Steering input device and steering by wire steering device

Abstract

In this steering input device (1) and steer-by-wire steering device (SD), a steering input member (31) has: an operation unit (5) that is steered when a rudder angle is applied to wheels (WL) (WR) of a vehicle; and a fixing part (6) which is fixedly provided at a position different from that of the operation part (5) and which comes into contact with the operator hand (H) of the driver during an operation of the operation part (5) by the driver. Therefore, when the operation part (5) is operated, the fixed part (6) is contacted with the operation part (5) at the same time, the displacement difference between the operation part (5) and the fixed part (6) is sensed at the contact part, and the friction force between the operation part (5) and the operator (H) can be adjusted, so that the fine adjustment of the steering angle is easy when steering and returning are increased, and the operability of the steering operation input device (1) is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a steering operation input device and a steer-by-wire steering device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a conventional steering operation input device, for example, the device described in Patent Literature 1 is known.

[0003] That is, the conventional steering operation input device is applied to a so-called steer-by-wire steering device, and has a dial that a driver of a vehicle can rotate with one hand, and by rotating the dial, steering corresponding to the rotation direction thereof can be performed.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-172135 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, the conventional steering operation input device described above does not consider improvement of operability at all.

[0009] Therefore, the present application is proposed in view of the technical problem of the conventional steering operation input device described above, and aims to provide a steering operation input device and a steer-by-wire steering device that can improve operability.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] As one way thereof, the present application is characterized in that a steering operation input member has: an operation portion that is steered when a rudder angle is imparted to a wheel of a vehicle; and a fixed portion that is fixedly provided at a position different from the operation portion and that comes into contact with an operation hand of a driver in a movement of the driver's operation of the operation portion.

[0012] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present application, it is possible to improve operability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a steer-by-wire steering device of the present application.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a steering operation input member of a first embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 2A perspective view of the steering operation input device showing the operation mode of the steering operation input component.

[0017] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 The top view of the steering operation input component shows the operation mode of the steering operation input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state (including left and right steering states with small rudder angles), (b) indicates the right steering state with large rudder angles, and (c) indicates the left steering state with large rudder angles.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the steering operation input component according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 Other examples illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention are shown below. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the steering operation input component in another manner, showing the mounting section and the support section.

[0020] Figure 7 It means Figure 5 A perspective view showing the operation mode of the steering input component.

[0021] Figure 8 It means Figure 5 The top view of the steering operation input component shows the operation mode of the steering operation input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state (including left and right steering states with small rudder angles), (b) indicates the right steering state with large rudder angles, and (c) indicates the left steering state with large rudder angles.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the steering operation input component according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 It means Figure 9 A perspective view showing the operation mode of the steering input component.

[0024] Figure 11 It means Figure 9 The top view of the steering operation input component shows the operation mode of the steering operation input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state (including left and right steering states with small rudder angles), (b) indicates the right steering state with large rudder angles, and (c) indicates the left steering state with large rudder angles. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the steering operation input device and the steer-by-wire steering device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, examples will be described where the steering operation input device and the steer-by-wire steering device are conventionally applied to steer-by-wire steering devices for automobiles.

[0026] Structure of a steer-by-wire steering apparatus

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the steer-by-wire steering apparatus SD of the present application. Further, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the steer-by-wire steering apparatus SD, and does not show the specific shape of the steer-by-wire steering apparatus SD of the embodiment of the present application.

[0028] For example as Figure 1 shown, the steer-by-wire steering apparatus SD of the present application is provided with a steering operation input apparatus 1 and a steering apparatus 2, and the steering operation input apparatus 1 and the steering apparatus 2 are configured to be mechanically separated. The steering operation input apparatus 1 has a steering operation input member 3 for inputting a steering operation, and a reaction force section 4 that applies a reaction force to an operation section 5 of the steering operation input member 3, which will be described later.

[0029] The steering operation input member 3 has the operation section 5 and a fixed section 6 Figure 1 (not shown), with reference to Figure 2 ), and the operation section 5 has a dial 51 corresponding to a steering wheel, and a rotation shaft 52 connected to the dial 51 and corresponding to a steering shaft. Also, a steering angle, i.e., a rotation angle of the dial 51, input via the dial 51 is detected by a steering angle sensor AS connected to the rotation shaft 52 that rotates integrally with the dial 51 in synchronization. The steering angle sensor AS is connected to a control device 7 mounted on the vehicle, and a steering angle signal detected by the steering angle sensor AS is output to the control device 7.

[0030] The reaction force section 4 is configured by, for example, a reaction force actuator CA. The reaction force actuator CA is connected to the control device 7 and is driven and controlled by the control device 7. Specifically, the reaction force actuator CA generates, for example, a reaction force corresponding to a driving condition such as a speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle and a road surface condition. Further, in the present embodiment, the well-known reaction force actuator CA is exemplified as one way of the reaction force section 4, but the reaction force section 4 is not limited to the structure that generates an electric reaction force like the reaction force actuator CA, and can be, for example, a structure that mechanically generates a reaction force such as a biasing member (a coil spring) or the like. That is, in other words, the reaction force section 4 can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications of the steering apparatus SD or the like as long as it can cause the operation section 5 of the steering operation input member 3 to generate a reaction force.

[0031] The control device 7 is electrically connected to the steering angle sensor AS, an external sensor OS mounted on the vehicle, and a steering amount sensor DS, and drives and controls the reaction force actuator CA and a steering actuator DA, which will be described later. Further, the external sensor OS includes various sensors other than a vehicle speed sensor, for example.

