JP7186150B2 - transport equipment switch - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch for transportation equipment such as a vehicle, which is arranged on a steering means such as a steering wheel of the transportation equipment.

In recent vehicles, various switches are attached to the steering wheel. 2. Description of the Related Art As a steering switch attached to a steering wheel, a switch for assisting acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle, an on/off switch for automatic control of the vehicle such as constant speed running control, and the like are known.

It is desirable that this type of steering switch can be operated by the driver without taking his or her hands off the steering wheel. In response to this demand, it is known that a steering switch is arranged in the vicinity of the grip portion of the steering wheel (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
The steering switches described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 are configured so that the operator can operate the operator with the thumb while gripping the rim portion of the steering wheel.

JP-A-2000-80935 Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-504014

However, in the case of a steering switch that has a function of turning on/off the automatic control of the vehicle, a visual indicator such as a display panel or a lamp is required to determine whether the vehicle is currently under automatic control. had to be visually checked. Therefore, in the case of the conventional steering switch, the line of sight is temporarily removed from the front while the vehicle is being driven, which is not desirable from the viewpoint of stable operation of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch for transport equipment that allows the driver to easily grasp whether or not the transport equipment is in an automatic control state without taking his or her line of sight from the front.

In order to solve the above problems, a switch for transportation equipment according to the present invention employs the following configuration.
That is, the switch of the transportation equipment according to one invention of the present application is arranged in the vicinity of the grip portion (for example, the rim portion 5 of the embodiment) of the steering means (for example, the steering wheel 3 of the embodiment) of the transportation equipment, A switch for a transportation device capable of switching on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device (for example, the constant-speed travel control device 11 of the embodiment), which is operable by a driver holding the steering means. An operator (for example, the operator 28 of the embodiment) having a surface (for example, the finger rest surface 31 of the embodiment), a standing posture in which the operator stands up so that the operation surface faces the driver's seat, The attitude variable mechanism (e.g., the support shaft of the embodiment) is configured to be capable of tilting between tilting attitudes in which the operation surface faces the grip portion of the steering means or faces away from the grip portion. 26, holders 33 and 40, holding piece 32, link member 37), an inclined holding mechanism (for example, the latch mechanism 30 of the embodiment) that holds the manipulator in the inclined posture until the releasing operation is performed by an external force, An automatic control switching unit (for example, the latch position detection sensor 50 of the embodiment) that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture. and a cross displacement mechanism (for example, the support shaft 26 of the embodiment, the holders 33 and 40, the third 1 spring 41, second spring 42, third spring 43) and the manipulator are operated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the tilting direction in the state of the tilted posture, It is characterized by further comprising a setting operation unit (for example, the acceleration setting switch 52 and the deceleration setting switch 53 of the embodiment) capable of changing the setting of the automatic control.

With the above configuration, the manipulator is held in an inclined posture by the inclination holding mechanism when the transportation equipment is under automatic control. Therefore, by placing a finger on the operation surface of the operator, the driver can easily grasp whether or not the transportation equipment is in the automatic control state by the angle and feel of the finger placed on the operation surface. .

In this case, the driver can easily set the automatic control by manipulating the manipulator with a finger in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the tilting direction in a state where the manipulator is tilted to the tilted posture. can be done.

The automatic control setting may be a speed setting for constant speed travel control.

In this case, the driver can easily set the speed for constant-speed travel control with his or her fingers while gripping the grip portion of the steering means.

The switch of the transportation equipment enables the driver to manually operate the transportation equipment in response to the operation when the operator is operated in the upright posture in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the tilting direction. A manual operation unit (for example, the position detection sensor 51 of the embodiment) may be further provided.

In this case, when the manipulator is in the upright posture, the driver can easily move the transport device while holding the grip portion of the steering means by manipulating the manipulator with the fingers in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane including the tilting direction. can be operated manually. This improves the operability of the transportation equipment. In this case as well, the driver can easily recognize that the transportation equipment is in the manual operation state by the angle and feel of the operation surface on which the operator puts his/her finger.

The manual operation is an operation for accelerating and decelerating the transportation equipment, and the manual operation unit accelerates and decelerates the transportation equipment in accordance with an operation amount in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the tilting direction of the manipulator. may be operated.

In this case, when the operator is in a standing posture, the operator operates the operator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane including the tilting direction, thereby accelerating and decelerating the transport device while holding the steering means. can be easily done.

The cross displacement mechanism includes a biasing member (for example, the first spring 41, the second spring 42, the third The manual operation part has a spring 43), and the manual operation part accelerates the transportation equipment when the operator is operated in one direction from the neutral position, and the operator is operated in the other direction from the neutral position. Sometimes it may slow down the transportation equipment.

In this case, when the driver operates the manipulator in the upright posture in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane including the tilting direction and releases the finger from the manipulator in this state, the manipulator is neutralized by the biasing force of the biasing member. returned to position. In this state, no acceleration or deceleration is performed for the transportation equipment. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the operability of the operator is improved.

The manual operation unit may increase the acceleration or deceleration of the transportation equipment according to an increase in the amount of operation of the operator from the neutral position.

In this case, the acceleration and deceleration can be adjusted according to the amount of operation of the manipulator from the neutral position. Therefore, when this configuration is employed, it is possible to easily adjust the acceleration and deceleration of the transportation equipment.

The posture varying mechanism has a first tilted posture in which the operation surface faces toward the grip portion, and a second tilt posture in which the operation surface faces away from the grip portion. The manipulator turns on the automatic control by the automatic control switching unit when in the first tilted posture, and tilts from the neutral position to the other when in the standing posture. It may be possible to operate in the second tilted posture in a state of being operated to the maximum in the direction.

In this case, when the manipulator is operated to the second tilted posture while the manipulator is operated to the maximum in the other direction from the neutral position, the second tilted posture of the manipulator is held by the tilt holding mechanism. . Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the transportation equipment can be maintained in the braking state by operating the manipulator.

The operating surface of the manipulator consists of a finger rest surface on which a driver's finger can be placed. Support pins 38, 39, first, second, and third springs 41, 42, 43), and the finger rest tilting mechanism has an operation amount from a neutral position in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the tilting direction. , the inclination angle of the operation surface may be changed so that the end portion in the operation direction rises.

In this case, when the driver operates the operating element in one direction from the neutral position with a finger, the inclination angle of the operating surface changes so that the end in one direction rises according to the amount of operation. Further, when the driver operates the operation element in the other direction from the neutral position with the finger, the inclination angle of the operation surface changes so that the end portion in the other direction rises according to the amount of operation. Therefore, the driver can easily operate the manipulator by a push-up operation of extending the tip of the finger and a push-down operation of compressing the finger with the knuckle. In this finger operation, since the force can be efficiently transmitted from the finger in the operation direction, the fingerprint of the finger is less likely to be crushed by excessive force. As a result, the skin sensitivity of the fingers is kept good, and the feeling of operating the manipulators with the fingers of the driver is improved.

A switch for transportation equipment according to another invention of the present application is arranged near a grip portion (for example, a rim portion 5 in the embodiment) of a steering means (for example, a steering wheel 3 in the embodiment) of the transportation equipment, and a control device (For example, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 of the embodiment) is a switch of the transportation equipment that can switch on and off the automatic control of the transportation equipment, and is an operation surface ( For example, an operator (for example, the operator 28 of the embodiment) having a finger rest surface 31 of the embodiment, a standing posture in which the operator is erected so that the operation surface faces the driver's seat, and the operation A posture variable mechanism (for example, the support shaft 26 of the embodiment, holders 33, 40, holding piece 32, link member 37), an inclined holding mechanism (for example, the latch mechanism 30 of the embodiment) that holds the manipulator in the inclined posture until a release operation is performed by an external force, and the operation an automatic control switching unit (for example, the latch position detection sensor 50 of the embodiment) that turns on the automatic control when the child is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the operator is in the standing posture; and further comprising a hold release device (for example, the rotation actuator 27 of the embodiment) that releases hold of the tilted posture of the manipulator, wherein the hold release device is adapted to brake the transport equipment while the automatic control is on. It is characterized in that when the device is stepped on, the manipulator is released from being held in a tilted posture.

