Steering input device and steering-by-wire steering device

Abstract

A rotation shaft (52) of a steering input device (1) and a steer-by-wire steering device (SD) is provided at a position offset from a center (Q) of an imaginary circle (C) having a first end portion (E1) and locking portions (513, 531-533) as diameters in steering input members (31, 32). Therefore, a large steering input can be performed with a small operation amount according to the amount by which the rotating shaft (52) is shifted to the first end (E1) side, and particularly, a steering operation with a large steering angle can be easily performed. As a result, the operability of the steering input device (1) and the steer-by-wire steering device (SD) can be improved regardless of the mode of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering input device and a steering device for steer-by-wire. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional steering input devices include, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] That is, conventional steering input devices are used in so-called steer-by-wire steering systems, which have a control wheel that the driver can rotate with one hand. By rotating the control wheel, steering can be performed in the direction corresponding to the rotation.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-172135 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the aforementioned conventional steering input devices did not take into account any improvement in operability.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems of conventional steering input devices, and its object is to provide a steering input device that can improve operability and a steering device for steer-by-wire.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] As one aspect, the present invention is characterized in that, in the operating part, when the end on the fulcrum side supporting the operating hand is designated as the first end and the end on the side opposite to the first end when viewed from the fulcrum is designated as the second end, the axis that rotates the operating part is positioned offset from the center of an imaginary circle with the first end and the second end as its diameters in the operating part.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, operability can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering device for steer-by-wire of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the steering input component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A top view of the steering input components shown.

[0017] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 A perspective view of the steering input device showing the operation mode of the steering input component.

[0018] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 The top view of the steering input component shows the operation modes of the steering input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the right steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the right steering state with a large steering angle.

[0019] Figure 6 It means Figure 2 The top view of the steering input component shows the operation modes of the steering input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the left steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the left steering state with a large steering angle.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the steering input component according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the steering input components shown.

[0022] Figure 9 It means Figure 7 A perspective view of the steering input component showing its operation.

[0023] Figure 10 It means Figure 7 The top view of the steering input component shows the operation modes of the steering input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the right steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the right steering state with a large steering angle.

[0024] Figure 11 It means Figure 7 The top view of the steering input component shows the operation modes of the steering input component. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the left steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the left steering state with a large steering angle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the steering 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 each of the following embodiments, examples will be described where the steering input device and the steer-by-wire steering device are applied, in the same manner as conventional steer-by-wire steering devices for automobiles.

[0026] (Structure of a steering system with steer-by-wire)

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the steer-by-wire steering device SD of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the steer-by-wire steering device SD, and does not represent the specific shape of the steer-by-wire steering device SD in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the steer-by-wire steering device SD of the present invention includes a steering input device 1 and a steering device 2, which are mechanically separated. The steering input device 1 has a steering input component 3 for inputting steering operations and a reaction force component 4 for applying a reaction force to the steering input component 3.

[0029] The steering input unit 3 has an operating part 5 and a fixing part 6. Figure 1 Not shown in the image, please refer to the diagram. Figure 2 The operation unit 5 is an operation panel 51, which is equivalent to a steering wheel. A rotation shaft 52, equivalent to a steering axis, is connected to the operation panel 51. Furthermore, the steering angle input via the operation panel 51, i.e., the rotation angle of the operation panel 51, is detected by a steering angle sensor AS connected to the rotation shaft 52, which rotates synchronously with the operation panel 51. In addition, the steering angle sensor AS is a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the shaft component or steering input component of the present invention. Specifically, the steering angle sensor AS is connected to the vehicle-mounted control device 7, and outputs the steering angle signal detected by the steering angle sensor AS to the control device 7.

[0030] The reaction force unit 4 is, for example, composed of 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 a reaction force corresponding to driving conditions such as vehicle speed and road conditions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a known reaction force actuator CA is used as an example of the reaction force unit 4, but the reaction force unit 4 is not limited to a structure that electrically generates a reaction force like the reaction force actuator CA. For example, it can also be a structure that generates a mechanical reaction force, such as a force-applying component (coil spring). In other words, the reaction force unit 4 can be modified arbitrarily according to the specifications of the steering device SD, as long as it can generate a reaction force for the operating part 5 of the steering input component 3.

[0031] The control unit 7 is electrically connected to the steering angle sensor AS, the vehicle-mounted external sensor OS, and the steering shaft position sensor PS (described later), and performs drive control on the reaction force actuator CA and the steering actuator DA (described later). Furthermore, the external sensor OS includes various other sensors besides the vehicle speed sensor.

[0032] The steering device 2 includes: a rack 21 serving as a steering shaft connecting the vehicle's steering wheels, i.e., the left and right wheels WL and WR; a steering tie rod 22 connecting the rack 21 to the wheels WL and WR; and a steering actuator DA that moves the rack 21 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the rack 21 and the steering actuator DA are connected, for example, via a transmission mechanism and a reduction mechanism (not shown). The transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force of the steering actuator DA to the rack 21, and is, for example, composed of an input-side pulley connected to the rotational shaft of the steering actuator DA, an output-side pulley connected to the rack 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 axial movement force of the rack 21, and is, for example, composed of a ball screw located between the output-side pulley and the rack 21.

[0033] Furthermore, the rack 21 is connected to a steering shaft position sensor PS capable of detecting the axial position of the rack 21. The steering shaft position sensor PS is connected to the control device 7 and outputs the detected position signal of the rack 21 to the control device 7. That is, based on the position signal of the rack 21 detected by the steering shaft position sensor PS, the control device 7 calculates the amount of axial movement of the rack 21 according to the steering angle signal detected by the steering angle sensor AS, and performs drive control on the steering actuator DA. Thus, an appropriate thrust corresponding to the axial position of the rack 21 is applied to the rack 21.

[0034] [First Implementation]

[0035] (Structure of the steering input device)

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the steering input component 31 of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front (rear) side. Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, ... Figure 2 The rotation axis of the control panel 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".

[0037] For example, Figure 2As shown, as an example, the steering input component 31 of this embodiment is provided in the center console (not shown) inside the vehicle. Specifically, the steering input component 31 includes: an operation section 5, which rotates by the driver's steering operation and is used for inputting the driver's steering operation; and a fixing section 6, which is fixedly provided relative to the operation section 5 and does not rotate relative to the operation section 5.

[0038] The operating unit 5 includes an operating disk 51 that rotates in response to steering input. A rotating shaft 52, which is equivalent to the shaft component of this invention and is capable of rotating integrally with the operating disk 51, is connected to the operating disk 51. In this case, the rotating shaft 52 is eccentrically positioned relative to the center of the operating disk 51, resulting in a structure where the rotation axis Z of the rotating shaft 52 is not aligned with the center of the operating disk 51. Furthermore, the operating disk 51 and the rotating shaft 52 are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally, for example, by a predetermined fixing means such as pressing or fastening. Additionally, the operating disk 51 and the rotating shaft 52 do not necessarily have to be separate components; they can also be formed integrally.

[0039] The control panel 51 is formed into a cylindrical shape from resin or metal and is connected to the rotating shaft 52 via a through hole 510 formed in the direction of the rotation axis of the control panel 51. Specifically, the control panel 51 has a mounting surface 511, which is provided on the upper surface of the control panel 51 for mounting the driver's (not shown) operating hand H (see reference). Figure 4 The operating surface 512 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the operating disk 51 for the operator H to steer (rotate) the operating disk 51. A through hole 510 is provided at a position eccentric to the center of the operating disk 51, and the opening at least on the mounting surface 511 side is formed as an irregular shape with a planar portion. The mounting surface 511 is composed of a plane substantially parallel to the operating table 30. The operating surface 512 is continuously provided along the circumference of the operating disk 51. Furthermore, the operating surface 512 has a surface roughness relatively rougher than the support portion 62 described later in the fixing portion 6. That is, it is preferable to perform an anti-slip treatment on the operating surface 512, such as knurling, to increase friction with the operator H.

[0040] The rotating shaft 52 is arranged vertically through the control panel 30 on the center console (not shown). One axial end 521 of the rotating shaft 52 is formed with a roughly D-shaped cross-section having a planar portion, and this end 521 protrudes from the control panel 30. This protruding end 521 is inserted into a through hole 510 of the control panel 51, connecting to the control panel 51 in a way that allows it to rotate integrally. With this shape, the control panel 51 rotates in a plane substantially parallel to the control panel 30. On the other hand, the other axial end of the rotating shaft 52, facing the inner side of the control panel 30 (the interior of the center console, not shown), is connected to a reaction force actuator CA (see reference...). Figure 1 )connect.

[0041] The control panel 30 is formed as a generally rectangular plate with a certain thickness, for example, it is installed on the center console (not shown) in the vehicle interior. Alternatively, the control panel 30 can be integrally formed with the center console. Furthermore, the control panel 30 has a recess 301 at its front end that is recessed towards the center console side (the other end of the axial direction of the rotation axis 52). The recess 301 has a shape corresponding to the fixing part 6 (the flange 61 described later), and is formed to allow the flange 61 of the fixing part 6 to fit into it. In this embodiment, the center console is exemplified as one example of the control panel 30, but it is not limited to the center console. That is, the control panel 30 can be positioned to support the operator's hand H, and besides the center console, it can also be, for example, the dashboard in the vehicle interior, a vehicle door (e.g., the armrest of the driver's side door), or the armrest of the vehicle seat.

[0042] The fixing part 6 includes: a flange 61 fixed to the operating table 30; a cylindrical support 62 held by a portion of the fingers of the operating hand H; a mounting part 63 for mounting the operating hand H; and a support part 64 connecting the mounting part 63 and the flange 61, all integrally formed. The flange 61 is embedded in the recess 301 of the operating table 30 and fixed to the operating table 30, for example, by any fastening mechanism such as a screw (not shown). The support 62 is positioned on the axial side opposite to the operating disc 51, i.e., below the operating disc 51, and is configured to stand vertically from the flange 61 and extend axially from the flange 61 toward the operating disc 51. Furthermore, the support 62 is circular in plan view, having a shape substantially the same as that of the operating disc 51, and has an outer peripheral surface with a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the operating surface 512 of the operating disc 51. Additionally, the outer peripheral surface of the support 62 is configured with a relatively small surface roughness relative to the operating surface 512.