[0032] The turning device 2 has a rack bar 21 that connects the turning wheels, i.e., the left and right wheels WL, WR of the vehicle, as a turning shaft; a turning cross rod 22 that connects the rack bar 21 and the wheels WL, WR; and a turning actuator DA that moves the rack bar 21 in the vehicle width direction. Further, the rack bar 21 is connected to the turning actuator DA, for example, through a transmission mechanism and a reduction mechanism, which are not shown. The transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force of the turning actuator DA to the rack bar 21, and is constituted by, for example, an input-side pulley connected to the rotational shaft of the turning actuator DA, an output-side pulley connected to the rack bar 21, and a belt wound between the two pulleys. The reduction mechanism reduces the rotational force transmitted via the transmission mechanism, and converts it into a moving force in the axial direction of the rack bar 21, and is constituted by, for example, a ball screw interposed between the output-side pulley and the rack bar 21.

[0033] Further, the rack bar 21 is connected to a turning shaft position sensor PS that can detect the axial direction position of the rack bar 21. The turning shaft position sensor PS is connected to the control device 7, and outputs the detected position signal of the rack bar 21 to the control device 7. That is, the control device 7 drives and controls the turning actuator DA based on the position signal of the rack bar 21 detected by the turning shaft position sensor PS, and calculates the moving amount in the axial direction of the rack bar 21 from the turning angle signal detected by the turning angle sensor AS. Thereby, the appropriate pushing force corresponding to the axial direction position of the rack bar 21 is imparted to the rack bar 21.

[0034] 〔First Embodiment〕

[0035] (Structure of Steering Operation Input Device)

[0036] Figure 2 A perspective view of the steering operation input member 31 of the first embodiment of the present application as viewed from the front (rear) side is shown. Further, in the following description, for convenience, the rotational axis of the dial 51 in Figure 2 will be set as the rotational axis Z, the direction along the rotational axis Z will be set as the "axial direction", the direction orthogonal to the rotational axis Z will be set as the "radial direction", and the direction around the rotational axis Z will be set as the "circumferential direction". Further, the advancing direction of the vehicle will be set as the "front", the side opposite to the advancing direction of the vehicle will be set as the "rear", the upper side in the vertical direction will be set as the "up", and the lower side in the vertical direction will be set as the "down".

[0037] For example, as shown in Figure 2As shown, the steering operation input member 31 of the present embodiment is provided on a center console (not shown) in a vehicle cabin. Specifically, the steering operation input member 31 has an operation portion 5 that rotates by a steering operation of a driver for a steering operation input by the driver, and a fixed portion 6 that is fixedly provided with respect to the operation portion 5 and does not relatively rotate with rotation of the operation portion 5.

[0038] The steering operation input member 3 has a dial 51 that rotates with input of a steering operation, and a rotation shaft 52 that is connected to the dial 51 in an integrally rotatable manner (not shown in Figure 2 , refer to Figure 1 ). At this time, the rotation shaft 52 is connected to the center of the dial 51, and is configured such that the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 52 coincides with the center of the dial 51. Thereby, a structure is achieved in which the operation amount (rotation amount) of the dial 51 can be linearly reflected in the steering angle. In addition, the dial 51 and the rotation shaft 52 are connected in an integrally rotatable manner, for example, by a prescribed fixing means such as press-fitting, fastening, or the like. In addition, the dial 51 and the rotation shaft 52 do not necessarily have to be configured in separate bodies, and can be integrally formed.

[0039] The dial 51 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape from a resin material or a metal material. Specifically, the dial 51 has a placement surface 511 that is provided to an upper surface of the dial 51 for placement of an operation hand H (not shown in Figure 2 , refer to Figure 3 ), and an operation surface 512 that is provided to an outer peripheral surface of the dial 51 for steering (rotation) operation of the dial 51 by the operation hand H. The placement surface 511 is configured by a flat surface that is parallel to the operation table 30. The operation surface 512 is continuously provided along the circumferential direction of the dial 51. Furthermore, it is preferable that the operation surface 512 have a relatively rough surface roughness with respect to a later-described support portion 62 of the fixed portion 6, and for example, anti-slip processing that increases friction with the operation hand H, such as knurling, is implemented.

[0040] The rotation shaft 52 is vertically disposed through the operation table 30 on the center console (not shown), the dial 51 is connected to an axial one end portion of the rotation shaft 52 that protrudes from the operation table 30, and a reaction force actuator CA is connected to an axial other end portion of the rotation shaft 52 that faces the inside of the operation table 30 (the inside of the center console, not shown).

[0041] The operation table 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape having a certain thickness, and is provided on the center console (not shown), for example. Furthermore, the operation table 30 can be integrally formed with the center console. In addition, the operation table 30 has a recessed portion 301 that is recessed toward the center console side (the axial other end side of the rotation shaft 52) at a front end portion. The recessed portion 301 has a shape that corresponds to the fixed portion 6 (the flange portion 41 described later), and is formed so as to be able to fit the flange portion 61 of the fixed portion 6.