In this case, when the manipulator is held in the first tilted posture by the tilt holding mechanism and the transport equipment is automatically controlled, when the driver depresses the braking device, the hold release device causes the manipulator to tilt. Release the hold of the posture. As a result, the manipulator returns to the standing posture, and the automatic control of the transportation equipment is released. As a result, it becomes possible for the driver to quickly perform the manual operation of the transportation equipment.

A switch for transportation equipment according to still another invention of the present application is arranged in the vicinity of a grip portion (for example, the rim portion 5 of the embodiment) of a steering means (for example, the steering wheel 3 of the embodiment) of the transportation equipment, and controls the switch. A switch for a transportation device capable of switching on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a device (for example, the constant-speed travel control device 11 of the embodiment), the operation surface being operable by the driver holding the steering means. an operator (for example, the operator 28 of the embodiment) having (for example, the finger rest surface 31 of the embodiment); A posture variable mechanism (for example, the support shaft 26 , holders 33 and 40, holding piece 32, link member 37), an inclined holding mechanism (for example, the latch mechanism 30 of the embodiment) that holds the manipulator in the inclined posture until a release operation is performed by an external force, and the an automatic control switching unit (for example, the latch position detection sensor 50 of the embodiment) that turns on the automatic control when the operator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the operator is in the standing posture; and further comprising a holding release device for releasing holding of the tilted posture of the manipulator, wherein the holding release device releases the automatic control by depressing the braking device of the transportation equipment while the automatic control is on. The holding of the tilted attitude of the manipulator is released when it is released and the transport equipment decelerates below a certain speed.

In this case, when the operator is held in the first tilted posture by the tilt holding mechanism and the transport equipment is under automatic control, the automatic control is canceled by the driver's stepping operation of the braking device, and then the transport equipment is restarted. When the speed is decelerated below a certain speed, the holding release device releases the holding of the manipulator in the tilted posture. As a result, the manipulator returns to the standing posture, and the automatic control of the transportation equipment is released. As a result, it becomes possible for the driver to quickly perform the manual operation of the transportation equipment.

A switch for transportation equipment according to still another invention of the present application is arranged in the vicinity of a grip portion (for example, the rim portion 5 of the embodiment) of a steering means (for example, the steering wheel 3 of the embodiment) of the transportation equipment, and controls the switch. A switch for a transportation device capable of switching on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a device (for example, the constant-speed travel control device 11 of the embodiment), the operation surface being operable by the driver holding the steering means. an operator (for example, the operator 28 of the embodiment) having (for example, the finger rest surface 31 of the embodiment); A posture variable mechanism (for example, the support shaft 26 , holders 33 and 40, holding piece 32, link member 37), an inclined holding mechanism (for example, the latch mechanism 30 of the embodiment) that holds the manipulator in the inclined posture until a release operation is performed by an external force, and the an automatic control switching unit (for example, the latch position detection sensor 50 of the embodiment) that turns on the automatic control when the operator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the operator is in the standing posture; and further comprising a hold release device for releasing hold of the tilted posture of the operator, wherein the hold release device is operated when the steering angle of the steering means is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle while the automatic control is on. and releasing the holding of the tilted attitude of the manipulator.

In this case, when the operator is held in the first tilted posture by the tilt holding mechanism and the transport equipment is automatically controlled, when the driver steers the steering means beyond a certain angle, the hold releasing device is operated. Release the hold of the child's tilted posture. As a result, the manipulator returns to the standing posture, and the automatic control of the transportation equipment is released. As a result, it becomes possible for the driver to quickly perform the manual operation of the transportation equipment.

A switch for transportation equipment according to still another invention of the present application is arranged in the vicinity of a grip portion (for example, the rim portion 5 of the embodiment) of a steering means (for example, the steering wheel 3 of the embodiment) of the transportation equipment, and controls the switch. A switch for a transportation device capable of switching on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a device (for example, the constant-speed travel control device 11 of the embodiment), the operation surface being operable by the driver holding the steering means. an operator (for example, the operator 28 of the embodiment) having (for example, the finger rest surface 31 of the embodiment); A posture variable mechanism (for example, the support shaft 26 , holders 33 and 40, holding piece 32, link member 37), an inclined holding mechanism (for example, the latch mechanism 30 of the embodiment) that holds the manipulator in the inclined posture until a release operation is performed by an external force, and the an automatic control switching unit (for example, the latch position detection sensor 50 of the embodiment) that turns on the automatic control when the operator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the operator is in the standing posture; and further comprising a vibration imparting device that imparts vibration to the operator according to the operating position of the operator.

In this case, the vibration imparting device imparts vibrations to the manipulator according to the operating position of the manipulator, so that the driver can better grasp the operating position and operating state of the manipulator by the vibration transmitted to the thumb. can. As a result, the feeling of manipulating the manipulator with the driver's finger is improved.

In the present invention, the manipulator can be tilted between a standing posture and a tilted posture, and when the manipulator is operated to the tilted posture and switched to automatic control, the posture of the manipulator is maintained by the tilt holding mechanism. retained. Therefore, whether or not the transportation equipment is in the automatic control state can be easily grasped by the angle and feel of the finger placed on the operating surface of the operator. Therefore, when the present invention is adopted, the driver can easily grasp whether or not the transportation equipment is in the automatic control state without taking his or her line of sight from the front.

1 is a front view of a steering device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle control system including a steering switch according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the steering switch of the first embodiment with some parts removed; FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the steering switch of the first embodiment with some parts removed; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view enlarging a part of FIG. 5; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view for explaining the operation of the steering switch according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic side view for explaining the operation of the steering switch according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining operation of a steering switch according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic top view for explaining the operation of the steering switch according to the first embodiment; 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. 10; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view for explaining the operation of the steering switch according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12; FIG. 4 is a schematic top view for explaining the operation of the steering switch according to the first embodiment; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line XV-XV of FIG. 14; FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the steering switch of the second embodiment with some parts removed; FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the steering switch of the second embodiment with some parts removed; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17; FIG. 11 is a schematic top view for explaining the operation of the steering switch of the second embodiment; FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line XX-XX of FIG. 19; FIG. 11 is a schematic top view for explaining the operation of the steering switch of the second embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, a switch is arranged on a steering means (steering wheel 3) of a vehicle, which is one form of transportation equipment. In each embodiment, the steering switches 10 and 110 constitute the switches of the transportation equipment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle steering device 1 employing a steering switch 10 (110) of the embodiment.
The steering device 1 includes a steering wheel 3 as steering means connected to a steering shaft 2 . In this embodiment, the steering wheel 3 constitutes steering means. The steering wheel 3 includes a boss portion 4 connected to the steering shaft 2 , a rim portion 5 gripped by the driver, and spoke portions 6 connecting the boss portion 4 and the rim portion 5 . In this embodiment, the steering switch 10 (110) according to the embodiment is installed on the spoke portion 6 positioned on the right side as viewed from the driver's seat when the steering is in the neutral position. The steering switch 10 (110) is arranged on the surface of the spoke portion 6 facing the driver's seat, and can be operated with the thumb of the right hand while the driver is holding the rim portion 5. As shown in FIG.
The steering switch 10 (110) may be arranged on the spoke portion 6 located on the left side as viewed from the driver's seat when the steering is in the neutral position.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system for a vehicle running system including the steering switch 10. As shown in FIG.
The vehicle of this embodiment includes a constant-speed travel control device 11 (control device) that automatically travels the vehicle at a set speed. In addition, the vehicle has a manual operation control that controls a driving system device 14 such as an engine, a motor, and a transmission, and a braking device 15 such as a hydraulic brake, according to the operation of the accelerator pedal 12 and the brake pedal 13 by the driver. A device 16 is provided. The accelerator pedal 12 and the brake pedal 13 are provided with displacement detection sensors 17 and 18 for detecting the amount of operation of each pedal. Detection signals from the displacement detection sensors 17 and 18 are input to the manual operation control device 16 . The manual operation control device 16 controls the driving system device 14 and the braking device 15 based on detection signals from the displacement detection sensors 17 and 18 .

