JP2004338448A

JP2004338448A - Operating device for steering vehicle

Info

Publication number: JP2004338448A
Application number: JP2003134680A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Ryohei Hayama; 良平葉山; Tomoyasu Kada; 友保嘉田; Masaya Segawa; 雅也瀬川
Original assignee: Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Current assignee: Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-05-13
Filing date: 2003-05-13
Publication date: 2004-12-02

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability by telescoping a gripping section of an operating member in response to a driver's taste and vehicle functions, in an operating device for steering the vehicle where the ratio of a rotation operation amount of the operating member to a turning amount of a wheel is variable. <P>SOLUTION: The operating member 1 for steering is variable in form between an usual form and an elongation form, and has a body 1a including left and right gripping parts 1L and 1R positioned on the left and right sides of the rotation center at a linear motion time of the vehicle and an auxiliary member 34 including an auxiliary gripping part 1A. In the elongation form, at the linear motion time of the vehicle, the body 1a and the auxiliary member 34 are relatively arranged so that the auxiliary gripping part 1A is positioned in an auxiliary gripping region positioned in at least one of the upside and downside of the gripping parts 1L and 1R. In the usual form, the body 1a and the auxiliary member 34 are relatively arranged so that the auxiliary gripping part 1A is positioned in an evacuation region having no interference when the gripping parts 1L and 1R are gripped by the driver. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、操舵に際して回転操作される操作部材を備えた車両操舵用操作装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
操舵用操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比が可変とされている車両においては、低車速時は高車速時よりも操作部材の回転操作量に対する車輪の転舵量の比を大きくし、操作部材の回転操作量の最大値を低減している。そのため、操作部材の把持部は車両直進時に回転中心の左右にのみ位置すれば十分なものとされている。また、車両直進時に操作部材における左右把持部の上下に把持部がなければ、ドライバーの視界やドライバースペースを拡げることができる。そのため、例えば、操作部材として外周が長方形に沿い、車両直進時に回転中心の左右にのみ把持部が位置するものが提案されている（特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−２５５０４０号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
一般的なドライバーは車両直進時に操作部材における回転中心の左右に位置する左右把持部を把持するが、ドライバーの好みにより、車両直進時に左右把持部の上下に位置する部分を把持することが要望される場合もある。また、フェールセーフ機能や操舵特性の切換機能を設けることで、操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比が固定されたり車速との関係が変化し、操作部材の回転操作量の最大値が大きくなる場合がある。このような場合、操作部材を左右把持部においてしか把持できないと操作し難くなる。
本発明は上記問題を解決することのできる車両操舵用操作装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、操舵用操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比が可変とされている車両の操舵に用いられる操作装置において、前記操作部材は、車両直進時に回転中心の左右に位置する左右把持部を含む本体と、補助把持部を含む補助部材とを有し、車両直進時に前記左右把持部の上方および下方の中の少なくとも一方に位置する領域は補助把持領域とされ、前記操作部材は、通常形態と伸長形態との間で形態変更可能とされ、前記通常形態においては、前記補助把持部が前記左右把持部をドライバーが把持する際に干渉することのない退避領域に位置するように前記本体と前記補助部材とが相対配置され、前記伸長形態においては、前記補助把持部が前記補助把持領域に位置するように前記本体と前記補助部材とが相対配置されることを特徴とする。
本発明によれば、操作部材を伸長形態とすることで、左右把持部の上方および下方の中の少なくとも一方における補助把持領域に補助把持部を配置でき、また、操作部材を通常形態とすることで補助把持部を左右把持部をドライバーが把持する際に干渉することのない退避領域に退避させることができる。
【０００６】
前記補助部材は円弧に沿って湾曲する外周面を有し、前記本体に、円弧に沿う内周面を有する収納空間が前記退避領域として設けられ、前記収納空間に前記補助部材が前記内周面に案内されて移動可能に収納され、前記補助把持部は、前記通常形態において前記収納空間内に位置され、前記伸長形態において前記収納空間内から進出することで前記補助把持領域に位置されるのが好ましい。
これにより、補助把持部の退避領域として本体の内部空間を利用できるので、通常形態における左右把持部の把持が補助把持部により邪魔されることはなく、また、補助把持部の収納スペースを別途確保する必要もない。
【０００７】
前記車両は、前記操作部材の回転操作に応じて駆動される操舵用モータと、前記操舵用モータの動きを舵角変化が生じるように車輪に伝達する機構と、前記操作部材の回転操作量に対する車輪の転舵量の比が変化するように前記操舵用モータを制御する制御系とを有し、前記補助部材を前記退避領域と前記補助把持領域との間で移動させる補助アクチュエータが設けられ、前記操作部材の回転操作量に対する車輪の転舵量の比が小さい場合は大きい場合よりも、前記補助部材の前記補助把持領域への進出量が大きくなるように前記補助アクチュエータが前記制御系により制御されるのが好ましい。