[0042] The fixed portion 6 has a flange portion 61 fixed to the operation table 30 and a cylindrical support portion 62 held by a part of the fingers of the operator H, and the flange portion 61 is integrally formed with the support portion 62. The flange portion 61 is embedded in a recess portion 301 of the operation table 30 and is fixed to the operation table 30 via an arbitrary fastening mechanism such as a screw (not shown) or the like. The support portion 62 is provided so as to vertically rise from the flange portion 61 and extend from the flange portion 61 toward the dial 51 side in the axial direction. In addition, the support portion 62 is substantially the same shape as the dial 51 and has an outer peripheral surface formed so as to have substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the operation surface 512 of the dial 51. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 62 is set to have a relatively small surface roughness with respect to the operation surface 512.

[0043] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering operation input device)

[0044] Figure 3 is a view showing an operation method in which the operator H operates the steering operation input member 31 shown in Figure 2 is a view showing a perspective view of the steering operation input member 31 as viewed from the front. Hereinafter, an example of the operation method of the steering operation input member 31 will be described.

[0045] For example, as shown in Figure 3 , as an example of the operation method of the steering operation input member 31 by the operator H, the steering operation input member 31 takes a state in which the operator H's fingers are hooked to the operation surface 512 of the dial 51 as a basic posture of the operation, in a state in which the palm of the operator H's hand is placed on the placement surface 511 of the dial 51 and the support portion 62 of the fixed portion 6 is held by, for example, the operator H's thumb F1, ring finger F4, and little finger F5.

[0046] Further, in particular, in the present embodiment, the support portion 62 of the fixed portion 6 does not fix the above-described respective fingers F1, F4, F5 of the operator H, but only holds for supporting the operator H, at the time of the steering operation described later. In other words, at the time of the steering operation, in order to easily perform the operation of the operator H's index finger F2 or middle finger F3 to the dial 51, it is also possible to slide the above-described respective fingers F1, F4, F5 for supporting the operator H in the rotation direction in conjunction with the operation of the operator H's index finger F2 or middle finger F3, while feeling the difference in displacement of the dial 51.

[0047] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering operation input device)

[0048] Figure 4 is a view showing an operation method in which the operator H operates the steering operation input member 31 shown in Figure 2The operation mode of the steering operation input member 31 is shown in a plan view of the steering operation input member 31, (a) indicates a straight running state (including right and left turning states with a small steering angle), (b) indicates a right turning state with a large steering angle, and (c) indicates a left turning state with a large steering angle.

[0049] In the straight running state of the vehicle, for example, as shown in (a), the fingers F2 and F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51 in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the fingers F2 and F3 of the operating hand H. Figure 4 (a) shown, in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H, the fingertips of the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H.

[0050] Also, in a relatively small right turning operation, that is, a so-called small steering angle right turning operation, in the posture of the straight running state, by moving the index finger F2 of the operating hand H placed on the operating surface 512 to the right direction, the dial 51 is rotated to the right direction in a manner of turning with the index finger F2, and a small steering angle right turning is performed. On the other hand, in a relatively small left turning operation, that is, a so-called small steering angle left turning operation, in the posture of the straight running state, by moving the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H placed on the operating surface 512 to the left direction, the dial 51 is rotated to the left direction in a manner of turning with the middle finger F3, and a small steering angle left turning operation is performed.

[0051] Further, in a relatively large right turning operation, that is, a so-called large steering angle right turning operation, for example, as shown in (b), in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H, the fingertips of the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51. Figure 4 (a) shown, in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H, the fingertips of the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H. Figure 4 (a) shown, the index finger F2 of the operating hand H is stretched to the right side from the basic posture of the straight running state, and is operated in a manner of pulling the index finger F2 to the near front side (rear side). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated to the right direction (clockwise) in a manner of turning with the side surface (side surface of the middle finger F3 side) of the index finger F2 of the operating hand H, and a large steering angle right turning is performed.

[0052] Further, in a relatively large left turning operation, that is, a so-called large steering angle left turning operation, for example, as shown in (c), in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H, the fingertips of the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51. Figure 4 (a) shown, in a state in which the supporting portions 62 of the fixing portions 6 are held by the thumb F1, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5 of the operating hand H, the fingertips of the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H are placed on the operating surface 512 in front of the dial 51. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the index finger F2 and the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H. Figure 4 (a) shown, the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H is stretched to the left side from the basic posture of the straight running state, and is operated in a manner of pulling the middle finger F3 to the near front side (rear side). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated to the left direction (counterclockwise direction) in a manner of turning with the side surface (side surface of the index finger F2 side) of the middle finger F3 of the operating hand H, and a large steering angle left turning is performed.

[0053] (EFFECTS OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT)

[0054] As described above, the above-described conventional steering operation input device does not consider improvement of operability at all. Specifically, it is configured to perform steering operation by holding only the dial as a steering operation input member at the time of steering operation. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of difficulty in properly performing steering operation in cases such as steering operation of a relatively small steering angle, fine adjustment of the steering angle in the turning-in and turning-back directions, and the like, and in the case of a vehicle vibration, the operation hand is hindered from moving due to the vibration, and it is difficult to properly perform steering operation.

[0055] On the other hand, according to the steering operation input device 1 of the present embodiment, by exerting the following effects, the above-described problems of the conventional steering operation input device can be solved.

[0056] That is, the steering operation input device 1 of the present embodiment has: a dial 51 that is input with a steering operation of a driver; a reaction force portion 4 (reaction force actuator CA) that applies a reaction force in a direction in which the dial 51 returns to a neutral position, and the steering operation input device 1 has: an operation portion (dial 51 and rotation shaft 52) that is steered when a rudder angle is applied to wheels WL, WR of a vehicle; a fixed portion 6 that is fixedly provided at a position different from the operation portion 5, is not moved with respect to the steering operation of the driver, and is contacted with the operation hand H of the driver in the operation of the driver.

