Operation input device

Abstract

To provide an operating input device that makes it easy to keep the axial and radial dimensions of the linear motion member small. [Solution] The support member 5 is provided with a support cylindrical portion 51, the linear motion member 2 is positioned radially R inward relative to the support cylindrical portion 51, and the linear motion conversion mechanism 3 is positioned radially R outward relative to the support cylindrical portion 51 and comprises a cylindrical rotating member 31 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input member 1, a cam groove 32 formed in the rotating member 31 so as to extend along a direction inclined with respect to both the axial L and circumferential C, a driven member 33 that moves along the cam groove 32, and a connecting member 34 that connects the driven member 33 and the linear motion member 2 radially R. The support cylindrical portion 51 is provided with an elongated hole-shaped guide groove 50 extending along the axial L, and the connecting member 34 is fixed to one end of the linear motion member 2 in the axial L, with the guide groove 50 passing through the guide groove 50 radially R so as to restrict rotation in the circumferential C by the inner surface of the guide groove 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation input device including: an input member to which a rotational operation force is input; a linear motion member disposed on a reference axis; a linear motion conversion mechanism that mutually converts rotational motion of the input member and linear motion of the linear motion member along the reference axis; a reaction force generation mechanism that generates a reaction force against the rotational operation force input to the input member and causes the reaction force to act on the linear motion member; and a support member that supports the input member, the linear motion member, and the linear motion conversion mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] An example of such an operation input device is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Hereinafter, in the description of the background art, reference numerals in Patent Document 1 are cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the operation input device of Patent Document 1, the support member (18) includes a support cylindrical portion (18A) formed in a cylindrical shape and disposed on the reference axis (12). The linear motion member (16) is disposed radially inward of the support cylindrical portion (18A).

[0004] The linear motion conversion mechanism includes: a cylindrical rotating member (14) disposed radially outward of the support cylindrical portion (18A) on the reference axis (12) and configured to rotate in conjunction with rotation of the input member (80); a cam groove (74) formed in the rotating member (14); a driven member (78) configured to move along the cam groove (74); and a connecting member (70) that radially connects the driven member (78) and the linear motion member (16).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Document

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the control input device described in Patent Document 1, a through hole for inserting a rod-shaped connecting member (70) is formed so as to penetrate the linear motion member (16) radially. In such a configuration, the rigidity of the linear motion member (16) tends to be insufficient, making it necessary to ensure large dimensions in both the axial and radial directions of the linear motion member (16). As a result, the control input device became larger.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to realize an operating input device that can easily keep the axial and radial dimensions of the linear motion member small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the operation input device is: An input member to which a rotational operating force is applied, A linear motion member positioned on the reference axis, A linear motion conversion mechanism that mutually converts the rotational motion of the input member and the linear motion of the linear motion member along the reference axis, A reaction force generating mechanism that generates a reaction force to the rotational operating force input to the input member and acts on the linear motion member, The system comprises the input member, the linear motion member, and the support member that supports the linear motion conversion mechanism, The direction along the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the radial direction, and the direction around the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the circumferential direction. The support member comprises a cylindrical support portion formed in a cylindrical shape and positioned on the reference axis, The linear motion member is positioned radially inward relative to the support cylindrical portion. The aforementioned linear motion conversion mechanism is A cylindrical rotating member is positioned radially outward from the support cylindrical portion on the reference axis and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input member, A cam groove is formed in the rotating member so as to extend along a direction inclined with respect to both the axial direction and the circumferential direction, A driven member that moves along the cam groove, The system includes a connecting member that connects the driven member and the linear member in the radial direction, The support cylindrical portion has an elongated guide groove that penetrates the support cylindrical portion in the radial direction and extends along the axial direction. The connecting member is fixed to one end of the linear motion member in the axial direction, with the connecting member penetrating the guide groove in the radial direction such that the rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted by the inner surface of the guide groove.