これにより、操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比の変化に応じて自動的に補助把持部を必要なだけ補助把持領域に進出させることができる。
【０００８】
前記補助部材は前記本体に同行回転可能に連結および連結解除可能とされ、その連結により前記補助把持部は前記補助把持領域に配置され、その連結解除により前記補助把持部は前記退避領域に退避可能とされているのが好ましい。
これにより、操作部材の通常形態と伸長形態との間での形態変更を、補助部材の本体に対する連結および連結解除だけで容易に行うことができる。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１に示す本発明の第１実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置は、回転操作される操作部材１を備え、操作部材１の回転操作量と前部左右車輪４の転舵量との比が可変とされている車両の操舵に用いられる。その車両は、操作部材１の回転操作に応じて駆動される操舵用モータ２と、操舵用モータ２の動きを舵角変化が生じるように前部左右車輪４に伝達するステアリングギヤ機構３とを有し、操作部材１を車輪４に機械的に連結することなく操作部材１の操作に応じて舵角を変化させる所謂ステアバイワイヤシステムを採用している。
【００１０】
操舵用モータ２としては、例えば公知の直流ブラシレスモータ等の電動モータを採用できる。ステアリングギヤ機構３は、操舵用モータ２の出力シャフトの回転運動をステアリングロッド７の直線運動に変換する例えばボールネジ機構等の運動変換機構により構成されている。ステアリングロッド７の動きがタイロッド８とナックルアーム９を介して車輪４に伝達され、車輪４のトー角が変化する。ステアリングギヤ機構３は公知のものを用いることができ、操舵用モータ２の動きを舵角が変化するように前部左右車輪４に伝達できれば構成は限定されない。操舵用モータ２が駆動されていない状態では、前部左右車輪４はセルフアライニングトルクにより直進位置に復帰できるようにホイールアラインメントが設定されている。
【００１１】
操作部材１は、車体側により回転可能に支持される回転シャフト１０に連結されている。回転シャフト１０に操作用アクチュエータ１９の出力シャフトが一体化されている。操作用アクチュエータ１９は操作部材１の中立位置復帰方向へ作用する操作反力を発生する。操作用アクチュエータ１９としては、例えば公知の直流ブラシレスモータ等の電動モータを採用できる。
【００１２】
操作部材１の回転操作量として中立位置からの操作角δｈを検出する角度センサ１１が設けられている。車輪４の転舵量として舵角δを検出する舵角センサ１３が設けられ、本第１実施形態では舵角δとして車輪４の転舵量に対応するステアリングロッド７の移動量を検出する。車速Ｖを検出する速度センサ１４が設けられている。操作部材１の操作反力に対応する操作トルクＴｈとして回転シャフト１０により伝達されるトルクを検出するトルクセンサ４４が設けられている。角度センサ１１、舵角センサ１３、速度センサ１４、およびトルクセンサ４４は制御装置２０に接続される。
【００１３】
制御装置２０は駆動回路２２を介して操舵用モータ２を制御し、駆動回路２３を介して操作用アクチュエータ１９を制御する制御系を構成する。
【００１４】
操舵用モータ２の制御のため、制御装置２０は例えば操作部材１の操作角δｈと車速Ｖと目標舵角δ^＊との間の予め定められた関係を記憶し、目標舵角δ^＊と検出舵角δとの偏差をなくすように駆動回路２２を介して操舵用モータ２の駆動信号を出力する。その操作角δｈと車速Ｖと目標舵角δ^＊との間の関係は、例えば車速Ｖが大きくなる程に目標舵角が小さくなるものとされる。すなわち、操舵用モータ２の動きを車輪４に舵角が変化するように伝達する際に、操作部材１の回転操作量に対する車輪４の転舵量の比が変化するように操舵用モータ２が制御される。操作部材１の操作量に対する車輪４の転舵量の比を低車速で大きくすることで旋回性能を向上し、高車速で小さくすることで走行安定性を向上できる。なお、操舵用モータ２の制御方法は、操作部材１の回転操作量に対する車輪４の転舵量の比が変化するように制御可能であれば特に限定されるものではない。
【００１５】
操作用アクチュエータ１９の制御のため、制御装置２０は例えば操作部材１の操作角δｈと目標操作トルクＴｈ^＊との間の予め定められた関係を記憶し、目標操作トルクＴｈ^＊と検出操作トルクＴｈとの偏差をなくすように駆動回路２３を介して操作用アクチュエータ１９の駆動信号を出力する。その操作角δｈと目標操作トルクＴｈ^＊との間の関係は、例えば操作角δｈが大きくなる程に目標操作トルクＴｈ^＊が大きくなるものとされる。なお、操作用アクチュエータ１９の制御方法は、適正な操作反力を付与できれば特に限定されるものではない。
【００１６】
図２（Ａ）に示すように、操作部材１はハブ３１とリム３２をスポーク３３により連結することで形成される本体１ａと、円弧に沿って湾曲する外周面を有するロッド状補助部材３４とから構成される。本体１ａは、車両直進時に回転中心の左右に位置する左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒを含む。補助部材３４は補助把持部１Ａを含む。本第１実施形態では、リム３２の外周は略Ｄ字形状に沿うものとされることで、左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒとその上方部分は円弧に沿い、左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの下方部分は直線に沿う。
【００１７】
本体１ａの内部に、円弧に沿う内周面を有する収納空間３５が退避領域として設けられている。図３に示すように、収納空間３５は左把持部１Ｌの下端に開口３５′を有し、その開口３５′から収納空間３５に補助部材３４が収納される。図２（Ｂ）、図２（Ｃ）、図２（Ｄ）に示すように、補助部材３４は収納空間３５の内周面３５ａにより案内されて移動可能とされ、その移動により収納空間３５から開口３５′を通って進出および退避する。本第１実施形態では補助部材３４の移動は人力により行われ、そのため補助部材３４の外周に突起３４′が設けられ、補助部材３４が完全に収納空間３５に収納された状態でも突起３４′はリム３２に形成された切欠き３２ａから収納空間３５外に突出する。
【００１８】
その退避領域とされた収納空間３５からの補助部材３４の退避および進出により、操作部材１は通常形態と伸長形態との間で形態変更可能とされている。通常形態においては、補助部材３４が収納空間３５内に位置することで、補助把持部１Ａが左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒをドライバーが把持する際に干渉することのない退避領域に位置するように本体１ａと補助部材３４とが相対配置される。車両直進時に左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの下方に位置する領域が補助把持領域とされ、伸長形態においては、補助部材３４が収納空間３５から進出することで補助把持部１Ａが補助把持領域に位置するように本体１ａと補助部材３４とが相対配置される。これにより、通常形態における操作部材１の形態は本体１ａにより定まり、その外周が略Ｄ字形状に沿う。伸長形態における操作部材１の形態は本体１ａと補助部材３４とにより定まり、補助部材３４の収納空間３５からの進出量が増大するに程に操作部材１の外周形状は円形に近づき、最も進出させた図２（Ｄ）に示す状態で円形となる。
【００１９】
