Lever input device

Abstract

This lever input device, which is provided on a steering wheel or a steering column, comprises an operating lever capable of swinging in a predetermined direction, a switching instruction input unit for inputting a switching instruction for switching the swinging motion operating mode of the operating lever between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, a detecting unit for detecting the swinging motion of the operating lever, a control unit for executing predetermined processing on the basis of the detection result from the detecting unit, and a swing regulating unit for regulating the swinging motion of the operating lever. The control unit switches the operating mode of the operating lever to the first operating mode or the second operating mode by controlling the operation of the swing regulating unit on the basis of the switching instruction input by the switching instruction input unit, and executes predetermined processing corresponding to an operation in the switched operating mode on the basis of the detection result from the detecting unit.

Description

Lever input device

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever input device.

[0002] Conventionally, lever-type input devices provided on a steering column have been used in vehicles such as automobiles. A driver of the vehicle can operate various controlled devices (for example, headlights, turn signals, wipers, etc.) provided on the vehicle by operating the lever-type input device.

[0003] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in a column shift lever structure provided at a lower portion of a steering wheel, in which a rotary contact type wiper switch is integrally provided on a grip portion of the shift lever.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-272372

[0005] However, with the technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, when an operator operates the wiper switch, there is a risk that an erroneous shift operation input may be made.

[0006] A lever input device according to an embodiment is a lever input device provided on a steering wheel or a steering column, comprising: an operation lever capable of swinging in a predetermined direction when operated by an operator; a switching instruction input unit that inputs a switching instruction for switching an operation mode of the swinging motion of the operation lever between a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a detection unit that detects an operation amount of the swinging motion of the operation lever; a control unit that executes predetermined processing based on a detection result by the detection unit; and a swing restricting unit that restricts the swinging motion of the operation lever, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the swing restricting unit based on the switching instruction input by the switching instruction input unit, thereby switching the operation mode of the operation lever to the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and executes predetermined processing corresponding to the operator's operation in the switched operation mode based on the detection result by the detection unit.

[0007] According to the lever input device of an embodiment, when an operator operates one function, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation input of another function from being made.

[0008] A perspective view of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A figure showing an example of the installation of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A front view showing the configuration of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A bottom view showing the configuration of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A front view showing a modified example of the configuration of the lever input device according to one embodiment. A block diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the control system of the lever input device according to one embodiment.

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the X-axis direction in the drawings will be considered the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction will be considered the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction will be considered the up-and-down direction. However, the positive X-axis direction will be considered the front direction, the positive Y-axis direction the right direction, and the positive Z-axis direction the up direction. In the steering device 10 shown in Figure 2, the X'-axis direction in the drawing will be considered the front-to-back direction, the Y'-axis direction the left-to-right direction, and the Z'-axis direction the up-and-down direction. However, the positive X'-axis direction will be considered the front direction, the positive Y'-axis direction the right direction, and the positive Z'-axis direction the up direction. These indicate the relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operating direction of the device. Devices with equivalent relative positional relationships within the device are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] (Overview of the lever input device 100) Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the lever input device 100 comprises a main body 110 and an operating lever 120.

[0011] The main body 110 has a box-shaped (approximately rectangular parallelepiped) external shape. The main body 110 is fixed to a predetermined installation location where the lever input device 100 is installed. Inside the main body 110, the end portion of the operating lever 120 is pivotably supported.

[0012] The operating lever 120 is a lever-shaped portion that penetrates the first side surface 110A on the positive Y-axis side of the main body 110 and extends substantially linearly outward from the first side surface 110A (to the right (positive Y-axis direction) and diagonally upward (positive Z-axis direction)). The end portion of the operating lever 120 is supported to swing inside the main body 110. As a result, the operating lever 120 can swing upward (positive Z-axis direction, D1 in the figure), downward (negative Z-axis direction, D2 in the figure), forward (positive X-axis direction, D4 in the figure), and backward (negative X-axis direction, D3 in the figure).

[0013] A pressable switch 121 is provided at the tip of the operating lever 120. The switch 121 is an example of a "switching instruction input unit". The lever input device 100 can receive a switching instruction to switch the operation mode of the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 between a first operation mode and a second operation mode when the switch 121 is pressed by the operator.

[0014] The first operating mode is a state in which the switch 121 is pressed and the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is not locked, and the operating lever 120 swings due to the operator's operation, thereby controlling the control target equipment in the vehicle that corresponds to the first operating mode. Here, the operator's operation that causes the operating lever 120 to swing is referred to as "swinging operation". The swing angle or the amount of displacement due to the swinging operation in the first operating mode is an example of the "amount of movement" of the swinging operation.