[0043] The mounting portion 63 is positioned further axially than the operation disk 51, i.e., on the upper side of the operation disk 51, and is roughly teardrop-shaped when viewed from above. Specifically, the mounting portion 63 has: an arcuate portion 631 formed radially on the side close to the operation disk 51; and a pointed head 632 integrally formed with the arcuate portion 631, formed radially on the side away from the operation disk 51. The arcuate portion 631 is concentric with the through hole 510 of the operation disk 51, and is positioned relative to the center Q of the operation disk 51 (see reference). Figure 3 (Refer to the first end E1) Figure 3The support portion 64 is offset to the side of the support portion 631. In other words, the operation panel 51 is configured to be offset towards the second end portion E2 from the arc portion 631 of the mounting portion 63. When viewed from above, the second end portion E2 of the operation panel 51 is configured to protrude outward from the front end portion of the arc portion 631. The pointed head 632 is formed into a pointed shape that gradually tapers radially away from the arc portion 631. When viewed from above, the front end portion extends beyond the operation surface 512 of the operation panel 51. Figure 3 The second end (E2) shown is located radially outward. The support portion 64 extends vertically upward from the flange portion 61 and connects to the front end of the pointed head 632. That is, the mounting portion 63 is supported on the flange portion 61 by the support portion 64, and the load of the operating hand H acting on the mounting portion 63 can be supported by the support portion 64.

[0044] Figure 3 express Figure 2 A top view of the steering input component 31 shown. Additionally, in Figure 3 For simplicity, the rotation axis 52 has been omitted. Additionally, in... Figure 3 In the middle, the control panel 30 (not shown) in the control panel 51 (refer to...) Figure 2 The rear end of the control panel 30 (refer to) is defined as the first end E1, which will be located at the rear end of the control panel 30 (refer to) Figure 2 The end that is viewed from the side opposite to the first end E1 (180 degrees opposite in this embodiment) across the rotation axis 52 is defined as the second end E2.

[0045] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the operating disk 51 is formed to be approximately circular when viewed from above, and has a position offset from the center Q of an imaginary circle C with diameters of the first end E1 and the locking portion (protrusion 513) described later, along the axial direction. Figure 3 A through hole 510 (perpendicular to the paper surface) is provided. That is, in the radial direction, the distance X1 between the rotation center (rotation axis Z) of the operating disk 51 and the first end E1 is shorter than the distance X2 between the rotation center (rotation axis Z) of the rotation shaft 52 and the protrusion 513. The through hole 510 has a generally D-shaped form composed of an arc portion 510a and a planar portion 510b, which restricts the relative rotation with respect to the rotation shaft 52 inserted into the through hole 510.

[0046] Additionally, the operation panel 51 has a protrusion 513 on its second end E2 side, protruding from the mounting surface 511 of the operation panel 51 toward the mounting portion 63 of the fixing portion 6. The protrusion 513 can be hemispherical or cylindrical. Furthermore, referring to… Figure 5As described later, the protrusion 513 corresponds to the locking portion of the present invention for operation by allowing a portion of the fingers of the operating hand H (e.g., thumb F1, index finger F2, middle finger F3, etc.) to rest on it. Furthermore, the protrusion 513 is not limited to a single one, and multiple protrusions may be provided. In addition to protruding axially from the mounting surface 511, the protrusion 513 may also protrude radially from the operating surface 512.

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

[0048] Figure 4 This indicates that the operator H is operating. Figure 2 The diagram showing the operation of the steering input component 31 is a perspective view of the steering input component 31 viewed from the front. The following is an example of the operation of the steering input component 31.

[0049] For example, Figure 4 As shown, as an example of how the operator H operates the steering input component 31, the steering input component 31 is operated with the operator H's wrist W supported on the control panel 30, which can serve as a fulcrum for steering operation. The operator H's palm is placed on the mounting part 63, and the operator H's fingers (thumb F1, index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5) are attached to the control surface 512 of the control panel 51 by pinching it. This is the basic posture for operating the control panel 51.

[0050] Furthermore, particularly in this embodiment, during the steering operation described later, the mounting portion 63 of the fixing portion 6 does not fix the palm of the operator's hand H. In other words, during steering operation, in order to facilitate the operation of the control panel 51 by the index finger F2 or middle finger F3 of the operator's hand H, the palm of the operator's hand H can slide appropriately on the mounting portion 63 while feeling the displacement difference of the control panel 51 as the index finger F2 to the middle finger F3 of the operator's hand H is operated.

[0051] (Instructions on how to operate the steering input device)

[0052] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 The top view of the steering input component 31 shows the operation modes of the steering input component 31. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the right steering state with a small rudder angle, and (c) indicates the right steering state with a large rudder angle. Figure 6 It means Figure 2 The top view of the steering input component 31 shows the operation modes of the steering input component 31. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the left steering state with a small rudder angle, and (c) indicates the left steering state with a large rudder angle.

[0053] When the vehicle is traveling straight, for example... Figure 5 As shown in (a), with the wrist W placed on the control panel 30, the palm of the operator's hand H is placed on the support part 63, and the fingers of the operator's hand H (thumb F1, index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5) are placed on the operating surface 512 of the control panel 51. Thus, the control panel 51 remains in a neutral position due to the fingers of the operator's hand H (thumb F1, index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5). More specifically, because the reaction force generated by the reaction force part 4 in the neutral direction acts on the control panel 51, even if the control panel 51 is not held by the operator's hand H, the control panel 51 will remain in a neutral position due to the reaction force generated by the reaction force part 4.