The steering switch 10 of the present embodiment is used to switch on/off the constant speed control by the constant speed control device 11, to set the constant speed, and to operate the driving system 14 through the manual operation control device 16. and manual operation of the braking device 15 can be performed.

A pedal switch 19 for detecting that the brake pedal 13 has been operated, a vehicle speed sensor 20 for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle are provided on the input side of the constant speed traveling control device 11 . 21 and are connected.
The constant-speed traveling control device 11 cancels the constant-speed traveling control when the following conditions are satisfied while the constant-speed traveling control is being performed.
(1) When a depression signal for the brake pedal 13 is input from the pedal switch 19;
(2) when the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 21 is greater than or equal to the set angle;
The constant-speed running control device 11 turns on the constant-speed running control when the steering switch 10 is operated when the speed signal of the vehicle input from the vehicle speed sensor 20 is equal to or lower than the set speed. Prohibit operation.

On the output side of the constant speed running control device 11 are a constant speed running lamp 22 (see FIG. 1) provided on the steering wheel 3, a set speed display section 23 provided on the instrument panel, and an accelerator pedal 12 counterclockwise. A reaction force release device 24 for canceling the reaction force of the force spring 12a is connected.

The constant speed running control device 11 turns on the constant speed running lamp 22 on the steering wheel 3 when the constant speed running control is turned on, and turns off the constant speed running lamp 22 when the constant speed running control is turned off. Note that the constant speed running lamp 22 may also be configured to serve as an inter-vehicle distance indicator when the vehicle automatically runs following the preceding vehicle.
The constant-speed running control device 11 displays the currently set speed on the set-speed display section 23 on the instrument panel while the constant-speed running control is being performed.
The constant-speed travel control device 11 disables the reaction force of the reaction force spring 12a of the accelerator pedal 12 by the reaction force canceling device 24 when the constant-speed travel control is performed, thereby causing the accelerator pedal 12 to be firmly depressed. to Accordingly, the driver can also recognize from the state of the accelerator pedal 12 that the vehicle is under constant speed control.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the steering switch 10 with some parts removed, and FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the steering switch 10 with some parts removed. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3. FIG.
The steering switch 10 includes a rectangular casing 25 elongated in one direction, a support shaft 26 disposed inside the casing 25 substantially along the longitudinal direction of the casing 25, and the support shaft 26 arranged within a set angle range. and a manipulator 28 supported by a support shaft 26 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction in a state where relative rotation is restricted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 25 has an opening 29 formed on one surface along the longitudinal direction, and a part of the operator 28 protrudes outward through the opening 29 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the casing 25 has an opening 29 at a position close to the rim portion 5 (holding portion) of the spoke portion 6 of the steering wheel 3 . It is arranged so as to cross diagonally with the output direction.
In addition, in FIG. 3, the side wall of the casing 25 is removed so that the internal mechanism can be understood. Also, in FIG. 4, the front wall having the opening 29 of the casing 25 and the operator 28 are partially removed so that the internal mechanism can be understood.

The rotary actuator 27 is attached to one longitudinal end of the casing 25 . The rotary actuator 27 is composed of, for example, a rotary solenoid, a motor, or the like. A latch mechanism 30 (tilt holding mechanism) is attached to the other end of the casing 25 in the longitudinal direction to hold the rotation angle of the support shaft 26 (the tilting position of the manipulator 28) at a set angle. The latch mechanism 30 can hold the rotation angle of the support shaft 26 at the set angle until the releasing operation is performed by an external force. Note that the release operation by an external force includes a turning operation by a person through the manipulator 28 and a turning operation by the turning actuator 27 .

The support shaft 26 is supported by the rotary actuator 27 and the latch mechanism 30 at both ends in the axial direction, thereby being rotatably held by the casing 25 . In this embodiment, the rotary actuator 27 constitutes a holding release device for releasing holding of the tilted posture of the operation element 28, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 30 is received separately from the rotation actuator 27, and the latch mechanism constitutes the tilt holding mechanism. . In this case, a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation shaft of the rotation actuator 27 is provided, and the detection signal of the rotation angle sensor is output to the constant speed travel control device 11 . When a signal indicating that the operating element 28 is in a predetermined inclined posture is input from the rotation sensor, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 maintains the rotation angle of the support shaft 26 at the set angle (operating element 28 control the rotary actuator 27 so as to hold the tilted posture of .

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the support shaft 26 extends is referred to as the front-rear direction, the side of the front-rear direction on which the latch mechanism 30 is arranged is the "front", and the side on which the rotary actuator 27 is arranged is the "rear". call. Of the directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the side facing the driver's seat is called "up", the opposite side is called "down", and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the vertical direction is called the left-right direction. Further, of the left and right directions, the side facing the driver's seat to the left is called "left", and the opposite side is called "right".
The operator 28 has a substantially rectangular base block 28a when viewed from above, and a concavely curved finger rest surface 31 (operation surface) is formed on the upper surface side of the base block 28a. The finger rest surface 31 is a portion that receives the ventral surface of the thumb T of the driver, and is formed in a shape that three-dimensionally wraps the ventral surface of the thumb T of the driver placed thereon. Further, the concave shape of the finger rest surface 31 is opened rearward so that the thumb T can be easily inserted from the rear side.

The front end side of the base block 28a is rotatably supported by the upper ends of the pair of holding pieces 32 via support pins 36 . The support pin 36 extends in the left-right direction. The pair of holding pieces 32 are arranged with the support shaft 26 interposed therebetween so as to be spaced apart from each other. A rectangular tubular holder 33 is fixed to the lower ends of the pair of holding pieces 32 . The holder 33 is held by the support shaft 26 so as to be axially movable while being restricted from relative rotation.

FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view enlarging the engaging portion between the holder 33 and the support shaft 26 in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a plurality of holding grooves 34 are formed in the outer surface of the support shaft 26 along the axial direction. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the holder 33 holds a plurality of balls 35 that are rotatably engaged with the holding grooves 34 . The ball 35 held inside the holder 33 is restrained by the holding groove 34 , thereby restricting relative rotation with respect to the support shaft 26 . 26 can be moved axially.