[0009] With this characteristic configuration, since the connecting member is fixed to one end of the linear motion member in the axial direction, it is not necessary to provide a through hole in the linear motion member for inserting the connecting member, for example. This makes it easier to ensure the rigidity of the linear motion member, and thus makes it easier to keep the radial and axial dimensions of the linear motion member small. Furthermore, this feature configuration allows the connecting member to be assembled axially to the linear motion member during the manufacturing of the control input device. This makes it easier to improve work efficiency during the manufacturing of the control input device compared to the case where the connecting member is inserted through a through hole in the linear motion member as described above. Furthermore, according to this characteristic configuration, the connecting member that radially connects the driven member and the linear member is positioned to pass radially through a guide groove in a support cylindrical portion located between the driven member and the linear member, and is supported circumferentially by the inner surface of the guide groove. This reduces the circumferential deflection of the connecting member and makes it easier to ensure the support rigidity of the driven member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Side view of the operation input device according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the operation input device according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] Diagram showing the configuration of the linear motion conversion mechanism. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the operation input device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the operation input device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. First Embodiment Hereinafter, an operation input device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the operation input device 100 is fixed to a vehicle body B of a vehicle.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation input device 100 includes an input member 1, a linear motion member 2, a linear motion conversion mechanism 3, a reaction force generation mechanism 4, and a support member 5.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the input member 1 is a member to which a rotational operation force is input. In the present embodiment, the input member 1 is an arm member that swings about a reference axis X, and is connected to a pedal 11 operated by a driver of the vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal. Although FIG. 1 exemplifies a configuration in which the input member 1 and the pedal 11 swing integrally, a configuration in which they are connected via a gear mechanism, a link mechanism or the like may also be used.

[0014] In the following description, the direction along the reference axis X is defined as "axial direction L". One side in the axial direction L is defined as "first axial side L1", and the other side in the axial direction L is defined as "second axial side L2". Further, the direction orthogonal to the reference axis X is defined as "radial direction R", and the direction orbiting around the reference axis X is defined as "circumferential direction C".

[0015] The linear motion member 2 is disposed on the reference axis X. The linear motion member 2 is configured to be movable in the axial direction L. In the present embodiment, the linear motion member 2 includes a first shaft portion 21, a second shaft portion 22, and a connecting portion 23.

[0016] Each of the first shaft portion 21 and the second shaft portion 22 is formed to extend along the axial direction L. The first shaft portion 21 is disposed on the second axial side L2 with respect to the second shaft portion 22. In the present embodiment, each of the first shaft portion 21 and the second shaft portion 22 is formed in a columnar shape centered on the reference axis X. The first shaft portion 21 and the second shaft portion 22 are formed integrally with each other. Further, the first shaft portion 21 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the second shaft portion 22.

[0017] The connecting portion 23 is connected to move integrally with the second shaft portion 22. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is formed to protrude from the second shaft portion 22 to the first axial side L1. The connecting portion 23 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the second shaft portion 22.

[0018] The linear motion conversion mechanism 3 is configured to mutually convert the rotational motion of the input member 1 and the linear motion of the linear motion member 2 along the reference axis X.

[0019] The reaction force generation mechanism 4 is configured to generate a reaction force against the rotational operation force input to the input member 1 and apply the reaction force to the linear motion member 2. In the present embodiment, the reaction force generation mechanism 4 generates a reaction force that returns the pedal 11 to the initial position when the driver depresses the pedal 11.

[0020] The support member 5 is a member that supports the input member 1, the linear motion member 2, and the linear motion conversion mechanism 3. In the present embodiment, the support member 5 is a housing that accommodates the input member 1, the linear motion member 2, the linear motion conversion mechanism 3, and the reaction force generation mechanism 4.

[0021] The support member 5 includes a support cylindrical portion 51. The support cylindrical portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The support cylindrical portion 51 is disposed on the reference axis X. In the present embodiment, the support cylindrical portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the reference axis X.

[0022] Guide grooves 50 are formed in the support cylindrical portion 51. The guide grooves 50 are elongated grooves that extend along the axial direction L. The guide grooves 50 are formed to penetrate the support cylindrical portion 51 in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, multiple guide grooves 50 are arranged dispersed in the circumferential direction C.

[0023] In this embodiment, the support member 5 further comprises a peripheral wall portion 52, a bottom wall portion 53, a first side wall portion 54, and a second side wall portion 55.

[0024] The peripheral wall portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the reaction force generation mechanism 4 from the outside in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the reference axis X. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 52 is formed to extend from the support cylindrical portion 51 in the axial direction second side L2.

[0025] The bottom wall portion 53 is positioned to close the opening L2 on the second axial side of the peripheral wall portion 52.

[0026] Each of the first side wall portion 54 and the second side wall portion 55 is formed to extend along the radial direction R. The first side wall portion 54 and the second side wall portion 55 are arranged separately on both sides in the axial direction L with respect to the input member 1. In this embodiment, the first side wall portion 54 is formed to extend outward in the radial direction R from the end of the first axial side L1 of the support cylindrical portion 51. The second side wall portion 55 is formed to extend outward in the radial direction R from the end of the first axial side L1 of the peripheral wall portion 52.

[0027] The linear motion member 2 is positioned inside the support cylindrical portion 51 in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, the second shaft portion 22 of the linear motion member 2 is supported by the support cylindrical portion 51 from the outside in the radial direction R.

