that penetrates the magnetic yoke 192 in the up-down direction is formed at the center (on the rotation center axis AX) of the magnetic yoke 192. The rotation shaft member 197 penetrates the through-hole 192B. The magnetic yoke 192 is formed of a magnet (e.g., iron).

[0086] The coil 193 is formed in a cylindrical shape by winding an electric wire in multiple layers in the recessed portion 192A of the magnetic yoke 192.

[0087] The electromagnetic brake 190A generates an electromagnetic force by energizing the coil 193. The electromagnetic brake 190A attracts the armature 191 to the magnetic yoke 192 by the electromagnetic force when the coil 193 is energized, increases the load in the rotation direction of the armature 191, and brakes the rotation of the sun gear 141 that rotates integrally with the armature 191, whereby the rotation of the dial portion 112 and the rotation cylinder 120 that rotate in conjunction with the sun gear 141 can be braked.

[0088] The magnetic yoke holding member 194 is a resin disc-shaped member that holds the magnetic yoke 192 by being screw-fastened and fixed to the bottom surface of the magnetic yoke 192. A through-hole 194A that penetrates the magnetic yoke holding member 194 in the up-down direction is formed at the center (on the rotation center axis AX) of the magnetic yoke holding member 194. The rotation shaft member 197 penetrates the through-hole 194A. The magnetic yoke holding member 194 is disposed, in a state of holding the magnetic yoke 192, together with the magnetic yoke 192 in the space 196B surrounded by the outer peripheral wall portion 196A of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 in a manner that is able to rotate around the rotation shaft member 197. Four protruding portions 194B that protrude toward the outside in the radial direction are provided at 90-degree intervals on the outer peripheral side surface of the magnetic yoke holding member 194. Cam surfaces 194C are formed on the upper surfaces of the four protruding portions 194B, respectively.

[0089] The three plate springs 195 are each a metal and band-shaped elastic member. The three plate springs 195 are each arranged in a horizontal attitude outside the opening portions 196D of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196. The three plate springs 195 are each held by the holding portions 196E of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196. The three plate springs 195 each press the cam surface 194C of the protrusion portion 194B of the magnetic yoke holding member 194 arranged on the lower side thereof.

[0090] The magnetic yoke opposing member 196 is a resin member having a cylindrical shape with an upper portion open and a lower portion blocked. The magnetic yoke opposing member 196 is threadedly fastened and fixed to the upper surface 170A of the substrate 170. The magnetic yoke opposing member 196 has a cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 196A. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 196A is larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic yoke 192 and the magnetic yoke holding member 194. Thus, the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 can support the magnetic yoke 192 and the magnetic yoke holding member 194 to be rotatable in a space 196B surrounded by the outer peripheral wall portion 196A. A through-hole 196C that penetrates the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 in the vertical direction is formed in the center (on the rotation center axis AX) of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 (the inner bottom surface of the space 196B). A rotation shaft member 197 that rotatably supports the magnetic yoke 192 and the magnetic yoke holding member 194 is inserted through the through-hole 196C.

[0091] Four opening portions 196D are formed at 90-degree intervals in the outer peripheral wall portion 196A of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196. The protrusion portion 194B of the magnetic yoke holding member 194 is arranged in each of the opening portions 196D.

[0092] In addition, the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 has four holding portions 196E provided for each of the four opening portions 196D. The holding portions 196E are provided so as to protrude toward a position outside the opening portion 196D in the radial direction. The holding portions 196E hold the plate springs 195 in a horizontal state in abutment with the cam surface 194C.

[0093] The rotation shaft member 197 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction on the rotation center axis AX. The rotation shaft member 197 penetrates the magnetic yoke opposing member 196, the magnetic yoke holding member 194, the magnetic yoke 192, and the armature 191. The upper end portion of the rotation shaft member 197 is inserted into the through-hole 141A of the sun gear 141. Thus, the rotation shaft member 197 rotates integrally with the sun gear 141 with the rotation center axis AX as the center of rotation. In addition, the rotation shaft member 197 rotatably supports the magnetic yoke holding member 194 and the magnetic yoke 192.

[0094] The magnet 198 is arranged on the bottom surface of the rotation shaft member 197 in opposition to the rotation angle detection sensor 171. Thus, the magnet 198 enables the rotation angle detection sensor 171 to detect the rotation angle of the rotation shaft member 197.