本第１実施形態では、補助部材３４に複数の凹部３４ａが周方向に沿って間隔をおいて設けられ、収納空間３５の内周面３５ａから出没可能に位置決め部材３６が設けられ、位置決め部材３６を内周面３５ａから突出させる方向に弾力を付与するバネ３７が操作部材１内のバネ室３８に設けられている。何れかの凹部３４ａに位置決め部材３６が嵌め合わされることで本体１ａに対する補助部材３４の位置決めがなされ、補助把持部１Ａと左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒは同行回転する。また、位置決め部材３６は凹部３４ａの内周との接触面が収納空間３５の内周面３５ａの径方向に対して傾斜することで、補助部材３４を移動させる力の分力によりバネ室３８に没入可能とされている。これにより補助部材３４の収納空間３５からの進出量は設定変更可能とされている。
【００２０】
上記第１実施形態によれば、操作部材１を伸長形態とすることで左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの下方における補助把持領域に補助把持部１Ａを配置でき、また、操作部材１を通常形態とすることで補助把持部１Ａを左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒをドライバーが把持する際に干渉することのない退避領域に退避させることができるので、ドライバーの好みや車両の機能に応じて操作部材の把持部を伸縮し、操作性を向上できる。しかも、その退避領域として左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの内部空間を利用できるので、通常形態における左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの把持が補助把持部１Ａにより邪魔されることはなく、また、補助把持部１Ａの収納スペースを別途確保する必要もない。
【００２１】
図４は本発明の第２実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における要部を示す。上記第１実施形態においては補助部材３４を人力により移動させているが、これに代えて本第２実施形態においては、補助部材３４を補助アクチュエータ５１により退避領域と補助把持領域との間で移動させる。すなわち、第１実施形態における突起３４′、凹部３４ａ、位置決め部材３６、バネ３７、バネ室３８はなく、それらに代えて補助部材３４の内周に円弧状ギヤ３４ｂを構成する歯が形成され、そのギヤ３４ｂに噛み合う歯車５２が補助アクチュエータ５１の出力シャフトに取り付けられる。補助アクチュエータ５１は例えば減速機付モータにより構成され、操作部材１に設けられたスイッチ５３を介して電源に接続される。そのスイッチ５３の操作により歯車５２を正転、逆転あるいは停止させることが可能とされ、これにより補助部材３４の移動が行われる。他は第１実施形態と同様で同様部分は同一符号で示す。
【００２２】
図５は本発明の第３実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における要部を示す。上記第２実施形態との相違は、補助アクチュエータ５１が制御装置２０により制御可能とされている点にある。すなわち、操作部材１の回転操作量に対する車輪４の転舵量の比が小さい場合は大きい場合よりも、補助部材３４の補助把持領域への進出量が大きくなるように補助アクチュエータ５１が制御される。例えば、補助部材３４の補助把持領域への進出量は操作角δｈに対する舵角δの比δ／δｈが予め定めた設定値以上では零とされ、その比δ／δｈが設定値よりも小さくなるに従い大きくされる。これにより、その比の変化に応じて自動的に補助把持部１Ａを必要なだけ補助把持領域に進出させることができる。また、操作部材１にモード切り換えスイッチ５４が取り付けられ、補助アクチュエータ５１を制御装置２０により制御するモードと、第２実施形態と同様にスイッチ５３の操作に応じて移動させるモードとの間で切り換え可能とされている。他は第２実施形態と同様で同様部分は同一符号で示す。
【００２３】
図６（Ａ）、図６（Ｂ）は本発明の第４実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材１を示す。第１実施形態との相違は、本体１ａの内部に収納空間はなく、車両内における適当な場所が退避領域とされ、通常形態においてはその退避領域に補助部材３４が保管される。補助部材３４は本体１ａに同行回転可能に連結および連結解除可能とされ、その連結により補助把持部１Ａは補助把持領域に配置され、その連結解除により補助把持部１Ａは退避領域に退避可能となる。例えば、本体１ａにおける左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの下端において開口する保持孔４１Ｌ、４１Ｒを設け、保持孔４１Ｌ、４１Ｒにネジ合わされる突起４２Ｌ、４２Ｒを補助部材３４の両端に設けることで、本体１ａと補助部材３４とを図６（Ａ）に示すように同行回転可能に連結した状態と、図６（Ｂ）に示すように連結解除した状態とにできる。これにより、操作部材１の伸長形態と通常形態との間での形態変更を、補助部材３４の本体１ａに対する連結および連結解除だけで容易に行うことができる。他は第１実施形態と同様で同様部分は同一符号で示す。
【００２４】
図７（Ａ）、図７（Ｂ）は本発明の第５実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材１を示す。本第５実施形態においては、車両直進時に左右把持部１Ｌ、１Ｒの下方に位置する領域に代えて上方に位置する領域が補助把持領域とされ、リム３２の外周は左右把持部１の下方部分だけでなく上方部分も直線に沿う形状とされている。他は第４実施形態と同様とされ、同一部分は同一符号で示す。
【００２５】
本発明は上記各実施形態に限定されない。例えば、図８に示すように、操作部材であるステアリングホイール１′が車輪（図示省略）に機械的に連結され、且つ、操作部材の操作量と車輪の転舵量との比を変化させることができる車両に本発明を適用してもよい。すなわち、ステアリングホイール１′の操作に応じた入力シャフト１０２の回転は、回転伝達機構１３０により出力シャフト１１１に伝達され、その出力シャフト１１１の回転が車輪に舵角が変化するようにステアリングギヤ（図示省略）により伝達される。そのステアリングギヤはラックピニオン式ステアリングギヤやボールスクリュー式ステアリングギヤ等の公知のものを用いることができる。その回転伝達機構１３０の構成要素を操舵用モータ１３９により駆動することで、そのモータ１３９の動きが車輪に舵角が変化するように伝達される。その入力シャフト１０２と出力シャフト１１１は互いに同軸心に隙間を介して配置され、ベアリング１０７、１０８、１１２、１１３を介してハウジング１１０により支持されている。その回転伝達機構１３０は、本変形例では遊星ギヤ機構とされ、サンギヤ１３１とリングギヤ１３２とに噛み合う遊星ギヤ１３３をキャリア１３４により保持する。そのサンギヤ１３１は、入力シャフト１０２の端部に同行回転するように連結されている。そのキャリア１３４は、出力シャフト１１１に同行回転するように連結されている。そのリングギヤ１３２は、入力シャフト１０２を囲むホルダー１３６にボルト３６２を介して固定されている。そのホルダー１３６は、入力シャフト１０２を囲むようにハウジング１１０に固定された筒状部材１３５によりベアリング１０９を介して支持されている。そのホルダー１３６の外周にウォームホイール１３７が同行回転するように嵌め合わされている。そのウォームホイール１３７に噛み合うウォーム１３８がハウジング１１０により支持されている。そのウォーム１３８がハウジング１１０に取り付けられたモータ１３９により駆動される。そのステアリングホイール１′の中立位置復帰方向へ作用する操作反力を発生する操作用アクチュエータ１１９が設けられている。その操舵用モータ１３９の制御系と操作用アクチュエータ１１９の制御系を上記実施形態と同様の制御装置とセンサとにより構成し、ステアリングホイール１′を上記実施形態と同様の構成とすることで、本発明を適用することができる。