[0057] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the steering operation input member 31 has: an operation portion 5 that is steered when a rudder angle is applied to wheels WL, WR of a vehicle; and a fixed portion 6 that is fixedly provided at a position different from the operation portion 5, and is contacted with the operation hand H of the driver in the operation of the driver. Thereby, when the operation portion 5 is operated, by also contacting the fixed portion 6 at the same time as the operation portion 5, a displacement difference between the operation portion 5 and the fixed portion 6 is felt at the contact portion, and the frictional force between the operation portion 5 and the operation hand H can be adjusted, and the operation portion 5 can be properly and smoothly operated. As a result, for example, it is possible to easily perform the turning-in operation and the turning-back operation by fine adjustment of the operation portion 5. More specifically, fine adjustment of the operation portion 5 becomes easy, and thereby, for example, in the turning-in operation and the turning-back operation, excessive turning-in and excessive turning-back are suppressed, and proper turning-in operation and turning-back operation can be performed.

[0058] Further, by providing the fixing portion 6, a portion of the operating hand H can be supported at the fixing portion 6. Thus, the operation portion 5 can be easily held in a state where a portion of the operating hand H is supported at the fixing portion 6, and, for example, a rudder holding operation of maintaining (holding) the operation portion 5 at a predetermined angle can be easily performed. Further, by supporting a portion of the operating hand H at the fixing portion 6, the vibration of the vehicle can be easily resisted, and the erroneous operation of the operation portion 5 due to the running state or the road surface state can be suppressed.

[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, the steering operation input member 31 is configured to have a rotation shaft 52 that rotates about an axis of rotation (rotation axis Z), and in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 52, the operating hand H can contact the operation portion 5 from one end side of the rotation shaft 52, the operation portion 5 is a dial 51 that is provided at the one end side of the rotation shaft 52 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 52 and rotates about the rotation shaft 52 as a center, and the fixing portion 6 is provided at the other end side of the rotation shaft 52 with respect to the dial 51 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 52.

[0060] Thus, in the present embodiment, the dial 51 of the operation portion 5 is provided at the one end side of the rotation shaft 52, and the fixing portion 6 is provided at the other end side of the rotation shaft 52. Thus, by holding the fixing portion 6 at the other end side while adjusting the friction of the dial 51 at the one end side with the operating hand H, the rudder holding operation can be more easily performed.

[0061] Further, in the present embodiment, when the radial direction with respect to the rotation shaft 52 is set as the radial direction, the dial 51 and the fixing portion 6 (support portion 62) are formed so as to expand to the radial direction outside of the rotation shaft 52, and the fixing portion 6 (support portion 62) is substantially the same shape as the dial 51.

[0062] Thus, in the present embodiment, the dial 51 and the support portion 62 of the fixing portion 6 are substantially the same shape. Thus, the operating hand H can contact across the dial 51 and the support portion 62 of the fixing portion 6, the operating hand H easily contacts the dial 51 and the fixing portion 6, and further, the friction of the operating hand H with the dial 51 can be easily felt. As a result, the rudder holding operation of maintaining (holding) the dial 51 at a predetermined angle, the large steering operation, and the return direction operation by finely adjusting the dial 51 can be more easily performed.

[0063] Further, in the present embodiment, the surface roughness of the outer surface of the fixing portion 6 (support portion 62) that contacts the operating hand H of the driver is different from the surface roughness of the outer surface of the operation portion 5 (dial 51) that contacts the operating hand H of the driver.

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the outer surface of the support portion 62 of the fixing portion 6 is different from the surface roughness of the outer surface of the dial 51. As a result, the difference in friction between the dial 51 and the support portion 62 of the fixing portion 6 is easily felt, further improving operability.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the outer surface (especially the operating surface 512) of the operating part 5 (dial 51) is set to be relatively rougher than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the support part 62 of the fixing part 6.

[0066] Thus, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the outer surface of the dial 51, particularly the operating surface 512, is set to be rougher than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the support portion 62 of the fixing portion 6. Consequently, when operating the dial 51, the operator's hand H can easily rest on the operating surface 512 of the dial 51, further improving the operability of the dial 51. In particular, because the operator's hand H can easily rest on the operating surface 512 of the dial 51, the friction between the operator's hand H and the dial 51 increases, thereby improving the operability of steering operations.

[0067] [Second Implementation]

[0068] Figures 5-8 This describes a second embodiment that applies the steering operation input device 1 of the present invention to a steerable-by-wire steering device SD. The main change is to the structure of the fixing part 6 of the steering operation input component 31 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the basic structure other than this change is the same as in the first embodiment, the same symbols are used to denote the structures identical to those in the first embodiment, thus omitting their description.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the steering operation input component 32 of the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front (rear) side. Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, ... Figure 5 The rotation axis of the dial 51 is defined as the rotation axis Z. The direction along the rotation axis Z is defined as "axial", the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Z is defined as "radial", and the direction around the rotation axis Z is defined as "circumferential". In addition, the vehicle's direction of travel is defined as "forward", the opposite side of the vehicle's direction of travel is defined as "rear", the upper vertical direction is defined as "up", and the lower vertical direction is defined as "down".

