Motion control device and input device

Abstract

An operation control device and an input device are provided. The convenience of an operation control device provided with an input device for controlling a plurality of operations of a controlled device is improved. A steering control device is provided with a shaft portion and a grip portion. When viewed in a direction along a rotation axis, the input device is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion. A first number (three or more) of operation acceptance regions associated with different second controlled operations are disposed so as to surround a central region. A second number (two or more and less than the first number) of boundary forming members extend radially from the central region. The plurality of boundary forming members each define a boundary between two adjacent operation acceptance regions. One boundary forming member forms, together with other boundary forming members, a boundaryless portion having a width that does not allow a user's finger to move from each of the two operation acceptance regions to the central region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a motion control device, which includes an input device for controlling the motion of a controlled device. This disclosure also relates to such an input device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering control device as an example of a motion control device mounted on a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body. The steering control device includes a steering control member that changes the vehicle's direction of travel by rotating about a rotation axis. An input device is provided on the steering control member. The input device has multiple operation receiving areas. The multiple operation receiving areas are associated with different actions of at least one controlled device.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-148568 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Seeking to improve the convenience of motion control devices that have input devices for controlling multiple actions of the controlled device.

[0005] One example provided by this disclosure is a motion control device comprising: a shaft capable of rotating about a rotation axis, the rotation being associated with a first controlled action; a grip capable of rotating along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and being gripped by a user's hand; and an input device disposed between the shaft and the grip when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the input device comprising: a plurality of operation receiving areas provided in a first number of three or more and associated with different plurality of second controlled actions; and a plurality of boundary forming members, which are arranged in the first... A second number of operation receiving areas are provided, and they have a convex shape. The plurality of operation receiving areas are configured to surround a central area. The plurality of boundary forming members extend radially from the central area. Each of the plurality of boundary forming members defines the boundary between two adjacent operation receiving areas contained within the plurality of operation receiving areas. One of the plurality of boundary forming members, together with another of the plurality of boundary forming members, forms a boundaryless portion. The boundaryless portion has a width that prevents the user's finger from moving from each of the two operation receiving areas toward the central area.

[0006] One example provided by this disclosure is an input device, which, when viewed along a rotation axis, is positioned between the shaft and the grip in an action control device comprising a shaft and a grip. The shaft is rotatable about the rotation axis and this rotation corresponds to a first controlled action. The grip is rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and can be held by a user's hand. The input device comprises: multiple operation receiving areas, arranged in a first number of three or more, and associated with multiple different second controlled actions; and multiple boundary forming members, wherein... The plurality of operation receiving areas are configured to surround a central region, and the plurality of boundary forming members extend radially from the central region. Each of the plurality of boundary forming members defines the boundary between two adjacent operation receiving areas contained within the plurality of operation receiving areas. One of the plurality of boundary forming members, together with another of the plurality of boundary forming members, forms a boundaryless portion. The boundaryless portion has a width that prevents the user's finger from moving from each of the two operation receiving areas toward the central region.

[0007] To prevent fingers from touching or moving to areas outside their intended operating region, a structure could be considered that encloses multiple operating regions individually with boundary-forming members, without creating a boundaryless portion. However, such a structure presents a complex appearance, which may not only reduce marketability but also raise concerns about increased manufacturing costs due to the increased complexity of the construction.

[0008] Conversely, according to the structures described in the above embodiments, each of the multiple boundary-forming members can restrict the movement of a finger between adjacent multiple operation-receiving areas. Furthermore, even with the presence or absence of boundary portions between each operation-receiving area and the central area, movement of the finger from each operation-receiving area to the central area can be restricted. This prevents the finger from contacting or moving to operation-receiving areas outside the intended area, and provides a refined aesthetic, thereby improving product quality and simplifying the construction, thus suppressing increases in manufacturing costs. Therefore, the convenience of an action control device equipped with an input device for controlling multiple actions of a controlled device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 An example of a steering control device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 Example of mounted on Figure 1 The appearance of the input device for the steering control system.

[0011] Figure 3 Will Figure 2 The example is a partial enlargement of the input device.

[0012] Figure 4 The appearance of the input device involved in the comparative example is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 Examples of boundary-forming components are shown.

[0014] Figure 6 Examples of boundary-forming components are shown.

[0015] Figure 7 Examples of boundary-forming components are shown.

[0016] Figure 8 exemplify along Figure 7 The cross section of line VIII-VIII as observed from the direction of the arrow.

[0017] Figure 9 exemplify along Figure 7 The cross section observed from the direction of the arrow is line IX-IX.

[0018] Figure 10 Examples of boundary-forming components are shown.

[0019] Figure 11 Examples of the appearance of input devices involved in other structural examples are shown.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 10...Steering control device; 111...Shaft; 112...Handle; 12...Input device; 121...Central area; 122...Operation receiving area; 122a...Adjacent operation receiving area; 124...Boundary forming member; 124a...One boundary forming member; 124b...Other boundary forming members; 124c...Secondary boundary forming member; 125...Boundaryless portion; 21...Finger; A...Rotation axis; P...Rotation path; W...Width of the boundaryless portion. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale may be appropriately changed in order to make the illustrated elements recognizable.

[0023] Figure 1The appearance of a steering control device 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The steering control device 10 is a device installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and used to cause the vehicle to change its direction of travel. The steering control device 10 is an example of a motion control device. Changing the direction of travel is an example of a first controlled motion. The vehicle is an example of a moving body.

[0024] The steering control device 10 includes a steering control member 11. The steering control member 11 has a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112. The shaft portion 111 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A. The grip portion 112 is configured to be gripped by the driver's hand 20. The driver is an example of a user. The grip portion 112 is configured to rotate along a rotation path P centered on the rotation axis A. If the driver's hand 20 rotates the grip portion 112, the shaft portion 111 rotates in the same direction. The direction of rotation corresponds to the changed direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0025] The steering control device 10 includes an input device 12. When viewed along the rotation axis A, the input device 12 is positioned between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112.

[0026] Figure 2 The appearance of the input device 12 as viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A is shown. The input device 12 has an operation receiving surface 120. The operation receiving surface 120 is located at a position accessible to the driver's fingers when gripping the steering control member 11, which forms a gripping part 112.

[0027] The operation receiving surface 120 includes a central region 121 and multiple operation receiving areas 122. Each of the multiple operation receiving areas 122 is associated with an action of a controlled device mounted on the vehicle. In other words, the multiple operation receiving areas 122 are associated with multiple different actions involving the controlled device.

[0028] Examples of controlled devices include position adjustment devices for in-vehicle equipment (seats, steering mechanisms, windows, rearview mirrors, etc.), lighting devices, air conditioning devices, and audiovisual equipment. The aforementioned "multiple different actions" can refer to different actions of the same controlled device or actions of different controlled devices. Multiple actions associated with multiple operation receiving areas 122 are an example of multiple second controlled actions.

[0029] Multiple operation receiving areas 122 are configured to surround a central area 121. In this example, one of the multiple operation receiving areas 122 is also configured within the central area 121.

[0030] In this example, no physical boundary is established between the multiple operation receiving areas 122 and other areas of the operation receiving surface 120. In other words, the multiple operation receiving areas 122 are each coplanar with the operation receiving surface 120.

[0031] Each of the multiple operation receiving areas 122 is equipped with a sign so that the driver can identify the action of the associated controlled device. The signs may consist of at least one of the following: text, numbers, symbols, graphics, patterns, and colors.

[0032] The input device 12 includes multiple electrodes 123. The multiple electrodes 123 are disposed behind the operation receiving surface 120. Each of the multiple electrodes 123 is associated with one of the multiple operation receiving areas 122. Each of the multiple electrodes 123 is configured to detect changes in electrostatic capacitance formed when the operation receiving area 122 associated with the driver's hand approaches or comes into contact with it.

[0033] The input device 12 includes a processing unit (not shown). The processing unit is implemented by a computing element such as a microcontroller.

[0034] If a change in electrostatic capacitance associated with the driver's finger approaching or contacting any of the operation receiving areas 122 is detected in the electrode 123, the processing device outputs a signal to execute an action of the controlled device associated with that operation receiving area 122. This signal may not directly execute an action of the controlled device if it simply indicates that the finger has approached or contacted the operation receiving area 122.

[0035] The input device 12 includes a plurality of boundary forming members 124. The plurality of boundary forming members 124 extend radially from the central region 121. In this example, the plurality of boundary forming members 124 are each in the shape of an elongated protrusion.

[0036] like Figure 3 As illustrated, each of the plurality of boundary forming members 124 defines the boundary between two adjacent operation receiving areas 122a contained in the plurality of operation receiving areas 122. Furthermore, one boundary forming member 124a, together with the other boundary forming members 124b, forms a boundaryless portion 125 having a width W that prevents the driver's finger 21 from moving from each of the two adjacent operation receiving areas 122a toward the central area 121.

[0037] To prevent finger 21 from touching or moving into or beyond the intended operation receiving area 122, the following can be considered: Figure 4The comparative example shown, involving input device 12A, has a structure in which multiple operation receiving areas 122 are each surrounded by boundary forming members 124 without forming a boundaryless portion. However, such a structure presents a complex appearance, which may not only reduce its marketability but also raise concerns about increased manufacturing costs due to the increased complexity of the construction.

[0038] Conversely, according to the structure of this embodiment, each of the plurality of boundary forming members 124 can restrict the movement of the finger 21 between adjacent plurality of operation receiving areas 122. Furthermore, even though a boundary portion 125 is formed between each operation receiving area 122 and the central area 121, movement of the finger 21 from each operation receiving area 122 to the central area 121 can also be restricted. Thus, the finger 21 is prevented from contacting or moving into or out of the intended operation receiving area 122, and a refined aesthetic is provided, thereby improving marketability and simplifying the construction, thereby also suppressing increases in manufacturing costs. Therefore, the convenience of the steering control device 10, which includes an input device 12 for controlling multiple actions of the controlled device, can be improved.

[0039] The aforementioned advantages are even more pronounced in the case where one of the multiple operation receiving regions 122 is disposed in the central region 121, as in this embodiment.

[0040] If the shape is convex relative to the operating receiving surface 120, then each of the plurality of boundary forming members 124 can be configured to change shape corresponding to a distance from the central region 121. The change in shape can be continuous or phased.

[0041] for Figure 5 In the illustrated structure, the width dimension of the boundary forming member 124 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction changes corresponding to the distance from the central region 121. Specifically, this width dimension decreases as it moves away from the central region 121.

[0042] for Figure 6 In the illustrated structure, the height dimension of the boundary forming member 124 changes according to the distance from the central region 121. Specifically, this height dimension decreases as it moves away from the central region 121.

[0043] for Figures 7 to 9 In the illustrated structure, the cross-sectional shape of the boundary forming member 124 in the direction orthogonal to the length direction is changed according to the distance from the central region 121. Figure 8 exemplify along Figure 7 The cross section of line VIII-VIII as observed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 9 exemplify along Figure 7The line IX-IX shows the cross-section as observed from the direction of the arrow. In this example, the chamfering amount at the corners increases and the cross-sectional area decreases as one moves away from the central region 121. Chamfers can also be formed in a way that creates a curved surface.

[0044] Alternatively, the change in shape of the boundary forming member 124 can be achieved through a combination of two or more of the aforementioned width dimension, height dimension, and cross-sectional shape.

[0045] like Figure 10 As illustrated, each of the multiple boundary forming members 124 may contain multiple independent secondary boundary forming members 124c. In this example, the spacing between adjacent secondary boundary forming members 124c increases as they move away from the central region 121.

[0046] It can also replace the above structure, or be used in conjunction with the above structure, to form a shape change of multiple sub-boundary forming members 124c corresponding to the distance from the central region 121.

[0047] The structures referenced so far are merely illustrative examples for ease of understanding this disclosure. Each structural example can be appropriately modified and combined with other structural examples within the scope of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0048] In the input device 12 described in the above embodiments, an operation receiving area 122 is also provided in the central region 121. However, the operation receiving area 122 in the central region 121 may be omitted.

[0049] The input device 12 described in the above embodiments includes five operation receiving areas 122 and four boundary forming members 124. Five is an example of a first quantity. Four is an example of a second quantity. If the first quantity is three or more and the second quantity is less than or equal to the first quantity, the number and arrangement of the multiple operation receiving areas 122 and the multiple boundary forming members 124 can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the input device 12.

[0050] Figure 11 Other structural examples of the input device 12 are shown. In this example, three operation receiving areas 122 and three boundary forming members 124 are provided. The operation receiving areas 122 are not located in the central area 121.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, an input device 12 is positioned at a location accessible to the driver's left-hand fingers. It can also be used in conjunction with or as a substitute for the above-described structure, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated, the input device 12 is positioned in a location accessible to the driver's right-hand fingers.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the driver's finger 21 is detected to be in contact with the operation receiving area 122 based on the change in electrostatic capacitance at electrode 123. However, it is also possible to use a pressure sensor or an optical sensor to detect the driver's finger 21 contacting the operation receiving area 122.

[0053] The shape of the steering control member 11 does not need to be annular. If the radius of rotation R centered on the rotation axis A and the rotation path P of the grip 112 can be defined, the shape of the steering control member 11 can be arbitrary. The grip 112 can also have a shape that is independent of the part held by the driver's left hand and the part held by the driver's right hand.

[0054] The input device 12 can also be mounted on a steering control device for changing the direction of travel of a moving body other than a vehicle. Examples of such moving bodies include railways, ships, and airplanes. Functions other than direction indication and the controlled actions associated with these functions can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the moving body.