【００２６】
また、第１〜第３実施形態において収納空間の開口を右把持部の下端において開口するように設けてもよい。さらに、第１〜第３実施形態において、本体の左右両側の内部に収納空間を設け、補助把持部を２つの補助部材から構成し、通常形態において各収納空間それぞれに補助部材を収納し、伸長形態において各収納空間内から進出する補助部材が補助把持領域に配置するようにしてもよい。さらに、第１〜第３実施形態における本体の形状を第５実施形態と同様としてもよい。この場合、車両直進時に左右把持部の上方に位置する領域を、下方に位置する領域に代えて、あるいは左右把持部の下方に位置する領域と共に、補助把持領域とし、車両直進時に左右把持部の上方に位置する領域に伸長形態において進出する補助部材を、下方に位置する補助部材と同様に設けてもよい。また、第５実施形態において、車両直進時に左右把持部の上方に位置する領域だけでなく下方に位置する領域も補助把持領域とし、補助把持部を２つの補助部材から構成してもよい。すなわち、補助把持領域は車両直進時に前記左右把持部の上方および下方の中の少なくとも一方に位置する領域であればよい。さらに、各実施形態の操作部材における本体と補助部材の形状は、左右把持部と補助把持部を有するものであれば特に限定されない。
【００２７】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比が可変とされている車両操舵用操作装置において、ドライバーの好みや車両の機能に応じて操作部材の把持部を伸縮し、操作性を向上できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置の構成説明図
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の（Ａ）は通常形態を示す図、（Ｂ）は伸長形態を示す図、（Ｃ）は異なる伸長形態を示す図、（Ｄ）はさらに異なる伸長形態を示す図
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の要部の部分破断図
【図４】本発明の第２実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の要部の部分破断図
【図５】本発明の第３実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の要部の部分破断図
【図６】本発明の第４実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の（Ａ）は伸長形態を示す図、（Ｂ）は通常形態を示す図
【図７】本発明の第５実施形態の車両操舵用操作装置における操作部材の（Ａ）は伸長形態を示す図、（Ｂ）は通常形態を示す図
【図８】本発明を適用可能な別の車両における操舵用操作部材の車輪への回転伝達機構を示す断面図
【符号の説明】
１操作部材
１′ ステアリングホイール
１ａ本体
１Ａ補助把持部
１Ｌ、１Ｒ左右把持部
２操舵用モータ
３ステアリングギヤ機構
４車輪
２０制御装置
３４補助部材
３５収納空間
５１補助アクチュエータ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle steering operating device including an operating member that is rotated during steering.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a vehicle in which the ratio between the rotational operation amount of the steering operation member and the wheel turning amount is variable, the ratio of the wheel turning amount to the rotation operation amount of the operation member at low vehicle speeds is higher than at high vehicle speeds. And the maximum value of the rotational operation amount of the operation member is reduced. For this reason, it is sufficient that the grip portion of the operation member is located only on the left and right sides of the rotation center when the vehicle travels straight. In addition, if there is no gripping portion above and below the left and right gripping portions of the operating member when the vehicle goes straight, the field of view of the driver and the driver space can be expanded. Therefore, for example, there has been proposed an operation member in which the outer periphery follows a rectangle and the grip portion is located only on the left and right sides of the rotation center when the vehicle goes straight (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-255040 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A general driver grips the left and right grips located on the left and right of the rotation center of the operating member when the vehicle goes straight, but it is desired that the driver grips the portions located above and below the left and right grips when the vehicle goes straight. In some cases. In addition, by providing a fail-safe function and a switching function of steering characteristics, the ratio between the rotation amount of the operation member and the steering amount of the wheels is fixed or the relationship between the vehicle speed and the rotation amount changes, and the rotation amount of the operation member is reduced. The maximum value may increase. In such a case, if the operation member can be gripped only by the left and right grips, the operation becomes difficult.