An upper end portion of a link member 37 is rotatably connected via a support pin 38 to the rear end portion side of the base block 28a. A holder 40 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the link member 37 via a support pin 39 . The holder 40 has the same configuration as the holder 33 described above, and is held by the support shaft 26 so as to be axially movable while its relative rotation is restricted. Upper and lower support pins 38 and 39 of the link member 37 extend in the left-right direction. The manipulator 28 (base block 28a) is held by the support shaft 26 through the holding piece 32, the link member 37, and the front and rear holders 33 and 40 so as to be axially movable while being restricted from relative rotation. there is

In this embodiment, the support shaft 26 rotatably held by the casing 25, the holders 33 and 40, the holding piece 32, and the link member 37 form a posture variable mechanism that enables the tilting posture of the manipulator 28 to be manipulated. Configure. With this attitude variable mechanism, the operating element 28 can be set in an upright posture (see FIG. 5) in which the finger rest surface 31 faces the driver's seat, or in a side where the finger rest surface 31 is close to the grip portion (rim portion 5) of the steering wheel 3. A first tilted posture (see FIGS. 11 and 13), and a second tilted posture (see FIG. 15) in which the finger rest surface 31 faces away from the grip portion (rim portion 5) of the steering wheel 3. and can be tilted between.

A latch mechanism 30 that holds the rotation angle of the support shaft 26 at a set angle holds the rotation angle of the support shaft 26 when the operator 28 is in the first tilted posture and in the second tilted posture. (The tilted state of the manipulator 28 is maintained).
Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state in which the operator 28 is angularly held by the latch mechanism 30 in the first tilted posture will be referred to as the right latched state, and the operator 28 in the second tilted posture by the latch mechanism 30 will be called the right latched state. The held state is called a left latch state.

A first spring 41 is interposed between the front wall 25f of the casing 25 and the front holder 33, and a second spring 42 is interposed between the rear wall 25r of the casing 25 and the rear holder 40. . Further, the front holder 33 and the rear holder 40 are connected by a third spring 43 . All of the first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43 are coil springs. In the case of this embodiment, the first, second, and third springs 41, 42, and 43 attach the manipulator 28 to a neutral position with respect to the front-rear direction (the direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the tilting direction of the manipulator 28). It constitutes a biasing member that biases.
As shown in FIG. 3, the link member 37 that supports the rear end of the manipulator 28 is inclined forward at an upper portion thereof at a predetermined angle when the manipulator 28 is in a neutral position in the front-rear direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal behavior of the steering switch 10 when the manipulator 28 in the upright posture is displaced forward from the neutral position.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the operator displaces the manipulator 28 in the standing posture forward from the neutral position (see FIG. 3) with the thumb T, the first spring 41 on the front side is compressed according to the displacement of the manipulator 28. At the same time, the second spring 42 on the rear side is stretched and deformed. At this time, a reaction force according to the displacement of the operator 28 acts from the first spring 41 on the thumb T of the driver operating the operator 28 forward. Further, at this time, the frontward inclination angle of the link member 37 gradually increases (the link member 37 is gradually angularly displaced in the horizontal direction) due to the forward pushing operation of the operator 28 with the thumb T of the driver. The rear part of the finger rest surface 31 of the is inclined downward. As a result, the driver can move the manipulator 28 by curving up the fingertips in conformity with the natural movements of the joints and muscles of the thumb T, while placing the abdomen of the thumb T on the finger placement surface 31. can.
When the forward inclination angle of the link member 37 is increased by operating the manipulator 28 with the thumb T, the third spring 43 connected to the front and rear holders 33 and 40 is deformed in the extension direction, and accordingly the contraction direction is reversed. power increases. Therefore, when the operation load applied to the operation element 28 by the thumb T is released, the operation element 28 receives the reaction force of the first spring 41 and is returned to the neutral position, while the reaction force of the third spring 43 is applied. The backward leaning posture is returned to the initial posture by receiving force.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the internal behavior of the steering switch 10 when the manipulator 28 in the upright posture is displaced rearward from the neutral position.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the manipulator 28 in the standing posture is displaced rearward from the neutral position, the second spring 42 on the rear side is compressed in accordance with the displacement of the manipulator 28, and the first spring 41 on the front side is compressed. stretches and deforms. At this time, a reaction force according to the displacement of the manipulator 28 acts from the second spring 42 on the thumb T of the driver who manipulates the manipulator 28 backward. Further, at this time, the forward tilt angle of the link member 37 is gradually decreased (the link member 37 is gradually angularly displaced in the vertical direction) by the operation of pulling up the operation element 28 rearward by the driver's thumb T, and accordingly the operation element The rear portion of the finger rest surface 31 of 28 is inclined upward. As a result, the driver can move the manipulator 28 by pulling the fingertip forward in conformity with the natural movements of the joints and muscles of the thumb T, while the abdomen of the thumb T is placed on the finger placement surface 31. can be done.
When the forward tilt angle of the link member 37 is decreased by operating the manipulator 28 with the thumb T, the third spring 43 is deformed in the direction of contraction, and the reaction force in the direction of extension increases accordingly. Therefore, when the operation load applied to the manipulator 28 by the thumb T is released, the manipulator 28 receives the reaction force of the second spring 42 and is returned to the neutral position. The forward leaning posture is returned to the initial posture by receiving force.

In this embodiment, the holding piece 32, the support pin 36, the link member 37, the support pins 38, 39, the first, second, third springs 41, 42, 43, etc. constitute the finger rest tilting mechanism. The finger rest tilting mechanism changes the tilt angle of the finger rest surface 31 so that the end portion in the operation direction rises in accordance with the amount of forward and backward operation of the manipulator 28 from the neutral position.

In this embodiment, the support shaft 26, the holders 33, 40, the first, second, and third springs 41, 42, 43, etc. are used to displace the manipulator 28 in the front-rear direction (the plane including the tilting direction of the manipulator 28). It constitutes a cross-displacement mechanism that enables displacement in directions substantially perpendicular to each other. As shown in FIG. 9, the manipulator 28 can be tilted left and right about the support shaft 26 and can also be displaced in the front-rear direction.

9A to 9I show states of the steering switch 10 when the operator 28 is operated in various directions.
FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which the manipulator 28 is in the standing posture and in the neutral position. FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which the manipulator 28 in the standing posture is operated forward, and FIG. 9(c) shows a state in which the manipulator 28 in the standing posture is operated rearward.
FIG. 9(f) shows a state when the manipulator 28 is operated in the neutral position so as to assume the first tilted posture. 9(g) shows a state in which the manipulator 28 is slightly moved forward from the state in FIG. 9(f), and FIG. 9(h) shows a state in which the manipulator 28 is moved downward from the state in FIG. It shows the state of micro-manipulation.
9(d) shows a state in which the operating element 28 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 9(c) so as to assume the second inclined posture, and FIG. 9(e) shows the state shown in FIG. 9(a). 1 shows a state when the operator 28 is operated from 1 to 1 so as to assume the first inclined posture. FIG. 9(i) shows a state when the operator 28 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 9(c) so as to assume the first tilted posture.
The functions obtained in each state will be detailed later.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, rectangular parallelepiped side wall blocks 44L and 44R longer than the holding pieces 32 in the front-rear direction are provided at the lower ends of the left and right holding pieces 32 on the outside in the left-right direction. installed. A pair of front and rear switch holding blocks 46 and 47 are attached to the right side wall of the casing 25 . Between the switch holding block 46 on the front side and the switch holding block 47 on the rear side, a tilting allowable space 55 having a front-to-rear width larger than the length of the side wall block 44R in the front-to-rear direction is secured. The right side wall block 44R is placed in the tilting allowable space 55 in an inserted state when the operator 28 is in the neutral position in the front-rear direction and the operator 28 is in the first tilted posture (Fig. 10, see FIG. 11).
10 is a top view similar to FIG. 4 when the manipulator 28 is in the neutral position and in the first tilted posture, and FIG. 11 is a top view similar to FIG. 5 in the same state as FIG. is a cross-sectional view of.