[0054] Additionally, in smaller right-hand steering maneuvers, so-called small-angle right-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), right steering with a small turning angle is performed by holding the control surface 512 with the operator's hand H (mainly the thumb F1, index finger F2, and middle finger F3) and turning the control panel 51 to the right. In addition to the operation of turning the control panel 51 by moving the fingers (thumb F1, index finger F2, and middle finger F3) of the operator's hand H, the control panel 51 can also be turned to the right by rotating the wrist W supported on the control table 30 while the operator's hand H is holding the control panel 51.

[0055] Additionally, in larger right-hand steering maneuvers, so-called large-angle right-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (c), from Figure 5 (b) In the right-hand operation state with a small steering angle, the index finger F2 of the operator's hand H is opened to the right and pulled forward (backward) by pulling the index finger F2. As a result, the control panel 51 rotates to the right (clockwise) by the side of the index finger F2 (the side of the middle finger F3) of the operator's hand H, thus performing a large right-hand steering operation. It should be noted that, regarding the right-hand steering operation with a large steering angle, in addition to pulling the index finger F2 forward (backward), the wrist W can also be pulled while the index finger F2 is resting on the control surface 512, thereby rotating the control panel 51 in conjunction with the side of the index finger F2 (the side of the middle finger F3).

[0056] On the other hand, in relatively small left-hand steering maneuvers, so-called small-steering-angle left-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 6As shown in (a), left steering at a small turning angle is performed by holding the control surface 512 with the operator's hand H (mainly the thumb F1, index finger F2, and middle finger F3) and rotating the control dial 51 to the left. Furthermore, the left steering operation at a small turning angle is the same as the right steering operation at a small turning angle described above. In addition to rotating the control dial 51 by moving the fingers of the operator's hand H (thumb F1, index finger F2, and middle finger F3), the control dial 51 can also be rotated, for example, by rotating the wrist W supported on the control panel 30 to the right while the operator's hand H is holding the control dial 51.

[0057] Additionally, in larger left-hand steering maneuvers, so-called large-angle left-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), from Figure 6 (a) shows the left-hand operation at a small steering angle, operated by opening the middle finger F3 of the operator's hand H to the left and pulling the middle finger F3 towards the front (rear). This causes the control panel 51 to rotate to the left (counterclockwise) by the side of the middle finger F3 (the side of the index finger F2), thus enabling left-hand steering at a large steering angle. Furthermore, for left-hand steering at a large steering angle, in addition to pulling the middle finger F3 towards the front (rear), the wrist W can also be pulled while the middle finger F3 is resting on the control surface 512, causing the control panel 51 to rotate in conjunction with the side of the middle finger F3 (the side of the index finger F2).

[0058] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0059] As mentioned above, the conventional steering input device does not consider any improvement in operability. That is, in the conventional steering input device, the rotation axis of the control disc, which is the operating unit, is located at the center of the control disc, and the rotation amount of the control disc is equal to the rotation amount of the rotation axis.

[0060] Here, with the control wheel replacing the traditional round handle as a new operating device, operation is based on one-handed operation. Therefore, unlike the steering wheel, it's not possible to switch grips with this control wheel. Thus, in the case of the control wheel, a gear ratio is considered that allows for greater steering with a smaller amount of rotation. However, in this case, the vehicle's behavior becomes overly sensitive to the amount of operation. In particular, it is considered that during periods when the driver is not accustomed to control wheel-based steering, the steering input becomes excessive, leading to over-steering. Considering this, it is necessary to change the gear ratio for the control wheel.

[0061] Therefore, when making large steering maneuvers, i.e., large steering angle maneuvers, it is necessary to rotate the steering wheel significantly. However, there is room for improvement in the fact that it is not easy to rotate the steering wheel significantly without switching the grip with the fingertips of the operator.

[0062] In contrast, the steering input device 1 according to this embodiment can solve the problems of the conventional steering input device by achieving the following effects.

[0063] That is, the steering input device 1 of this embodiment is disposed on the control panel 30 of the vehicle and is used to input the steering wheel (wheel WL, WR) of the vehicle by the driver's single-hand operation. The steering input device 1 includes: a shaft component (rotation shaft 52); a steering input component 31, which is mounted on the shaft component and rotates on the control panel 30 about the shaft component as an axis, having a first end E1 and a second end E2 located on the opposite side of the first end E1 (180 degrees opposite side in this embodiment) across the shaft component, the second end E2 including one or more locking parts (protrusions 513) that can be hooked by the driver's fingers, and the center Q of an imaginary circle C with the diameter of the straight line connecting the first end E1 and the locking parts exists at a position offset from the shaft component; and a sensor (steering angle sensor AS) that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the shaft component or the steering input component 31.

[0064] In other words, the steer-by-wire steering device SD of this embodiment includes: a steering input device 1, mounted on a vehicle having a control panel 30 configured so that the driver can operate the steering mechanism with one hand; a steering device 2, which steers the vehicle's wheels WR and WL; and a control device 7, which drives and controls the steering device 2 according to the steering input amount of the steering input device 1. The steering input device 1 and the steering device 2 are mechanically separated. The steering input device 1 includes: a shaft component (rotation shaft 52); and a steering input component 31, which is mounted on the shaft component and on the control panel 30. The device rotates around the shaft component and has a first end E1 and a second end E2 located on the opposite side of the first end E1 (180 degrees opposite in this embodiment) across the shaft component. The second end E2 includes one or more locking parts (protrusions 513) that can be hooked by the driver's fingers. The center Q of an imaginary circle C with the diameter of the straight line connecting the first end E1 and the locking parts exists at a position offset from the shaft component. A sensor (steering angle sensor AS) outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the shaft component or steering input component 31.