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle steering operating device capable of solving the above-mentioned problems.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an operation device used for steering a vehicle in which a ratio between a rotation operation amount of a steering operation member and a steering amount of a wheel is variable, wherein the operation member is located on the left and right sides of the rotation center when the vehicle goes straight. A main body including left and right grips located therein, and an auxiliary member including an auxiliary gripper, and a region located at least one of above and below the left and right grips when the vehicle is straight ahead is an auxiliary gripping region, The operation member is changeable in form between a normal form and an extended form, and in the normal form, the auxiliary gripping part is located in a retreat area where the driver does not interfere when the left and right gripping parts are gripped by a driver. The main body and the auxiliary member are disposed relatively to each other, and in the extended configuration, the main body and the auxiliary member are disposed relative to each other such that the auxiliary grip portion is located in the auxiliary grip region. To.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an auxiliary | assistant holding part can be arrange | positioned in the auxiliary holding | maintenance area | region in at least one of an upper side and a lower side of a left and right holding part by making an operating member into an extension form, and also making an operating member into a normal form Thus, the auxiliary gripping portion can be retracted to a retreat area where the left and right gripping portions do not interfere when the driver grips the left and right gripping portions.
[0006]
The auxiliary member has an outer peripheral surface curved along an arc, and the main body is provided with a storage space having an inner peripheral surface along the arc as the retreat area, and the auxiliary member is provided in the storage space as the inner peripheral surface. The auxiliary gripping portion is movably stored while being guided by the auxiliary gripping portion. The auxiliary gripping portion is located in the storage space in the normal mode, and is positioned in the auxiliary gripping area by extending from the storage space in the extended mode. Is preferred.
As a result, since the internal space of the main body can be used as an evacuation area of the auxiliary gripping part, the gripping of the left and right gripping parts in the normal mode is not disturbed by the auxiliary gripping part, and a storage space for the auxiliary gripping part is separately secured. You don't have to.
[0007]
The vehicle includes a steering motor driven in accordance with a rotation operation of the operation member, a mechanism for transmitting a movement of the steering motor to wheels such that a steering angle change occurs, and a rotation operation amount of the operation member. A control system that controls the steering motor so that the ratio of the wheel turning amount changes, and an auxiliary actuator that moves the auxiliary member between the evacuation area and the auxiliary gripping area is provided. The auxiliary actuator is controlled by the control system such that the amount of advance of the auxiliary member to the auxiliary gripping region is larger when the ratio of the steering amount of the wheel to the rotation operation amount of the operation member is smaller than when the ratio is larger. Preferably.
This makes it possible to automatically advance the auxiliary gripping part to the auxiliary gripping area as needed in accordance with a change in the ratio between the rotation operation amount of the operating member and the wheel turning amount.
[0008]
The auxiliary member is rotatably connected to and uncoupled from the main body, and the auxiliary grip portion is disposed in the auxiliary grip region by the connection, and the auxiliary grip portion can be retracted to the retreat region by releasing the connection. It is preferred that
This makes it possible to easily change the configuration of the operating member between the normal configuration and the extended configuration simply by connecting and disconnecting the auxiliary member to and from the main body.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The vehicle steering operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes an operating member 1 that is rotated, and the ratio of the amount of rotation of the operating member 1 to the amount of steering of the front left and right wheels 4 is reduced. It is used for variable steering of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a steering motor 2 driven in accordance with a rotation operation of an operation member 1 and a steering gear mechanism 3 for transmitting the movement of the steering motor 2 to front left and right wheels 4 so that a change in steering angle occurs. A so-called steer-by-wire system that changes the steering angle according to the operation of the operation member 1 without mechanically connecting the operation member 1 to the wheels 4 is employed.
[0010]
As the steering motor 2, for example, an electric motor such as a known DC brushless motor can be used. The steering gear mechanism 3 is configured by a motion conversion mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft of the steering motor 2 into a linear motion of the steering rod 7. The movement of the steering rod 7 is transmitted to the wheel 4 via the tie rod 8 and the knuckle arm 9, and the toe angle of the wheel 4 changes. As the steering gear mechanism 3, a known one can be used, and the configuration is not limited as long as the movement of the steering motor 2 can be transmitted to the front left and right wheels 4 so that the steering angle changes. When the steering motor 2 is not driven, the wheel alignment is set so that the front left and right wheels 4 can return to the straight traveling position by the self-aligning torque.
[0011]
The operating member 1 is connected to a rotating shaft 10 rotatably supported by the vehicle body. The output shaft of the operation actuator 19 is integrated with the rotating shaft 10. The operation actuator 19 generates an operation reaction force acting in the neutral position return direction of the operation member 1. As the operation actuator 19, for example, an electric motor such as a known DC brushless motor can be adopted.
[0012]
An angle sensor 11 for detecting an operation angle δh from a neutral position as a rotation operation amount of the operation member 1 is provided. A steering angle sensor 13 that detects a steering angle δ as a steering amount of the wheel 4 is provided. In the first embodiment, a steering amount of the steering rod 7 corresponding to the steering amount of the wheel 4 is detected as the steering angle δ. A speed sensor 14 for detecting the vehicle speed V is provided. A torque sensor 44 for detecting a torque transmitted by the rotating shaft 10 as an operation torque Th corresponding to an operation reaction force of the operation member 1 is provided. The angle sensor 11, the steering angle sensor 13, the speed sensor 14, and the torque sensor 44 are connected to the control device 20.
[0013]
The control device 20 configures a control system that controls the steering motor 2 via the drive circuit 22 and controls the operation actuator 19 via the drive circuit 23.