An acceleration setting switch 52 is attached to the rear surface of the switch holding block 46 on the front side, and a deceleration setting switch 53 is attached to the front surface of the switch holding block 47 on the rear side. The acceleration setting switch 52 and the deceleration setting switch 53 are connected to the input section of the constant speed running control device 11 shown in FIG. Both the acceleration setting switch 52 and the deceleration setting switch 53 are constituted by tact switches. The acceleration setting switch 52 and the deceleration setting switch 53 are operated forward or backward when the operator 28 is in the right latched state and the right side wall block 44 is inside the tilting allowable space 55 . is turned on by

When the speed increase setting switch 52 is touched by the side wall block 44R for a short period of time, it outputs a signal to the constant speed control device 11 to increase the constant speed by 1 km/h, for example, and the side wall block 44R is activated. When the contact operation is continued for a set time or longer by , for example, a signal to increase the constant traveling speed by 10 km/h is output to the constant traveling control device 11 . Similarly, when the deceleration setting switch 53 is touched by the side wall block 44R for a short period of time, for example, it outputs a signal to decelerate the constant running speed in increments of 1 km/h to the constant speed running control device 11, and the side wall block When the contact operation is continued by 44R for a set time or longer, for example, a signal to decelerate the constant traveling speed by 10 km/h is outputted to the constant traveling control device 11 . The constant traveling speed set by the acceleration setting switch 52 or the deceleration setting switch 53 is used by the constant speed traveling control device 11 as the current target traveling speed, and is used as an initial value when the constant speed traveling control device 11 is started next time. is stored in the memory 54 (see FIG. 2).

A lower end portion of the front switch holding block 46 is rotatably supported by the casing 25 by a pivot shaft 48 extending in the front-rear direction. The rotation range of the switch holding block 46 about the pivot shaft 48 includes a reference position (see FIG. 5) in which the inner surface facing the support shaft 26 stands up, and a release position (see FIG. 5) in which the inner surface inclines rightward and outward at a predetermined angle. See FIG. 13). The front switch holding block 46 is urged toward the reference position by a spring (not shown).

Similarly to the switch holding block 46 on the front side, the lower end portion of the rear switch holding block 47 is also rotatably supported by the casing 25 by a pivot extending in the front-rear direction. The range of rotation of the rear switch holding block 47 is also between the reference position where the inner surface facing the support shaft 26 stands up and the release position where the inner surface is inclined to the right outside by a predetermined angle. . The rear switch holding block 47 is also biased toward the reference position by a spring (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the latch mechanism 30 attached to the casing 25 is provided with a latch position detection sensor 50 (automatic control switching section) for detecting the latch position of the support shaft 26 . In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 30 is configured to latch the support shaft 26 when the manipulator 28 is in the first tilted posture and the second tilted posture. The latch position detection sensor 50 outputs a detection signal to the input portion of the constant speed travel control device 11 when the latch mechanism 30 is latching the support shaft 26 in the right latch state. When a signal indicating the right latch state is input from the latch position detection sensor 50, the constant speed travel control device 11 turns on the constant speed travel control of the vehicle and receives a signal indicating the right latch state. is lost (when the right latch state is released), the constant speed running control of the vehicle is turned off.
When the latch mechanism is constituted by the rotary actuator 27 , a signal indicating the right latch state is input to the constant-speed travel control device 11 from a rotation angle sensor provided in the rotary actuator 27 . In this case, when a signal indicating the right latch state is input from the rotation angle sensor, the constant speed travel control device 11 turns on the constant speed travel control of the vehicle and outputs the signal indicating the right latch state. When the input disappears, the constant speed control of the vehicle is turned off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the casing 25 is provided with a position detection sensor 51 for detecting the operation position of the operator 28 in the front-rear direction from the neutral position. The position detection sensor 51 outputs a signal indicating the operation position of the operator 28 from the neutral position to the input section of the manual operation control device 16 . However, the signal output from the position detection sensor 51 to the manual operation control device 16 is performed only when the operator 28 is in the standing posture (when the constant speed travel control is off). When a signal corresponding to the operating position of the operator 28 is input from the position detection sensor 51, the manual operation control device 16 outputs a control command to the drive system device 14 and the braking device 15 according to the signal. Specifically, when the operator 28 is operated forward from the neutral position, the manual operation control device 16 outputs a control signal corresponding to the amount of operation to the drive system device 14 to accelerate the vehicle. Further, when the operator 28 is operated rearward from the neutral position, the manual operation control device 16 outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation amount to the braking device 15 to decelerate the vehicle.
However, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 12 or the brake pedal 13 , these pedal operations have priority over the acceleration and deceleration operations by the manipulator 28 .

FIG. 12 is the same as FIG. 4 when the operating element 28 in the standing posture is operated to increase speed (operated to be pushed forward) by the driver, and from that state the operating member 28 is tilted in the direction of the first tilted posture. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 in the same state as FIG. 12. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the operator 28 in the standing posture is operated to increase the speed by the driver, and the operator 28 is tilted in the direction of the first tilting posture (right direction) from that state, the right side is tilted. The side wall block 44R comes into contact with the inner surface of the switch holding block 46 on the front side and tilts in the right outward direction together with the switch holding block 46. As shown in FIG. At this time, the switch holding block 46 rotates toward the release position against the urging force of the spring (not shown). Also, at this time, when the operator 28 is tilted by a predetermined angle in the direction of the first tilted posture (to the right), the latch mechanism 30 latches the operator 28 so as to maintain the first tilted posture. When the operating force of the operating element 28 pushed in the acceleration direction is released from this state, the operating element 28 receives the urging forces of the first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43 and is neutralized. The switch holding block 46 on the front side is returned to the reference position by the urging force of a spring (not shown). At this time, since the operator 28 is held in the right latched state by the latch mechanism 30, the right side wall block 44R returned to the neutral position together with the operator 28 is positioned between the front and rear switch holding blocks 46, 47. It is positioned in the tilting permissible space 55 . Therefore, when the operator 28 is operated forward or backward from this state, it becomes possible to operate the speed up setting switch 52 and the speed down setting switch 53 by the right side wall block 44R.

Further, when the driver decelerates the operating element 28 in the standing posture and tilts the operating member 28 in the direction of the first tilting posture (toward the right) from that state, the right side wall block 44R becomes the switch on the rear side. It abuts on the inner surface of the holding block 47 and tilts rightward and outward together with the switch holding block 47 . At this time, the switch holding block 46 rotates toward the release position against the urging force of the spring (not shown), and the operator 28 is latched in the first tilted posture. When the operating force in the deceleration direction of the manipulator 28 is released from this state, the manipulator 28 receives the urging forces of the first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43 and is returned toward the neutral position. The rear switch holding block 47 is returned to the reference position by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). At this time, the operator 28 is returned to the neutral position together with the operator 28, and the right side wall block 44R is positioned in the tilting allowable space 55 between the front and rear switch holding blocks 46 and 47. As shown in FIG. When the operator 28 is operated forward or backward from this state, it becomes possible to operate the acceleration setting switch 52 and the deceleration setting switch 53 by the right side wall block 44R.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a tilt restriction block 49 is fixed to the left side wall of the casing 25 to restrict operation of the operator 28 in the second tilt posture direction (left latch direction). . When the tilt regulating block 49 is tilted in the direction of the second tilt posture while the manipulator 28 is at a position other than the rear end position, the side wall block 44L on the side of the manipulator 28 moves toward the inner surface of the tilt regulating block 49. , thereby restricting the tilting of the manipulator 28 in the direction of the second tilt posture.