[0065] Thus, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 52 is positioned offset from the center Q of an imaginary circle C with diameters equal to the first end E1 and the protrusion 513 serving as the locking portion. That is, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 52 is arranged offset from the center Q of the control dial 51 towards the first end E1. Therefore, compared to the case where the rotating shaft 52 is located at the center of the control dial 51 corresponding to the center Q of the imaginary circle C, the amount of operation (movement) relative to the rotation angle of the control dial 51 can be increased by the leverage ratio of the offset of the rotating shaft 52 towards the first end E1. In other words, a relatively large steering input can be achieved with a relatively small amount of operation of the operator H, especially making large steering angles easier to perform. This improves the operability of the steering input device 1.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the steering input component 31 (operation panel 51) has a locking part (protrusion 513) on the second end E2 side that can hook the fingers of the operator's hand H during steering operation.

[0067] Therefore, the operator's hand H can be positioned with its fingers resting on the protrusion 513 to operate the control panel 51. This allows for continuous steering operations from small steering angles to large steering angles, further improving the operability of the steering input device 1.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a protrusion 513 protruding from the mounting surface 511 of the operation disk 51 is exemplified as the locking part of the present invention, but the locking part of the present invention is not limited to a convex shape. In other words, the locking part of the present invention can be any structure that allows the operator's hand to hook onto it, and for example, it also includes a structure formed in a concave shape.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axis center of the rotation axis 52 is set to be constant (fixed). However, the present invention is not limited to rotating around the axis of the rotation axis 52 with the axis center of the rotation axis 52 fixed. For example, it can also be configured so that the rotation axis 52 itself moves in an arc-like manner in a steering region such as a small steering angle region. In this case, by offsetting the rotation axis 52, the steering input relative to the amount of operation increases, thus enabling the following sharing (functional sharing): for the small steering angle region, it is ensured by rotating the rotation axis 52, and for the large steering angle region, it is ensured by rotating the rotation axis 52 based on the lever ratio of the offset configuration. Thus, not only the large steering angle region but also the small steering angle region is included, improving operability.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation axis 52 is exemplified as being offset (eccentric) towards the first end E1, which corresponds to the rear side of the control panel 30. However, in this invention, in addition to the offset (eccentric) rotation axis 52 towards the first end E1, which is the rear side of the control panel 30, it also includes, for example, the offset (eccentric) rotation axis 52 towards the second end E2, which is opposite to the first end E1, when viewed from the control panel 30 side. That is, the operation mode of the steering input device 1 is not uniform, but is adapted to the mode that is easy for the driver to operate. Therefore, in a steering input device 1 that is more suitable for a driver who is offset towards the second end E2, the rotation axis 52 can also be positioned on the second end E2 side of the control panel 51.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the distance X1 between the rotating shaft 52 and the first end E1 is shorter than the distance X2 between the rotating shaft 52 and the protrusion 513.

[0072] Thus, according to this embodiment, the distance X1 between the rotation shaft 52 and the first end E1 is configured to be shorter than the distance X2 between the rotation shaft 52 and the protrusion 513, and the rotation shaft 52 is closer to the fulcrum of the operator's hand H. Therefore, when operating with the wrist W of the operator's hand H as the fulcrum and contacting the second end E2 side of the control panel 51, the amount of operation at the second end E2 side relative to the rotation angle of the control panel 51 can be increased. As a result, even with a gear ratio that allows for large steering with a small amount of rotation, excessive sensitivity of the vehicle's movement relative to the amount of operation can be suppressed, and the operability of the steering input device 1 can be further improved.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, the rotation shaft 52 rotates about the axis of the rotation shaft 52 (rotation axis Z).

[0074] Thus, according to this embodiment, the rotating shaft 52 rotates around the rotation axis Z, and the point of action of the steering input rotates. As a result, better operability can be obtained.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, when the side of the rotating shaft 52 where the steering input component 31 (operation disk 51) is set as one end side, and the side opposite to the side where the steering input component 31 (operation disk 51) is set as the other end side, it is preferable that the locking part (protrusion 513) protrudes toward one end side of the rotating shaft 52.

[0076] Thus, according to this embodiment, a protrusion 513 is provided that protrudes toward the control panel 51. This further improves the operability of the steering input device 1.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the steering input device 1 includes a reaction force section 4 that applies a reaction force in the direction that the steering input component 31 returns to the center position.

[0078] Thus, according to this embodiment, the steering input device 1 is provided with a reaction force section 4 that applies a reaction force in the direction of returning the steering input component 31 to the center position. Therefore, when increasing steering operation, the reaction force generated by the reaction force section 4 suppresses oversteering; on the other hand, when returning to center, the reaction force generated by the reaction force section 4 assists in the return to center operation, enabling a smooth return to center operation. In this way, by providing the reaction force section 4, the operability of the steering input device 1 during increasing steering operation and during return to center operation can be further improved.