[0014]
For the control of the steering motor 2, the controller 20 for example stores a predetermined relationship between the operating angle δh of the operating member 1 and the vehicle speed V and the target steering angle [delta] ^*, the target steering angle [delta] ^* and the detection A drive signal for the steering motor 2 is output via the drive circuit 22 so as to eliminate a deviation from the steering angle δ. The relationship between the operation angle δh, the vehicle speed V, and the target steering angle δ ^* is such that, for example, as the vehicle speed V increases, the target steering angle decreases. That is, when the movement of the steering motor 2 is transmitted to the wheels 4 so that the steering angle changes, the steering motor 2 is changed so that the ratio of the steering amount of the wheels 4 to the rotation operation amount of the operation member 1 changes. Controlled. Turning performance can be improved by increasing the ratio of the steering amount of the wheel 4 to the operation amount of the operation member 1 at a low vehicle speed, and running stability can be improved by reducing the ratio at a high vehicle speed. The control method of the steering motor 2 is not particularly limited as long as control can be performed so that the ratio of the amount of turning of the wheels 4 to the amount of rotation of the operating member 1 can be changed.
[0015]
In order to control the operation actuator 19, the control device 20 stores, for example, a predetermined relationship between the operation angle δh of the operation member 1 and the target operation torque Th ^*, and stores the target operation torque Th ^* and the detected operation torque Th. The drive signal of the operation actuator 19 is output via the drive circuit 23 so as to eliminate the deviation from the drive signal. The relationship between the operation angle δh and the target operation torque Th ^* is, for example, such that the target operation torque Th ^* increases as the operation angle δh increases. The control method of the operation actuator 19 is not particularly limited as long as an appropriate operation reaction force can be applied.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation member 1 includes a main body 1a formed by connecting a hub 31 and a rim 32 by spokes 33, a rod-shaped auxiliary member 34 having an outer peripheral surface curved along an arc. Consists of The main body 1a includes left and right grips 1L, 1R located on the left and right of the rotation center when the vehicle goes straight. The auxiliary member 34 includes the auxiliary grip 1A. In the first embodiment, the outer periphery of the rim 32 is formed along a substantially D-shape, so that the left and right grips 1L and 1R and the upper part thereof follow an arc, and the lower part of the left and right grips 1L and 1R is Follow a straight line.
[0017]
Inside the main body 1a, a storage space 35 having an inner peripheral surface along an arc is provided as a retreat area. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage space 35 has an opening 35 'at the lower end of the left grip 1L, and the auxiliary member 34 is stored in the storage space 35 from the opening 35'. As shown in FIGS. 2 (B), 2 (C), and 2 (D), the auxiliary member 34 is movable by being guided by the inner peripheral surface 35a of the storage space 35. It advances and retracts through the opening 35 '. In the first embodiment, the movement of the auxiliary member 34 is performed manually, and therefore, a protrusion 34 'is provided on the outer periphery of the auxiliary member 34. Even when the auxiliary member 34 is completely stored in the storage space 35, the protrusion 34' The projection protrudes out of the storage space 35 from the notch 32 a formed in the rim 32.
[0018]
By retracting and advancing the auxiliary member 34 from the storage space 35, which is a retreat area, the operation member 1 can be changed in form between the normal form and the extended form. In the normal mode, the auxiliary member 34 is located in the storage space 35 so that the auxiliary gripping portion 1A is positioned in a retreat area where the driver does not interfere with gripping the left and right gripping portions 1L and 1R. 1a and the auxiliary member 34 are disposed relative to each other. The area located below the left and right grips 1L and 1R when the vehicle is traveling straight is the auxiliary gripping area. In the extended configuration, the auxiliary gripping section 1A is located in the auxiliary gripping area by the auxiliary member 34 protruding from the storage space 35. The main body 1a and the auxiliary member 34 are arranged relative to each other. Thereby, the form of the operating member 1 in the normal form is determined by the main body 1a, and the outer periphery thereof follows a substantially D-shape. The form of the operating member 1 in the extended form is determined by the main body 1a and the auxiliary member 34, and as the amount of the auxiliary member 34 protruding from the storage space 35 increases, the outer peripheral shape of the operating member 1 becomes closer to a circle, and is advanced most. In the state shown in FIG.
[0019]
In the first embodiment, a plurality of recesses 34 a are provided in the auxiliary member 34 at intervals along the circumferential direction, and a positioning member 36 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from the inner peripheral surface 35 a of the storage space 35. A spring 37 is provided in a spring chamber 38 in the operation member 1 to provide elasticity in a direction in which the spring protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 35a. The positioning of the auxiliary member 34 with respect to the main body 1a is performed by fitting the positioning member 36 into any one of the concave portions 34a, and the auxiliary grip portion 1A and the left and right grip portions 1L and 1R rotate together. The positioning member 36 has a contact surface with the inner periphery of the concave portion 34a inclined with respect to the radial direction of the inner peripheral surface 35a of the storage space 35. It is immersive. Thus, the amount of the auxiliary member 34 advanced from the storage space 35 can be changed.
[0020]
According to the first embodiment, by making the operating member 1 in the extended form, the auxiliary holding part 1A can be arranged in the auxiliary holding area below the left and right holding parts 1L, 1R, and the operating member 1 is in the normal form. As a result, the auxiliary gripping portion 1A can be retracted to a retreat area where the left and right gripping portions 1L and 1R do not interfere with each other when the driver grips the gripping portion. Can be expanded and contracted to improve operability. In addition, since the internal space of the left and right grips 1L and 1R can be used as the retreat area, the grip of the left and right grips 1L and 1R in the normal form is not disturbed by the auxiliary grip 1A and the auxiliary grip 1A. There is no need to secure a separate storage space.