[0015] The second operating mode is a mode in which, with the switch 121 not pressed and the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 locked, the operator's operation causes the operating lever 120 to swing, thereby controlling the control target equipment in the vehicle that corresponds to this second operating mode. In the second operating mode, although the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is locked, the operation in which the operator applies an operating force to cause the operating lever 120 to swing is also referred to here as "swinging operation". Furthermore, this "swinging operation" causes the operating lever 120 to bend or to be slightly displaced within the restricted range of the swing restricting part, which will be described later, and such slight displacement of the lever 120 is also referred to as "swinging operation". In the second operating mode, with the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 locked, the control target equipment corresponding to the second operating mode can be controlled by detecting the amount of bending when the operator swings it, or the amount of slight displacement within the restricted range of the swing restricting part, which will be described later. The amount of deflection of the operating lever 120 and the amount of minute displacement within the regulated range of the oscillation restrictor when the oscillation is performed in the second operating mode are examples of the "amount of motion" of the oscillation.

[0016] In this embodiment, the switch 121 is one that automatically returns from a pressed state to a non-pressed state when the pressing operation is released. However, it is not limited to this, and the switch 121 may also be one that maintains a pressed state even when the pressing operation is released, and switches from a pressed state to a non-pressed state when the pressing operation is performed again. Furthermore, the switch 121 may be one that can be operated by sliding. Furthermore, the switch 121 may be an electrostatic sensor.

[0017] (Example of installation of lever input device 100) Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows the appearance of the steering device 10 when the steering wheel 11 is viewed from the driver's side of the vehicle.

[0018] Note that the three-axis directions (X' axis, Y' axis, Z' axis) of the steering device 10 shown in Figure 2 are different from the three-axis directions (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) of the lever input device 100 alone shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6. Specifically, in the steering device 10, the lever input device 100 is positioned so that its upper side (positive Z axis direction) is at the rear of the steering device 10 (negative X' axis direction) (i.e., facing the driver). Also, the forward direction of the lever input device 100 (positive X axis direction) corresponds to the upward direction of the steering device 10 (positive Z' axis direction), and the rightward direction of the lever input device 100 (positive Y axis direction) corresponds to the rightward direction of the steering device 10 (positive Y' axis direction).

[0019] The steering device 10 shown in Figure 2 is located in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle and is operated by the driver of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the steering device 10 comprises a steering wheel 11, a steering column 12, a lever input device 13, and a lever input device 100.

[0020] The steering wheel 11 has a rim 11A, a hub 11B, and a plurality of spokes 11C.

[0021] The rim 11A has an annular shape that forms the outer circumference of the steering wheel 11. The rim 11A is the part that is gripped by the operator's hand when the steering wheel 11 is rotated (i.e., when steering is performed).

[0022] The hub 11B is located in the center of the steering 11. The hub 11B is the part that is fixed to the end of the vehicle's steering shaft (not shown).

[0023] Each of the multiple spokes 11C extends linearly outward in the radial direction from the hub 11B and is connected to the rim 11A, thereby supporting the rim 11A.

[0024] The steering column 12 is located on the back side of the hub 11B of the steering wheel 11, and is a component through which the steering shaft (not shown) is inserted. Viewed from the driver of the vehicle, the operating lever 120 of the lever input device 100 extends linearly upward and to the right from the right side portion 12B of the steering column 12. Also, viewed from the driver of the vehicle, the lever input device 13 extends linearly upward and to the left from the left side portion 12A of the steering column 12.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the lever input device 100 has its main body 110 incorporated and fixed inside the steering column 12, and the operating lever 120 is provided on the back side of the steering 11 such that it penetrates the side portion 12B of the steering column 12 and extends linearly toward the side of the side portion 12B.

[0026] The lever input device 100 is electrically connected to various controllable devices installed in the vehicle, and the operator can control the operation of these devices by swinging the device.

[0027] As described above, the lever input device 100 can switch the operation mode of the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 when the operator performs a swinging motion, between a first operation mode and a second operation mode, when the switch 121 is operated (pressed).

[0028] In particular, the lever input device 100 enters a first operating mode when the switch 121 is pressed. In this first operating mode, the lock on the operating lever 120 is released, and when the operator applies a swinging force to the operating lever 120, the operating lever 120 swings.

[0029] On the other hand, the lever input device 100 switches to a second operating mode when the switch 121 is not pressed. In this second operating mode, the operating lever 120 is locked, so when the operator applies a swinging force to the operating lever 120, the operating lever 120 bends and is slightly displaced due to elastic deformation.

[0030] Furthermore, the lever input device 100 can control the operation of different controlled devices in a first operation mode and a second operation mode based on the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 when the operator performs a swinging motion.

[0031] As an example of "performing a predetermined process," in the second operating mode, the lever input device 100 allows the operator to control the operation of the vehicle's turn signals, wipers, and headlights by swinging the operating lever 120.