[0070] For example, Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the fixing part 6 of the steering operation input component 32 is provided on one axial end side and the other end side of the dial 51. That is, in addition to the flange part 61 and the support part 62 of the first embodiment, the steering operation input component 32 also includes a mounting part 63 provided on the axial end side and above the dial 51.

[0071] The mounting portion 63 is formed in a raindrop shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the mounting portion 63 has: an arcuate portion 631, which is formed radially on the side close to the dial 51; and a pointed portion 632, which is integrally formed with the arcuate portion 631 and is formed radially away from the dial 51. The arcuate portion 631 is concentric with the dial 51 and is set to have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the dial 51, so that when viewed from above, the operating surface 512 of the dial 51 is located radially outside the arcuate portion 631. The pointed portion 632 is formed to be pointed in the radial direction as it moves away from the arcuate portion 631, and is set so that when viewed from above, its front end is located radially outside the operating surface 512 of the dial 51. In addition, the mounting portion 63 is supported on the flange portion 61 by a support portion 64 that extends vertically upward from the flange portion 61 and connects to the front end of the pointed portion 632. That is, the load of the operating hand H acting on the mounting part 63 can be supported by the support part 64.

[0072] Figure 6 express Figure 5 Another example of the mounting portion 63 and the support portion 64 shown is a cross-sectional view of the steering operation input component 32 cut along the rotation axis Z.

[0073] Except for the mounting section 63 and the support section 64 Figure 5 In addition to the methods shown, for example, it could also be Figure 6 As shown. That is, Figure 6 The mounting portion 63 shown has a circular portion 633 with a diameter approximately the same as that of the dial 51. The circular portion 633 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the dial 51, and is configured such that, when viewed from above, the operating surface 512 of the dial 51 is located radially outside the circular portion 633. The support portion 64 is coaxially arranged with the hollowed-out rotating shaft 52, passing through the inner side of the shaft. The hollowed-out rotating shaft 52 is supported by a pair of upper and lower bearings BG provided in the generally cylindrical housing 40 covering the reaction force portion 4, allowing it to rotate. Furthermore, the support portion 64 is fixed to the other axial end of the housing 40 via any fastening mechanism, such as a screw (not shown). With this configuration, the load acting on the operating hand H of the mounting portion 63 can be supported by the support portion 64.

[0074] (Explanation of how to operate the steering input device)

[0075] Figure 7 This indicates that the operator H is... Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the operation mode of the steering operation input unit 32, representing a perspective view of the steering operation input unit 32 as seen from the front. The following describes an example of the operation mode of the steering operation input unit 32.

[0076] For example,Figure 7 As an example of the manner of operation of the steering operation input member 32 by the operator H, as shown in FIG. 6, the steering operation input member 32 is such that, in a state in which the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H are placed on the placement portions 63 and the thumbs Fl, the ring fingers F4, and the little fingers F5 of the operator H are in contact with the support portions 62, the index fingers F2 and the middle fingers F3 of the operator H are placed on the operation surface 512 of the dial 51 as a basic posture of the operation.

[0077] Further, in particular in the present embodiment, the placement portions 63 of the fixed portions 6 do not fix the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H but are merely placed for supporting the operator H during the steering operation described later. In other words, during the steering operation, in order to easily perform the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H on the dial 51, the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H can be appropriately slid on the placement portions 63 while feeling the difference in displacement of the dial 51 in conjunction with the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H.

[0078] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering operation input device)

[0079] Figure 8 is a plan view of the steering operation input member 32 showing the manner of operation of the steering operation input member 32, (a) shows a straight running state (including right and left turning states with a small steering angle), (b) shows a right turning state with a large steering angle, and (c) shows a left turning state with a large steering angle. Figure 5 is a plan view of the steering operation input member 32 showing the manner of operation of the steering operation input member 32, (a) shows a straight running state (including right and left turning states with a small steering angle), (b) shows a right turning state with a large steering angle, and (c) shows a left turning state with a large steering angle.

[0080] In the straight running state of the vehicle, for example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6, in a state in which the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H are placed on the placement portions 63 and the thumbs Fl, the ring fingers F4, and the little fingers F5 of the operator H are in contact with the support portions 62, the index fingers F2 and the middle fingers F3 of the operator H are placed on the operation surface 512 of the dial 51. Thus, the dial 51 is held at the neutral position by the index fingers F2 and the middle fingers F3 of the operator H. Figure 8 (a) shows a straight running state (including right and left turning states with a small steering angle), (b) shows a right turning state with a large steering angle, and (c) shows a left turning state with a large steering angle.

[0081] Further, in particular in the present embodiment, the placement portions 63 of the fixed portions 6 do not fix the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H but are merely placed for supporting the operator H during the steering operation described later. In other words, during the steering operation, in order to easily perform the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H on the dial 51, the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H can be appropriately slid on the placement portions 63 while feeling the difference in displacement of the dial 51 in conjunction with the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H.

[0082] Further, in particular in the present embodiment, the placement portions 63 of the fixed portions 6 do not fix the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H but are merely placed for supporting the operator H during the steering operation described later. In other words, during the steering operation, in order to easily perform the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H on the dial 51, the fingerpads of the hands of the operator H can be appropriately slid on the placement portions 63 while feeling the difference in displacement of the dial 51 in conjunction with the operation of the index fingers F2 or the middle fingers F3 of the operator H.Figure 8 As shown in (b), with the fingertips of the operator's hand H resting on the mounting portion 63 and the thumb F1, ring finger F4, and little finger F5 of the operator's hand H in contact with the support portion 62, the operator's hand H is moved from... Figure 8 (a) The basic posture of the straight-line state shown is slid horizontally to the right on the mounting part 63. Then, the index finger F2 of the operating hand H is extended to the right and pulled towards the front (rear). As a result, the dial 51 rotates to the right (clockwise) as the side of the index finger F2 of the operating hand H (the side of the middle finger F3) rotates, making a large right turn.