[0028] The linear motion conversion mechanism 3 comprises a rotating member 31, a cam groove 32, a driven member 33, and a connecting member 34.

[0029] The rotating member 31 is a cylindrical member that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input member 1. The rotating member 31 is positioned radially outward R from the support cylindrical portion 51 on the reference axis X. In this embodiment, the rotating member 31 is rotatably supported by the support cylindrical portion 51. The rotating member 31 is connected to the input member 1 so as to rotate integrally with it.

[0030] The cam groove 32 is formed in the rotating member 31. The cam groove 32 is formed to extend along a direction that is inclined with respect to both the axial direction L and the circumferential direction C (see Figure 3).

[0031] The driven member 33 is a member that moves along the cam groove 32. In this embodiment, the driven member 33 is a roller that rolls on the inner surface of the cam groove 32.

[0032] The connecting member 34 is a member that connects the driven member 33 and the linear motion member 2 in the radial direction R. The connecting member 34 is positioned to penetrate the guide groove 50 in the radial direction R. As a result, the rotation of the connecting member 34 in the circumferential direction C is restricted by the inner surface of the guide groove 50. The connecting member 34 is fixed to one end of the linear motion member 2 in the axial direction L (in this case, the end of the first axial direction L1).

[0033] In this embodiment, the connecting member 34 comprises a connecting portion 35, a shaft portion 36, and a guided portion 37.

[0034] The coupling portion 35 is connected to the linear motion member 2. In this embodiment, the coupling portion 35 is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the connecting portion 23 of the linear motion member 2 from the outside in the radial direction R. On the inner circumference of the coupling portion 35, a plurality of splines extending in the axial direction L are formed and distributed in the circumferential direction C. On the other hand, on the outer circumference of the connecting portion 23, a plurality of splines that engage with them are formed and distributed in the circumferential direction C. Thus, in this embodiment, the coupling portion 35 is supported relative to the linear motion member 2 so as to be movable in the axial direction L, while rotation in the circumferential direction C is restricted.

[0035] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is formed with a smaller diameter than the second shaft portion 22. Therefore, the connecting portion 35, which is supported to be movable in the axial direction L relative to the connecting portion 23, is restricted from moving in the axial direction to the second side L2 by the second shaft portion 22.

[0036] The shaft portion 36 supports the driven member 33. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 36 rotatably supports the driven member 33, which is a roller.

[0037] The guided portion 37 is configured to be guided by the inner surface of the guide groove 50. The guided portion 37 is positioned between the shaft portion 36 and the connecting portion 35 in the radial direction R.

[0038] In this embodiment, the linear motion conversion mechanism 3 comprises a plurality of cam grooves 32 and a plurality of driven members 33.

[0039] The cam grooves 32 and the driven members 33 are provided in equal numbers. The multiple driven members 33 are arranged to move along multiple cam grooves 32. In this embodiment, a cylindrical covering member 311 is connected to the rotating member 31 from the outside in the radial direction R so as to cover all the cam grooves 32. The covering member 311 is connected so as to rotate integrally with the input member 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, the connecting member 34 comprises a plurality of shaft portions 36 and a plurality of guided portions 37.

[0041] The shaft portion 36 and the guided portion 37 are provided in equal numbers. The shaft portion 36 is provided in the same number as the driven member 33. The guided portion 37 is provided in the same number as the guide groove 50. In other words, the shaft portion 36, the guided portion 37, the driven member 33, and the guide groove 50 are provided in equal numbers.

[0042] Each of the multiple shaft portions 36 supports each of the multiple driven members 33. Each of the multiple guided portions 37 extends radially outward from the connecting portion 35 so as to be connected to each of the multiple shaft portions 36.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 4 comprises a holding member 41, an inner spring 42, and an outer spring 43.

[0044] The retaining member 41 is a member for holding the inner spring 42 and the outer spring 43. In this embodiment, the retaining member 41 comprises a cylindrical portion 411, a bottom portion 412, and a flange portion 413.

[0045] The cylindrical portion 411 opens to the first axial side L1 and the second axial side L2, and is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the reference axis X. The cylindrical portion 411 is positioned to cover the first shaft portion 21 of the linear motion member 2 from the outside in the radial direction R.

[0046] The bottom portion 412 is connected to the cylindrical portion 411 so as to close the opening L2 on the second axial side of the cylindrical portion 411.

[0047] The flange portion 413 is formed to protrude radially outward in the direction R from the end of the axial first side L1 of the cylindrical portion 411.