[0032] Furthermore, as an example of "executing a predetermined process," in the first operating mode, the lever input device 100 can control the operation of the vehicle's electronic shifter by the operator swinging the operating lever 120.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lever input device 100 is provided on the steering column 12, but it is not limited to this, and the lever input device 100 may also be provided on the steering wheel 11.

[0034] The lever input device 13 has a shape that is generally symmetrical to the lever input device 100. That is, the main body 13A of the lever input device 13 is incorporated and fixed inside the steering column 12, and the operating lever 13B is provided on the back side of the steering 11 so as to penetrate the side portion 12A of the steering column 12 and extend linearly toward the side of the side portion 12A. The lever input device 13 is electrically connected to various controllable devices provided by the vehicle, and by swinging it, the operator can control the operation of various controllable devices provided by the vehicle (however, these may be different from the controllable devices controlled by the lever input device 100, or different functions of the same controllable devices controlled by the lever input device 100). Note that in the steering device 10, the lever input device 13 and the lever input device 100 may be installed in reverse positions.

[0035] (Configuration of the lever input device 100) Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. In Figures 3 and 4, the internal configuration of the main body 110 of the lever input device 100 is shown by showing a cross-section of the main body 110.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main body 110 of the lever input device 100 has a hollow resin housing 111 that is box-shaped (approximately rectangular parallelepiped). An opening 111B is formed in the first side surface 111A on the positive Y-axis side of the housing 111.

[0037] The operating lever 120 of the lever input device 100 has its end portion (negative Y-axis side), the end portion 120A, which passes through the opening 111B of the first side portion 111A of the housing 111 and is incorporated into the housing 111.

[0038] The end portion 120A of the operating lever 120 has a linear columnar shape that extends generally in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the end portion 120A of the operating lever 120 is parallel to the Y-axis when the operating lever 120 is not being operated.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the operating lever 120 has a first pivot shaft 123 provided inside the housing 111 parallel to the X-axis, and is supported by the first pivot shaft 123 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the first pivot shaft 123. By rotating the operating lever 120 around the axis of the first pivot shaft 123, the tip side portion 120B, which is the tip side (positive Y-axis side), can swing upward (positive Z-axis direction) and downward (negative Z-axis direction).

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation lever 120 has a second rotating shaft 124 provided parallel to the Y-axis inside the housing 111, and is supported by the second rotating shaft 124 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the second rotating shaft 124. By rotating the operation lever 120 around the axis of the second rotating shaft 124, the distal end side portion 120B can perform a swinging operation in the forward direction (positive X-axis direction) and the backward direction (negative X-axis direction). The operation lever 120 may have a gimbal structure in which the first rotating shaft 123 and the second rotating shaft 124 are orthogonal to each other.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, a cam member 125 protruding toward the negative Y-axis direction is provided at the distal end portion of the operation lever 120. The cam member 125 has a conical cam crest at its distal end. The cam member 125 is biased in the negative Y-axis direction by a coil spring (not shown) incorporated inside the proximal side portion 120A of the operation lever 120, and is provided so as to be able to advance and retract in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] On the other hand, a cam groove 112 is provided on the inner wall surface of the second side surface portion 111C on the negative Y-axis side of the housing 111 so as to face the cam member 125. The cam groove 112 has a shape concaved in a conical shape toward the negative Y-axis direction. The distal end portion of the cam member 125 is pressed against the cam groove 112 by the biasing force of the aforementioned coil spring (not shown).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, when the operation lever 120 is not operated, the distal end portion of the cam member 125 is fitted into the center (valley bottom portion) of the cam groove 112. Thereby, the neutral state of the operation lever 120 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is maintained.

[0044] When the operator performs a swinging operation on the operation lever 120 and the operation lever 120 performs a swinging motion, the distal end portion of the cam member 125 disengages from the center (valley bottom portion) of the cam groove 112 and slides on the inclined surface of the cam groove 112 so as to run up the inclined surface.

[0045] Furthermore, when the operator's swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is released, the biasing force of the coil spring (not shown) causes the tip of the cam member 125 to slide down the slope of the cam groove 112, and re-engage with the center (bottom of the valley) of the cam groove 112. As a result, when the operator's swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is released, it automatically returns to the neutral state shown in Figures 3 and 4. It should be noted that the operating lever 120 may remain in each position even when the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is released. Alternatively, the cam member 125 may move along the cam groove 112 to guide the movement of the operating lever 120.

[0046] Furthermore, the main body 110 is equipped with a solenoid 140 on the inner wall surface of the second side portion 111C on the negative Y-axis side of the housing 111, at a position below the cam groove 112 (negative Z-axis side). The solenoid 140 is an example of a "swing restricting unit". In the second operating mode, the solenoid 140 restricts the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 so that the operating lever 120 cannot swing. Here, the restriction of the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 by the swing restricting unit is expressed as "locking".