[0083] Additionally, in larger left-turn maneuvers, so-called large-angle left-turn maneuvers, such as... Figure 8 As shown in (c), with the fingertips of the operating hand H resting on the mounting portion 63 and the thumb F1, ring finger F4, and little finger F5 of the operating hand H in contact with the support portion 62, from Figure 8 (a) In the basic straight-line posture shown, the operator's hand H is slid horizontally to the left on the mounting unit 63. Then, the middle finger F3 of the operator's hand H is extended to the left and operated by pulling the middle finger F3 towards the front (rear). As a result, the dial 51 rotates to the left (counterclockwise) as the side of the middle finger F3 of the operator's hand H (the side of the index finger F2) rotates, resulting in a large left turn.

[0084] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the steering operation input component 32 is configured to have a rotating shaft 52 that rotates about an axis. In the axial direction of the rotating shaft 52, the operating hand H can contact the operation part 5 from one end of the rotating shaft 52. The operation part 5 is a dial 51 that is provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 52 at one end of the rotating shaft 52 and rotates around the rotating shaft 52. The fixing part 6 (mounting part 63) is provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 52 at a position closer to one end of the rotating shaft 52 than the dial 51.

[0086] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the placement portion 63, which is a part of the fixed portion 6, is provided at a position closer to the one end side in the axial direction than the dial 51, which is the operation portion 5. Therefore, the palm of the hand of the operator H can be placed on the placement portion 63 to support the operator H, and the dial 51 can be operated by the operator H. Thus, as in the above-described first embodiment, the dial 51 can be operated without being supported by the support portion 62, so that fatigue when operating the dial 51 can be reduced, and improvement of the operability of the steering operation input member 32 can be achieved. In other words, in the present embodiment, the support of the operator H is ensured by the placement portion 63, the support portion 62 can be felt by the fingertips (e.g., the thumb Fl, the ring finger F4, and the little finger F5) of the operator H in conjunction with the rotation of the dial 51, the fine adjustment of the dial 51 is facilitated, so that fatigue of the operator H can be reduced, and the same operability as the above-described first embodiment can be ensured.

[0087] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the operation of a so-called large steering angle, in which a relatively large steering angle is applied, the movable range of the operator H (each finger Fl to F5) is expanded by sliding the palm of the hand of the operator H on the placement portion 63, so that the above-described large steering angle operation can be easily performed.

[0088] 〔Third Embodiment〕

[0089] Figures 9-11 A third embodiment in which the steering operation input device 1 of the present application is applied to a steer-by-wire type steering device SD is described, and the structure of the steering operation input member 31 of the first embodiment is mainly changed. In addition, since the basic structure other than the change point is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0090] Figure 9 A perspective view of the steering operation input member 33 of the first embodiment of the present application is shown as viewed from the front (rear) side. In addition, in the following description, for convenience, the rotation axis of the dial 51 in Figure 9 is set as a rotation axis Z, the direction along the rotation axis Z is set as an "axial direction", the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Z is set as a "radial direction", and the direction around the rotation axis Z is set as a "circumferential direction". In addition, the advancing direction of the vehicle is set as "front", the side opposite to the advancing direction of the vehicle is set as "rear", the upper side in the vertical direction is set as "up", and the lower side in the vertical direction is set as "down".

[0091] For example, as shown in Figure 9As shown, the upper portion (one end side in the axial direction) of the dial 51 of the steering operation input member 33 of the present embodiment is formed in a semispherical shape, and three arms, i.e., the first arm 531, the second arm 532, and the third arm 533, which extend in the radial direction of the dial 51, are disposed at substantially equal intervals (120° intervals) in the circumferential direction of the dial 51 on the radial side of the dial 51.

[0092] The first arm 531 and the second arm 532 are disposed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the rotation axis Z of the dial 51 when the dial 51 is in the neutral position. Specifically, the first arm 531 and the second arm 532 have a 120° interval in the circumferential direction, and thus the first arm 531 is disposed at a position 60° in the right direction (clockwise) from the neutral position of the dial 51. Similarly, the second arm 532 is disposed at a position 60° in the left direction (counterclockwise) from the neutral position of the dial 51. In addition, the third arm 533 is disposed at a position 180° in the left and right directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) from the neutral position of the dial 51, i.e., at a position equally spaced (120° interval) in the circumferential direction from the first arm 531 and the second arm 532.

[0093] In addition, first, second, and third balls 541, 542, and 543, which are formed in a spherical shape having the same size, are provided at the front end portions (end portions on the side away from the dial 51) of the first, second, and third arms 531, 532, and 533, respectively. The first, second, and third balls 541, 542, and 543 are disposed in a manner that they protrude upward from the front end portions of the first, second, and third arms 531, 532, and 533. In addition, the first, second, and third balls 541, 542, and 543 are set to have an outer diameter larger than the width dimension of the first, second, and third arms 531, 532, and 533 and smaller than the outer diameter of the dial 51.