[0021]
FIG. 4 shows a main part of a vehicle steering operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described first embodiment, the auxiliary member 34 is moved by human power. Instead, in the second embodiment, the auxiliary member 34 is moved between the retreat area and the auxiliary gripping area by the auxiliary actuator 51. Let it. That is, there are no protrusions 34 ', recesses 34a, positioning members 36, springs 37, and spring chambers 38 in the first embodiment, and instead of these, teeth forming an arcuate gear 34b are formed on the inner periphery of the auxiliary member 34, A gear 52 meshing with the gear 34b is attached to the output shaft of the auxiliary actuator 51. The auxiliary actuator 51 is composed of, for example, a motor with a reduction gear, and is connected to a power supply via a switch 53 provided on the operation member 1. By operating the switch 53, the gear 52 can be rotated forward, backward, or stopped, whereby the auxiliary member 34 is moved. Other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
[0022]
FIG. 5 shows a main part of a vehicle steering operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the second embodiment is that the auxiliary actuator 51 can be controlled by the control device 20. That is, the auxiliary actuator 51 is controlled such that the amount of advance of the auxiliary member 34 into the auxiliary gripping region is larger when the ratio of the steering amount of the wheel 4 to the rotation operation amount of the operation member 1 is smaller than when it is large. . For example, the amount of advance of the auxiliary member 34 into the auxiliary holding area is zero when the ratio δ / δh of the steering angle δ to the operation angle δh is equal to or greater than a predetermined set value, and the ratio δ / δh becomes smaller than the set value. It will be enlarged according to. This allows the auxiliary gripping section 1A to automatically advance into the auxiliary gripping area as needed according to the change in the ratio. Further, a mode changeover switch 54 is attached to the operation member 1, and can be switched between a mode in which the auxiliary actuator 51 is controlled by the control device 20 and a mode in which the auxiliary actuator 51 is moved in accordance with the operation of the switch 53 as in the second embodiment. It has been. Other parts are the same as in the second embodiment, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
[0023]
FIGS. 6A and 6B show an operating member 1 in a vehicle steering operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that there is no storage space inside the main body 1a, an appropriate place in the vehicle is a retreat area, and in a normal mode, the auxiliary member 34 is stored in the retreat area. The auxiliary member 34 can be rotatably connected to and disconnected from the main body 1a, and the auxiliary grip portion 1A is disposed in the auxiliary grip region by the connection, and the auxiliary grip portion 1A can be retracted to the evacuation region by releasing the connection. . For example, by providing holding holes 41L and 41R that are opened at the lower ends of the left and right grips 1L and 1R in the main body 1a, and by providing projections 42L and 42R screwed to the holding holes 41L and 41R at both ends of the auxiliary member 34, the main body 1a is provided. 6A and the auxiliary member 34 are rotatably connected together as shown in FIG. 6A, and the connection is released as shown in FIG. 6B. Thereby, the form change between the extended form and the normal form of the operating member 1 can be easily performed only by connecting and disconnecting the auxiliary member 34 to and from the main body 1a. Other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
[0024]
7A and 7B show an operation member 1 in a vehicle steering operation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, an area located above the left and right grips 1L and 1R when the vehicle is traveling straight is an auxiliary gripping area instead of an area located below the left and right grips 1L and 1R. Not only that, but also the upper part is shaped along a straight line. Others are the same as in the fourth embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0025]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a steering wheel 1 ', which is an operation member, is mechanically connected to a wheel (not shown), and a ratio between an operation amount of the operation member and a steering amount of the wheel is changed. The present invention may be applied to a vehicle capable of performing the following. That is, the rotation of the input shaft 102 in response to the operation of the steering wheel 1 ′ is transmitted to the output shaft 111 by the rotation transmission mechanism 130, and the rotation of the output shaft 111 changes the steering gear (see FIG. (Omitted). As the steering gear, a known gear such as a rack and pinion type steering gear or a ball screw type steering gear can be used. When the components of the rotation transmission mechanism 130 are driven by the steering motor 139, the movement of the motor 139 is transmitted to the wheels such that the steering angle changes. The input shaft 102 and the output shaft 111 are arranged coaxially with a gap therebetween, and are supported by a housing 110 via bearings 107, 108, 112, 113. The rotation transmission mechanism 130 is a planetary gear mechanism in this modification, and holds a planetary gear 133 meshing with the sun gear 131 and the ring gear 132 by a carrier 134. The sun gear 131 is connected to an end of the input shaft 102 so as to rotate with the end. The carrier 134 is connected to the output shaft 111 so as to rotate with the output shaft 111. The ring gear 132 is fixed via a bolt 362 to a holder 136 surrounding the input shaft 102. The holder 136 is supported via a bearing 109 by a cylindrical member 135 fixed to the housing 110 so as to surround the input shaft 102. A worm wheel 137 is fitted around the outer periphery of the holder 136 so as to rotate with the worm. A worm 138 meshing with the worm wheel 137 is supported by the housing 110. The worm 138 is driven by a motor 139 attached to the housing 110. An operation actuator 119 for generating an operation reaction force acting in the neutral position return direction of the steering wheel 1 'is provided. The control system of the steering motor 139 and the control system of the operation actuator 119 are configured by the same control device and sensor as in the above embodiment, and the steering wheel 1 'is configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment. The invention can be applied.