[0047] Specifically, the solenoid 140 has an engagement pin 141 (an example of an "engaging portion") that can move forward and backward in the Y-axis direction. The engagement pin 141 is provided facing the engaged portion 126 of the operating lever 120. In the second operating mode, the solenoid 140 extends the engagement pin 141 in the positive Y-axis direction, engaging the engagement pin 141 with the engaged portion 126 of the operating lever 120, thereby restricting the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 so that it cannot swing. Here, even a state in which the engaging pin 141 (engaging portion), the engaged portion, or the members that hold or move them are slightly displaced due to variations in part dimensions, assembly accuracy, play, etc., is considered a state in which swinging motion is not possible.

[0048] On the other hand, in the first operation mode, the solenoid 140 retracts the engaging pin 141 in the negative Y-axis direction, thereby releasing the engagement of the engaging pin 141 with the engaged portion 126 of the operation lever 120, and releases the restriction on the operation lever 120 so that the operation lever 120 can perform a swinging operation.

[0049] It should be noted that the "swing restriction portion" is not limited to the solenoid 140, and may be, for example, a motor or the like. Further, the "swing restriction portion" is not limited to a component that disables the swinging operation of the operation lever 120, and may restrict the swinging operation of the operation lever 120 such that the swingable angle of the operation lever 120 is smaller than that in the first operation mode (for example, the displaceable range of the operation lever 120 is smaller than that in the first operation mode, so that the operation lever 120 can only be displaced within a minute range). In the case where the engaging pin 141 is engaged with the engaged portion 126 to restrict the swinging operation as in the above example, the displaceable range of the operation lever 120 can be changed by adjusting the relative dimension of the engaged portion 126 with respect to the engaging pin 141, as an example.

[0050] Further, the "swing restriction portion" is not limited to a component that restricts the swinging operation at the distal end portion of the operation lever 120, and may restrict the swinging operation at other portions of the operation lever 120 (for example, the rotation center of the operation lever 120).

[0051] Further, the "swing restriction portion" is not limited to a component that restricts the swinging operation of the operation lever 120 in four directions (an example of "all directions"), and may restrict the swinging operation of the operation lever 120 in some of the four directions. In the case where the swing restriction portion formed by the engaging pin 141 and the engaged portion 126 as described above restricts the swinging operation only in some directions, the shape of the engaged portion 126 may be configured such that the engaging pin 141 engages with the engaged portion 126 only in the direction in which it is desired to restrict the swinging operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the lever input device 100 includes a detection unit 150 inside the housing 111. The detection unit 150 has a magnet 151, a magnetic sensor 152, an electrostatic sensor 153, and a counter electrode 154. In the first operating mode, the magnet 151 and magnetic sensor 152 detect the oscillation state associated with the oscillation movement of the operating lever 120 caused by the operator's movements. In the second operating mode, the electrostatic sensor 153 and counter electrode 154 detect the amount of deflection (or minute displacement of the operating lever 120) associated with the oscillation movement of the operating lever 120 caused by the operator's movements.

[0053] The magnet 151 is held downward by a holding portion 127 that hangs downward from the end portion 120A of the operating lever 120. As a result, the magnet 151 moves in accordance with the swinging motion of the operating lever 120, and the magnetic sensor 152 is located on a substrate 113 provided on the bottom surface inside the housing 111, below the magnet 151 and facing the magnet 151. In the first operating mode, when the operating lever 120 swings in accordance with the operator's swinging motion, the magnet 151 moves from its initial position facing the magnetic sensor 152. As a result, the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor 152 changes, and the magnetic sensor 152 can detect the swinging state of the operating lever 120 (swinging direction D1, D2, D3, D4 and swinging angle) by detecting this change in the magnetic field.

[0054] The counter electrodes 154 are located inside the housing 111, on a surface inclined to the left (negative Y-axis) near the tip of the portion that protrudes upward (positive Z-axis) from the end portion 120A of the operating lever 120. An electrostatic sensor 153 is provided at a position opposite the counter electrodes 154. (Wiring and circuit boards for 153 and 154 are not shown.) When the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is locked, and the operating lever 120 flexes due to the operator's swinging motion, the counter electrodes 154 move slightly from their initial position opposite the electrostatic sensor 153. This changes the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 153, and by detecting this change, the flexing state (direction and amount of flexing) or minute displacement state (direction and amount of displacement) of the operating lever 120 can be detected.

[0055] Here, the detection electrodes of the electrostatic sensor 153 may be positioned at four locations on the opposing surface of the electrostatic sensor 153, which is approximately parallel to the opposing electrode 154. In this case, the four detection electrodes may be positioned in the direction in which the opposing electrode 154 moves when the operating lever 120 swings in swing directions D1, D2, D3, and D4, with the initial position in between. In this case, when the swing operation is performed in the second operating mode, and the opposing electrode 154 is slightly displaced due to the bending or slight displacement of the operating lever 120 within the restricted range, the area of ​​each of the four detection electrodes facing the opposing electrode 154 changes, making it possible to detect the bending state or slight displacement state by detecting the output of the four detection electrodes. Alternatively, the amount of bending of the operating lever 120 or the amount of slight displacement within the restricted range may be detected non-contact using a magnetic sensor, optical sensor, etc.

