JP5763459B2 - Information presentation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information presentation device that presents tactile sensation information to a driver via a steering wheel of a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for transmitting a warning regarding a vehicle state or the like to a driver by presenting haptic information acting on the driver's hand via the steering wheel of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). . The alarm device described in Patent Document 1 arranges a large number of movable rods in a steering wheel, and presents tactile force information to the driver by the movement of the rods. Moreover, according to the content of the information presented to the driver, a plurality of types of information can be presented by changing the operation patterns of the plurality of rods.

  In addition, the steering device described in Patent Document 2 causes a contact force applied to a driver's hand having a steering wheel by sequentially inflating a large number of contact members provided along the circumferential direction of the rim portion of the steering wheel. It gives an objective effect.

JP 2008-149844 A JP 2009-1094 A

  However, the alarm device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the operation control is complicated because the operation of a large number of rods is individually controlled to form an operation pattern. In addition, since each of the many rods is provided with a drive motor, there is a problem that the mechanical structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases. Furthermore, if the scale of the tactile sense presenting means is increased in order to present information in a wide range of the steering wheel, a lot of rods and driving parts are required, which increases the manufacturing cost. The same applies to the steering device described in Patent Document 2, which has a problem in that the mechanical structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases due to the configuration in which each of a large number of contact members is provided with a drive motor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of presenting haptic information over a wide range of a steering wheel with a simple structure.

  The present invention made to achieve the above object is an information presentation device for presenting tactile force sense information acting on a driver's hand through a grip portion of a steering wheel, the tactile force sense imparting means, Drive means.

  The tactile force imparting means includes a spiral-shaped action portion that extends along the circumferential direction of the gripping portion inside the gripping portion and extends in the circumferential direction of the gripping portion, and the action portion rotates around the spiral axis. In this way, it has a structure that gives a tactile sensation to the driver's hand holding the grip. The driving means applies driving to the haptic effect applying means so that the action portion rotates around the spiral axis.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to present information with a simple configuration in which the spiral action portion is rotated. In addition, even when tactile sensation information can be presented over a wide range of the steering wheel, the range in which the tactile sensation action imparting means is extended according to the scale may be increased. There is no need to further increase the number of driving means for driving the means. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be kept low, which is advantageous.

  By the way, when the spiral action portion rotates around the spiral axis, the spiral portion seems to be displaced as if it is raised or lowered. Furthermore, the displacement can be advanced infinitely by continuing the rotation in a certain direction. The present invention can present haptic information having directionality such that the haptic action generated in the driver's fist advances in one direction by using the displacement generated by the rotation of the spiral shape. .

Therefore, the feature of being able to present haptic information with directionality can be used and configured as described in claim 5 . That is, the driving means unidirectionally rotates the action part in a first direction around the spiral axis, and a second direction around the spiral axis in the direction opposite to the first direction. Of the information to be presented is a second operation mode that is unidirectionally rotated and a third operation mode that is periodically oscillated by periodically switching the rotation direction of the action portion between the first direction and the second direction. Switch according to the content.

  In this way, for example, the feeling of climbing from the little finger side (lower side) of the fist holding the steering wheel toward the thumb side (upper side), or conversely from the thumb side (upper side) to the little finger side (lower side) It is possible to present various types of information by using different touches such as a feeling of moving down to the side) or a feeling of vibrating up and down.

Furthermore, as in the information presentation apparatus according to claim 6 , the tactile force imparting means and the driving means are provided independently at two positions, the right hand side grip part and the left hand side grip part of the steering wheel. The tactile sensation acting on the driver's hand by changing the combination of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode in the right-hand drive means and the left-hand drive means The information pattern may be switched.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to present information with more variations than when haptic information is presented alone. For example, by making the traveling direction of the haptic action generated in the driver's fist the same between the left and right grips, it is possible to create a touch that pushes forward or backward. This makes it possible to present information related to speeds such as forward / backward and acceleration / deceleration. In addition, by making the traveling direction of the tactile force action generated in the driver's fist alternate between the left and right grips, it is possible to create a feel that rotates left and right. Thereby, for example, it is possible to present information related to left and right direction instructions. In addition, by generating steady vibration in both the left and right grips, for example, it is possible to present information related to alerting.