[0079] [Second Implementation]

[0080] Figures 7-10 This describes a second embodiment that applies the steering input device 1 of the present invention to a steer-by-wire steering device SD, mainly changing the structure of the steering input component 31 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the basic structure other than this change is the same as the first embodiment, the same symbols are used to denote the structures identical to those in the first embodiment, thus omitting their description.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the steering input component 32 as seen from the front (rear) side. Additionally, Figure 8 express Figure 7 The diagram shows a top view of the steering input component 32. Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, [the following will be used as a placeholder]. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The rotation axis of the mouse-shaped device 53 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 about the rotation axis Z is defined as "circumferential." Furthermore, 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." Additionally, in... Figure 7 For simplicity, the rotation axis 52 has been omitted. Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the middle, the control panel 30 in the mouse-shaped device 53 (refer to) Figure 7 The rear end of the control panel 30 (refer to) is defined as the first end E1, which will be located at the rear end of the control panel 30 (refer to) Figure 7 The end that is viewed from the side opposite to the first end E1 (180 degrees opposite in this embodiment) across the rotation axis 52 is defined as the second end E2.

[0082] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, the steering input component 32 according to this embodiment is rotatably disposed on the control panel 30 and rotates according to the input of steering operations. The steering input component 32 includes: a mouse-shaped device 53 that is conceived in the palm of a hand and is generally oval; and a rotation shaft 52 that is connected to the mouse-shaped device 53 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally, which corresponds to the shaft of the present invention. At this time, as will be described later, the rotation shaft 52 is positioned at a position offset from the center Q of the imaginary circle C, resulting in a structure in which the rotation axis Z of the rotation shaft 52 is not aligned with the center Q of the imaginary circle C. Furthermore, the mouse-shaped device 53 and the rotation shaft 52 are connected integrally in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally, for example by a prescribed fixing means such as pressing or fastening. In addition, the mouse-shaped device 53 and the rotation shaft 52 do not necessarily need to be separately constructed; they can also be formed integrally.

[0083] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the mouse-shaped device 53 is integrally formed from a resin material, for example, and includes: a main body 530, which is formed in the oval shape and held by the operator's hand H; a first protrusion 531, a second protrusion 532, and a third protrusion 533, which are multiple protrusions that hook onto a portion of the fingers of the operator's hand H for steering operation, corresponding to the locking part of the present invention. The main body 530 includes: a mounting part 530a, which mounts the palm of the operator's hand H; and a holding part 530b, which is held by, for example, the thumb F1 and the ring finger F4 of the operator's hand H. In addition, the main body 530 is formed such that, when viewed from above, the first end E1 side is slightly thinner than the second end E2 side, and the projected area of ​​the first end E1 side is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second end E2 side (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0084] The mounting portion 530a is formed into a curved surface that conforms to the palm of the operator's hand H. At a position offset from the second end E2 of the wrist W supporting the operator's hand H, a through hole 510 is provided axially toward the operating table 30 for the rotation shaft 52 to pass through. Specifically, the through hole 510 is located at a position offset from the center Q of an imaginary circle C with diameters of the first end E1 of the main body portion 530 and the locking portion (in this embodiment, corresponding to the second protrusion 532 of the outermost locking portion), along the axial direction (… Figure 8 The paper is arranged perpendicular to the paper surface. According to the above structure, in the mouse-shaped device 53, in the radial direction, the distance X1 between the rotation center (rotation axis Z) of the rotation shaft 52 and the first end E1 is shorter than the distance X2 between the rotation center (rotation axis Z) of the rotation shaft 52 and the second protrusion 532, which serves as the locking portion. Furthermore, the through hole 510 has a generally D-shaped form composed of an arcuate portion 510a and a planar portion 510b, restricting relative rotation with respect to the rotation shaft 52 inserted into the through hole 510.

[0085] Furthermore, a first recess 535a is provided in the mounting portion 530a. This first recess 535a extends in a generally straight line from the through hole 510 toward the first locking groove 534a formed between the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 532, and has a cross-section that is a generally arcuate concave groove (concave surface). It is smoothly connected to the first locking groove 534a. Similarly, a second recess 535b is provided in the mounting portion 530a. This second recess 535b extends in a generally straight line from the through hole 510 toward the second locking groove 534b formed between the second protrusion 532 and the third protrusion 533, and has a cross-section that is a generally arcuate concave groove (concave surface). It is smoothly connected to the second locking groove 534b. Furthermore, by providing a first recess 535a and a second recess 535b, a rib 536 is provided in a protruding form between the first recess 535a and the second recess 535b, extending through the center of the through hole 510 and along the vehicle's direction of travel. As described above, the rib 536 extends along the vehicle's direction of travel, thus serving to identify the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0086] The first protrusion 531, the second protrusion 532, and the third protrusion 533 are respectively viewed from above (see reference). Figure 8 The first protrusion 531, the second protrusion 532, and the third protrusion 533 are arranged in a generally semi-circular (arc-shaped) manner, radially outward from the main body 530, and are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumference of the main body 530. Furthermore, the base side (root side) of each of the first protrusion 531, the second protrusion 532, and the third protrusion 533 are formed with generally flat sides and an arc-shaped front end. The second protrusion 532 has its outermost diameter locking portion corresponding to the most prominent radially outward-pointing locking portion. In this embodiment, as an example of the locking portion of the present invention, three protrusions consisting of the first protrusion 531, the second protrusion 532, and the third protrusion 533 are shown, but the embodiment is not limited to these three protrusions. In other words, at least one or more protrusions constituting the locking portion of the present invention are sufficient, and the number and shape can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications of the steering input device 1, etc.

[0087] (Explanation of the operation method of the steering input device)

[0088] Figure 9 This indicates that the operator H is operating. Figure 8 The diagram showing the operation of the steering input component 32 is a perspective view of the steering input component 32 as seen from the front. An example of the operation of the steering input component 32 is shown below.