[0056] In the second operating mode, when the operator releases the swinging motion of the operating lever 120, the operating lever 120 automatically returns to an unbent state due to its own elastic force, from a bent state to a non-bent state. As a result, the operating lever 120 returns to a state where the counter electrode 154 is in its initial position relative to the electrostatic sensor 153.

[0057] The detection unit 150 may also detect the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 in the first operating mode using detection means other than the magnetic sensor 152 (for example, a contact switch, an electrostatic sensor, an optical sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the detection unit 150 may also detect the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode using detection means other than the electrostatic sensor 153 (for example, a strain sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, etc.).

[0058] The detection unit 150 may detect both the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 in the first operating mode and the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode using a common detection means (for example, a magnetic sensor 152 or an electrostatic sensor 153, etc.). However, since the amount of swinging motion differs between the first and second operating modes, providing a detection unit corresponding to each operating mode as described above allows for optimization of the detection range, resolution, etc., to match each operating mode, thereby enabling more accurate detection of each motion.

[0059] (Detection of swinging motion of the operating lever 120) Next, the detection operation of the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 in the lever input device 100 will be explained for each of the first and second operating modes.

[0060] <First Operating Mode> When the switch 121 is pressed, the lever input device 100 is in the first operating mode, and the solenoid 140 is in a non-operating state (the lock pin 141A is not engaged), so the lock on the operating lever 120 is released.

[0061] Therefore, in the first operating mode, when an operator applies a swinging force to the operating lever 120 in any direction, the lever input device 100 will swing in the direction to which the swinging force was applied.

[0062] When the operating lever 120 swings, the magnet 151 of the detection unit 150, which is connected to the operating lever 120, moves from its initial position in a direction corresponding to the swing direction of the operating lever 120. As a result, the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor 152 of the detection unit 150 changes, and the magnetic sensor 152 can detect the swing state of the operating lever 120 (swing directions D1, D2, D3, D4 and swing angle) by detecting this change in the magnetic field.

[0063] The magnetic sensor 152 then outputs a detection signal to the control unit 130 indicating the oscillation state (oscillation direction D1, D2, D3, D4 and oscillation angle) of the detected operating lever 120. The control unit 130 is implemented by a computer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), input / output interface, and internal bus. When the control unit 130 receives the detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 152, it outputs an output signal to cause the controlled device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection signal, corresponding to the first operating mode and the oscillation direction (i.e., the detected oscillation direction of the operating lever 120).

[0064] <Second Operating Mode> On the other hand, when the switch 121 is not pressed, the lever input device 100 switches to the second operating mode, which causes the solenoid 140 to switch to the operating state and locks the operating lever 120.

[0065] Therefore, in the second operating mode, when an operator applies a swinging force to the operating lever 120 in any direction, the lever input device 100 will bend in the direction to which the swinging force is applied or will be slightly displaced within the range of the swing restricting mechanism.

[0066] When the operating lever 120 bends, the position of the counter electrode 154 relative to the electrostatic sensor 153 of the detection unit 150, which is located in the direction of the bending of the operating lever 120, changes. As a result, the electrostatic sensor 153 can detect the bending state (direction of bending and amount of bending) or minute displacement state (direction of displacement and amount of displacement) of the operating lever 120.

[0067] The electrostatic sensor 153 then outputs a detection signal to the control unit 130 based on the deflection state or minute displacement state of the operating lever 120. When the control unit 130 receives the detection signal output from the electrostatic sensor 153, it outputs an output signal to cause the controlled device to perform a predetermined operation, based on the detection signal, according to the second operating mode and the direction of the swing operation (i.e., the deflection direction of the operating lever 120 detected by the electrostatic sensor 153).

[0068] (Configuration of the control system of the lever input device 100) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 130 as the control unit of the control system.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 130 is electrically connected to each of the components of the lever input device 100, including the switch 121, solenoid 140, magnetic sensor 152, and electrostatic sensor 153.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 130 is electrically connected to each of the vehicle's electronic shifter 21, turn signal 22, wiper 23, and headlight 24 via the electronic control unit 20.

[0071] When the operator presses the switch 121, the switch 121 inputs a switching instruction to the control unit 130 to switch the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the first operating mode.

[0072] Furthermore, when the operator releases the pressure applied to the switch 121, the switch 121 inputs a switching instruction to the control unit 130 to switch the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the second operating mode.