FIG. 14 is a diagram when the operating element 28 in the standing posture is operated to decelerate to the maximum by the driver (is pushed down to the rear end position), and the operating member 28 is tilted in the direction of the second tilted posture from that state. 4, and FIG. 15 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 in the same state as FIG.
When the manipulator 28 in the standing posture is operated to the rearmost position, tilting of the manipulator 28 is not regulated by the tilt regulation block 49, so that the driver can move the manipulator 28 to the second tilt at the rearward end position. Rotational operation can be performed in the attitude direction. At this time, when the manipulator 28 is rotated in the direction of the second tilted posture at the rear end position, the tilting of the manipulator 28 is latched (rotationally restricted) by the latch mechanism 30 in that state. Further, when the operating element 28 is rotated in the standing posture direction by the driver's thumb T from this state, the operating element 28 receives the urging forces of the first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43. to the initial position (neutral position).
It should be noted that when the operating element 28 is operated to the rear end position, large vehicle braking is performed by the braking device 15 through the manual operation control device 16 . Therefore, if the operator 28 is maintained in the left latched state while the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle can be maintained in the stopped state.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the operation of the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment and the operation of the control system for the traveling system of the vehicle associated with the operation thereof will be described.
The steering switch 10 is initially in the state shown in FIG. 9(b). At this time, the manipulator 28 is in a standing posture and is in a neutral position in the front-rear direction.

From this initial state, when the driver's thumb T is pushed forward as shown in FIG. be speeded up.
Further, when the driver's thumb T is pushed backward from the initial state as shown in FIG. is slowed down.

Further, when the driver's thumb T is operated from the initial state to the right latch state as shown in FIG. . As a result, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 is turned on.

When the constant-speed traveling control device 11 is turned on, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 reads the constant traveling speed at the previous operation recorded in the memory 54, and sets the set traveling speed on the instrument panel. The constant speed running lamp 22 on the steering wheel 3 is turned on while the speed display unit 23 displays it, and the reaction force of the reaction force spring 12a of the accelerator pedal 12 is canceled by the reaction force cancellation device 24.例文帳に追加
When the vehicle is caused to travel at the same constant travel speed as the previous operation, the constant travel control device 11 continues the vehicle travel without changing the constant travel speed using the operator 28 .

From the state of FIG. 9(f), when the driver's thumb T is pushed forward as shown in FIG. A signal is output to increase the constant running speed. Similarly, when the driver's thumb T is pushed backward from the state shown in FIG. 9(f) as shown in FIG. A signal is output to the device 11 to reduce the constant running speed. At this time, the increase/decrease width of the signal output from the acceleration setting switch 52 or the deceleration setting switch 53 to the constant speed running control device 11 can be changed by operating the operator 28 for a short period of time or pressing and holding it for a long period of time as described above. change depending on

Further, when the vehicle is accelerated by the operator 28 as shown in FIG. 9(a) and is operated by the driver's thumb T to the right latched state as shown in FIG. 9(e), The latch position detection sensor 50 outputs this fact to the constant speed travel control device 11 . As a result, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 is turned on in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, when the driver releases the operating force of the thumb T, the manipulator 28 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 9(f). In this state, the constant running speed can be changed in the same manner as described above.

As shown in FIG. 9(c), when the vehicle is decelerated by the operator 28 and the driver's thumb T is operated to the right latched state as shown in FIG. 9(i), the latch position is detected. The sensor 50 outputs this fact to the constant speed travel control device 11 . As a result, the constant-speed traveling control device 11 is turned on. Thereafter, when the driver's thumb T releases the operating force, the operator 28 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 9(f), enabling the constant running speed to be changed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9(c), when the operator manipulates the operating element 28 to the maximum deceleration direction with the thumb T as shown in FIG. , the operator 28 is latched by the latch mechanism 30 when the vehicle is stopped. Also, at this time, the latch position detection sensor 50 outputs this fact to the constant speed travel control device 11 . When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 12 from this state, an alarm device (not shown) is activated.
When returning the manipulator 28 from the left latched state shown in FIG. 9(d) to the initial state, the driver places the thumb T on the finger placement surface 31 to return the manipulator 28 to the standing posture.

As described above, in the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment, the operating member 28 can be tilted between the standing posture and the tilted posture, and when the operating member 28 is operated to the first tilted posture, automatic control (constant When the control is switched to the high-speed running control), the posture of the operator 28 is held by the latch mechanism 30, which is an inclination holding mechanism. Therefore, the driver who puts the thumb T on the finger resting surface 31 of the operating element 28 of the steering switch 10 can feel the vehicle's constant speed running control device 11 depending on the angle and feel of the thumb T put on the finger resting surface 31 . It is possible to easily grasp whether or not it is in the control state by Therefore, when the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment is employed, the driver can easily grasp whether or not the vehicle is under control by the constant-speed travel control device 11 without looking away from the front. can be done.

Further, the steering switch 10 of this embodiment has a cross displacement mechanism that displaces the operator 28 in the front-rear direction by means of the support shaft 26, the holders 33 and 40, the first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43, and the like. An acceleration setting switch 52 and a deceleration setting switch 53 are provided, which can be operated to set the constant travel speed in accordance with the operation when the operating element 28 is operated back and forth in the first inclined posture. . For this reason, in the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment, when the driver operates the operator 28 in the front-rear direction with the thumb T in a state in which the operator 28 is tilted to the first tilted posture, the constant speed is maintained. Speed setting for travel control can be easily performed.

Further, the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment outputs a signal corresponding to the operation position to the constant-speed travel control device 11 when the operator 28 is operated in the longitudinal direction from the neutral position in the standing posture. A position detection sensor 51 (manual operation unit) is provided. Therefore, when the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment is employed, the driver can easily operate the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle while gripping the rim portion 5 of the steering wheel 3 . Also in this case, the driver can easily grasp that the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle is in the manual operation state from the angle and feel of the finger rest surface 31 on which the thumb T is placed.

In particular, the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment is operated through the position detection sensor 51 (manual operation unit) to control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle according to the operation amount of the operator 28 . Therefore, the driver can easily perform acceleration and deceleration operations of the vehicle while gripping the steering wheel 3 by operating the operator 28 in the front-rear direction when the operator 28 is in the standing posture. .

Further, the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment has first, second and third springs 41, 42 and 43 that bias the operator 28 to the neutral position. A position detection sensor 51, which is a manual operation unit, outputs a signal for accelerating the vehicle to the manual operation control device 16 when the operator 28 is operated forward from the neutral position. A signal for decelerating the vehicle is output to the manual operation control device 16 when the switch is operated. For this reason, when the driver operates the manipulator 28 in the upright posture in the front-rear direction and removes the thumb T from the finger rest surface 31 in this state, the manipulator 28 is pushed forward by the first, second and third springs 41 and 42 . , 43 return to the neutral position, and the vehicle is no longer accelerated or decelerated. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the operability of the manipulator 28 is improved.

Further, in the case of the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment, the operator 28 can be tilted from the standing posture to the first tilting posture and the second tilting posture. The steering switch 10 can be operated to the second tilted posture when the operator 28 is operated from the neutral position to the maximum deceleration position. Therefore, when the manipulator 28 is operated from the neutral position to the maximum deceleration position and is operated to the second tilted posture, the latch mechanism 30 is operated while the manipulator 28 remains in the second tilted posture. can be held by Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the vehicle can be maintained in the braking state by operating the operator 28 .