[0089] For example, Figure 9As shown, as an example of how the operator H operates the steering input component 32 of the steering input device 1, the palm of the operator H, whose wrist W is supported on the control panel 30 which can serve as a fulcrum for steering operation, is held in a manner that surrounds the main body 530 of the mouse-shaped device 53. Specifically, with the palm of the operator H placed on the mounting part 530a, the gripping part 530b is held using the thumb F1, ring finger F4, and little finger F5. Then, the pad of the index finger F2 is positioned along the first recess 535a, and the fingertip of the index finger F2 is placed on the first locking groove 534a. Similarly, the pad of the middle finger F3 is positioned along the second recess 535b, and the fingertip of the middle finger F3 is placed on the second locking groove 534b. This state is the basic posture for operating the mouse-shaped device 53.

[0090] (Instructions on how to operate the steering input device)

[0091] Figure 10 It means Figure 7 The top view of the steering input component 32 shows the operation modes of the steering input component 32. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the right steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the right steering state with a large steering angle. Figure 11 It means Figure 7 The top view of the steering input component 32 shows the operation modes of the steering input component 32. (a) indicates the straight-ahead state, (b) indicates the left steering state with a small steering angle, and (c) indicates the left steering state with a large steering angle.

[0092] When the vehicle is traveling straight, for example... Figure 10 As shown in (a), with the wrist W placed on the control panel 30, the mouse-shaped device 53 is held in a wrapping manner by the palm of the operating hand H. Specifically, with the palm resting on the mounting portion 530a, the grip portion 530b is held by the thumb F1, ring finger F4, and little finger F5. Then, the pad of the index finger F2 is positioned along the first recess 535a, and the fingertip of the index finger F2 is hooked onto the first locking groove 534a. Similarly, the pad of the middle finger F3 is positioned along the second recess 535b, and the fingertip of the middle finger F3 is hooked onto the second locking groove 534b. Thus, the mouse-shaped device 53 remains in a neutral position by the fingers of the operating hand H (thumb F1, index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5). More specifically, similar to the first embodiment described above, the mouse-shaped device 53 is subjected to a reaction force generated in the neutral direction by the reaction force part 4. Therefore, even if the mouse-shaped device 53 is not held by the operating hand H, the mouse-shaped device 53 is held in a neutral position by the reaction force generated by the reaction force part 4.

[0093] Additionally, in smaller right-hand steering maneuvers, so-called small-angle right-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 10 As shown in (b), for example, the index finger F2 of the operating hand H is placed on the first locking groove 534a, and the middle finger F3 is placed on the second locking groove 534b. With the thumb F1 and the ring finger F4 holding the gripping part 530b of the main body 530 of the mouse-shaped device 53, the mouse-shaped device 53 is rotated to the right, thereby performing right steering with a small steering angle.

[0094] Additionally, in larger right-hand steering maneuvers, so-called large-angle right-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 10 As shown in (c), from Figure 10 (b) shows the right steering operation at a small steering angle, which is performed by pulling the middle finger F3, which is attached to the second locking groove 534b, towards the front (rear). This causes the second protrusion 532 to be pulled significantly towards the front (rear) by the middle finger F3, and the mouse-shaped device 53 rotates to the right (clockwise) for a large steering angle. Furthermore, regarding the right steering operation at a large steering angle, in addition to pulling the middle finger F3 towards the front (rear), the mouse-shaped device 53 can also be rotated by pulling the wrist W of the operating hand H backward while the middle finger F3 is attached to the second locking groove 534b (second protrusion 532), thereby being pulled by the middle finger F3.

[0095] On the other hand, in relatively small left-hand steering maneuvers, so-called small-steering-angle left-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 11 As shown in (b), for example, the index finger F2 of the operating hand H is placed on the first locking groove 534a, and the middle finger F3 is placed on the second locking groove 534b. With the thumb F1 and the ring finger F4 holding the gripping part 530b of the main body 530 of the mouse-shaped device 53, the mouse-shaped device 53 is rotated to the left, thereby performing left steering with a small steering angle.

[0096] Additionally, in larger left-hand steering maneuvers, so-called large-angle left-hand steering maneuvers, such as... Figure 11 As shown in (c), from Figure 11(b) shows the small steering angle left steering operation state, which is operated by pulling the index finger F2, which is attached to the first locking groove 534a, towards the front (rear). As a result, the second protrusion 532 is pulled forward (rear) significantly by the index finger F2, and the mouse-shaped device 53 rotates to the left (counterclockwise) for large steering angle left steering. In addition to the operation of pulling the index finger F2 towards the front (rear) for large steering angle left steering operation, the wrist W of the operating hand H can also be pulled backward while the index finger F2 is attached to the first locking groove 534a (second protrusion 532), thereby rotating the mouse-shaped device 53 by being pulled by the index finger F2.

[0097] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, when viewed from the shaft component (rotation shaft 52), with the front side of the vehicle's travel direction in the mouse-shaped device 53 designated as the second end E2 side and the rear side of the vehicle's travel direction designated as the first end E1 side, the projected area of ​​the first end E1 side of the mouse-shaped device 53 is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second end E2 side.