[0073] When the control unit 130 receives a switching instruction from the switch 121 to switch the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the first operating mode, it switches the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the first operating mode. Then, the control unit 130 releases the lock on the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 by controlling the solenoid 140 to a non-operating state.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, in the first operating mode, the control unit 130 detects that the operator has performed a swinging operation on the operating lever 120 by receiving a detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 152. The control unit 130 can then identify the direction of the swing of the operating lever 120 indicated by the received detection signal as the direction of the swinging operation performed by the operator on the operating lever 120.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 130 outputs an output signal to the controlled device corresponding to the first operating mode and the specified operating direction, causing the controlled device to perform a predetermined operation.

[0076] For example, in the first operating mode, when the control unit 130 detects that the operating lever 120 has been swung upward (positive Z-axis direction), downward (negative Z-axis direction), forward (positive X-axis direction), or backward (negative X-axis direction), it outputs an output signal to the electronic control unit 20 that includes the direction of operation of the operating lever 120. This allows the electronic control unit 20 to cause the electronic shifter 21 to perform a predetermined shift operation according to the direction of operation of the operating lever 120. The control unit 130 may also output an output signal to the electronic shifter 21 indicating a predetermined position reached by the operating lever 120. Furthermore, the control unit 130 may be configured to cause a predetermined shift operation according to the direction of operation of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 130 maintains the operating mode of the operating lever 120 in the first operating mode while the switch 121 is being pressed. Also, the control unit 130 maintains the operating mode of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode while the switch 121 is not being pressed. For example, when the switch 121 is pressed, the switch 121 generates an ON signal (an example of the first signal), and when the pressing operation is released, the switch 121 generates an OFF signal (an example of the second signal). The control unit 130 may also maintain the operating mode of the operating lever 120 in the first operating mode while the first signal is being generated.

[0078] Alternatively, the system may be configured such that, for example, an off signal is generated as a first signal when the switch 121 is pressed, and an on signal is generated as a second signal when the pressure is released.

[0079] Furthermore, if the switch 121 is one that maintains a pressed state even after the pressing is released, and switches from a pressed state to a non-pressed state when pressed again, a first signal may be generated when the switch 121 is in a pressed state, and a second signal may be generated when it switches to a non-pressed state.

[0080] Furthermore, if a slide-operable switch 121 is used, for example, a first signal may be generated when the slide operation is performed from the initial state where the operating part is not operated, and a second signal may be generated when the operating part returns to the initial state.

[0081] Furthermore, if an electrostatic sensor is used as the switch 121, the first signal may be generated while the electrostatic sensor is detecting an electrostatic input operation, and the second signal may be generated when the electrostatic input operation is no longer detected.

[0082] Alternatively, the electrostatic sensor may generate a first signal when it detects an electrostatic input operation, maintain the generation of the first signal even if no further electrostatic input operation is detected, and generate a second signal when an electrostatic input operation is detected again.

[0083] Meanwhile, when the control unit 130 receives a switching instruction from the switch 121 to switch the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the second operating mode, it switches the operating mode of the lever input device 100 to the second operating mode. The control unit 130 then locks the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 by controlling the solenoid 140 to the activated state.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, in the second operating mode, the control unit 130 detects that the operator has performed a swinging operation on the operating lever 120 by receiving a detection signal output from the electrostatic sensor 153. The control unit 130 can then identify the direction corresponding to the received detection signal as the direction of the swinging operation performed by the operator on the operating lever 120.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 outputs an output signal to the controlled device corresponding to the second operating mode and the specified operating direction, causing the controlled device to perform a predetermined operation.

[0086] For example, in the second operating mode, if the control unit 130 detects that the operator has swung the operating lever 120 upward (positive Z-axis direction) or downward (negative Z-axis direction), it outputs an output signal to the electronic control unit 20 that includes the direction of operation of the operating lever 120. As a result, the electronic control unit 20 can cause the turn signal 22 to perform a predetermined turn signal operation (right turn flashing operation or left turn flashing operation) according to the direction of operation of the operating lever 120.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, in the second operating mode, if the control unit 130 detects that the operator has swung the operating lever 120 forward (positive X-axis direction), it outputs an output signal to the electronic control unit 20 that includes the direction of operation of the operating lever 120. This allows the electronic control unit 20 to cause the headlight 24 to perform a predetermined lighting operation.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, in the second operating mode, if the control unit 130 detects that the operator has swung the operating lever 120 backward (negative X-axis direction), it outputs an output signal to the electronic control unit 20 that includes the operating direction of the operating lever 120. This allows the electronic control unit 20 to cause the wiper 23 to perform a predetermined wiper operation.