[0094] In the present embodiment, a fixing portion 6 is provided on the radially outer side of the dial 51, and more specifically, at a position radially outward of the front end portions of the first, second, and third arms 531, 532, and 533. That is, the fixing portion 6 of the present embodiment has a ring portion 65, which is disposed at a position radially outward of the front end portions of the first, second, and third arms 531, 532, and 533 and is formed in a substantially circular ring shape, and first and second leg portions 661 and 662, which extend downward from the ring portion 65 and are connected to the operation platform 30 to support the ring portion 65.

[0095] The ring portion 65 is disposed at a prescribed height position, and in the present embodiment, at a position substantially the same height as the first arm 531, the second arm 532, and the third arm 533 in the axial direction. In other words, the ring portion 65 is disposed so as to be opposite the first arm 531, the second arm 532, and the third arm 533 in the radial direction. Note that the ring portion 65 is disposed separately from the first arm 531, the second arm 532, and the third arm 533, the first ball 541, the second ball 542, and the third ball 543, and is configured so as not to interfere with each other. The first support portion 661 and the second support portion 662 are disposed at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 65, i.e., at substantially 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 65, and are disposed symmetrically left and right across the rotation axis Z of the dial 51. In addition, the first support portion 661 and the second support portion 662 are formed separately from the ring portion 65, and are joined to the ring portion 65 by being fastened by bolts or nuts, respectively.

[0096] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering operation input device)

[0097] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an operation method in which the operator H operates the steering operation input member 33 shown in Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the steering operation input member 33 from the front. Hereinafter, an example of the operation method of the steering operation input member 33 will be described.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figure 10 , as an example of the operation method of the steering operation input member 33 of the steering operation input device 1 by the operator H, the steering operation input member 33 takes a state in which the operator H holds the third ball 543 at the neutral position by the finger pads (the thumb ball, the little finger ball) of the hands and the fingers F1 to F5 of the hands placed on the ring portion 65 as a basic posture of the operation. In addition, at this time, by holding in a manner in which the operator H holds the first ball 541 with the thumb F1 and the index finger F2, it is easy to hold the dial 51 at the neutral position. In addition, at this time, it is also possible to hold the second ball 542 with the ring finger F4 and the little finger F5.

[0099] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering operation input device)

[0100] Figure 11 is a plan view of the steering operation input member 33 showing the operation method of the steering operation input member 33 shown in Figure 9 , (a) shows a straight running state (including a right and left turning state with a small steering angle), (b) shows a right turning state with a large steering angle, and (c) shows a left turning state with a large steering angle.

[0101] In the straight running state of the vehicle, for example, as shown in Figure 11(a) As shown, in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the index finger F2 of the operator H is placed on the first roller 541 while holding the third roller 543 with the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, and the ring finger F4 is placed on the second roller 542. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, the index finger F2, and the ring finger F4.

[0102] Further, in a relatively small right steering operation, that is, a so-called small- angle right steering operation, in the posture of the straight-ahead state, the third roller 543 held by the finger pads of the hand is rotated in the left direction (clockwise) in conjunction with the sliding of the operator H by sliding the finger pads of the hand on the ring portion 65, and the small-angle right steering is performed. Alternatively, as another operation, the small-angle right steering can be performed by pinching the first roller 541 with the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 and rotating the first roller 541 in the right direction (clockwise).

[0103] On the contrary, in a relatively small left steering operation, that is, a so-called small-angle left steering operation, in the posture of the straight-ahead state, the third roller 543 held by the finger pads of the hand is rotated in the right direction (counterclockwise) in conjunction with the sliding of the operator H by sliding the finger pads of the hand on the ring portion 65, and the small-angle left steering operation is performed. Alternatively, as another operation, the small-angle left steering can be performed by pinching the first roller 541 with the thumb F1 and the index finger F2 and rotating the first roller 541 in the left direction (counterclockwise).

[0104] Further, in a relatively large right steering operation, that is, a so-called large-angle right steering operation, for example, as shown in (b), in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the index finger F2 is placed on the second arm 532 side portion of the first arm 531 from the basic posture of the straight-ahead state shown in (a), and the index finger F2 is pulled toward the front side (rear). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated in the right direction (clockwise) together with the first arm 531, and the large-angle right steering is performed. Figure 11 (b) As shown, in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the index finger F2 is placed on the second arm 532 side portion of the first arm 531 from the basic posture of the straight-ahead state shown in (a), and the index finger F2 is pulled toward the front side (rear). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated in the right direction (clockwise) together with the first arm 531, and the large-angle right steering is performed. Figure 11 (a) As shown, in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the index finger F2 of the operator H is placed on the first roller 541 while holding the third roller 543 with the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, and the ring finger F4 is placed on the second roller 542. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, the index finger F2, and the ring finger F4.

[0105] Further, in a relatively large left steering operation, that is, a so-called large-angle left steering operation, for example, as shown in (c), in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the ring finger F4 is placed on the first arm 531 side portion of the second arm 532 from the basic posture of the straight-ahead state shown in (a), and the ring finger F4 is pulled toward the front side (rear). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated in the left direction (counterclockwise) together with the second arm 532, and the large-angle left steering is performed. Figure 11 (c) As shown, in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the ring finger F4 is placed on the first arm 531 side portion of the second arm 532 from the basic posture of the straight-ahead state shown in (a), and the ring finger F4 is pulled toward the front side (rear). Thus, the dial 51 is rotated in the left direction (counterclockwise) together with the second arm 532, and the large-angle left steering is performed. Figure 11 (a) As shown, in a state where the finger pads of the hand of the operator H and each of the fingers F1 to F5 are in contact with the ring portion 65, the index finger F2 of the operator H is placed on the first roller 541 while holding the third roller 543 with the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, and the ring finger F4 is placed on the second roller 542. Thus, the dial 51 is held in the neutral position by the finger pads of the hand of the operator H, the index finger F2, and the ring finger F4.