[0095] (Structure of the elastic mechanism 190B)

[0096] Figure 12 The DD cross-section is based on the structure of the elastic mechanism 190B provided in the rotary input device 100 of one embodiment (see reference). Figure 10 A partially enlarged view of the cross-section of the magnetic yoke. The elastic mechanism 190B is configured to have a cam surface 194C disposed on the magnetic yoke retaining member 194 and a leaf spring 195 disposed on the magnetic yoke opposing member 196.

[0097] like Figure 12 As shown, the opening 196D formed in the outer peripheral wall portion 196A of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196 has a width W1 in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196. Figure 12 As shown, the width W1 is larger than the width W2 of the protrusion 194B of the yoke retaining member 194. Therefore, the yoke retaining member 194 and the yoke 192 can rotate by a predetermined angle in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions until the protrusion 194B of the yoke retaining member 194 abuts against the inner edge of the opening 196D. It should be noted that the rotation angle equivalent to the distance (W1-W2)÷2 is an example of "the yoke being held at a predetermined angle that allows rotation."

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, a cam surface 194C is formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 194B of the magnetic yoke retaining member 194. The cam surface 194C is inclined in a V-shape with its central portion in the width direction being the lowest position.

[0099] Leaf spring 195 is horizontally positioned above cam surface 194C. Leaf spring 195 is a metal, strip-shaped component extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the magnetic yoke retaining member 194. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the two ends of the leaf spring 195 in the extending direction are held by the holding portion 196E of the magnetic yoke opposing member 196. Additionally, as... Figure 12 As shown, the leaf spring 195 has a downwardly projecting protrusion 195A at its central portion in its extending direction. Figure 12 As shown, the protrusion 195A presses against the cam surface 194C at its top.

[0100] For the elastic mechanism 190B configured in this way, when the dial section 112 is not rotated, such as Figure 12As shown, the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 is pressed against the cam surface 194C, and the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 is held in the central holding portion 194Ca of the cam surface 194C. That is, the elastic mechanism 190B holds the yoke 192 and the yoke holding member 194 so as not to easily rotate relative to the yoke opposing member 196.

[0101] Further, in a state where the rotation of the dial portion 112 is restricted by the electromagnetic brake 190A, when an over-rotation operation is performed in which the rotation operation of the dial portion 112 is continued, the armature 191 is attracted to the yoke 192 by the electromagnetic brake 190A, and thus the yoke 192 and the yoke holding member 194 rotate together with the dial portion 112. Thus, the protruding portion 194B of the yoke holding member 194 rotates (moves in the circumferential direction) within the opening portion 196D of the yoke opposing member 196.

[0102] At this time, the cam surface 194C of the protruding portion 194B gradually pushes up the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 by the slope whose height position gradually becomes higher. Thus, the plate spring 195 generates a spring force by elastic deformation, and the pressing force against the cam surface 194C is increased by the spring force, and the slope of the cam surface 194C is pressed by the pressing force, and thus a rotation driving force in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction is generated with respect to the yoke holding member 194.

[0103] When the over-rotation operation of the dial portion 112 is released, the yoke 192 and the yoke holding member 194 rotate in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction by the rotation driving force. Further, the yoke holding member 194 stops rotating in the opposite direction by the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 being inserted into the central holding portion 194Ca of the cam surface 194C, and returns to the initial state (a state held by the elastic mechanism 190B so as not to easily rotate). Figure 12 As shown, the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 is pressed against the cam surface 194C, and the convex portion 195A of the plate spring 195 is held in the central holding portion 194Ca of the cam surface 194C. That is, the elastic mechanism 190B holds the yoke 192 and the yoke holding member 194 so as not to easily rotate relative to the yoke opposing member 196.

[0104] Note that when the yoke holding member 194 and the yoke 192 rotate in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction, the armature 191 is attracted to the yoke 192 by the electromagnetic brake 190A, and thus the dial portion 112 directly linked to the armature 191 rotates in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction. When the rotation in the direction opposite to the over-rotation direction of the dial portion 112 is detected by the rotation angle detection sensor 171, the automatic release control portion 203 of the control device 200 releases the energization of the electromagnetic brake 190A, and thus the restriction of the rotation of the dial portion 112 is released.

[0105] Note that the rotation input device 100 of one embodiment has three elastic mechanisms 190B arranged at equal intervals (90 degrees) along the outer periphery of the yoke 192. These three elastic mechanisms 190B are used simultaneouslyFigure 13-17 The rotation input device 100 of one embodiment can bring about equal effects (holding and urging) by the three elastic mechanisms 190B.

[0106] The above describes the structure of one embodiment of the present application in detail, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present application described in the technical concept.