Further, the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a rotary actuator 27 for releasing the latch of the operating element 28 by the latch mechanism 30, and when the brake pedal 13 is depressed while the constant speed running control is on, The rotary actuator 27 is configured to release the latch of the operator 28 . Therefore, when the brake pedal 13 is depressed while the constant speed running control is on, the operator 28 can be returned to the upright posture and the constant speed running control can be turned off. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible for the driver to quickly perform the operation of accelerating and decelerating the vehicle in an emergency.
In this embodiment, when the brake pedal 13 is depressed while the constant speed running control is on, the rotary actuator 27 releases the latch of the operator 28. When the vehicle is decelerated below a certain speed by depressing the brake pedal 13 while the control is on, the rotary actuator 27 may release the latch of the operator 28 . In this case, similarly, the driver can speedily perform the operation of accelerating and decelerating the vehicle in an emergency.

Further, in the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment, the rotary actuator 27 releases the latch of the operator 28 when the constant speed running control is on and the steering angle of the steering wheel 3 is equal to or greater than a certain angle. It is configured. Therefore, when the steering wheel 3 is steered by a certain angle or more while the constant speed running control is on, the operator 28 can be returned to the upright posture and the constant speed running control can be turned off. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible for the driver to quickly perform the operation of accelerating and decelerating the vehicle in an emergency.

In addition, in the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment, the holding piece 32, the support pin 36, the link member 37, the support pins 38, 39, the first, second, third springs 41, 42, 43, etc. operate the finger rest tilting mechanism. is configured. The finger rest tilting mechanism is configured to change the tilt angle of the finger rest surface 31 according to the amount of operation from the neutral position of the manipulator 28 so that the end of the manipulator 28 in the operating direction rises. ing. Therefore, when the driver operates the manipulator 28 forward from the neutral position with the thumb T, the inclination angle of the finger rest surface 31 is such that the front end portion rises (the rear end portion is inclined downward) according to the amount of operation. changes, and conversely, when the manipulator 28 is operated backward from the neutral position with the thumb T, the tilt angle of the finger rest surface 31 is such that the rear end rises (the front end tilts downward) according to the amount of operation. changes. Therefore, when this steering switch 10 is employed, the driver can easily operate the manipulator 28 by pushing up by extending the tip of the thumb T and by pushing down by compressing the thumb T with the knuckle. can.
Further, in this embodiment, when the operator 28 is operated with the thumb T placed on the finger placement surface 31, force can be efficiently transmitted from the thumb T in the operation direction. Therefore, the fingerprint of the thumb T is less likely to be crushed by an excessive force during operation, and the skin sensitivity of the thumb T is maintained well. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the operation feeling with the thumb T of the driver is improved.

Note that the steering switch 10 of the present embodiment may be further provided with a vibration imparting device that imparts vibration to the operator 28 according to the operating position of the operator 28 . For example, when the manipulator 28 in the upright posture is displaced forward or backward, the vibration imparting device applies vibration to the manipulator 28 when the position of the manipulator 28 reaches the vicinity of the front end or the rear end. In this case, the vibration transmitted to the thumb T allows the driver to better grasp the operating position and operating state of the manipulator 28 . Further, in a state in which the operating element 28 is operated in the first tilted posture, when the operating element 28 is operated forward or backward to set the speed, the vibration imparting device imparts vibration to the operating element 28. Also good. In this case, the vibration transmitted to the thumb T enables the driver to grasp well that the speed setting operation has been performed, and the feeling of operation of the operator 28 by the driver can be enhanced.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the steering switch 110 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 21. FIG. The same parts as those of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and descriptions of overlapping parts are partially omitted. In addition, the designations of front and rear, up and down, and left and right of the steering switch 110 are the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of steering switch 110 with some parts removed, and FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of steering switch 110 with some parts removed. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII--XVIII in FIG. 17. FIG.
The steering switch 110 of this embodiment can switch on/off the constant speed control by the constant speed control device and set the constant speed. The steering switch 110 of the present embodiment does not have the function of manually operating the driving system and braking system unlike the first embodiment.

The manipulator 28 has a concavely curved finger rest surface 31 (manipulation surface) formed on the upper surface of the base block 28a. The base block 28a is integrally fixed to upper portions of a pair of holding pieces 132A and 132B spaced apart in the left-right direction. A holder 33 is integrally attached to the lower ends of the holding pieces 132A and 132B. The holder 33 is supported by a support shaft 26 that is rotatably held by the casing 25 so as to be axially displaceable in a state in which relative rotation is restricted. The rear end side of the support shaft 26 is connected to a rotation actuator 27 that is a holding release device, and the front end side of the support shaft 26 is held by a latch mechanism 30 that is an inclination holding mechanism. The manipulator 28 can be tilted between a standing posture and a first tilted posture. A first spring 41 is interposed between the front wall 25 f of the casing 25 and the holder 33 , and a second spring 42 is interposed between the holder 33 and the rear wall 25 r of the casing 25 . The holder 33, the holding pieces 132A and 132B, and the operator 28 are urged to a neutral position in the front-rear direction by a first spring 41 and a second spring 42. As shown in FIG.
Also in the present embodiment, the tilt holding mechanism may be configured by the rotating actuator 27 .

A left side wall of the casing 25 is provided with a lock pin 60 extending in the left-right direction. The lock pin 60 protrudes from a substantially central position in the front-rear direction of the casing 25 . On the other hand, an engagement hole 61 into which the tip of the lock pin 60 can be inserted is formed in the left side surface of the left holding piece 132A. The lock pin 60 is fitted into the engagement hole 61 when the holding pieces 132A and 132B are positioned at the neutral position together with the manipulator 28 and are in the standing posture. The lock pin 60 restricts the longitudinal movement of the holding pieces 132A and 132B and the operator 28 by being fitted into the engaging hole 61 of the holding piece 132A.

A side wall block 44 is integrally attached to the lower right side surface of the right holding piece 132B. The side wall block 44 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape longer in the front-rear direction than the holding pieces 132A and 132B. A pair of front and rear switch holding blocks 46 and 47 are attached to the right side wall of the casing 25 . A tilting allowable space 55 is secured between the switch holding block 46 on the front side and the switch holding block 47 on the rear side. The side wall block 44 is inserted into the tilting permissible space 55 when the operator 28 is in the neutral position and right-latched state. An acceleration setting switch 52 is attached to the rear surface of the switch holding block 46 on the front side, and a deceleration setting switch 53 is attached to the front surface of the switch holding block 47 on the rear side.

19 is a top view similar to FIG. 17 when the operator 28 in the neutral position is in the right latched state, and FIG. 20 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 18 in the same state as FIG. 21 is a top view similar to FIG. 19 when the operator 28 is operated forward from the right latched state.
When the manipulator 28 is tilted in the direction of the first tilted posture shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 by the driver's thumb T from the upright posture shown in FIGS. 61 is disengaged, and the latch mechanism 30 latches the manipulator 28 in the tilted posture. At this time, the constant speed cruise control device is turned on as in the first embodiment. Further, when the driver's thumb T is turned from this state toward the standing posture, the constant-speed travel control device is turned off as in the first embodiment.

19 and 20, when the operating element 28 is operated forward by the driver's thumb T, the side wall block 44 is moved to the front switch holding block 46 as shown in FIG. The speed setting switch 52 is turned on. The speed increase setting switch 52 increases the set travel speed (target travel speed) of the constant speed travel control device, as in the first embodiment. 19 and 20, when the operating element 28 is operated rearward by the driver's thumb T, the side wall block 44 turns on the deceleration setting switch 53 of the switch holding block 47 on the rear side. do. The deceleration setting switch 53 reduces the set travel speed (target travel speed) of the constant speed travel control device, as in the first embodiment.

In the case of the steering switch 110 of this embodiment, although it does not have a vehicle acceleration/deceleration operation function or a finger-mounted tilting mechanism for the operator 28, the operator 28 is held in a tilted posture as in the first embodiment. and a setting operation unit (acceleration setting switch 52 and deceleration setting switch 53) for operating the set running speed by operating the operating element 28 back and forth in an inclined posture. Therefore, the same basic effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the steering switch 10 is configured to switch on/off the constant-speed running control of the vehicle. It is also possible to switch ON/OFF of other automatic control such as follow-up running control.
In addition, in the above embodiment, the switch is installed on the steering wheel 3 of the four-wheeled vehicle, but the switch of this embodiment can also be applied to steering means of other transportation equipment such as two-wheeled vehicles, aircraft, and ships. can be done. Moreover, the steering means to which the switch is attached is not limited to the annular form such as the steering wheel 3 of the above embodiment, and may be of a non-annular form. Furthermore, the steering means may be in the form of a lever.

3 ... Steering wheel (steering means)
5... Rim part (holding part)
10, 110...Steering switch (switch for transportation equipment)
26 ... Support shaft (attitude variable mechanism)
27... Rotating actuator (holding release device)
28... Manipulator 30... Latch mechanism (tilt holding mechanism)
31: finger rest surface (operation surface)
32, 132A, 132B... Holding piece (attitude variable mechanism, finger placing tilt mechanism)
33, 40... Holder (attitude variable mechanism)
36... Support pin (finger placement tilt mechanism)
37... Link member (attitude variable mechanism, finger placement tilt mechanism)
38, 39... Support pins (finger placement tilt mechanism)
41... First spring (biasing member, finger rest tilt mechanism)
42...Second spring (biasing member, finger rest tilt mechanism)
43... Third spring (biasing member, finger rest tilt mechanism)
50 Latch position detection sensor (automatic control switching unit)
51... Position detection sensor (manual operation unit)
52 Speed increase setting switch (setting operation unit)
53 ... Deceleration setting switch (setting operation unit)

Claims (12)

A switch for a transportation device, which is arranged near a grip portion of a steering means of the transportation device and can switch on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device,
an operator having an operation surface that can be operated by a driver holding the steering means;
A standing posture in which the operating element is erected so that the operating surface faces the driver's seat, and an inclined posture in which the operating surface faces the side approaching the grip portion of the steering means or the side away from the grip portion. a posture variable mechanism configured to be tiltable between
a tilt holding mechanism that holds the manipulator in the tilted posture until a release operation is performed by an external force;
an automatic control switching unit that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture;
with
a cross displacement mechanism configured to displace the manipulator in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the tilting direction of the manipulator;
a setting operation unit capable of changing a setting of the automatic control according to the operation when the operator is operated in the tilted posture in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane including the tilting direction;
A switch for transportation equipment , further comprising : 2. The switch for transportation equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the automatic control setting is a speed setting for constant speed travel control. a manual operation unit that enables a driver to manually operate the transportation equipment in response to the operation when the operation member is operated in the standing posture in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane including the tilting direction; 3. A vehicle switch according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a switch. The manual operation is an operation of accelerating and decelerating the transport equipment,
4. The transportation equipment according to claim 3 , wherein the manual operation unit operates acceleration and deceleration of the transportation equipment according to an operation amount in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane including the tilting direction of the manipulator. switch. The cross displacement mechanism has a biasing member that biases the manipulator to a neutral position in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane including the tilting direction,
The manual operation unit accelerates the transportation equipment when the operator is operated in one direction from the neutral position, and decelerates the transportation equipment when the operator is operated in the other direction from the neutral position. 5. The switch for transportation equipment according to claim 4 , characterized in that: 6. The transport equipment switch according to claim 5 , wherein the manual operation unit increases the acceleration or deceleration of the transport equipment according to an increase in the amount of operation of the operator from the neutral position. The posture varying mechanism has a first tilted posture in which the operation surface faces toward the grip portion, and a second tilt posture in which the operation surface faces away from the grip portion. can be tilted,
The manipulator turns on the automatic control by the automatic control switching unit when in the first inclined posture, and is operated maximally in the other direction from the neutral position when in the standing posture. 7. The switch for transportation equipment according to claim 5, wherein the switch is operable to the second tilted posture in the state. The operation surface of the operator comprises a finger rest surface on which a driver's finger can be placed,
The manipulator is supported by a finger rest tilt mechanism,
The finger rest tilt mechanism changes the tilt angle of the operation surface so that the end portion in the operation direction rises according to the amount of operation from a neutral position in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane including the tilt direction. A switch for transportation equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A switch for a transportation device, which is arranged near a grip portion of a steering means of the transportation device and can switch on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device,
an operator having an operation surface that can be operated by a driver holding the steering means;
A standing posture in which the operating element is erected so that the operating surface faces the driver's seat, and an inclined posture in which the operating surface faces the side approaching the grip portion of the steering means or the side away from the grip portion. a posture variable mechanism configured to be tiltable between
a tilt holding mechanism that holds the manipulator in the tilted posture until a release operation is performed by an external force;
an automatic control switching unit that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture;
with
further comprising a holding release device for releasing holding of the tilted posture of the manipulator;
A switch for transportation equipment, wherein the holding release device releases holding of the tilted posture of the operator when a braking device of the transportation equipment is depressed while the automatic control is on. A switch for a transportation device, which is arranged near a grip portion of a steering means of the transportation device and can switch on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device,
an operator having an operation surface that can be operated by a driver holding the steering means;
A standing posture in which the operating element is erected so that the operating surface faces the driver's seat, and an inclined posture in which the operating surface faces the side approaching the grip portion of the steering means or the side away from the grip portion. a posture variable mechanism configured to be tiltable between
a tilt holding mechanism that holds the manipulator in the tilted posture until a release operation is performed by an external force;
an automatic control switching unit that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture;
with
further comprising a holding release device for releasing holding of the tilted posture of the manipulator;
The hold release device is configured to provide a tilted posture of the operator when the automatic control is released by a stepping operation of the brake device of the transportation equipment in the state where the automatic control is on and the transportation equipment decelerates below a predetermined speed. A switch for transportation equipment, characterized in that it releases the holding of the A switch for a transportation device, which is arranged near a grip portion of a steering means of the transportation device and can switch on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device,
an operator having an operation surface that can be operated by a driver holding the steering means;
A standing posture in which the operating element is erected so that the operating surface faces the driver's seat, and an inclined posture in which the operating surface faces the side approaching the grip portion of the steering means or the side away from the grip portion. a posture variable mechanism configured to be tiltable between
a tilt holding mechanism that holds the manipulator in the tilted posture until a release operation is performed by an external force;
an automatic control switching unit that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture;
with
further comprising a holding release device for releasing holding of the tilted posture of the manipulator;
The switch for transportation equipment, wherein the holding release device releases holding of the tilted posture of the manipulator when the steering angle of the steering means is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle while the automatic control is on. A switch for a transportation device, which is arranged near a grip portion of a steering means of the transportation device and can switch on/off automatic control of the transportation device by a control device,
an operator having an operation surface that can be operated by a driver holding the steering means;
A standing posture in which the operating element is erected so that the operating surface faces the driver's seat, and an inclined posture in which the operating surface faces the side approaching the grip portion of the steering means or the side away from the grip portion. a posture variable mechanism configured to be tiltable between
a tilt holding mechanism that holds the manipulator in the tilted posture until a release operation is performed by an external force;
an automatic control switching unit that turns on the automatic control when the manipulator is in the tilted posture and turns off the automatic control when the manipulator is in the standing posture;
with
A switch for transport equipment, further comprising a vibration imparting device that imparts vibration to the operator according to the operating position of the operator.

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