[0106] (EFFECTS OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT)

[0107] As described above, in the present embodiment, the steering operation input member 33 is configured to have a rotation shaft 52 that rotates around an axis, and in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 52, the operator H can contact the operation portion 5 from the one end side of the rotation shaft 52, the operation portion 5 being a dial 51 that is provided on the one end side of the rotation shaft 52 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 52 and rotates around the rotation shaft 52, and the fixing portion 6 (ring portion 65) is provided on the radial outer side of the dial 51 when the radial direction with respect to the rotation shaft 52 is set as the radial direction.

[0108] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the ring portion 65 that mainly constitutes the fixing portion 6 is provided on the radial outer side of the dial 51. Therefore, it is possible to support the operator H with the finger pads of the hands of the operator H placed on the ring portion 65 while operating the dial with the operator H. Thus, as in the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to operate the dial 51 without supporting the operator H with the support portion 62, and thus it is possible to reduce fatigue when operating the dial 51 and to achieve improvement in the operability of the steering operation input member 33.

[0109] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when a so-called large rudder angle operation of applying a relatively large steering angle is performed, the movable range of the operator H (each finger F1 to F5) is expanded by sliding the finger pads on the ring portion 65, and it is possible to easily perform the large rudder angle operation.

[0110] The present application is not limited to the structures and modes exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and can be freely changed according to the specifications, costs, and the like of the steering operation input device 1 (steering device SD of the steer-by-wire type) that is the application target, as long as the effects of the present application described above can be achieved. For example, for the steering operation input member 3, instead of the dial 51 exemplified in the above-described embodiments, the operation portion 5 can be formed as a so-called lever type that can tilt the rotation shaft 52 in the radial direction. In addition, although specific illustrations are omitted, as a place where the steering operation input members 31 to 33 are provided, in addition to the center console in the vehicle cabin, for example, the steering operation input members 31 to 33 can be provided to the instrument panel in the vehicle cabin, the door of the vehicle (for example, the armrest of the door on the driver's side, and the like), and the seat of the vehicle (for example, the armrest of the driver's seat, and the like).

[0111] Further, as a method for improving the operability of the steering operation input device 1, for example, it is considered that the fine adjustment of the steering angle is facilitated by setting a hysteresis in the operation range of a large steering angle. However, in this case, there is a technical problem that the operability is reduced when operating in the operation range other than the large steering angle. Therefore, the present application is able to facilitate the fine adjustment of the steering angle by using the fixed portion 6 even in the operation region that cannot be covered by the setting of the above hysteresis.

[0112] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0113] 1: steering operation input device

[0114] 31, 32, 33: steering operation input member

[0115] 4: reaction force portion

[0116] 5: operation portion

[0117] 51: dial

[0118] 52: rotation axis

[0119] 6: fixed portion

[0120] SD: steering device of steer-by-wire type

[0121] Z: rotation axis line

Claims

1. A steering operation input device, comprising: a steering operation input member to which a steering operation of a driver is input; and a reaction force portion that applies a reaction force in a direction returning to a neutral position to the steering operation input member, characterized in that, The steering operation input member has: an operation portion that is steered when a steering angle is applied to a wheel of a vehicle; a fixed portion that is fixedly provided at a position different from the operation portion, is not moved relative to the steering operation of the driver, and is contacted by the operation hand of the driver during operation of the operation portion.

2. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the steering operation input member has a rotation shaft that rotates about an axis, in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the operation hand is able to contact the operation portion from one end side of the rotation shaft, the operation portion is a dial that is provided on the one end side of the rotation shaft in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and rotates about the rotation shaft as a center, the fixed portion is provided on the other end side of the rotation shaft relative to the dial in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

3. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein when a radial direction relative to the rotation shaft is set as a radial direction, the dial and the fixed portion are formed to expand to the radial direction outside of the rotation shaft, the fixed portion is substantially the same shape as the dial.

4. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein a surface roughness of an outer surface of the fixed portion that is contacted by the operation hand of the driver is different from a surface roughness of an outer surface of the operation portion that is contacted by the operation hand of the driver.

5. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein a surface roughness of an outer surface of the operation portion is set to be relatively rougher than a surface roughness of an outer surface of the fixed portion.

6. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the steering operation input member has a rotation shaft that rotates about an axis, in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the operation hand is able to contact the operation portion from one end side of the rotation shaft, the operation portion is a dial that is provided on the one end side of the rotation shaft in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and rotates about the rotation shaft as a center, the fixed portion is provided at a position on the other end side of the rotation shaft relative to the dial in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

7. The steering operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the steering operation input member has a rotation shaft that rotates about an axis, in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, the operation hand is able to contact the operation portion from one end side of the rotation shaft, the operation portion is a dial that is provided on the one end side of the rotation shaft in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and rotates about the rotation shaft as a center, when a radial direction relative to the rotation shaft is set as a radial direction, the fixed portion is provided on the radial direction outside of the dial.

8. A steer-by-wire type steering apparatus characterized by comprising: The steering operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.

Images