[0089] (Effects) As described above, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment is a lever input device 100 provided on the steering wheel 11 or steering column 12, and comprises an operating lever 120 that can swing in a predetermined direction when operated by an operator, a switching instruction input unit that inputs a switching instruction to switch the operation mode of the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 between a first operation mode and a second operation mode, a detection unit 150 that detects the amount of swinging motion of the operating lever 120, a control unit 130 that executes a predetermined process based on the detection result by the detection unit 150, and a solenoid 140 (swing restricting unit) that restricts the swinging motion of the operating lever 120. The control unit 130 switches the operation mode of the operating lever 120 to the first operation mode or the second operation mode by controlling the operation of the solenoid 140 (swing restricting unit) based on the switching instruction input by the switching instruction input unit, and executes a predetermined process corresponding to the operator's operation in the switched operation mode based on the detection result by the detection unit 150.

[0090] As a result, in one embodiment of the lever input device 100, when the first operating mode is active, an operation input for the second operating mode is not made, and when the second operating mode is active, an operation input for the first operating mode is not made. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the lever input device 100, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally making an operation input for the other function when operating one function.

[0091] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the solenoid 140 (oscillation restricting unit) restricts the oscillation of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode so that the operating lever 120 cannot oscillate in all directions of a predetermined direction, or so that the oscillating angle of the operating lever 120 in all directions of a predetermined direction is smaller than that in the first operating mode.

[0092] As a result, in one embodiment of the lever input device 100, the operating lever 120 cannot swing in the second operating mode, making it easy for the operator to understand that they are performing an operation in the second operating mode, and thus preventing the operator from making an incorrect operation input. Alternatively, a similar effect can be obtained by making the swingable angle smaller than that of the first operating mode.

[0093] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the solenoid 140 (oscillation restricting unit) restricts the oscillating motion of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode so that the operating lever 120 cannot oscillate in a part of a predetermined direction, or so that the oscillating angle of the operating lever 120 in a part of a predetermined direction becomes smaller than that in the first operating mode.

[0094] As a result, in one embodiment of the lever input device 100, the operator can easily recognize that the operator is performing an operation in the second operation mode, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the operator from making an incorrect operation input.

[0095] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the operating lever 120 has an engaged portion, and the swing restricting portion has an engaging portion, and the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 can be restricted by the engaging portion of the operating lever 120 with the engaging portion of the operating lever 120.

[0096] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the switching instruction input unit is a switch 121, and when the switch 121 is operated by the operator, a first signal or a second signal that serves as a switching instruction is generated, and the control unit 130 maintains the operating mode of the operating lever 120 in the first operating mode while the first signal is input from the switch 121.

[0097] As a result, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment can reliably reflect the operator's intention to switch the operating mode via the switch 121, thereby preventing the operator from inputting an operating mode contrary to their intention.

[0098] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the operating lever 120 has a configuration that automatically returns to a neutral state when not in operation, and the solenoid 140 (oscillation restricting unit) restricts the oscillating movement of the operating lever 120 in the second operating mode so that the operating lever 120 cannot oscillate from the neutral state, or so that the oscillating angle of the operating lever 120 from the neutral state is smaller than in the first operating mode.

[0099] As a result, in the second operating mode, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment can maintain the operating lever 120 fixed in a neutral state, making it easier for the operator to understand the state of the operating lever 120 and suppressing erroneous operation of the operating lever 120 by the operator.

[0100] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the control unit 130 can perform predetermined processing on different controlled devices in the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0101] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the electronic shifter 21 provided by the vehicle as a predetermined process in the first operating mode.

[0102] As a result, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment can be equipped with an operation input function for the electronic shifter 21 without providing an additional input device, and the operator can reliably operate the electronic shifter 21.

[0103] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the wiper 23 provided by the vehicle as a predetermined process in the second operating mode.

[0104] As a result, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment can be equipped with a wiper 23 operation input function without providing an additional input device, and the operator can reliably operate the wiper 23.

[0105] Furthermore, in the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the turn signal 22 provided by the vehicle as a predetermined process in the second operating mode.

[0106] As a result, the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment can be equipped with a function for operating the turn signal 22 without providing an additional input device, and the operator can reliably operate the turn signal 22.

[0107] (A modified example of the lever input device 100) Figure 6 is a front view showing a modified example of the configuration of the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the control system of the lever input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0108] As shown in Figure 6, the lever input device 100 according to this modified example differs from the lever input device 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4 in that it is equipped with a touch panel 122 on the Z-axis positive surface of the tip side portion 120B of the operating lever 120. The touch panel 122 can detect input operations (e.g., selection operations, slide operations, etc.) performed by the operator's finger on the touch panel 122 and output a detection signal indicating the detected input operation. Furthermore, the touch panel 122 can display multiple operation target functions on its screen.

[0109] As shown in Figure 7, in the lever input device 100 according to this modification, the control unit 130 may, in the second operating mode in which the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is locked, detect that an input operation has been performed on the touch panel 122 based on a detection signal output from the touch panel 122, in addition to or instead of a detection signal output from the electrostatic sensor 153. Here, Figure 7 shows a configuration in which an input operation on the touch panel 122 is detected instead of a detection signal output from the electrostatic sensor 153. In the case of a configuration in which an input operation on the touch panel 122 is detected in addition to a detection signal output from the electrostatic sensor 153, the electrostatic sensor 153 is also added as a detection unit for the operating lever corresponding to the second operating mode in Figure 7. The control unit 130 may then control the operation of the controlled device corresponding to the second operating mode based on the content of the input operation on the touch panel 122.

[0110] As a result, the lever input device 100 according to this modified example can improve the operability and reliability of operation by the operator in the second operating mode in which the swinging motion of the operating lever 120 is locked, compared with the lever input device 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0111] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0112] For example, the lever input device 100 may include a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations. In this case, the control unit 130 may, in the second operating mode, generate vibrations in the vibration generating unit in response to the swinging operation of the operating lever 120, thereby providing a tactile sensation to the swinging operation of the operating lever 120. This allows the lever input device 100 to tactilely ascertain that the lever input device 100 has received a swinging operation of the operating lever 120.

[0113] In this embodiment, the electronic shifter is controlled in the first operating mode, and the headlights, turn signals, and wipers are controlled in the second operating mode. However, it is also possible to configure the system to control the headlights, turn signals, and wipers in the first operating mode, and the electronic shifter in the second operating mode. Furthermore, the controlled devices are not limited to these; any other control device operated by an operator within the vehicle may be used.

[0114] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-048858, filed on 24 March 2025, and the entire contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0115] 10 Steering device 11 Steering 11A Rim 11B Hub 11C Spoke section 12 Steering column 12A, 12B Side section 13 Lever input device 13A Main body 13B Operating lever 20 Electronic control unit 100 Lever input device 110 Main body 110A First side section 111 Housing 111A First side section 111B Opening 111C Second side section 112 Cam groove 113 Circuit board 120 Operating lever 120A End section 120B Tip section 121 Switch 122 Touch panel 123 First pivot shaft 124 Second pivot shaft 125 Cam member 126 Engaged section 127 Holding section 140 Solenoid 141 Engagement pin 150 Detection unit 151 Magnet 152 Magnetic sensor 153 Electrostatic sensor 154 Counter electrode

Claims

1. A lever input device provided on a steering wheel or steering column, comprising: an operating lever that can swing in a predetermined direction when operated by an operator; a switching instruction input unit that inputs a switching instruction to switch the operating mode of the swinging motion of the operating lever between a first operating mode and a second operating mode; a detection unit that detects the amount of the swinging motion of the operating lever; a control unit that executes a predetermined process based on the detection result by the detection unit; and a swing restricting unit that restricts the swinging motion of the operating lever, wherein the control unit switches the operating mode to the first operating mode or the second operating mode by controlling the swing restricting unit based on the switching instruction input by the switching instruction input unit, and executes the predetermined process corresponding to the operator's operation in the switched operating mode based on the detection result by the detection unit.

2. The lever input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the oscillation restricting unit restricts the oscillation of the operating lever in the second operating mode so that the operating lever cannot oscillate in all directions of the predetermined direction, or so that the oscillation angle of the operating lever in all directions of the predetermined direction is smaller than that of the first operating mode.

3. The lever input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the oscillation restricting unit restricts the oscillation of the operating lever in the second operating mode so that the operating lever cannot oscillate in a part of the predetermined direction, or so that the oscillation angle of the operating lever in a part of the predetermined direction becomes smaller than that in the first operating mode.

4. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating lever has an engaged portion, and the swing restricting portion has an engaging portion, and the swinging motion of the operating lever is restricted by the engaging portion of the operating lever engaging with the engaged portion.

5. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching instruction input unit is a switch, and when the switch is operated by an operator, a first signal which constitutes the switching instruction is generated, and the control unit maintains the operating mode of the operating lever in the first operating mode while the first signal is input from the switch.

6. The lever input device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the operating lever has a configuration that automatically returns to a neutral state when not in operation, and the swing restricting unit restricts the swinging motion of the operating lever in the second operating mode so that the operating lever cannot swing from the neutral state, or so that the swingable angle of the operating lever from the neutral state is smaller than that in the first operating mode.

7. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is provided with a touch panel on the operating lever, and the control unit performs the predetermined processing corresponding to the second operating mode based on the operator's operation on the touch panel.

8. A lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, wherein the control unit, in the second operating mode, generates vibrations in the vibration generating unit in response to the swinging motion of the operating lever, thereby providing the operator with a tactile sensation.

9. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit performs the predetermined processing on different controlled devices in the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

10. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of an electronic shifter provided by the vehicle as the predetermined process in the first operating mode.

11. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the wipers provided by the vehicle as the predetermined process in the second operating mode.

12. The lever input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the turn signals provided by the vehicle as the predetermined process in the second operating mode.

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