On the other hand, the information presentation device according to claim 1 specifies the gripping position where the driver is gripping the gripping portion based on the degree of variation in rotational load and torsional frequency when the driving means rotates the action portion. A gripping position specifying means and an adjusting means for adjusting the rotational torque and the rotational speed of the driving means according to the gripping position specified by the gripping position specifying means are provided .

  When the driver grips the grip part in which the action part is incorporated, a frictional resistance is generated when the action part is rotated at the grip position by the grip force. When a load due to gripping force is applied to a part of the long action part that extends along the circumferential direction of the grip part, the driving means is subjected to rotational load and torsional vibration when the action part rotates the action part according to the place where the load is applied. Change occurs. As a result, the feeling given to the driver's hand may not be constant due to the difference in the gripping position. Therefore, the gripping position where the driver is gripping the gripping part is identified based on the rotational load and the degree of fluctuation of the torsional frequency when the action part is rotated, and the identified gripping position is determined based on the rotational torque and rotation of the driving means. By reflecting the speed, the haptic action applied to the driver's hand can be made constant.

Furthermore, as described in claim 4 , the gripping position of the steering wheel is provided by gripping position information notifying means for notifying the driver of information relating to driving behavior corresponding to the gripping position specified by the gripping position specifying means. The result of specifying may be used to present other information.

  If the position where the driver is holding the steering wheel is known, the driver's driving behavior such as whether or not the steering wheel is about to be turned and whether or not the driver is in an appropriate driving posture can be estimated to some extent. Therefore, by providing information related to driving behavior corresponding to the gripping position of the steering wheel (for example, operation instructions and alerting), the driving behavior of the driver can be supported.

Next, the information presentation apparatus according to claim 2 has the following characteristics. The tactile sensation action imparting means includes an action part made of a coil spring having elasticity. The drive means is configured so that the rotation method can be individually changed at both ends of the action part, and the tactile force action that advances along the circumferential direction of the grip part by rotating both ends of the action part in synchronization is generated. The tactile force sense action by the change of the diameter of an action part is generated by making the both ends of an action part into mutually different rotation states, and twisting an action part.

  When a coil spring having elasticity is used as the spiral-shaped action part, not only the both ends of the action part are rotated in synchronism to generate a tactile sensation, but also the action part is twisted in the direction of squeezing the coil spring. The diameter of the action part can be increased by reducing the diameter or twisting in the loosening direction. In this way, by configuring the haptic action using the change in diameter caused by the action of twisting the action part, the touch is different from the haptic action generated by rotating the action part in one direction. Can be given to the driver, and haptic information rich in variations can be presented.

Next, the information presentation apparatus according to claim 3 has the following characteristics. In addition to the action part, the tactile force imparting means is provided inside the grip part, contacts the action part in the spiral orbit of the rotating action part, and is displaced along the displacement of the action part. It further includes a rod row in which a plurality of rods that give a tactile force to the driver's hand are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction of the gripping portion.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, information can be presented with a configuration in which a displacement is applied to a plurality of rods by a spiral-shaped action portion. Further, since the plurality of rods can be collectively driven by the action portion rotated by the driving means, it is not necessary to provide driving means such as a motor for each rod. According to such a configuration, even when tactile sensation information can be presented over a wide range of the steering wheel, the number of rods or the length of the action portion may be increased according to the scale, and the action portion is driven. There is no need to increase the number of driving means further. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be kept low, which is advantageous.

  In addition, by utilizing the helical displacement that progresses due to the rotation of the action portion, the rods arranged in a row operate in a chain with a predetermined time difference along the displacement direction of the helical shape. It is possible to present haptic information having a direction such that a haptic action that occurs in one direction proceeds in one direction.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of an information presentation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a tactile-force sense information presentation part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation of a tactile-force effect | action provision part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation of information presentation content. It is explanatory drawing which shows the generation | occurrence | production method of the tactile force sense effect | action with a spring-shaped elastic body. It is explanatory drawing explaining the principle which pinpoints a holding position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the tactile-force sense information presentation part provided with a rod row | line | column.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment at all, and can be implemented in various aspects.
[System configuration]
The system configuration of the information presentation apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This information presentation device is mounted on a vehicle and presents information related to the state of the vehicle to the driver via a steering wheel 50 operated by the driver. The presentation of information is performed by giving haptic information indicated by a haptic action to the driver's hand holding the steering wheel 50.