[0055] The input device 12 does not require a steering control device mounted on the moving body. For example, a controller equipped with a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112 can be used to control the movement of an object displayed on the screen of a simulator device used for training the manipulation of a moving body, or on the screen of a game device in an entertainment facility. The user can use each of the multiple operation receiving areas 122 to select one of several functions that can be performed by the object and execute an action associated with the selected function. In this case, the controller is an example of a motion control device. The movement of the object is an example of a first controlled action. The actions associated with the functions that can be performed by the object are an example of a second controlled action.

[0056] The structures listed below also form part of this disclosure.

[0057] Project 1: A motion control device comprising: a shaft capable of rotating about a rotation axis, the rotation being associated with a first controlled motion; a grip capable of rotating along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and being gripped by a user's hand; and an input device disposed between the shaft and the grip when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, the input device comprising: a plurality of operation receiving areas provided in a first number of three or more and associated with different plurality of second controlled motions; and a plurality of boundary forming members provided in a second number less than the first number and having a convex shape, the plurality of operation receiving areas being configured to surround a central area, the plurality of boundary forming members extending radially from the central area, each of the plurality of boundary forming members defining the boundary of two adjacent operation receiving areas contained within the plurality of operation receiving areas, one of the plurality of boundary forming members forming a boundaryless portion together with another of the plurality of boundary forming members, the boundaryless portion having a width to the extent that prevents the user's finger from moving from each of the two operation receiving areas toward the central area.

[0058] Project 2: In the motion control device described in Project 1, one of the above-mentioned multiple operation receiving areas is located in the central area.

[0059] Item 3: In the motion control device described in Item 1 or 2, the shape of each of the plurality of boundary forming members changes according to the distance from the central region.

[0060] Item 4: In the motion control device described in Item 1 or 2, each of the plurality of boundary forming members includes a plurality of sub-boundary forming members, and at least one of the shapes and spacings of the plurality of sub-boundary forming members changes according to the distance from the central region.

[0061] Item 5: In any of the motion control devices described in Items 1 to 4, each of the plurality of operation receiving areas is configured to detect changes in electrostatic capacitance that occur in conjunction with contact or proximity with the finger.

[0062] Item 6: In any one of Items 1 to 5, the first controlled action is a change in the direction of travel of the moving body, and the plurality of second controlled actions are different actions of at least one controlled device mounted on the moving body.

Claims

1. A motion control device, characterized in that, have: The shaft is capable of rotating about a rotation axis, and this rotation is associated with the first controlled action; The grip is capable of rotating along a rotational path centered on the rotation axis and can be held by the user's hand. as well as The input device, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, is positioned between the shaft portion and the grip portion. The input device includes: Multiple operation receiving areas, set in a first quantity of three or more, and associated with different second controlled actions; and Multiple boundary forming members are arranged in a second number less than the first number, and have a convex shape. The plurality of operation receiving areas are configured to surround the central area. The plurality of boundary forming members extend radially from the central region. Each of the plurality of boundary forming components defines the boundary between two adjacent operation receiving regions contained within the plurality of operation receiving regions. One of the plurality of boundary forming members, together with another of the plurality of boundary forming members, forms a borderless portion, the borderless portion having a width that prevents the user's finger from moving from each of the two operation receiving areas toward the central area.

2. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the multiple operation receiving areas is located in the central area.

3. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of each of the plurality of boundary forming members changes according to its distance from the central region.

4. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of boundary forming components includes a plurality of sub-boundary forming components. The shape and spacing of at least one of the plurality of sub-boundary forming members change according to the distance from the central region.

5. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the multiple operation receiving areas is configured to detect changes in electrostatic capacitance that occur during contact or proximity with the finger.

6. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first controlled action is a change in the direction of travel of the moving body. The plurality of second controlled actions are different actions of at least one controlled device mounted on the mobile body.

7. An input device, in an action control device comprising a shaft and a grip, wherein, when viewed along a rotation axis, the input device is disposed between the shaft and the grip, the shaft being rotatable about the rotation axis and the rotation corresponding to a first controlled action, the grip being rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis, and being gripable by a user's hand. The input device is characterized by having: Multiple operation receiving areas, set in a first quantity of three or more, and associated with different second controlled operations; and Multiple boundary forming members are arranged in a second number less than the first number, and have a convex shape. The plurality of operation receiving areas are configured to surround the central area. The plurality of boundary forming members extend radially from the central region. Each of the plurality of boundary forming components defines the boundary between two adjacent operation receiving regions contained within the plurality of operation receiving regions. One of the plurality of boundary forming members, together with another of the plurality of boundary forming members, forms a borderless portion, the borderless portion having a width that prevents the user's finger from moving from each of the two operation receiving areas toward the central area.

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