[0048] The inner spring 42 and the outer spring 43 bias the linear motion member 2 in the first axial direction L1 via the retaining member 41. In this embodiment, each of the inner spring 42 and the outer spring 43 is a compression coil spring. The inner spring 42 is positioned between the second shaft portion 22 of the linear motion member 2 and the bottom portion 412 of the retaining member 41, with the first shaft portion 21 of the linear motion member 2 inserted through it. The outer spring 43 is positioned between the flange portion 413 of the retaining member 41 and the bottom wall portion 53 of the support member 5, with the cylindrical portion 411 of the retaining member 41 inserted through it.

[0049] In this embodiment, the operation input device 100 further comprises a pair of operation amount sensors 9. The pair of operation amount sensors 9 are sensors for detecting the amount of operation of the input member 1. In this embodiment, the pair of operation amount sensors 9 are located radially outward from the rotating member 31 in the direction R and on both sides in the axial direction L from the input member 1. The pair of operation amount sensors 9 are configured to detect at least one of the amount of rotation and torsion of the rotating member 31. In addition, one operation amount sensor 9 is fixed to the first side wall portion 54 and the other operation amount sensor 9 is fixed to the second side wall portion 55.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a rotating member 31 with a cam groove 32 and a support cylindrical portion 51 with a guide groove 50, laid out on a plane along the circumferential direction C and arranged so that their positions in the circumferential direction C align. In the following description, one side of the circumferential direction C will be referred to as the "first circumferential side C1," and the other side of the circumferential direction C will be referred to as the "second circumferential side C2."

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, multiple cam grooves 32 are arranged on the rotating member 31 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. Similarly, multiple guide grooves 50 are also arranged on the support cylindrical portion 51 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. In the example shown in Figure 3, there are two of each of the cam grooves 32, driven member 33, shaft portion 36, guide grooves 50, and guided portion 37.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the multiple driven members 33 is at the position furthest axially first L1 in the cam groove 32 (hereinafter referred to as "first position P1") when no rotational operating force is applied to the input member 1. At this time, each of the multiple guided portions 37 in the connecting member 34 is at the position furthest axially first L1 in the guide groove 50.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the multiple driven members 33 is relatively movable to the position L2 on the second axial side in the cam groove 32 (hereinafter referred to as "second position P2") when a rotational operating force is applied to the input member 1. Also, each of the multiple guided parts 37 is relatively movable to the position L2 on the second axial side in the guide groove 50 when a rotational operating force is applied to the input member 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the guide groove 50 includes a pair of planar guide surfaces 50a facing both sides in the circumferential direction C. The guided portion 37 also includes a pair of planar guided surfaces 37a facing the pair of guide surfaces 50a. In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of guided surfaces 37a in the circumferential direction C (the circumferential dimension of the guided portion 37) is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the pair of guide surfaces 50a in the circumferential direction C (the circumferential dimension of the guide groove 50), thereby restricting the relative movement of the guided portion 37 in the circumferential direction C. As a result, the rotation of the connecting member 34 in the circumferential direction C with respect to the support member 5 is restricted. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the guide groove 50 facing both sides in the axial direction L are formed in a planar shape. Similarly, the surfaces of the guided portion 37 facing both sides in the axial direction L are also formed in a planar shape.

[0055] In this embodiment, each of the multiple cam grooves 32 is formed such that it gradually moves toward the second axial side L2 as it moves toward the second circumferential side C2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the linear motion conversion mechanism 3 converts the rotational motion of the rotating member 31 toward the first circumferential side C1 into the linear motion of the linear motion member 2 toward the second axial side L2. The linear motion conversion mechanism 3 also converts the linear motion of the linear motion member 2 toward the first axial side L1 into the rotational motion of the rotating member 31 toward the second circumferential side C2. In other words, in this embodiment, when the driver presses down on the pedal 11, the rotating member 31 rotates toward the first circumferential side C1, and the linear motion member 2 moves toward the second axial side L2 against the reaction force generated by the reaction force generation mechanism 4. On the other hand, when the driver releases the pedal 11, the reaction force generated by the reaction force generation mechanism 4 causes the linear motion member 2 to move toward the first axial side L1, and the rotating member 31 rotates toward the second circumferential side C2, returning the pedal 11 to its initial position.

[0056] To elaborate, when a rotational operating force is applied to the input member 1 so that the rotating member 31 rotates in the first circumferential direction C1, the driven member 33 is pressed toward the first circumferential direction C1 by the inner surface of the cam groove 32 formed in the rotating member 31 connected to the input member 1. As a result, a force toward the first circumferential direction C1 acts on the guided portion 37 connected to the shaft portion 36 that supports the driven member 33.

[0057] However, since the guided surface 37a of the guided portion 37 facing the first circumferential side C1 abuts against the guide surface 50a of the guide groove 50 facing the second circumferential side C2, the rotation of the connecting member 34 relative to the support member 5 toward the first circumferential side C1 is restricted. As a result, each of the multiple driven members 33 rolls from the first position P1 to the second position P2 of the cam groove 32 as the rotating member 31 rotates toward the first circumferential side C1. Consequently, the linear member 2 connected to the driven member 33 via the connecting member 34 moves toward the second axial side L2 against the reaction force generated by the reaction force generation mechanism 4.

[0058] On the other hand, when each of the driven members 33 is in the second position P2 of the cam groove 32 and no rotational operating force is applied to the input member 1, the reaction force generated by the reaction force generation mechanism 4 presses the connecting member 34 toward the first axial side L1 via the linear member 2. As a result, with the rotation of the connecting member 34 in the circumferential direction C relative to the support member 5 restricted by the inner surface of the guide groove 50, the rotating member 31 rotates toward the second circumferential side C2 so that the input member 1 returns to its initial position as each of the multiple driven members 33 rolls from the second position P2 to the first position P1 of the cam groove 32.

[0059] 2. Second Embodiment The operation input device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment, the configuration of the linear motion member 2, the reaction force generation mechanism 4, and the support member 5 differs from that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the linear motion member 2 further comprises a piston portion 24. The support member 5 comprises a piston housing chamber 6 that accommodates the piston portion 24. The piston portion 24 is configured to slide along the axial direction L on the inner circumferential surface of the piston housing chamber 6. In this embodiment, the piston housing chamber 6 is formed between the support cylindrical portion 51 of the support member 5 and the radial direction R between the first shaft portion 21 and the second shaft portion 22 of the linear motion member 2. The piston housing chamber 6 is filled with oil.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first shaft portion 21 of the linear motion member 2 includes a tip portion 211 and a holding portion 212.

[0062] The tip portion 211 is formed to extend from the holding portion 212 toward the second axial side L2. The tip portion 211 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the holding portion 212. The holding portion 212 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the reference axis X. In this embodiment, the inner spring 42 is positioned between the holding portion 212 and the bottom portion 412 in the axial direction L with the tip portion 211 inserted through it.

[0063] In this embodiment, the piston portion 24 is formed to protrude radially outward from the axial first side L1 end of the holding portion 212 in the radial direction R.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second shaft portion 22 of the linear motion member 2 includes a small diameter portion 221 and a large diameter portion 222.

[0065] The small-diameter portion 221 is positioned radially inward of the holding portion 212 in the direction R. The small-diameter portion 221 abuts against the tip portion 211 from the first axial side L1, thereby restricting its movement in the second axial side L2.

[0066] The large-diameter portion 222 is formed to have a larger diameter than the small-diameter portion 221. The large-diameter portion 222 is positioned on the first axial side L1 relative to the small-diameter portion 221. In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 222 is connected to the connecting portion 23.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the piston housing chamber 6 comprises a first chamber 61 and a second chamber 62. The first chamber 61 is formed on the first axial side L1 relative to the piston portion 24. The second chamber 62 is formed on the second axial side L2 relative to the piston portion 24. In this embodiment, the volume of the first chamber 61 is smallest when each of the multiple driven members 33 is in the first position P1 of the cam groove 32, and the volume of the first chamber 61 is largest when each of the multiple driven members 33 is in the second position P2 of the cam groove 32.

[0068] In this embodiment, the support member 5 further comprises a first mounting portion 56 and a second mounting portion 57.

[0069] The first mounting portion 56 is formed to protrude radially inward from the end of the first axial side L1 of the support cylindrical portion 51. The first mounting portion 56 is positioned to support the large diameter portion 222 from the outside in the radial direction R. A first sealing member S1 is attached to the inner circumference of the first mounting portion 56 to seal the radial distance R between the first mounting portion 56 and the large diameter portion 222. In this embodiment, the first sealing member S1 is an O-ring.

[0070] The second mounting portion 57 is formed to protrude radially inward from the end of the second axial side L2 of the support cylindrical portion 51. The second mounting portion 57 is positioned to support the holding portion 212 from the outside in the radial direction R. A second sealing member S2 is attached to the inner circumference of the second mounting portion 57 to seal the radial distance R between the second mounting portion 57 and the holding portion 212. In this embodiment, the second sealing member S2 is an O-ring.

[0071] In this embodiment, a piston seal member Sp is attached to the outer circumference of the piston portion 24 to seal the radial radius R between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51. In this embodiment, the piston seal member Sp is configured to allow the flow of oil from the first chamber 61 to the second chamber 62, but to restrict the flow of oil from the second chamber 62 to the first chamber 61, in the radial radius R between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first chamber 61 is composed of a space enclosed by a small-diameter portion 221, a large-diameter portion 222, a piston portion 24, a support cylindrical portion 51, and a first mounting portion 56. The second chamber 62 is composed of a space enclosed by a holding portion 212, a piston portion 24, a support cylindrical portion 51, and a second mounting portion 57.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62 are configured to communicate with each other by a connecting passage 63. In this embodiment, the connecting passage 63 is formed to penetrate the holding portion 212 in the radial direction R. The connecting passage 63 is formed to connect the space formed between the piston portion 24 and the small diameter portion 221 in the first chamber 61 in the radial direction R with the second chamber 62.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the piston portion 24 moves from the state in which the volume of the first chamber 61 is smallest (the state in which the piston portion 24 is located furthest axially on the first side L1) to the axially second side L2, oil flows from the second chamber 62 through the connecting passage 63 to the first chamber 61 as the piston portion 24 moves toward the axially second side L2. At this time, the flow of oil from the second chamber 62 to the first chamber 61 in the radial direction R between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51 is restricted by the piston seal member Sp. Therefore, a relatively large fluid resistance of oil acts on the piston portion 24 as it moves toward the axially second side L2.

[0075] On the other hand, when the piston portion 24 moves from the state where the volume of the first chamber 61 is largest (the state where the piston portion 24 is located furthest axially on the second side L2) to the axially first side L1, the oil flows from the first chamber 61 through the connecting passage 63 to the second chamber 62 as the piston portion 24 moves toward the axially first side L1. At this time, oil also flows from the first chamber 61 to the second chamber 62 in the radial radius R between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51. Therefore, a relatively small fluid resistance of oil acts on the piston portion 24 as it moves toward the axially first side L1.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, the reaction force generation mechanism 4 includes a piston housing chamber 6 and a connecting passage 63 that connects the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62. The volume of the piston housing chamber 6 and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage 63 are set according to the reaction force generated by the reaction force generation mechanism 4.

[0077] 3. Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the input member 1 is connected to a pedal 11 operated by the driver of the vehicle was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the input member 1 may be connected to a steering wheel or an operating lever.

[0078] (2) In the above embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 4 was described as having an inner spring 42 and an outer spring 43 which are compression coil springs. However, the invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the reaction force generating mechanism 4 may have a configuration that includes a friction member disposed between the linear motion member 2 and the support member 5.

[0079] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the reaction force generating mechanism 4 is housed in the support member 5 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the reaction force generating mechanism 4 may not be housed in the support member 5 but may be supported by another member.

[0080] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the rotating member 31 is connected to the input member 1 so as to rotate integrally was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the input member 1 may be arranged on a different axis from the rotating member 31 and connected to the rotating member 31 via a gear mechanism or the like.

[0081] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which two cam grooves 32, driven members 33, shafts 36, guide grooves 50, and guided portions 37 are provided was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which one or three or more cam grooves 32, driven members 33, shafts 36, guide grooves 50, and guided portions 37 are provided is also possible.

[0082] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the linear motion member 2 and the coupling portion 35 are connected by spline engagement was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the linear motion member 2 and the coupling portion 35 may be screwed together.

[0083] (7) In the second embodiment described above, a configuration in which the piston housing chamber 6 is filled with oil was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the piston housing chamber 6 is filled with a fluid other than oil is also possible.

[0084] (8) In the second embodiment described above, a configuration in which the connecting passage 63 is formed in the holding portion 212 of the first shaft portion 21 of the linear motion member 2 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the connecting passage 63 may be formed in the support member 5.

[0085] (9) In the second embodiment described above, a configuration was described as in which a piston seal member Sp that allows the flow of oil from the first chamber 61 to the second chamber 62 but restricts the flow of oil from the second chamber 62 to the first chamber 61 is arranged between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51 in the radial direction R. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. For example, instead of the piston seal member Sp, a seal member similar to the first seal member S1 and the second seal member S2 may be provided between the piston portion 24 and the support cylindrical portion 51 in the radial direction R, and a check valve that allows the flow of oil from the first chamber 61 to the second chamber 62 but restricts the flow of oil from the second chamber 62 to the first chamber 61 may be provided in the oil passage connecting the first chamber 61 and the second chamber 62.

[0086] (10) The configurations disclosed in each of the above embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0087] 4. Summary of this embodiment The following describes the overview of the operation input device (100) described above.

[0088] The operation input device (100) is An input member (1) to which a rotational operating force is applied, A linear motion member (2) positioned on the reference axis (X), A linear motion conversion mechanism (3) mutually converts the rotational motion of the input member (1) and the linear motion of the linear motion member (2) along the reference axis (X), A reaction force generating mechanism (4) generates a reaction force to the rotational operating force input to the input member (1) and acts on the linear motion member (2), The device comprises the input member (1), the linear motion member (2), and a support member (5) that supports the linear motion conversion mechanism (3), The direction along the aforementioned reference axis (X) is defined as the axial direction (L), the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned reference axis (X) is defined as the radial direction (R), and the direction around the aforementioned reference axis (X) is defined as the circumferential direction (C). The support member (5) comprises a cylindrical support portion (51) formed in a cylindrical shape and positioned on the reference axis (X), The linear motion member (2) is positioned inward in the radial direction (R) relative to the support cylindrical portion (51), The aforementioned linear motion conversion mechanism (3) is A cylindrical rotating member (31) is positioned radially (R) outward from the support cylindrical portion (51) on the reference axis (X), and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input member (1), A cam groove (32) is formed in the rotating member (31) so as to extend along a direction inclined with respect to both the axial direction (L) and the circumferential direction (C), A driven member (33) moves along the cam groove (32), The device comprises a connecting member (34) that connects the driven member (33) and the linear member (2) in the radial direction (R), The support cylindrical portion (51) has an elongated guide groove (50) that penetrates the support cylindrical portion (51) in the radial direction (R) and extends along the axial direction (L). The connecting member (34) is fixed to one end of the linear motion member (2) in the axial direction (L) such that its rotation in the circumferential direction (C) is restricted by the inner surface of the guide groove (50), and it penetrates the guide groove (50) in the radial direction (R).

[0089] With this configuration, since the connecting member (34) is fixed to one end of the linear motion member (2) in the axial direction (L), it is not necessary to provide a through hole in the linear motion member (2) for inserting the connecting member (34). This makes it easier to ensure the rigidity of the linear motion member (2), and thus makes it easier to keep the radial (R) and axial (L) dimensions of the linear motion member (2) small. Furthermore, with this configuration, the connecting member (34) can be assembled to the linear motion member (2) in the axial direction (L) during the manufacturing of the operation input device (100). This makes it easier to improve work efficiency during the manufacturing of the operation input device (100) compared to the case where the connecting member (34) is inserted through the through hole of the linear motion member (2) as described above. Furthermore, in this configuration, the connecting member (34) that connects the driven member (33) and the linear member (2) in the radial direction (R) is positioned so as to penetrate the guide groove (50) of the support cylindrical portion (51) located between the driven member (33) and the linear member (2) in the radial direction (R), and is supported in the circumferential direction (C) by the inner surface of the guide groove (50). This reduces the circumferential (C) deflection of the connecting member (34) and makes it easier to ensure the support rigidity of the driven member (33).

[0090] Here, the connecting member (34) is A coupling portion (35) connected to the linear motion member (2), The shaft portion (36) that supports the driven member (33), The system comprises a guided portion (37) positioned between the shaft portion (36) and the connecting portion (35) in the radial direction (R), and guided by the inner surface of the guide groove (50), The inner surface of the guide groove (50) includes a pair of planar guide surfaces (50a) that face both sides in the circumferential direction (C). The guided portion (37) preferably has a pair of guided surfaces (37a) that are formed in a planar shape so as to face the pair of guide surfaces (50a).

[0091] This configuration allows the pair of guided surfaces (37a) in the guided portion (37) and the pair of guide surfaces (50a) in the guide groove (50) to be in planar contact. This allows the circumferential (C) load acting on the connecting member (34) to be supported over a wider area. Therefore, the circumferential (C) deflection of the connecting member (34) can be further reduced.

[0092] In the above configuration, the linear motion conversion mechanism (3) comprises a plurality of cam grooves (32) and a plurality of driven members (33), The multiple cam grooves (32) are arranged on the rotating member (31) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (C). Each of the multiple driven members (33) is arranged to move along each of the multiple cam grooves (32), The connecting member (34) comprises a plurality of shaft portions (36) and a plurality of guided portions (37), Each of the multiple shaft portions (36) supports a plurality of the driven members (33), Preferably, the multiple guided portions (37) extend outward in the radial direction (R) from the connecting portion (35) so as to be connected to the multiple shaft portions (36).

[0093] This configuration allows for minimizing the eccentric load acting on the linear motion member (2) and the connecting member (34). Therefore, it is easier to miniaturize the linear motion member (2) and the connecting member (34) while ensuring their rigidity.

[0094] Furthermore, the linear motion member (2) includes a piston portion (24), The support member (5) is provided with a piston housing chamber (6) that houses the piston portion (24), The piston portion (24) is configured to slide along the axial direction (L) on the inner circumferential surface of the piston housing chamber (6), The piston housing chamber (6) comprises a first chamber (61) formed on one side of the piston portion (24) in the axial direction (L), and a second chamber (62) formed on the other side of the piston portion (24) in the axial direction (L). The reaction force generating mechanism (4) preferably includes the piston housing chamber (6) and a communication passage (63) connecting the first chamber (61) and the second chamber (62).

[0095] With this configuration, as the piston portion (24) moves in the axial direction (L), the resistance of the fluid flowing between the first chamber (61) and the second chamber (62) through the connecting passage (63) can generate a reaction force to the rotational operating force applied to the input member (1). Therefore, the magnitude of the reaction force can be changed according to the speed at which the input member (1) is operated, making it easier to improve the feel of operating the input member (1). [Industrial applicability]

[0096] The technology described herein can be used in an operation input device comprising: an input member to which a rotational operating force is input; a linear motion member arranged on a reference axis; a linear motion conversion mechanism that mutually converts the rotational motion of the input member and the linear motion of the linear motion member along the reference axis; a reaction force generation mechanism that generates a reaction force to the rotational operating force input to the input member and acts on the linear motion member; and a support member that supports the input member, the linear motion member, and the linear motion conversion mechanism. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 100: Operation input device, 1: Input member, 2: Linear motion member, 3: Linear motion conversion mechanism, 31: Rotating member, 32: Cam groove, 33: Driven member, 34: Connecting member, 35: Joint part, 36: Shaft part, 37: Guided part, 37a: Guided surface, 4: Reaction force generation mechanism, 5: Support member, 50: Guide groove, 50a: Guide surface, 51: Support cylindrical part, 6: Piston housing chamber, 61: First chamber, 62: Second chamber, 63: Connecting passage, X: Reference axis, L: Axial direction, R: Radial direction, C: Circumferential direction

Claims

1. An input member to which a rotational operating force is applied, A linear motion member positioned on the reference axis, A linear motion conversion mechanism that mutually converts the rotational motion of the input member and the linear motion of the linear motion member along the reference axis, A reaction force generating mechanism that generates a reaction force to the rotational operating force input to the input member and acts on the linear motion member, The system comprises the input member, the linear motion member, and the support member that supports the linear motion conversion mechanism, The direction along the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the radial direction, and the direction around the aforementioned reference axis is defined as the circumferential direction. The support member comprises a cylindrical support portion formed in a cylindrical shape and positioned on the reference axis, The linear motion member is positioned radially inward relative to the support cylindrical portion. The aforementioned linear motion conversion mechanism is A cylindrical rotating member is positioned radially outward from the support cylindrical portion on the reference axis and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the input member, A cam groove is formed in the rotating member so as to extend along a direction inclined with respect to both the axial direction and the circumferential direction, A driven member that moves along the cam groove, The system includes a connecting member that connects the driven member and the linear member in the radial direction, The support cylindrical portion has an elongated guide groove that penetrates the support cylindrical portion in the radial direction and extends along the axial direction. An operating input device, wherein the connecting member is fixed to one end of the linear motion member in the axial direction, with the connecting member penetrating the guide groove in the radial direction such that the rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted by the inner surface of the guide groove.

2. The aforementioned connecting member is A coupling portion connected to the linear motion member, The shaft portion that supports the driven member, The system comprises a guided portion positioned between the shaft portion and the connecting portion in the radial direction and guided by the inner surface of the guide groove, The inner surface of the guide groove includes a pair of planar guide surfaces facing both sides in the circumferential direction. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the guided portion comprises a pair of guided surfaces formed in a planar shape so as to face the pair of guide surfaces.

3. The linear motion conversion mechanism comprises a plurality of cam grooves and a plurality of driven members, Multiple cam grooves are arranged on the rotating member at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple driven members is arranged to move along the multiple cam grooves, The connecting member comprises a plurality of shaft portions and a plurality of guided portions, Each of the multiple shaft portions supports each of the multiple driven members, The operation input device according to claim 2, wherein each of the multiple guided portions extends radially outward from the connecting portion so as to be connected to each of the multiple shaft portions.

4. The aforementioned linear motion member includes a piston portion, The support member includes a piston housing chamber for housing the piston portion, The piston portion is configured to slide along the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the piston housing chamber. The piston housing chamber comprises a first chamber formed on one side in the axial direction relative to the piston portion, and a second chamber formed on the other side in the axial direction relative to the piston portion. The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reaction force generating mechanism includes the piston housing chamber and a communication passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.

Images