[0026]
Further, in the first to third embodiments, the opening of the storage space may be provided so as to open at the lower end of the right grip. Further, in the first to third embodiments, the storage spaces are provided inside the left and right sides of the main body, and the auxiliary grip portion is formed of two auxiliary members. In the embodiment, the auxiliary member that advances from the inside of each storage space may be arranged in the auxiliary holding area. Furthermore, the shape of the main body in the first to third embodiments may be the same as in the fifth embodiment. In this case, the area located above the left and right grips when the vehicle goes straight ahead is replaced with the area located below, or together with the area located below the left and right grips, as an auxiliary gripping area. Auxiliary members that extend in the extended form in the region located above may be provided in the same manner as the auxiliary members located below. In the fifth embodiment, not only a region located above the left and right grips but also a region located below the left and right grips when the vehicle travels straight ahead may be set as the auxiliary gripping region, and the auxiliary gripping portion may be formed of two auxiliary members. That is, the auxiliary gripping region may be a region located at least one of above and below the left and right gripping portions when the vehicle goes straight. Furthermore, the shapes of the main body and the auxiliary member in the operation member of each embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they have the left and right grips and the auxiliary grips.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in a vehicle steering operation device in which a ratio between a rotation operation amount of an operation member and a steering amount of a wheel is variable, a grip portion of the operation member is changed according to a driver's preference or a function of the vehicle. It expands and contracts, and operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view of a vehicle steering operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 (A) of an operating member in the vehicle steering operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shows a normal mode; FIG. 3 (B) is a diagram showing an extended configuration, FIG. 3 (C) is a diagram showing a different extended configuration, and FIG. 3 (D) is a diagram showing a further extended configuration. FIG. 3 is a vehicle steering operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of a main part of an operation member in the device. FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of a main part of an operation member in a vehicle steering operation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of a main part of an operation member in a vehicle steering operation device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an extended state of an operation member in a vehicle steering operation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a normal mode. FIG. 8A is a view showing an extended form, and FIG. 8B is a view showing a normal form. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation transmitting mechanism to a wheel of a steering operation member in another vehicle to which the present invention can be applied. [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operating member 1 'Steering wheel 1a Main body 1A Auxiliary grip part 1L, 1R Left and right grip part 2 Steering motor 3 Steering gear mechanism 4 Wheel 20 Control device 34 Auxiliary member 35 Storage space 51 Auxiliary actuator

Claims

操舵用操作部材の回転操作量と車輪の転舵量との比が可変とされている車両の操舵に用いられる操作装置において、
前記操作部材は、車両直進時に回転中心の左右に位置する左右把持部を含む本体と、補助把持部を含む補助部材とを有し、
車両直進時に前記左右把持部の上方および下方の中の少なくとも一方に位置する領域は補助把持領域とされ、
前記操作部材は、通常形態と伸長形態との間で形態変更可能とされ、
前記通常形態においては、前記補助把持部が前記左右把持部をドライバーが把持する際に干渉することのない退避領域に位置するように前記本体と前記補助部材とが相対配置され、
前記伸長形態においては、前記補助把持部が前記補助把持領域に位置するように前記本体と前記補助部材とが相対配置されることを特徴とする車両操舵用操作装置。In an operating device used for steering a vehicle in which a ratio between a rotational operation amount of a steering operation member and a steering amount of a wheel is variable,
The operation member has a main body including left and right grips located on the left and right of the rotation center when the vehicle goes straight ahead, and an auxiliary member including an auxiliary gripper,
A region located at least one of above and below the left and right grips when the vehicle goes straight ahead is an auxiliary gripping region,
The operation member can be changed in form between a normal form and an extended form,
In the normal mode, the main body and the auxiliary member are relatively arranged so that the auxiliary gripping part is located in a retreat area without interference when a driver grips the left and right gripping parts,
In the extended configuration, the main body and the auxiliary member are relatively arranged so that the auxiliary grip portion is located in the auxiliary grip region.

前記補助部材は円弧に沿って湾曲する外周面を有し、
前記本体に、円弧に沿う内周面を有する収納空間が前記退避領域として設けられ、
前記収納空間に前記補助部材が前記内周面に案内されて移動可能に収納され、
前記補助把持部は、前記通常形態において前記収納空間内に位置され、前記伸長形態において前記収納空間内から進出することで前記補助把持領域に位置される請求項１に記載の車両操舵用操作装置。The auxiliary member has an outer peripheral surface curved along an arc,
In the main body, a storage space having an inner peripheral surface along an arc is provided as the retreat area,
The auxiliary member is movably stored in the storage space while being guided by the inner peripheral surface,
2. The vehicle steering operating device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary grip portion is located in the storage space in the normal configuration, and is positioned in the auxiliary grip region by protruding from the storage space in the extended configuration. 3. .

前記車両は、前記操作部材の回転操作に応じて駆動される操舵用モータと、前記操舵用モータの動きを舵角変化が生じるように車輪に伝達する機構と、前記操作部材の回転操作量に対する車輪の転舵量の比が変化するように前記操舵用モータを制御する制御系とを有し、
前記補助部材を前記退避領域と前記補助把持領域との間で移動させる補助アクチュエータが設けられ、
前記操作部材の回転操作量に対する車輪の転舵量の比が小さい場合は大きい場合よりも、前記補助部材の前記補助把持領域への進出量が大きくなるように前記補助アクチュエータが前記制御系により制御される請求項１または２に記載の車両操舵用操作装置。The vehicle includes a steering motor driven in accordance with a rotation operation of the operation member, a mechanism for transmitting a movement of the steering motor to wheels such that a steering angle change occurs, and a rotation operation amount of the operation member. A control system for controlling the steering motor so that the ratio of the wheel turning amount changes,
An auxiliary actuator for moving the auxiliary member between the retreat area and the auxiliary gripping area is provided,
The auxiliary actuator is controlled by the control system such that the amount of advance of the auxiliary member to the auxiliary gripping region is larger when the ratio of the steering amount of the wheel to the rotation operation amount of the operation member is smaller than when the ratio is larger. The vehicle steering operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

前記補助部材は前記本体に同行回転可能に連結および連結解除可能とされ、その連結により前記補助把持部は前記補助把持領域に配置され、その連結解除により前記補助把持部は前記退避領域に退避可能とされている請求項１に記載の車両操舵用操作装置。The auxiliary member is rotatably connected to and uncoupled from the main body, and the auxiliary grip portion is disposed in the auxiliary grip region by the connection, and the auxiliary grip portion can be retracted to the retreat region by releasing the connection. The vehicle steering operating device according to claim 1, wherein: