Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6593667
-
Patent Number
6,593,667
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, July 12, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 15, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Sircus; Brian
- Deberadinis; Robert L
Agents
- Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 307 101
- 307 91
- 345 161
- 345 168
- 318 560
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A ROM provided in a computer stores tables showing the relationships between the direction and amount of operation of a manual operating section, and external force to be applied from electric motors. A CPU determines the direction and amount of external force to be applied to the manual operating section based on positional information output from encoders and the tables, and drives the electric motors via a motor driver. The operator can feel the resistance produced thereby at the manual operating section. Therefore, it is possible to finely operate the manual operating section, and to thereby control the functions of car-mounted electrical devices. By applying external force to the manual operating section when the manual operating section is operated to the moving limit, the operator can sense the moving limit of the manual operating section, and can select a car-mounted electrical device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a car-mounted input device which allows various electrical devices mounted in a car to be collectively operated by a single manual operating section, and more particularly, to a means for improving operability of the input device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, cars are equipped with various electrical devices, such as air conditioners, radios, televisions, CD players, and navigation systems. When such multiple electrical devices are individually operated by respective operating members provided therefor, problems may arise during driving of cars. In order to easily turn a desired electrical device on and off and to easily select functions thereof while safely driving the car, a car-mounted input device has been proposed hitherto, which allows various electrical devices to be operated in various manners by manipulating a single manual operating section.
Such a conventional car-mounted input device will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 28
to
31
.
FIG. 28
is an interior view of a car, showing an example of a manner of installation of a conventional car-mounted input device,
FIG. 29
is a side view of the conventional car-mounted input device,
FIG. 30
is a plan view of a manual operating section in the car-mounted input device shown in
FIG. 29
, and
FIG. 31
is a plan view of a guide plate incorporated in the car-mounted input device shown in FIG.
29
.
Referring to
FIG. 28
, a conventional car-mounted input device
100
of this example is installed in a console box
200
between the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat in a car. As shown in
FIG. 29
, the car-mounted input device
100
primarily comprises a manual operating section
110
(see
FIG. 30
) serving as a signal input means and including two click switches
111
and
112
and three rotary variable resistors
113
,
114
, and
115
, an X-Y table
120
to be driven in two intersecting directions (a direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper in
FIG. 29 and a
right and left direction in the figure) by the manual operating section
110
, a stick controller
130
serving as a position signal input means for inputting signals in accordance with the direction and amount of operation of the X-Y table
120
to external devices, and a guide plate
140
(see
FIG. 31
) in engagement with an engaging pin
160
projecting from the lower surface of the X-Y table
120
.
The manual operating section
110
and the X-Y table
120
are combined via a connecting shaft
150
, and the X-Y table
120
and the guide plate
140
are engaged by movably fitting the leading end of the engaging pin
160
in a guide groove
141
formed on the guide plate
140
. The guide groove
141
may have an arbitrary shape such that the leading end of the engaging pin
160
can move in specific directions. For example, as shown in
FIG. 31
, the guide groove
141
may be formed in the shape of a cross in plan view on the upper surface of the guide plate
140
so that the leading end of the engaging pin
160
can move from the center position A to end points B, C, D, and E along two directions that are substantially orthogonal thereto. That is, the engaging pin
160
can be moved along the guide groove
141
of the guide plate
140
via the X-Y table
120
by operating the manual operating section
110
. In a state in which the leading end of the engaging pin
160
is placed at the point A, B, C, D, or E in the guide groove
141
, information (a position signal) about the engaging position is output from the stick controller
130
. For this reason, it is possible to alternatively select a function of the car-mounted electrical device to be operated (a function to be controlled) based on such a position signal. When a desired function of the electrical device is selected, it can be adjusted and switched by appropriately operating the three rotary variable resistors
113
to
115
provided in the manual operating section
110
.
The car-mounted input device
100
with such a configuration can collectively operate a plurality of electrical devices mounted in the car, in combination with a switch device
170
for alternatively selecting a desired one of the plural electrical devices, a display device
180
for displaying the name of the electrical device selected by the switch device
170
, the details of the operation by the car-mounted input device
100
, and the like, and a computer (not shown) for controlling the electrical devices. The switch device
170
is installed in the console box
200
. Control switches
171
a
to
171
e
of the switch device
170
are placed adjacent to the car-mounted input device
100
, and are respectively connected to different electrical devices. For example, when it is assumed that the control switches
171
a
to
171
e
are respectively connected to an air conditioner, a radio, a television, a CD player, and a navigation system mounted in the car, the air conditioner is turned on and off and an air conditioner mode is designated in the car-mounted input device
100
by operating the control switch
171
a
, and the radio is turned on and off and a radio mode is designated in the car-mounted input device
100
by operating the control switch
171
b
. Similarly, by operating the other control keys
171
c
to
171
e
, the electrical devices corresponding thereto are turned on and off, and the modes thereof are designated in the car-mounted input device
100
. The display device
180
, such as a liquid crystal display, is placed at such a position that it is readily viewed from the driver's seat, and the computer is installed inside the console box
200
.
While the functions of the electrical device selected by the switch device
170
can be selected and controlled by operating the car-mounted input device
100
, the functions to be selected and controlled by operating the car-mounted input device
100
vary depending on the type of the selected electrical device. For example, when an air conditioner mode is designated by operating the switch device
170
, the engaging pin
160
is placed into the end point B in the guide groove
141
of the guide plate
140
by operating the manual operating section
110
, and the click switch
111
is depressed and clicked, whereby a function “air flow control” is selected. When the engaging pin
160
is placed into the end point C in the guide groove
141
and the click switch
111
is clicked, a function “control of air blow position” is selected. Similarly, when the engaging pin
160
is placed into the end points D and E in the guide groove
141
and the click switch
111
is clicked, functions “control of air blow direction” and “temperature control” are selected.
After the function is selected, it can be controlled by appropriately operating the rotary variable resistors
113
to
115
. For example, when an air conditioner mode is selected by the switch device
170
and “air flow control” is selected by the manual operating section
110
, the volume of air from the air conditioner can be controlled by operating the rotary variable resistor
113
. When the air conditioner mode is similarly selected and “control of air blow position” is selected, the air blow position of the air conditioner can be controlled by operating the rotary variable resistors
114
and
115
. When a radio mode is selected by the switch device
170
and “volume control” is selected by manual operating section
110
, the volume of the radio can be controlled by operating the rotary variable resistor
113
. When the radio mode is similarly selected and “tuning” is selected, the radio can be tuned by operating the rotary variable resistors
114
and
115
.
In the conventional car-mounted input device
100
, the direction and range of operation of the manual operating section
110
are limited by fitting the leading end of the engaging pin
160
, which is combined with the manual operating section
110
via the connecting shaft
150
and the X-Y table
120
, in the guide groove
141
of the guide plate
140
. Therefore, an operator can know the operation limit of the manual operating section
110
from the contact of the leading end of the engaging pin
160
with the end points of the guide groove
141
.
In such a configuration, however, when excessive operating force is applied to the manual operating section
110
, the engaging pin
160
or the guide groove
141
may be broken. In addition, it is impossible to appropriately adjust the speed for controlling the function of the selected car-mounted electrical device in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
110
. That is, in the conventional car-mounted input device
100
, the functions of the selected car-mounted electrical device are not controlled by the manual operating section
110
, but are controlled by the rotary variable resistors
113
to
115
provided in the manual operating section
110
. Understandably, it is impossible to appropriately adjust the speed for controlling the functions of the selected car-mounted electrical device in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
110
. For this reason, it is necessary to alternately use the manual operating section
110
and the rotary variable resistors
113
to
115
, and this may hinder quick control of the functions of the selected car-mounted electrical device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to overcome the above problems in the conventional art, and an object of the invention is to provide a car-mounted input device with superior operability which makes it easy to select a desired car-mounted electrical device and to control the functions thereof by using a manual operating section.
In order to overcome the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a car-mounted input device including: a manual operating section; a control shaft connected to the manual operating section; a position sensor for outputting a position signal in accordance with the direction and amount of operation of the manual operating section; and an actuator for applying external force in the operating direction to the control shaft, wherein, when the manual operating section is operated within a predetermined allowable range of movement, external force preset in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section is given from the actuator to the control shaft.
In this configuration, the operator feels the external force applied from the actuator and can thereby sense the amount of the operation of the manual operating section. Therefore, the operator can finely operate the manual operating section. Accordingly, it is possible not only to select a desired car-mounted electrical device by simply moving the manual operating section from the initial position to the moving limit, but also to control the function of the selected car-mounted electrical device while adjusting the amount of operation of the manual operating section. This can improve operability of the manual operating section and operability of the car-mounted input device. Furthermore, since external force of a predetermined amount is applied from the actuator to the control shaft, the control shaft, a bearing, or the like will not break.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a car-mounted input device including: a manual operating section; a control shaft connected to the manual operating section; a position sensor for outputting a position signal in accordance with the direction and amount of operation of the manual operating section; and an actuator for applying external force to the control shaft, wherein, when the manual operating section is operated in a direction outside a predetermined allowable range of movement, external force preset in accordance with the direction and amount of operation of the manual operating section is applied from the actuator to the control shaft.
In this configuration, when the manual operating section is operated in a direction outside the predetermined allowable range of movement, external force is applied from the actuator to the control shaft. By feeling the external force, the operator can sense whether the operating direction is correct, and can operate the manual operating section only within the allowable range of movement. This improves operability of the manual operating section.
Preferably, the control shaft is pivotally held by a bearing. In this case, the structure for holding the control shaft is simplified, and therefore, the cost is reduced.
Preferably, the control shaft is fixed to a slider so as to slide on a rail. In this case, since the control shaft can be operated along the rail in a fixed plane, operability of the control shaft is improved.
Preferably, the manual operating section can be reciprocally operated only in a specific direction. In this case, it is possible to select a desired car-mounted electrical device and to adjust the function of the car-mounted electrical device by reciprocally operating the manual operating section only in the specific direction, and operability of the manual operating section is improved.
Preferably, the manual operating section can be operated in an arbitrary direction in a specific plane. In this case, it is possible to increase the number of car-mounted electrical devices to be selected and controlled, and to increase the number of functions to be controlled.
The actuator may include a voice coil motor. Since the voice coil motor is used as the actuator for applying external force to the manual operating section, a mechanism for converting the rotation of the motor into reciprocal linear movement is unnecessary, and the size and cost of the car-mounted input device can be reduced.
Preferably, with an increase in amount of operation of the manual operating section, external force to be applied from the actuator to the control shaft is sequentially increased, or the mode of vibration to be applied is changed. This makes it possible to sense the amount of operation of the manual operating section, and to further improve operability of the car-mounted input device.
Preferably, when the manual operating section is operated to a predetermined operation limit, a shocking (i.e. mechanical) external force is applied from the actuator to the control shaft. Since this makes it possible to tactilely detect that the amount of operation of the manual operating section has reached the limit, operability of the car-mounted input device can be further improved.
Preferably, the position sensor is electrically connected to a display device provided in a car via a computer in the car, and the display device displays the type of car-mounted electrical device selected by operating the manual operating section, the function of the car-mounted electrical device to be controlled by operating the manual operating section, and the details of the operation of the manual operating section. In this case, the car occupant can adjust the function of the car-mounted electrical device while checking the contents displayed on the display device and can quickly and reliably adjust the function of the electrical device.
Preferably, a seat adjusting device serving as a car-mounted electrical device for controlling the position of the driver's seat or the passenger's seat is operated by the manual operating section. In this case, a required operation can be performed by using the manual operating section within easy reach, and therefore, the position of the driver's seat or the passenger's seat may be easily adjusted.
Preferably, a tilting device and a telescoping device provided in a steering device serving as a car-mounted electrical device for adjusting the height of the steering wheel are operated by the manual operating section. In this case, since a required operation can be performed by using the manual operating section within easy reach, the height of the steering wheel may be easily adjusted.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view showing a state in which a car-mounted input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed in a dashboard.
FIG. 2
is a plan view showing a state in a cabin of a car in which the car-mounted input device of the first embodiment is installed.
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of a manual operating section, and a mechanism section including the manual operating section in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4
is a sectional side view showing the principal parts of the manual operating section and the mechanism section.
FIG. 5
is a plan view of the mechanism section.
FIG. 6
is a plan view of the manual operating section from which a cover is removed.
FIG. 7A
is an explanatory view illustrating operating directions of the manual operating section and car-mounted electrical devices to be selected thereby.
FIG. 7B
is an explanatory view showing the operating directions of the manual operating section.
FIG. 8A
is an explanatory view illustrating functions of a car-mounted electrical device.
FIG. 8B
is an explanatory view showing the operating directions of the manual operating section.
FIG. 9
is a block diagram showing a control system for electric motors in the first embodiment.
FIG. 10
is a chart showing an example of a data table to be stored in a memory of a computer.
FIG. 11
is a flowchart showing the procedure for controlling the electric motors.
FIG. 12
is a partly broken plan view showing a mounting structure for mounting the car-mounted input device in the dashboard.
FIG. 13
is a partly broken side view of the mounting structure.
FIG. 14
is an explanatory view showing an example of a menu of car-mounted electrical devices to be displayed on a display device.
FIG. 15
is an explanatory view illustrating a state of a car-mounted electrical device to be displayed on the display device in which the function of the car-mounted electrical device is being adjusted.
FIG. 16
is a plan view of a mechanism section provided in a car-mounted input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the X-direction.
FIG. 18
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the Y-direction.
FIG. 19
is a plan view of a mechanism section provided in a car-mounted input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the X-direction.
FIG. 21
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the Y-direction.
FIG. 22
is a plan view of a mechanism section provided in a car-mounted input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the X-direction.
FIG. 24
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the Y-direction.
FIG. 25
is a plan view of a mechanism section provided in a car-mounted input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the X-direction.
FIG. 27
is a side view of the mechanism section, as viewed from the Y-direction.
FIG. 28
is an interior view of a car showing an example of a state in which a conventional car-mounted input device is installed.
FIG. 29
is a side view of the conventional car-mounted input device.
FIG. 30
is a plan view of a manual operating section in the conventional car-mounted input device shown in FIG.
29
.
FIG. 31
is a plan view of a guide plate incorporated in the conventional car-mounted input device shown in FIG.
29
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A car-mounted input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1
is a perspective view showing a state in which a car-mounted input device of the first embodiment is mounted in a dashboard, and
FIG. 2
shows the interior state of a car equipped with the car-mounted input device of the first embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 1
, a car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment has a housing
2
shaped like a rectangular container of a required size. Arranged on the upper surface of the housing
2
are a manual operating section
3
, six pushbutton switches
4
a
,
4
b
,
4
c
,
4
d
,
4
e
, and
4
f
arranged in the form of an arc centered on the mounting position of the manual operating section
3
, three pushbutton switches
5
a
,
5
b
, and
5
c
arranged concentrically with the six pushbuttons on the periphery thereof, and a volume control knob
6
. A card slot
7
and a disk slot
8
are formed in the front face of the housing
2
. The car-mounted input device
1
is installed in a dashboard A between the driver's seat B and the front passenger's seat C in the car, and serves required functions in cooperation with a display device D and a computer (not shown) placed inside the dashboard A.
The above-described nine pushbuttons
4
a
,
4
b
,
4
c
,
4
d
,
4
e
,
4
f
,
5
a
,
5
b
, and
5
c
are respectively connected to car-mounted electrical devices, such as an air conditioner, a radio, a television, a CD player, and a car navigation system, to be operated through the car-mounted input device
1
. While combinations of the pushbutton switches and the car-mounted electrical devices may be arbitrarily determined, in the car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment, the pushbutton switch
4
a
is connected to a menu selection device, the pushbutton switch
4
b
is connected to a telephone, the pushbutton switch
4
c
is connected to an air conditioner, the pushbutton switch
4
d
is connected to a car navigation system, the pushbutton switch
4
e
is connected to a radio, the pushbutton switch
4
f
is connected to a card reader/writer or a disk drive, the pushbutton switch
5
a
is connected to a device for controlling the position of the car-mounted input device
1
, the pushbutton switch
5
b
is connected to an on-off control device for a liquid crystal shutter disposed over the entire surface of the display device D, and the pushbutton switch
5
c
is connected to a television. By depressing a knob of a desired pushbutton switch, a car-mounted electrical device connected thereto is selected. The surface of each pushbutton switch has a letter, a symbol, or the like representing a corresponding car-mounted electrical device (not shown).
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the manual operating section
3
, and a mechanism section
11
including the manual operating section
3
,
FIG. 4
is a sectional side view showing the principal parts of the manual operating section
3
and the mechanism section
11
,
FIG. 5
is a sectional plan view showing the principal part of the mechanism section
11
, and
FIG. 6
is a plan view of the manual operating section
3
from which a cover is removed.
As shown in
FIGS. 3
to
5
, the mechanism section
11
comprises a base
12
attached to the bottom face of the housing
2
, a spherical bearing
13
mounted on the base
12
, a control shaft
14
with a spherical portion
14
a
formed slightly offset downward from the center so as to be rotatably supported by the spherical bearing
13
, a solenoid
15
disposed below the spherical bearing
13
, a clamping member
16
for the control shaft
14
mounted at the upper end of a driving shaft
15
a
of the solenoid
15
, two rotation shafts
17
a
and
17
b
disposed on the axes intersecting in a plane in parallel with the base
12
, centered on the spherical bearing
13
, two wheels
18
a
and
18
b
fixed to the leading ends of the rotation shafts
17
a
and
17
b
, two electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
placed in parallel with the rotation shafts
17
a
and
17
b
, two pinions
20
a
and
20
b
fixed to the main shafts of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
so as to be meshed with the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
, two encoders
21
a
and
21
b
for detecting the direction and amount of rotation of the main shafts of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
, and L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
for converting the pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
in the X-direction and the Y-direction (see
FIG. 5
) into the rotation in the X-direction and the Y-direction, and transmitting the rotation to the rotation shafts
17
a
and
17
b
. The manual operating section
3
is mounted at the upper end of the control shaft
14
.
The bottom portion of the control shaft
14
is shaped like a cone so as to be tapered down toward the bottom, and the upper surface of the clamping member
16
opposing thereto is provided with a substantially conical recess
16
a
that allows the leading end of the control shaft
14
to be inserted therein. Therefore, when the clamping member
16
is raised by activating the solenoid
15
, the control shaft
14
is clamped with its leading end inserted in the recess
16
a
, thereby prohibiting the control shaft
14
from pivoting on the spherical portion
14
a
. In contrast, when the clamping member
16
is moved down by deactivating the solenoid
15
, the control shaft
14
is disengaged from the clamping member
16
, and is allowed to pivot on the spherical portion
14
a
. The operations of activating and deactivating the solenoid
15
will be described later.
As the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
and the pinions
20
a
and
20
b
, normal types of gears within the specifications may be used. More preferably, gears devised to eliminate backlash are used. In order to eliminate backlash, for example, elastic members, such as rubber, are placed at the tops of teeth of the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
and/or the pinions
20
a
and
20
b
, and the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
and the pinions
20
a
and
20
b
are meshed with each other via the elastic members.
Each of the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
has screw holes
23
on one side, and a control shaft penetrating slot
24
on the other side. As shown in
FIG. 4
, the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
are fastened, on one side, to the side faces of the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
by screws
25
passed through the screw holes
23
while the control shaft
14
is passed through the control shaft penetrating slot
24
. In order to reduce backlash produced between the control shaft penetrating slot
24
and the control shaft
14
, the width of the control shaft penetrating slot
24
is set so as to be as close to the diameter of the control shaft
14
as possible and so as to allow the control shaft
14
to smoothly slide therealong. The length of the control shaft penetrating slot
24
is set to be equal to or more than the moving range of the control shaft
14
. Therefore, when the control shaft
14
is pivoted from the center position while gripping the manual operating section
3
, the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
are turned by the amount in accordance with the X-direction and Y-direction components of the pivotal movement, and the turn is transmitted to the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
via the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
and the pinions
20
a
and
20
b
, whereby the direction and amount of pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
are detected by the computer placed inside the dashboard A.
The manual operating section
3
is shaped like a dome having a transparent window
31
at the top center, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, and has therein a circuit board
32
, a photo-interrupter
33
formed of a combination of a light-emitting device and a photoreceptor mounted on a portion of the circuit board
32
opposing the transparent window
31
, and first and second switches
34
and
35
mounted on the periphery of the circuit board
32
, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
.
The photo-interrupter
33
serves to control the on and off states of the solenoid
15
. When light with a predetermined wavelength, such as infrared light, is emitted from the light-emitting device (not shown) and enters the photoreceptor (not shown), the photo-interrupter
33
activates the solenoid
15
, moves the clamping member
16
down to disengage from the control shaft
14
, and allows the control shaft
14
to pivot. Supply of power to the photo-interrupter
33
and transmission of signals from the photo-interrupter
33
are performed by cords
28
passed through the control shaft
14
.
On the other hand, the first and second switches
34
and
35
function as a rotation detection switch and a press detection switch. When the first and second switches
34
and
35
are in a non-operation state, knobs
34
a
and
35
a
thereof are placed in the center position. This type of switch has been proposed in a publication to the same assignee. The first and second knobs
34
a
and
35
a
for operating the first and second switches
34
and
35
are symmetrically placed on the outer peripheral surface of the manual operating section
3
, as shown in
FIG. 6
, so as to be turned from the center position in the directions of the arrows “a” and “b” along the outer peripheral surface of the manual operating section
3
and so as to be depressed in the direction of the arrow “c”.
The first and second switches
34
and
35
are set so that the operating directions of the first and second knobs
34
a
and
35
a
and the functions switched thereby are the same. That is, while the first and second switches
34
and
35
serve to switch the functions of a car-mounted electrical device selected by operating any of the pushbutton switches
4
a
,
4
b
,
4
c
,
4
d
,
4
e
, and
4
f
provided on the upper surface of the housing
2
, they can switch the same function of the selected car-mounted electrical device by being operated in the same direction. For example, when the air conditioner is selected by operating the pushbutton switch
4
c
, the setting temperature thereof is raised by operating the first or second knob
34
a
or
35
a
of the first or second switch
34
or
35
in the direction of the arrow “a”, and is lowered by operating the knob
34
a
or
35
a
in the direction of the arrow “b”. The air conditioner is turned on and off by operating the first or second knob
34
a
and
35
a
in the direction of the arrow “c”.
When the operating directions of the first and second knobs
34
a
and
35
a
and the functions switched thereby are the same in this way, in both the cases in which the car-mounted input device of this embodiment is installed in a car with a right-hand steering wheel and in a car with a left-hand steering wheel, the same function can be switched by operating the knob, which is positioned in the same relationship with the driver, in the same direction. Therefore, the driver is less prone to make driving errors, and the car-mounted input device with the same structure is applied to a car with a right-hand steering wheel and a car with a left-hand steering wheel, thereby improving versatility of the car-mounted input device. In addition, since the switches in the manual operating section
3
can be similarly manipulated in the driver's seat and in the front passenger's seat by using the first knob
34
a
and the second knob
35
a
, the passenger can operate the car-mounted input easily, thus reducing driving errors, and improving operability of the car-mounted input device.
The electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
serve to give resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, and are used, for example, to regulate the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, the operating speed in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
, and the stop point of the manual operating section
3
.
That is, since the manual operating section
3
pivots in a predetermined direction so as to select a car-mounted electrical device to be controlled and to adjust the function of the selected car-mounted electrical device, if it is not precisely operated in the predetermined direction, it cannot precisely select the car-mounted electrical device and adjust the function. Accordingly, the manual operating section
3
can be operated in the predetermined direction by a small operating force, whereas it is operated in the other directions with resistance caused by driving the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
so as to impose torque on the control shaft
14
in the direction opposite from the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
. Since this allows the operator to sense that the manual operating section
3
has been operated in an undesirable direction, it is possible to prevent errors in selecting a car-mounted electrical device and in controlling the function thereof.
In order to control the function of the car-mounted electrical device by operating the manual operating section
3
, for example, in order to change the setting temperature of the air conditioner, the setting temperature is slowly switched when the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
is small, whereas it is quickly switched when the amount of operation is increased. For this reason, if no resistance is given to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
tends to increase, and it is difficult to precisely and promptly make a small change in setting temperature, which deteriorates operability. Accordingly, when the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
increases to a certain degree, a torque in the direction opposite from the operating direction is imposed on the control shaft
14
by driving the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
so as to give resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
. This allows the operator to sense that the setting temperature of the air conditioner cannot be finely controlled because the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
is too large, and to precisely and promptly make fine adjustments to the setting temperature of the air conditioner. Instead of giving resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
when the amount of operation thereof increases to a certain degree, different resistances may be sequentially given to the manual operating section
3
in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
. While, for example, the adjustment speed of the setting temperature of the air conditioner is increased as the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
increases in the above description, resistance may also be given to the manual operating section
3
in a similar manner in a case in which the adjustment speed increases as the operating speed of the manual operating section
3
increases.
When the operation limit of the manual operating section
3
is regulated by a mechanical means, for example, by abutting the control shaft
14
against the edge of the spherical bearing
13
, a great mechanical force acts on the abutting portions of the spherical bearing
13
and the control shaft
14
every time the manual operating section
3
is operated, which causes wear. Therefore, powder and related materials caused by wear enter between the spherical bearing
13
and the spherical portion
14
a
of the control shaft
14
, and this may increase the operating force of the control shaft
14
, or at worst, may inhibit the control shaft
14
from pivoting. Accordingly, when the manual operating section
3
is operated to a predetermined position, the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
are driven to give, for example, a shocking torque to the control shaft
14
in the direction opposite from the operating direction. Note that a shocking force is a mechanical force that is applied from an actuator to the control shaft
14
. Since this allows the operator to sense that the manual operating section
3
has been operated to the operation limit, and to stop further operation of the manual operating section
3
. Moreover, the edge of the spherical bearing
13
is prevented from abutting against the control shaft
14
, and the powder/other materials are reduced, thereby avoiding the above problems resulting from the powder. Furthermore, the manual operating section
3
can be automatically returned to the center position by the torque caused by the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
, thereby improving operability of the manual operating section
3
.
In addition, it is possible not only to give resistance to the manual operating section
3
, but also to apply external force in the direction of movement of the manual operating section
3
. For example, when controlling the volume of a radio or a CD player, which will be described later, external force may be applied to the manual operating section
3
so that the operator feels resistance when moving the manual operating section
3
in a direction to turn up the volume, and conversely, so that the operator feels acceleration when moving the manual operating section
3
in a direction to turn down the volume. This makes it possible to prevent the sound level in the cabin from being rapidly turned up when the volume is turned up. Moreover, since the volume can be promptly turned down, listening to the audio system and conversation will not be hindered.
The electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
are controlled according to commands from the computer provided inside the dashboard A. A method for controlling the electric motors
19
a
an
19
b
by the computer will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 7
to
11
.
FIGS. 7A and 7B
are explanatory views illustrating the operating directions of the manual operating section
3
and car-mounted electrical devices to be selected thereby,
FIGS. 8A and 8B
are explanatory views illustrating the operating directions of the manual operating section
3
and functions to be switched thereby,
FIG. 9
is a block diagram of a control system for the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
,
FIG. 10
is a chart showing an example of a data table stored in a memory of the computer, and
FIG. 11
is a flowchart showing the procedure for controlling the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b.
In the car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7B
, a radio, an air conditioner, a car navigation system, a CD player, a television, a monitor camera, an electronic mail device, and a telephone can be selected by operating the manual operating section
3
from the center position in the directions, frontward, to the front right, rightward, to the rear right, rearward, to the rear left, leftward, and to the front left. A combination of the electrical devices to be selected by the pushbutton switches
4
a
,
4
b
,
4
c
,
4
d
,
4
e
,
4
f
,
5
a
,
5
b
, and
5
c
of the car-mounted input device
1
and a combination of the electrical devices to be selected by operating the manual operating section
3
may be the same, or may be different. In this embodiment, the combinations are different.
When the television is selected by operating the manual operating section
3
rearward from the center position, as shown in
FIG. 8A
, it is possible to turn up the channel by operating the manual operating section
3
from the center position frontward, to turn down the channel by operating the manual operating section
3
rearward, to turn up the volume by operating the manual operating section
3
rightward, and to turn down the volume by operating the manual operating section
3
leftward.
In a case in which the number of functions to be adjusted by operating the manual operating section
3
is equal to or less than eight, which is the maximum number of directions in which the manual operating section
3
can be moved, even when the manual operating section
3
is operated in a direction other than the directions assigned for function control (the directions shown in FIG.
8
A), the function of the selected electrical device cannot be controlled. When such a dead zone lies in the operating range of the manual operating section
3
, the operator must carefully operate the manual operating section
3
in the direction to allow function control. This impairs ease of operation, and is not preferable from the viewpoint of safe operation of the car.
Accordingly, the car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment adopts a control system for the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
having a configuration shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10
, and overcomes the above problems by controlling the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
through the procedure shown in FIG.
11
.
In the computer provided inside the dashboard A, as shown in
FIG. 9
, a CPU
41
includes a check section
42
and a table selecting section
43
, and a ROM
44
stores tables
45
a
,
45
b
,
45
c
, etc., including the operating ranges of the manual operating section
3
, the directions of rotation of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
and the amount of torque produced by the rotation in accordance the operating ranges in the form of codes. The computer also includes a position signal detecting section
46
which fetches signals from the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
, outputs a table selection signal corresponding to the operating range of the manual operating section
3
to the table selecting section
43
, and displays the operating locus of the manual operating section
3
on the display device D.
FIG. 10
is a chart showing an example of a table stored in the ROM
44
, in which the allowable range of movement of the manual operating section
3
is divided into eight equal parts in the X-direction and into eight equal parts in the Y-direction, and in which the driving, stop, and rotating directions of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
during operation of the manual operating section
3
are encoded and shown in the equally divided sections. The signs and numerals shown in the upper part of each section represent the driving, stop, and the rotating directions of the first electric motor
19
a
; those in the lower part represent the driving, stop, and the rotating directions of the second electric motor
19
b
. The sign “+” represents the forward rotation of the motor, and the sign “−” represents the reverse rotation of the motor. Numeral “0” indicates that the electric motor
19
a
or
19
b
is not rotated, and numeral “1” indicates that the electric motor
19
a
or
19
b
is rotated. According to this table, when the manual operating section
3
is operated in the ranges (X
3
, Y
0
) to (X
3
, Y
7
), the ranges (X
4
, Y
0
) to (X
4
, Y
7
), the ranges (X
0
, Y
3
) to (X
7
, Y
3
), and the ranges (X
0
, Y
4
) to (X
7
, Y
4
), neither of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
is rotated, and no resistance associated with the rotation of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
is given to the movement of the manual operating section
3
. When the manual operating section
3
is operated in the other ranges, at least one of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
rotates, and the resistance associated with the rotation of the electric motor
19
a
and
19
b
is given to the movement of the manual operating section
3
.
Thus, in a case in which the television is initially selected by operating the manual operating section
3
, and the functions of the television can be adjusted only by operating the manual operating section
3
from the center position frontward, rearward, rightward, and leftward, when the manual operating section
3
is operated from the center position in an oblique direction other than the frontward, rearward, rightward, and leftward directions while the rotations of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
are controlled according to the table shown in
FIG. 10
, at least one of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
is rotated, and resistance associated with the rotation of the electric motor
19
a
or
19
b
is given to the movement of the manual operating section
3
. This allows the operator to sense that the manual operating section
3
has been operated in a dead zone, and to operate the manual operating section
3
in a direction to control a desired function. Ease of operation of the manual operating section
3
is improved, and the driving of the car will not be hindered.
The computer controls the rotation of the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.
11
.
When the operator operates the manual operating section
3
from the center position in any direction (Step S
1
), the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
are rotated via the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
, the wheels
18
a
and
18
b
, and the pinions
20
a
and
20
b
by the amount proportional to the amount of pivotal movement of the manual operating section
3
in the pivoting direction, thereby outputting position signals. The position signal detecting section
46
in the computer reads these position signals (Step S
2
), determines the operating position of the manual operating section
3
(Step S
3
), transmits a table selection signal to the table selecting section
43
, and transmits the position signals to the display device D (Step S
4
). The table selecting section
43
in the CPU
41
selects and fetches a predetermined table from the ROM
44
based on the table selection signal from the position signal detecting section
46
(Step S
5
). The check section
42
in the CPU
41
determines a motor output value based on the position signals output from the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
and the table fetched by the table selecting section
43
, and outputs the motor output value to a motor driver
47
(Step S
6
). The motor driver
47
drives the electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
according to the motor output value, thereby giving resistance to the movement of the manual operating section
3
(Step S
7
). The operator senses the resistance at the manual operating section
3
, and changes the operating position of the manual operating section
3
(Step S
8
).
The motor control means and method are applied not only to regulation of the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, but also to the above-described application of resistance in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
and resistance at the operation limit of the manual operating section
3
.
The car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment with the above-described configuration is mounted in the dashboard A of the car so that it can move frontward and rearward and can tilt.
FIG. 12
is a partly broken plan view showing a structure for mounting the car-mounted input device
1
in the dashboard A, and
FIG. 13
is a partly broken side view of the structure.
As shown in these figures, two guide shafts
52
and
53
and a ball screw
54
are mounted in parallel on a base
51
provided inside the dashboard A. The ball screw
54
is rotatably supported by a bearing
55
, and one end thereof is connected to a first motor
57
for forward and backward movement via a joint
56
. Furthermore, a transfer plate
59
is attached to the ball screw
54
via a nut
58
so as to move forward and backward, and is also slidably attached to the guide shafts
52
and
53
via sliders
60
. At the leading end of the transfer plate
59
, a rotation shaft
62
is rotatably supported by bearings
61
so as to be perpendicular to the guide shafts
52
and
53
and the ball screw
54
. The ends of the rotation shaft
62
is attached to the housing
2
of the car-mounted input device
1
. A wheel
63
is fixedly mounted on the rotation shaft
62
, and is meshed with a pinion
65
mounted on the main shaft of a second motor
64
.
Accordingly, the car-mounted input device
1
can be moved forward and backward with respect to the dashboard A by driving the first motor
57
forward and in reverse, and the leading end thereof can be turned upward and downward with respect to the dashboard A by driving the second motor
64
forward and in reverse. The position of the car-mounted input device
1
can be appropriately changed so that the operator can easily operate the manual operating section
3
, the various pushbutton switches
4
a
to
4
f
and
5
a
to
5
c
, the volume control knob
6
, and the like, and this further improves operability of the car-mounted input device
1
.
The position of the car-mounted input device
1
can also be controlled by operating the manual operating section
3
, the pushbutton switches
4
a
to
4
f
and
5
a
to
5
c
mounted therein. That is, when the pushbutton switch
4
a
is depressed, a menu illustrated in
FIG. 14
appears on the display device D. When the operator selects “car-mounted input device” from the menu by operating the manual operating section
3
, an image of the car-mounted input device
1
appears on the display device D, as shown in FIG.
15
. When the manual operating section
3
is operated in a forward direction “a” in this state, the first motor
57
is rotated forward so as to move the car-mounted input device
1
forward. When the manual operating section
3
is operated in a backward direction “b”, the first motor
57
is rotated in reverse so as to move the car-mounted input device
1
rearward. When the manual operating section
3
is operated in an upward direction “c”, the second motor
64
is rotated forward so as to turn the leading end of the car-mounted input device
1
upward on the rotation shaft
62
. When the manual operating section
3
is operated in a downward direction “d”, the second motor
64
is rotated in reverse so as to turn the leading end of the car-mounted input device
1
downward on the rotation shaft
62
. When “seat” is selected from the menu screen, the comfort of the driver's seat or the passenger's seat can be adjusted in a similar procedure. When “steering wheel” is selected from the menu screen, the tilting angle, telescoped state, and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted in a similar procedure.
When changing the position of the car-mounted input device
1
, the seat, or the steering wheel by operating the manual operating section
3
, it is preferable to set the table so that the allowable range of movement of the device and the resistance given to the manual operating section
3
are linked, and more preferably, for example, so that the resistance applied to the manual operating section
3
be gradually increased toward the end of the allowable range of movement of the device, or so that a shocking resistance be applied to the manual operating section
3
at the end of the allowable range of movement. Since this allows the operator to recognize to what degree the device has been adjusted, more convenient use of the device is possible.
In the car-mounted input device
1
of this embodiment, a desired car-mounted electrical device, whose function is to be adjusted, can be thus selected by operating the pushbutton switches
4
a
to
4
f
and
5
a
to
5
c
on the upper surface of the housing
2
or the manual operating section
3
. Furthermore, after the desired car-mounted electrical device is selected, the function thereof can be adjusted by operating the manual operating section
3
in a predetermined direction or by operating the first or second switch
34
or
35
in the manual operating section
3
. The volumes of the radio, the television, the CD player, and the like can also be controlled by turning the volume control knob
6
. The menu of car-mounted electrical devices to be selected and the menu of the functions of electrical devices to be adjusted by the car-mounted input device
1
, the operating directions of the manual operating section
3
, and the like are sequentially displayed on the display device D. In a non-operation state of the manual operating section
3
, the control shaft
14
is clamped by the clamping member
16
, thereby preventing undesirable vibration and noise of the manual operating section
3
due to vibration of the car. When the fingers are held above the manual operating section
3
, light of a specific wavelength from the light-emitting device enters the photoreceptor in the photo-interrupter
33
, the solenoid
15
is activated, the clamping member
16
and the control shaft
14
are disengaged, and the manual operating section
3
is automatically allowed to be operated.
While the gear mechanism is used as the power transmitting mechanism for transmitting the pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
to the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
in the above first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and arbitrary known power transmitting mechanisms, such as a friction gear and a belt mechanism, may be used.
While the encoders
21
a
and
21
b
are used as sensors for detecting the direction and amount of pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other arbitrary known position sensors may be used.
While the solenoid
15
is used as the means for driving the clamping member
16
in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means, such as an electromagnet, and a hydraulic or air actuator, may be used.
While the manual operating section
3
can be operated in multiple directions by using the two electric motors
19
a
and
19
b
and the two encoders
21
a
and
21
b
in the first embodiment, it may be operated in a specific direction by using a single electric motor and a single encoder.
A car-mounted input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 16
to
18
. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment is characterized in that a mechanism section
11
A has voice coil motors as actuators for applying external force to a control shaft
14
.
FIG. 16
is a partly sectional plan view of the mechanism section
11
A in this embodiment,
FIG. 17
is a partly sectional side view of the mechanism section
11
A, as viewed from the X-direction, and
FIG. 18
is a partly sectional side view of the mechanism section
11
A, as viewed from the Y-direction.
As shown in these figures, the mechanism section
11
A of this embodiment comprises a base
12
, a spherical bearing
13
formed on the base
12
, a control shaft
14
having at the bottom a spherical portion
14
a
that is rotatably supported by the spherical bearing
13
, two L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
attached to the control shaft
14
so as to be placed in intersecting directions, two voice coil motors
71
and
72
placed on the axes intersecting in a plane in parallel with the base
12
centered on the spherical bearing
13
, two brackets
73
and
74
fixed to movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
of the voice coil motors
71
and
72
, connecting pins
75
for rotatably pin-connecting the brackets
73
and
74
and the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
, and two position sensors
76
and
77
for detecting the amounts and directions of movements of the brackets
73
and
74
. A manual operating section
3
is mounted at the upper end of the control shaft
14
.
One side of each of the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
and the leading ends of the brackets
73
and
74
are provided with pin insertion holes
78
for inserting the connecting pins
75
therein. The L-shaped member
22
a
and the bracket
73
can be turnably linked by aligning the pin insertion hole
78
of the L-shaped member
22
a
and the pin insertion hole
78
of the bracket
73
and passing the connecting pin
75
through the pin insertion holes
78
. Similarly, the L-shaped member
22
b
and the bracket
74
can be turnably linked by aligning the pin insertion hole
78
of the L-shaped member
22
b
and the pin insertion hole
78
of the bracket
74
and passing the connecting pin
75
through the pin insertion holes
78
.
The other side of each of the L-shaped members
22
a
and
22
b
has a control shaft penetrating slot
24
for passing the control shaft
14
therethrough. In order to reduce backlash produced between the control shaft penetrating slot
24
and the control shaft
14
, the width of the control shaft penetrating slot
24
is set so as to be as close to the diameter of the control shaft
14
as possible and so as to allow the control shaft
14
to smoothly slide. The length of the control shaft penetrating slot
24
is set to be equal to or more than the moving range of the control shaft
14
.
The voice coil motors
71
and
72
are respectively composed of the movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
to which the brackets
73
and
74
are attached, and fixed portions
71
b
and
72
b
from which the movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
move in and out. The rear ends of the fixed portions
71
b
and
72
b
are turnably mounted on brackets
79
formed on the base
12
via universal joints
80
. Therefore, external force in the X-direction can be applied to the control shaft
14
via the bracket
73
and the L-shaped member
22
a
by driving the voice coil motor
71
, regardless of the operating position of the control shaft
14
, and external force in the Y-direction can be applied to the control shaft
14
via the bracket
74
and the L-shaped member
22
b
by driving the voice coil motor
72
. Of course, external force in the direction and with the amount in accordance with the outputs from the voice coil motors
71
and
72
can be applied to the control shaft
14
by simultaneously driving the voice coil motors
71
and
72
. This makes it possible to give resistance and acceleration to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, for example, to regulate the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, to adjust the operating speed in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
, and to regulate the stop point of the manual operating section
3
.
Position sensors
76
and
77
are respectively composed of detector bodies
76
a
and
77
a
, and movable members
76
b
and
77
b
inserted in the detector bodies
76
a
and
77
a
. The movable members
76
b
and
77
b
are fixed to the brackets
73
and
74
at one end. As the position sensors
76
and
77
, known types of optical, magnetic, and resistive sensors, such as a photo-interrupter and a variable resistor, may be used, which can output signals in accordance with the direction and amount of the pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
from the neutral position.
As shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18
, the manual operating section
3
is shaped like a knob, and may have therein a circuit substrate
32
, a photo-interrupter
33
, and first and second switches
34
and
35
(see FIG.
4
), in a manner similar to the manual operating section
3
of the first embodiment.
Since other structures are the same as those in the above-described car-mounted input device of the first embodiment, a description thereof is omitted to avoid repeated explanation.
The car-mounted input device of this embodiment provides the advantages similar to those of the car-mounted input device of the first embodiment. In addition, since the car-mounted input device of this embodiment adopts the voice coil motors
71
and
72
as actuators for applying external force to the control shaft
14
, the gear mechanism is unnecessary and the size and cost of the device can be reduced. The use of the voice coil motors
71
and
72
instead of the gear mechanism also facilitates controlling of vibration to be applied to the control shaft
14
, and a predetermined resistance can be more clearly given to the operator. This makes it possible to prevent errors in selection of the car-mounted electrical device and in adjustment of the function thereof, and to facilitate fine adjustment of the function of the car-mounted electrical device.
A car-mounted input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 19
to
21
. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment is characterized in that a mechanism section
11
B has a voice coil motor serving as an actuator for applying external force to a control shaft
14
and in that the control shaft
14
can pivot only in a specific direction.
FIG. 19
is a plan view of the mechanism section
11
B of this embodiment,
FIG. 20
is a side view of the mechanism section
11
B, as viewed from the X-direction, and
FIG. 21
is a partly sectional side view of the mechanism section
11
B, as viewed from the Y-direction.
As shown in these figures, the mechanism section
11
B of this embodiment comprises a base
12
, a spherical bearing
13
formed on the base
12
, a control shaft
14
having at its bottom end a spherical portion
14
a
that is rotatably supported by the spherical bearing
13
, a voice coil motor
71
placed on the axis centered on the spherical bearing
13
, a link member
81
fixed to a movable portion
71
a
of the voice coil motor
71
, a connecting pin
82
for rotatably pin-connecting the link member
81
and the control shaft
14
, and a position sensor
76
for detecting the amount and direction of pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
. A manual operating section
3
is mounted at the upper end of the control shaft
14
.
The voice coil motor
71
is composed of the movable portion
71
a
to which the link member
81
is attached, and a fixed portion
71
b
from which the movable portion
71
a
moves in and out. The rear end of the fixed portion
71
b
is pivotally mounted to a bracket
79
formed on the base
12
. The voice coil motor
71
of this embodiment also serves to give resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, and is used, for example, to regulate the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, to adjust the operating speed in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
, and to regulate the stop point of the manual operating section
3
. The position sensor
76
is composed of a detector body
76
a
and a movable member
76
b
inserted in the detector body
76
a
. The movable member
76
b
is attached to the link member
81
at one end.
Other structures are the same as those of the car-mounted input device of the second embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof is omitted in order to avoid repeated explanation. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment also provides the advantages similar to those of the car-mounted input device of the second embodiment.
A car-mounted input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 22
to
24
. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment is characterized in that a mechanism section
11
C has voice coil motors serving as actuators for applying external force to a control shaft
14
and in that the control shaft
14
moves in parallel with the base
12
.
FIG. 22
is a plan view of the mechanism section
11
C of this embodiment,
FIG. 23
is a partly sectional side view of the mechanism section
11
C, as viewed from the X-direction, and
FIG. 24
is a side view of the mechanism section
11
C, as viewed from the Y-direction.
As shown in these figures, the mechanism section
11
C of this embodiment comprises a base
12
, an X-Y stage
91
mounted on the base
12
, the control shaft
14
fixed to the X-Y stage
91
, a bidirectional floating joint
92
formed in the control shaft
14
, two voice coil motors
71
and
72
placed on the axes intersecting in a plane in parallel with the base
12
centered on the neutral position of the control shaft
14
, two sliders
93
and
94
fixed to movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
of the voice coil motors
71
and
72
and slidably connected to the floating joint
92
, and two position sensors
76
and
77
for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the control shaft
14
. A manual operating section
3
is mounted at the upper end of the control shaft
14
.
The X-Y stage
91
comprises an X-direction rail
91
a
extending in the X-direction of the base
12
, an X-direction slider
91
b
slidably mounted on the X-direction rail
91
a
, a Y-direction rail
91
c
extending in the Y-direction of the base
12
and formed integrally with the X-direction slider
91
b
, and a Y-direction slider
91
d
slidably mounted on the Y-direction rail
91
c
. The control shaft
14
is vertically fixed on the upper surface of the Y-direction slider
91
d
. Therefore, the control shaft
14
is freed to horizontally move in a plane in parallel with the base
12
within an allowable range of movement of the X-Y stage
91
.
The floating joint
92
is provided, at two intersecting sides, with two concave grooves
95
and
96
in which the sliders
93
and
94
fixed to the movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
of the voice coil motors
71
and
72
can slide, and is horizontally mounted on the control shaft
14
. The slider
93
is placed inside the concave groove
95
so as to slide only in the Y-direction, and the slider
94
is placed inside the concave groove
96
so as to slide only in the X-direction. The voice coil motors
71
and
72
are respectively composed of the movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
to which the sliders
93
and
94
are attached, and fixed portions
71
b
and
72
b
from which the movable portions
71
a
and
72
a
move in and out. The rear ends of the fixed portions
71
b
and
72
b
are fixed to brackets
79
formed on the base
12
.
Accordingly, regardless of the position of the control shaft
14
on the X-Y stage
91
, external force in the X-direction can be applied to the control shaft
14
via the slider
93
and the floating joint
92
by driving the voice coil motor
71
, and external force in the Y-direction can be applied to the control shaft
14
via the slider
94
and the floating joint
92
by driving the voice coil motor
72
. Of course, external force in the direction and of the size in accordance with the outputs from the voice coil motors
71
and
72
can be applied to the control shaft
14
by simultaneously driving the voice coil motors
71
and
72
. This makes it possible to give resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, and to thereby perform, for example, regulation of the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, adjustment of the operating speed in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
, and regulation of the stop point of the manual operating section
3
.
The position sensors
76
and
77
are respectively composed of detector bodies
76
a
and
77
a
, and movable members
76
b
and
77
b
inserted in the detector bodies
76
a
and
77
a
. The movable members
76
b
and
77
b
are formed integrally with the floating joint
92
.
Other structures are the same as those of the car-mounted input device of the second embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof is omitted in order to avoid repeated explanation. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment also provides the advantages similar to those of the car-mounted input device of the second embodiment.
A car-mounted input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 25
to
27
. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment is characterized in that a mechanism section
11
D has a voice coil motor serving as an actuator for applying external force to a control shaft
14
, in that the control shaft
14
moves in parallel with the base
12
, and in that the control shaft
14
pivots only in a specific direction.
FIG. 25
is a plan view of the mechanism section
11
D of this embodiment,
FIG. 26
is a side view of the mechanism section
11
D, as viewed from the X-direction, and
FIG. 27
is a partly sectional side view of the mechanism section
11
D, as viewed from the Y-direction.
As shown in these figures, the mechanism section
11
D of this embodiment comprises a base
12
, an X-direction rail
91
a
formed on the base
12
, an X-direction slider
91
b
slidably mounted on the X-direction rail
91
a
, a voice coil motor
71
placed on the axis of the X-direction rail
91
a
, a link member
81
fixed to a movable portion
71
a
of the voice coil motor
71
, a connecting pin
82
for rotatably pin-connecting the link member
81
and the control shaft
14
, and a position sensor
76
for detecting the amount and direction of pivotal movement of the control shaft
14
. A manual operating section
3
is mounted at the upper end of the control shaft
14
.
The voice coil motor
71
is composed of the movable portion
71
a
to which the link member
81
is attached, and a fixed portion
71
b
from which the movable portion
71
a
moves in and out. The rear end of the fixed portion
71
b
is fixed to a bracket
79
formed on the base
12
. The voice coil motor
71
of this embodiment also serves to give resistance to the operation of the manual operating section
3
, and is used, for example, to regulate the operating direction of the manual operating section
3
, to adjust the operating speed in accordance with the amount of operation of the manual operating section
3
, and to regulate the stop point of the manual operating section
3
. The position sensor
76
is composed of a detector body
76
a
and a movable member
76
b
inserted in the detector body
76
a
. The movable member
76
b
is attached to the control shaft
14
.
Other structures are the same as those of the car-mounted input device of the third embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof is omitted in order to avoid repeated explanation. The car-mounted input device of this embodiment also provides the advantages similar to those of the car-mounted input device of the third embodiment.
While the present invention has been described with reference to what are presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
Claims
- 1. A car-mounted input device comprising:a display device; a manual operating section; a pivotably mounted control shaft connected with said manual operating section, the control shaft operable in a plurality of operating directions to select a car mounted electrical device; an actuator to apply an external force in the operating direction to said control shaft, wherein, when said manual operating section is operated in a direction outside a predetermined allowable range of movement, external force preset in accordance with an amount of operation of said manual operating section is applied by said actuator to said control shaft; a position sensor to output a position signal in accordance with the operating direction and the amount of operation of the manual operating section; said position sensor being electrically connected to said display device such that said display device displays the type of car mounted electrical display device that has been selected and details for operating the selected car mounted electrical device.
- 2. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 3. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said control shaft being pivotally held by a bearing.
- 4. A car-mounted input device according to claim 3, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 5. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said control shaft being fixed to a slider to slide on a rail.
- 6. A car-mounted input device according to claim 5, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 7. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said manual operating section being reciprocally operated only in a specific direction.
- 8. A car-mounted input device according to claim 7, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 9. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 10. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, one of the external force applied by said actuator to said control shaft being sequentially increased and a mode of vibration applied to the control shaft being changed with an increase in amount of operation of said manual operating section.
- 11. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said actuator applying a shocking external force to said control shaft when said manual operating section is operated to a predetermined operation limit.
- 12. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said manual operating section being operated in an arbitrary direction in a specific plane.
- 13. A car-mounted input device according to claim 12, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 14. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said car-mounted electrical device being a tilting device and a telescoping device provided in a steering device to adjust a height of the steering device.
- 15. A car-mounted input device according to claim 1, said car-mounted electrical device being a seat adjusting device to control one of a position of the driver's seat and a passenger's seat.
- 16. A car-mounted input device comprising:a display device; a manual operating section; a control shaft connected with said manual operating section, the control shaft operable in a plurality of operating directions to select a car mounted electrical device; an actuator to apply an external force to said control shaft, wherein, when said manual operating section is operated in a direction outside a predetermined allowable range of movement, external force preset in accordance with the direction and amount of operation of said manual operating section is applied by said actuator to said control shaft; and a position sensor to output a position signal in accordance with the operating direction and amount of operation of the manual operating section; said position sensor being electrically connected to said display device such that said display device displays the type of car mounted electrical device that has been selected and details for operating the selected car mounted electrical device.
- 17. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 18. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said control shaft being pivotally held by a bearing.
- 19. A car-mounted input device according to claim 18, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 20. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said control shaft being fixed to a slider to slide on a rail.
- 21. A car-mounted input device according to claim 20, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 22. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said manual operating section being reciprocally operated only in a specific direction.
- 23. A car mounted input device according to claim 22, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 24. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said manual operating section being operated in an arbitrary direction in a specific plane.
- 25. A car-mounted input device according to claim 24, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 26. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, one of the external force applied by said actuator to said control shaft being sequentially increased and a mode of vibration applied to the control shaft being changed with an increase in amount of operation of said manual operating section.
- 27. A car-mounted input device according to claim 26, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 28. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said actuator applying a shocking external force to said control shaft when said manual operating section is operated to a predetermined operation limit.
- 29. A car-mounted input device according to claim 28, said actuator including a voice coil motor.
- 30. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said car-mounted electrical device including a seat adjusting device to control one of a position of the driver's seat and a passenger's seat.
- 31. A car-mounted input device according to claim 16, said car-mounted electrical device including a tilting device and a telescoping device provided in a steering device to adjust a height of the steering device.
Priority Claims (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
11-200949 |
Jul 1999 |
JP |
|
11-200952 |
Jul 1999 |
JP |
|
2000-067569 |
Mar 2000 |
JP |
|
US Referenced Citations (8)