[0107] In this embodiment, the structure is such that a part (dial portion 112) of the knob 110 rotates, but the structure can also be such that the entire knob 110 rotates. Note that "rotation of the knob" in this specification includes both the structure in which a part of the knob rotates and the structure in which the entire knob rotates.

[0108] In the rotation input device 100 of the above embodiment, for example, the structure of the elastic mechanism 190B is not limited to that described in the embodiment. For example, the plate spring 195 can be provided to the yoke holding member 194 and the cam surface 194C can be provided to the yoke opposing member 196.

[0109] In the above embodiment, for example, the structure is such that the plate spring 195 and the cam surface 194C oppose each other in the up-down direction, but the structure can also be such that the plate spring 195 and the cam surface 194C oppose each other in the radial direction.

[0110] In the above embodiment, for example, the elastic mechanism is provided between the yoke opposing member 196 and the yoke holding member 194, but the structure can also be such that the elastic mechanism is provided between the yoke opposing member 196 and the yoke 192 without the yoke holding member 194.

[0111] In the above embodiment, for example, the plate spring 195 is used as the elastic body included in the elastic mechanism 190B, but the structure can also be such that another elastic body (e.g., rubber, a coil spring, or the like) is used.

[0112] Embodiment

[0113] Hereinafter, various preferred implementation conditions of each embodiment of the rotation input device 100 of one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C. Figure 13 An embodiment of the rotation input device 100 of one embodiment will be described. Figure 13 FIGS. 1A to 1C are diagrams each illustrating various preferred implementation conditions of each embodiment of the rotation input device 100 of one embodiment.

[0114] First, preferred conditions are described separately or in combination with respect to the diameter d of the knob, the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob holding positions, the total rotation angle θ2 of the knob operation, the number of gears N, the number of holding positions A (= first integer A) per one rotation of the knob, the number of stop positions B (= second integer B) per one rotation of the armature, and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) between the knob and the armature.

[0115] First, the condition with respect to the diameter d of the knob 110 is that, in order to safely operate in a wrapped manner in a state of being placed in the palm, it is preferable that the diameter d be at least 45 mm or more.

[0116] Next, the condition with respect to the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob holding positions is that, if the interval angle is too small, it is possible to perform a misoperation of skipping the stop position, and if the knob is 45 mm or more as described above, it is preferable that θ1 be 20 degrees or more.

[0117] Next, the condition with respect to the rotation operation angle θ2 of the knob is that, in order to perform the operation only by the movement of the wrist without moving the fingers that grip the knob 110, if the knob is 45 mm or more as described above, it is preferable that θ2 be 90 degrees or less.

[0118] Next, the condition with respect to the number N of gears set is that, as described above, since the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob holding positions is preferably 20 degrees or more and the total rotation angle θ2 of the knob operation is preferably 90 degrees or less, the condition with respect to the number N of gears that can be set is preferably 5 or less (the number of rotation operations that can be performed for selection is at most 4 times counted by 90 degrees ÷ 20 degrees = 4.25). In this case, the number N of gears is preferably set to, for example, "4" or "5" from the gears "P", "R", "N", "D", and "S".

[0119] In addition, in the case where the number N of gears set is "4", the rotation operation is performed three times within 90 degrees (the total rotation angle θ2 of the knob operation), and thus the rotation angle for one operation is 30 degrees (= 90 degrees ÷ 3) or less, and therefore, in the case where N = 4, as the condition with respect to the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob holding positions, it is preferable that θ1 be 20 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less.

[0120] In addition, in the case where the number N of gears that can be set is "5", the rotation operation is performed four times within 90 degrees (the total rotation angle θ2 of the knob operation), and thus the rotation angle for one operation becomes 22.5 degrees (= 90 degrees ÷ 4) or less, and therefore, in the case where N = "5", as the condition with respect to the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob holding positions, it is preferable that θ1 be 20 degrees or more and 22.5 degrees or less.

[0121] Next, a condition for the number A (= first integer A) of holding positions per one turn of the knob, it is desirable that all N positions can be selected within one turn of the knob 110, and therefore A ≥ N is preferable. Also, when the rotation operation of the knob 110 is performed endlessly, in order to make it possible to obtain the same operation feeling from any position, the angle of one turn (= 360 degrees) is divided equally, and it is preferable that the same position be stopped at repeatedly when the rotation operation is performed endlessly. Specifically, the value (angle) obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number A of holding positions is preferably an integer or a finite number that does not repeat below the decimal point, and is preferably any one of "18" and "16" as the first integer A. The rotation interval angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob in this case is 20 degrees and 22.5 degrees, respectively.

[0122] As described above, in the case where the number N of gears that can be set is "5", as a condition for the rotation interval angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob, it is preferable that it be 20 degrees or more and 22.5 degrees or less, and therefore the preferable values that can be obtained as the first integer A are any one of "18" and "16". The rotation interval angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob in this case is 20 degrees and 22.5 degrees, respectively.

[0123] As described above, in the case where the number N of gears that can be set is "4", as a condition for the rotation interval angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob, it is preferable that it be 20 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less, and therefore the preferable values that can be obtained as the first integer A are any one of "18", "16", "15", and "12". The rotation interval angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob in this case is 20 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 24 degrees, and 30 degrees, respectively.

[0124] Next, a condition for the number B (= second integer B) of stop positions per one turn of the armature, first, when the rotation operation of the knob 110 is performed endlessly, in order to make the determination of the gear reliable and easy, it is preferable that the armature 191 always stop at a predetermined rotation position regardless of the position from which the knob 110 is started, so that the angle state of the armature 191 detected by the rotation angle detection sensor 171 is any one of the predetermined angle states. The armature 191 is driven at a higher speed than the knob 110, and therefore, as a condition for the relationship between the number A of holding positions per one turn of the knob 110 and the number B of stop positions per one turn of the armature 191, it is preferable that the number A of holding positions be larger than the number B of stop positions (A > B). Also, since each stop position of the armature 191 is assigned to each gear, as a condition for the relationship between the number B of stop positions per one turn of the armature 191 and the number N of gears, it is preferable that the number B of stop positions be equal to or larger than the number N of gears (B ≥ N). Thus, as a condition for the relationship between the number A of holding positions, the number B of stop positions, and the number N of gears, it is preferable that A > B ≥ N.

[0125] Also, the angle of one revolution (= 360 degrees) is equally divided by the interval angle between the stop positions of the armature 191, and it is preferable that the same position be repeatedly stopped at when an endless rotation operation is performed on the knob 110. Specifically, the value (angle) obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of stop positions B is preferably an integer or an integer B that is a finite number without repeating decimals. Also, from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the electromagnetic brake, the value obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B, i.e., the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B), is preferably a speed-up ratio of 2 times or more, and, in order to prevent the knob from slipping when the armature 191 has a large inertia while wearing gloves, it is preferably 4 times or less.

[0126] According to the above-described preferable conditions, in the case where the number of gears N = "5", the preferable value of the first integer A that can be obtained is any one of "18", "16".

[0127] If A = "18" is set, the value of B that satisfies all of the above-described conditions is any one of "5", "6", "8", "9", and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) in this case is "3.6" times, "3" times, "2.25" times, and "2" times, respectively.

[0128] If A = "16" is set, the value of B that satisfies the above-described conditions is any one of "5", "8", and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) in this case is "3.2" times and "2" times, respectively.

[0129] According to the above-described preferable conditions, in the case where the number of gears N = "4", the preferable value of the first integer A that can be obtained is any one of "18", "16", "15", "12".

[0130] If A = "18" is set, the value of B that satisfies all of the above-described conditions is any one of "5", "6", "8", "9", and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) in this case is "3.6" times, "3" times, "2.25" times, and "2" times, respectively.

[0131] If A = "16" is set, the value of B that satisfies the above-described conditions is any one of "4", "5", "8", and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) in this case is "4" times, "3.2" times, and "2" times, respectively.

[0132] If A = "15" is set, the value of B that satisfies the above-described conditions is any one of "4", "5", "6", and the speed-up ratio (= A ÷ B) in this case is "3.75" times, "3" times, and "2.5" times, respectively.

[0133] If A is set to "12", the value of B that satisfies the above condition is any one of "4", "5", "6", and the rate of the step-up (=A÷B) in this case is "3", "2.4", and "2" in this order.

[0134] The above various preferred implementation conditions are described in Figure 14 .

[0135] (First Embodiment)

[0136] Figure 14 is a diagram schematically showing the gear positions of the rotation input device 100 of the first embodiment. As Figure 14 indicated, in the first embodiment, the prescribed gear positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held are "P", "R", "N", "D", and "S". That is, in the first embodiment, the number N of the prescribed gear positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held is "5".

[0137] Further, as Figure 14 indicated, in the first embodiment, the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob 110 (dial portion 112) holding positions at the time of switching the prescribed gear positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the holding positions per one rotation of the knob 110, i.e., the first integer A (where A≥N). That is, in the first embodiment, the first integer A is "18".

[0138] Further, as Figure 13 indicated, in the first embodiment, the rotation operation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) required for switching the N gear positions is "80 degrees" which satisfies the condition of "90 degrees or less".

[0139] Note that, in the first embodiment, the rotation interval angle of the armature 191 at the time of switching the prescribed gear positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the stop positions per one rotation of the armature 191, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). Also, in the first embodiment, as Figure 14 indicated, the second integer B is set to any one of "5", "6", "8", and "9".

[0140] Further, as Figure 13 indicated, in the first embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0141] Further, as Figure 15 indicated, in the first embodiment, the rate of the step-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (step-up mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is "3.6", "3", "2.25", or "2" which all satisfy the condition of "2 or more and 4 or less".

[0142] The first embodiment will be described in further detail with the embodiment in which the number of gears N in the above-described various conditions is set to "5", the first integer A is set to "18", and the second integer B is set to "5" as a representative example.

[0143] Figure 15 is a schematic view showing the rotational state of the armature 191 provided in the rotational input device 100 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 15 , the second integer B is "5", and thus the armature 191 is set to be able to stop at five positions set at every 72 degrees. Further, as shown in Figure 8 , the number of gears N is "5", and thus, for example, five gears of "P", "R", "N", "D", and "S" are allocated to each stop position.

[0144] Further, in the present embodiment, setting the first integer A to "18" and the second integer B to "5" means that the setting of the speed-up of the rotation from the knob 110 to "3.6" times is performed in a manner that the angular pitch of the stop positions of the armature 191 corresponding to the angular pitch 20 degrees (= 360 degrees ÷ 18) of the holding positions of the knob 110 is 72 degrees (= 360 degrees ÷ 5). The specific method of the speed-up is to set the number of teeth of the inner gear 123 rotating integrally with the knob 110 to 3.6 times the number of teeth of the sun gear 141 rotating integrally with the armature 191. Although the illustration is omitted, for example, if the number of teeth of the inner gear 123 is set to 72 teeth and the number of teeth of the sun gear 141 is set to 20 teeth, respectively, the speed-up of "3.6" (= 72 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times can be performed.

[0145] As described above, the detailed description was made with the embodiment in which the number of gears N in the various conditions of the first embodiment was set to "5", the first integer A was set to "18", and the second integer B was set to "5" as a representative example, but the same description as the above description is made with respect to the combination of the preferred conditions of the other embodiments, and thus the detailed description is omitted below. Also, with respect to the setting of the other preferred step-up ratios, the same description as the above description is made, and the step-up ratios can be set to the desired conditions as long as the number of teeth of the ring gear 123 and the number of teeth of the sun gear 141 are set to match the step-up ratios, and if an example of the "desired step-up ratio" (= the number of teeth of the ring gear 123 ÷ the number of teeth of the sun gear 141) is given, it is "3.75" (= 75 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "3.2" (= 64 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "3" (= 60 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "2.5" (= 50 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "2.4" (= 48 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "2.25" (= 45 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times, "2" (= 40 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times. It is preferable that the numbers of teeth are optimally selected to match the size of the device and the like while maintaining the desired ratios.

[0146] Further, Figure 16 An example in which the number of teeth of the ring gear 123 is 64 teeth, the number of teeth of the sun gear 141 is 20 teeth, and the step-up ratio is the above-described "3.2" (= 64 teeth ÷ 20 teeth) times is shown.

[0147] (Second Embodiment)

[0148] Figure 16 is a view schematically showing the gears of the rotation input device 100 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 16 In the second embodiment, the prescribed gears in which the knob 110 (the dial portion 112) is held are "P", "R", "N", "D", and "S". That is, in the second embodiment, the number N of the prescribed gears in which the knob 110 (the dial portion 112) is held is "5".

[0149] Further, as shown in Figure 16 In the second embodiment, the rotation interval angle θ1 between the held positions of the knob 110 (the dial portion 112) at the time of switching the prescribed gears is set to an angle of 360 degrees divided by the number of the held positions of the knob 110 per one rotation, that is, the first integer A (where A ≥ N), that is, "22.5 degrees". That is, in the second embodiment, the first integer A is "16".

[0150] Further, as shown in Figure 13 In the second embodiment, the rotation operation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (the dial portion 112) required for the switching of the N gears is "90 degrees" which satisfies the condition of "90 degrees or less".

[0151] It should be noted that, in the second embodiment, the rotation angle of the armature 191 when switching to a specified gear is set to 360 degrees divided by the number of stopping positions of the armature 191 per revolution, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as... Figure 16 As shown, the second integer B is set to either "5" or "8".

[0152] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the second embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, in the second embodiment, the speed increase multiplier of the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed increase mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is either "3.2" or "2", which both meet the condition of "more than 2 and less than 4".

[0154] (Third Embodiment)

[0155] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of the rotary input device 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 17 As shown, in the first embodiment, the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held in the following positions: "P", "R", "N", and "D". That is, in the third embodiment, the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held in the following position N: "4".

[0156] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, in the third embodiment, the rotational distance angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) when switching a specified gear is set to 360 degrees divided by the number of holding positions of the knob 110 per revolution, i.e., the first integer A (where A≥N), resulting in an angle of "20 degrees". That is, in the third embodiment, the first integer A is "18".

[0157] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the third embodiment, the rotation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (dial 112) required for switching N gears is "60 degrees" which meets the condition of "less than 90 degrees".

[0158] It should be noted that, in the third embodiment, the rotation angle of the armature 191 when switching to a specified gear is set to 360 degrees divided by the number of stopping positions of the armature 191 per revolution, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as... Figure 17 As shown, the second integer B is set to any one of "5", "6", "8", or "9".

[0159] In addition, as shown in Figure 13 In the third embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0160] In addition, as shown in Figure 18 In the third embodiment, the speed-up ratio based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is "3.6", "3", "2.25", or "2", each of which satisfies the condition of "2 or more and 4 or less".

[0161] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0162] Figure 18 is a view schematically showing the shift positions of the rotation input device 100 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 18 In the fourth embodiment, the prescribed shift positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held are "P", "R", "N", and "D". That is, in the fourth embodiment, the number N of the prescribed shift positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held is "4".

[0163] In addition, as shown in Figure 18 In the fourth embodiment, the rotation interval angle θ1 between the held positions of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the held positions per one rotation of the knob 110, that is, the first integer A (where A ≥ N). That is, in the fourth embodiment, the first integer A is "16".

[0164] In addition, as shown in Figure 13 In the fourth embodiment, the rotation operation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) required for switching the N shift positions is "67.5 degrees", which satisfies the condition of "90 degrees or less".

[0165] Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation interval angle of the armature 191 at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the stop positions per one rotation of the armature 191, that is, the second integer B (where A > B ≥ N). Also, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 18 the second integer B is set to any one of "4", "5", and "8".

[0166] In addition, as shown in Figure 13 In the fourth embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0167] In addition, as shown in Figure 19As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the speed increase multiplier of the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed increase mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is "4", "3.2" or "2", which all meet the condition of "more than 2 and less than 4".

[0168] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0169] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of the rotary input device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 19 As shown, in the third embodiment, the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held in the following positions: "P", "R", "N", and "D". That is, in the third embodiment, the number N of the predetermined positions held by the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is "4".

[0170] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, the rotational distance angle θ1 between the holding positions of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) when switching a specified gear is set to 360 degrees divided by the number of holding positions of the knob 110 per revolution, i.e., the first integer A (where A≥N), resulting in an angle of "24 degrees". That is, in the third embodiment, the first integer A is "15".

[0171] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, the rotation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (dial 112) required for switching N gears is "72 degrees" which meets the condition of "less than 90 degrees".

[0172] It should be noted that, in the fifth embodiment, the rotation angle of the armature 191 when switching to a specified gear is set to 360 degrees divided by the number of stopping positions of the armature 191 per revolution, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as... Figure 19 As shown, the second integer B is set to any one of "4", "5", or "6".

[0173] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0174] In addition, such as Figure 20 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, the speed increase multiplier of the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed increase mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is "3.75", "3" or "2.5", which all meet the condition of "more than 2 and less than 4".

[0175] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0176] Figure 20 is a view schematically showing the shift positions of the rotary input device 100 of the sixth embodiment. As shown in the view, in the sixth embodiment, the prescribed shift positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held are "P", "R", "N", and "D". That is, in the sixth embodiment, the number N of the prescribed shift positions in which the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is held is "4". Figure 20

[0177] In addition, as shown in the view, in the sixth embodiment, the rotation interval angle θ1 between the knob 110 (dial portion 112) holding positions at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the holding positions per one rotation of the knob 110, i.e., the first integer A (where A≥N). That is, in the first embodiment, the first integer A is "12". Figure 20

[0178] In addition, as shown in the view, in the sixth embodiment, the rotation operation angle θ2 of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) required for switching the N shift positions is "90 degrees" which satisfies the condition of "90 degrees or less". Figure 13 Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation interval angle of the armature 191 at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the stop positions per one rotation of the armature 191, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). Also, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in the view, the second integer B is set to any one of "4", "5", and "6".

[0179] Figure 20

[0180] In addition, as shown in the view, in the sixth embodiment, the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more. Figure 13

[0181] In addition, as shown in the view, in the sixth embodiment, the magnification of the speed-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) obtained by dividing the first integer A by the second integer B is "3", "2.4", or "2" which all satisfy the condition of "2 or more and 4 or less". ​

[0182] As described above, the rotary input device 100 of each of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the rotation interval angle of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the stop positions per one rotation of the knob 110, i.e., the first integer A (where A≥N), and the rotation interval angle of the armature 191 at the time of switching the prescribed shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by the number of the holding positions per one rotation of the armature 191, i.e., the second integer B (where A>B≥N). ​​​​​​

[0183] Thus, in the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the rotation interval angle θ1 of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is always constant even after an arbitrary rotation operation is performed, and thus a constant operation touch can be obtained in the rotation operation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112). Note that the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments can easily perform the rotation operation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) from the prescribed gear position by electronic control based on the control device 200 even in a case where the system power is temporarily switched off after being switched to a gear position other than the prescribed gear position by the rotation operation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112).

[0184] In addition, in the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the rotation interval angle of the armature 191 is always constant even after an arbitrary rotation operation is performed, and there are at least N stop positions corresponding to N gear positions in one rotation, and thus the current gear position can be determined by detecting the current stop position of the armature.

[0185] Further, in the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the rotation angle detection sensor 171 detects the rotation angle of the armature 191 after the speedup by the planetary gear mechanism 140, and thus the control device 200 can perform the control of the electromagnetic brake 190A at a more accurate timing.

[0186] In addition, the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the diameter d of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 45 mm or more.

[0187] Thus, in the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the knob 110 (dial portion 112) becomes easy to hold, and the ease of the rotation operation of the knob 110 can be improved.

[0188] In addition, the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the rotation interval angle θ1 of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is 20 degrees or more.

[0189] Thus, in the rotary input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the erroneous operation based on the rotation operation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) can be suppressed. Note that if the rotation interval angle θ1 is less than 20 degrees, it is possible that the knob 110 is erroneously operated to a gear position different from a desired gear position.

[0190] Further, the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the rotation operation angle θ2 (i.e., rotation pitch angle x number of gears N - 1) of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) required for switching of N gears is 90 degrees or less.

[0191] Thus, in the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, the operator can perform switching of N gears without moving the fingers gripping the knob 110. For example, the usual movable range that can be operated by only movement of the operator's wrist without moving the fingers is 90 degrees or less.

[0192] Further, the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the magnification of the speed-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) (i.e., first integer A ÷ second integer B) is 2 or more and 4 or less.

[0193] Thus, in the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, generation of an unpleasant feeling of operation in the rotation operation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) can be suppressed. For example, in a case where the magnification of the speed-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) is larger than 4, the start of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) becomes heavy due to the influence of the inertia of the armature 191, and particularly in the case of wearing gloves, it can be difficult to perform rapid operation because the knob 110 (dial portion 112) can slip. Further, for example, in a case where the magnification of the speed-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) is larger than 4, the restriction of the rotation of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) based on the electromagnetic brake 190A becomes difficult due to the influence of the inertia of the armature 191, and it can be difficult to stop the knob 110 (dial portion 112) at a desired stop position. Further, for example, in a case where the magnification of the speed-up based on the planetary gear mechanism 140 (speed-up mechanism) is smaller than 2, it is necessary to use an electromagnetic brake 190A capable of generating a large brake torque, and it can be difficult to miniaturize the device.

[0194] Further, the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the "speed-up mechanism" is a planetary gear mechanism 140 having a sun gear 141 provided at the center portion, a planetary gear 142 provided around the sun gear 141, and an internal gear 123, the rotation force of the knob 110 (dial portion 112) is input from the internal gear 123, and is transmitted to the sun gear 141 via the self-rotating planetary gear 142 in situ, and is output from the sun gear 141 to the armature 191.

[0195] Thus, the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments can realize the "speed-up mechanism" with a relatively small installation space. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the large size of the device.

[0196] In addition, the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments is such that the knob 110 has the upper surface 111 that does not rotate and the dial portion 112 (outer peripheral portion) that can be rotationally operated.

[0197] Thus, in the rotation input device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, since the upper surface 111 does not rotate, for example, it is possible to configure a design having directionality on the upper surface 111 or to avoid twisting of a component such as a wiring connected to the upper surface 111.

[0198] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-052132 filed on March 25, 2021, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0199] Explanation of Reference Signs:

[0200] 100 Rotation input device

[0201] 100A Main body portion

[0202] 100B Cam mechanism

[0203] 110 Knob

[0204] 111 Upper surface

[0205] 112 Dial portion

[0206] 113 Hook portion

[0207] 120 Rotation drum

[0208] 121 Claw portion

[0209] 122 Cam surface

[0210] 122A Cam protrusion

[0211] 122B Valley portion

[0212] 123 Internal gear

[0213] 130 Cam unit

[0214] 131 Holder

[0215] 132 Abutting member

[0216] 133 Spiral spring

[0217] 140 Planetary gear mechanism

[0218] 141 Sun gear

[0219] 141A Through-hole

[0220] 142 planetary gear

[0221] 143 sun gear base

[0222] 150 housing

[0223] 151 shaft portion

[0224] 151A opening portion

[0225] 152 support shaft

[0226] 153 support shaft

[0227] 160 rubber sheet

[0228] 170 base plate

[0229] 170A upper surface

[0230] 171 rotation angle detection sensor

[0231] 180 cover

[0232] 181 screw

[0233] 182 connector

[0234] 190 electromagnetic brake unit

[0235] 190A electromagnetic brake

[0236] 190B elastic mechanism

[0237] 191 armature

[0238] 191A through hole

[0239] 192 yoke

[0240] 192A recessed portion

[0241] 192B through hole

[0242] 193 coil

[0243] 194 yoke holding member

[0244] 194A through hole

[0245] 194B protrusion

[0246] 194C cam surface

[0247] 194Ca central holding portion

[0248] 195 plate spring

[0249] 195A protrusion

[0250] 196 yoke counter member

[0251] 196A outer peripheral wall portion

[0252] 196B space

[0253] 196C through-hole

[0254] 196D opening portion

[0255] 196E holding portion

[0256] 197 rotation shaft member

[0257] 198 magnet

[0258] 200 control device

[0259] 201 rotation angle calculating section

[0260] 202 rotation restricting section

[0261] 203 automatic release control section

[0262] 204 determination section

[0263] N number of notches

[0264] θ1 rotation interval angle between knob holding positions

[0265] θ2 rotation operation angle of knob

[0266] A first integer (number of holding positions per one turn of knob)

[0267] B second integer (number of stop positions per one turn of armature)

[0268] A ÷ B ratio of speed-up

[0269] d diameter of knob

Claims

1. A rotary shifter characterized by comprising: a knob that is capable of being rotationally operated; a cam mechanism that holds the knob at a holding position corresponding to a prescribed shift range; an electromagnetic brake that has a magnetic yoke and an armature that is capable of being rotationally integrated with the knob via a speed-up mechanism, and that, when energized, attracts the armature, thereby restricting rotation of the armature and the knob; a rotation angle detection section that detects a rotation angle of the armature; a determination section that determines, based on the rotation angle of the armature detected by the rotation angle detection section, the prescribed shift range in which the knob is held, among N prescribed shift ranges; and a brake control section that controls operation of the electromagnetic brake based on a determination result of the determination section, wherein a rotation pitch angle between the holding positions of the knob when switching the prescribed shift ranges is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a first integer A, where A ≥ N, and a rotation pitch angle between stop positions of the armature corresponding to the holding positions when switching the prescribed shift ranges is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a second integer B, where A > B ≥ N.

2. The rotary shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that a diameter of the knob is 45 mm or more.

3. The rotary shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that a rotation pitch angle of the knob is 20 degrees or more.

4. The rotary shifter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a rotation angle of the knob required for switching the N shift ranges is 90 degrees or less.

5. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a multiplication factor of speed-up of the speed-up mechanism is 2 or more and 4 or less.

6. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the speed-up mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism that has a sun gear provided at a center portion, a planetary gear provided around the sun gear, and an internal gear, wherein the speed-up mechanism inputs a rotation force of the knob from the internal gear, transmits it to the sun gear via the planetary gear that is self-rotating in place, and outputs it to the armature from the sun gear.

7. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the knob has an upper surface that does not rotate and an outer peripheral portion that is capable of being rotationally operated.

8. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first integer A is 18, and the second integer B is any one of 5, 6, 8, and 9.

9. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first integer A is 16, and the second integer B is any one of 4, 5, and 8.

10. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first integer A is 15, and the second integer B is any one of 4, 5, and 6.

11. The rotary shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The first integer A is 12, The second integer B is any one of 4, 5, 6.

Images