[0099] Thus, according to this embodiment, the projected area of ​​the first end E1 side is made smaller than the projected area of ​​the second end E2 side, and the projected area of ​​the operator hand H on the operating table 30 side is configured to be relatively small, thereby ensuring good support for the operator hand H on the operating table 30. That is, when the projected area of ​​the first end E1 side is made relatively large, the first end E1 side protrudes significantly, which hinders ensuring good support for the operator hand H when supporting a portion of the operator hand H on the operating table 30. In contrast, in this embodiment, by making the second end E2 side relatively large, it is advantageous to easily ensure good support for the operator hand H.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, when the radial direction relative to the rotation axis 52 is set to radial, the locking portion (first protrusion 531, second protrusion 532 and third protrusion 533) is configured to protrude outward in the radial direction.

[0101] Thus, according to this embodiment, by providing a first protrusion 531, a second protrusion 532, and a third protrusion 533 that protrude radially outward, steering operations can be performed via these protrusions 531, 532, and 533, thereby further improving operability. That is, by providing these protrusions 531, 532, and 533, multiple fingers of the operator's hand H can touch each protrusion 531, 532, and 533. Therefore, for example, during a large steering operation involving a pull operation towards the forward (rear) side, the operator can distribute force across multiple fingers when performing the steering operation. Furthermore, the operator can feel the change in the amount of operation through multiple fingers, thus further improving operability.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion is composed of multiple parts. When the locking portion that protrudes most radially outward among the multiple locking portions (first protrusion 531, second protrusion 532 and third protrusion 533) is taken as the outermost diameter locking portion (second protrusion 532), the steering input component 32 is configured to be mounted relative to the shaft component (rotation shaft 52) ​​at a position offset from the center Q of an imaginary circle (imaginary circle C) with the straight line connecting the first end E1 and the outermost diameter locking portion (second protrusion 532) as its diameter.

[0103] Thus, according to this embodiment, by setting the distance between the rotation center (rotation axis Z) of the rotation axis 52 and the second protrusion 532 that is most prominently protruding radially outward as distance X2, the leverage ratio can be further obtained, the amount of operation (movement) of the rotation angle relative to the mouse-shaped device 53 can be further increased, and the operability can be further improved.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, a rib 536 is provided between the shaft component (rotating shaft 52) ​​and the locking portion (first protrusion 531, second protrusion 532 and third protrusion 533) so that the driver can identify the direction of travel of the vehicle when operating the steering wheel.

[0105] Thus, according to this embodiment, a rib 536 is provided between the rotation axis 52 of the steering input component 32 and the first protrusion 531, the second protrusion 532, and the third protrusion 533, which can identify the vehicle's direction of travel during steering operations. That is, the vehicle's orientation can be identified through this rib 536. Therefore, the rib 536 indicating the vehicle's direction of travel becomes a reference for the appropriate amount of steering operation, further improving the operability of the steering input device 1.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the structures and methods exemplified in the above embodiments. As long as the method can achieve the above-described effects of the present invention, it can be freely changed according to the specifications, cost, etc. of the steering input device 1 (steer-by-wire steering device SD) to which it is applied.

Claims

1. A steering input device, disposed on the control panel of a vehicle, for inputting steering input of the vehicle's steering wheels via single-handed operation by the driver, characterized in that, have: Shaft components; A steering input component, mounted on the shaft component, rotatable about the shaft component on the control panel, having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end across the shaft component, the second end including one or more locking parts that can be hooked by the driver's fingers, such that the center of an imaginary circle with the diameter of the straight line connecting the first end and the locking parts exists at a position offset from the shaft component; The sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the shaft component or the steering input component.

2. The steering input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the shaft component and the first end is shorter than the distance between the shaft component and the locking part.

3. The steering input device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shaft component rotates about its axis.

4. The steering input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When viewed from the shaft component, with the front side of the vehicle's direction of travel in the steering input component designated as the second end side and the rear side of the vehicle's direction of travel designated as the first end side, the projected area of ​​the first end side of the steering input component is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second end side.

5. The steering input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the side of the shaft component where the steering input component is located is designated as one end side, and the side opposite to the side where the steering input component is located is designated as the other end side, the locking portion protrudes toward one end side of the shaft component.

6. The steering input device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the radial direction of the steering input component relative to the shaft component is set to radial, the locking portion protrudes outward in the radial direction.

7. The steering input device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking part is provided in multiple ways. When the outermost radially protruding locking portion among the plurality of locking portions is designated as the outermost diameter locking portion, the steering input component is mounted relative to the shaft component at a position offset from the center of an imaginary circle whose diameter is the straight line connecting the first end to the outermost diameter locking portion.

8. The steering input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering input component has a rib between the shaft component and the locking part, the rib enabling the driver to identify the vehicle's direction of travel when performing steering operations.

9. The steering input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering input device includes a reaction force section that applies a reaction force in the direction that returns the steering input component to the center position.

10. A steer-by-wire steering device, comprising: a steering input device mounted on a vehicle, the vehicle having a control panel configured such that a driver can perform steering operations with one hand; A steering mechanism that steers the wheels of the vehicle; a control mechanism that drives and controls the steering mechanism according to a steering input device, the steering input device and the steering mechanism being mechanically separated, characterized in that... The steering input device has: Shaft components; A steering input component, mounted on the shaft component, rotatable about the shaft component on the control panel, having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end across the shaft component, the second end including one or more locking parts that can be hooked by the driver's fingers, such that the center of an imaginary circle with the diameter of the straight line connecting the first end and the locking parts exists at a position offset from the shaft component; The sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the shaft component or the steering input component.

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