The information presentation device includes a vehicle inside / outside sensor 10, a vehicle state detection unit 20, a support information generation unit 30, and a haptic information presentation unit 40 as a system configuration.
The vehicle inside / outside sensor 10 is a sensor for detecting various states inside and outside the vehicle necessary for generating information to be presented to the driver. The contents include, for example, a distance sensor that measures the distance to the surrounding vehicle, a speed sensor that measures the speed of the host vehicle, a rudder angle sensor that measures the steering angle of the steering, an accelerator sensor that detects the amount of operation of the accelerator, a brake There are a brake sensor that detects the operation amount of the vehicle, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, a lane detection sensor that detects the lane, etc., and what kind of sensor is used is an arbitrary design matter.

  The vehicle state detection unit 20 and the support information generation unit 30 are configured as a known information processing apparatus (for example, a microcomputer) including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The vehicle state detection unit 20 detects the state of the host vehicle (the running state of the vehicle, the state of each device, the surrounding vehicle state, etc.) based on various detection information input from the vehicle inside / outside sensor 10, and the detection result is obtained. The information is input to the support information generation unit 30.

  The support information generation unit 30 generates information content to be presented in the haptic information presentation unit 40 according to the detection result input from the vehicle state detection unit 20, and the information content is sent to the haptic information presentation unit 40. input. As an example of the information content to be generated, if it is determined that speed adjustment such as acceleration or deceleration is necessary based on the vehicle state, information on acceleration or deceleration instruction is generated and steering operation to the left or right is required If it is determined that it is, the left turn or right turn instruction information is generated, and if any abnormality is notified or it is determined that the situation requires attention, the abnormality notification information or the alert information Is generated. In addition, what information content is generated is an arbitrary design matter.

  The haptic information presentation unit 40 is installed inside the steering wheel 50 that constitutes the vehicle steering device, and generates haptic information that acts on the driver's hand holding the steering wheel 50. The haptic information presentation unit 40 includes a haptic effect imparting unit 41, a driving unit 42, and a control unit that controls driving thereof.

  A steering wheel 50 into which each part of the haptic information presentation unit 40 is incorporated includes an annular wheel part 51 that forms an outer peripheral part for a driver to hold, a boss part 53 that serves as a base part of the steering wheel, and a wheel part 51. The spoke portion 52 connects the boss portion 53 to the boss portion 53. Among these, a set of the tactile force application unit 41 and the drive unit 42 is set in each of the inside of the right gripping part corresponding to the range of the right half of the wheel 51 and the inside of the left gripping part corresponding to the range of the left half. Are provided separately.

  The tactile sensation action imparting portion 41 is made of a member having an elongated spiral shape extending along the circumferential direction of each gripping portion of the wheel portion 51, and one of the upper ends thereof is rotatable around the spiral axis. The lower end is connected to the drive unit 42. The tactile force sensation action imparting portion 41 is rotated on the spot around a spiral central axis (spiral axis) that extends along the circumferential direction of the gripping portion when driven by the drive portion 42, and its rotation surface Displacement of the spiral portion generated above gives a tactile sensation to the driver's hand. When the tactile force sense action imparting portion 41 having a spiral shape is rotated, it is displaced as if the spiral portion is raised or lowered. Furthermore, the displacement can be advanced infinitely by continuing the rotation in a certain direction. As a result, haptic information having directionality such that the haptic action generated in the driver's fist advances in one direction is presented.

  One drive unit 42 is provided for each of the tactile force sense application units 41 provided in the left and right grips, and the entire tactile force sense application unit 41 is driven by a driving force of a motor or the like. Rotate around the spiral axis. Thereby, the spiral part currently formed in the tactile force sense action provision part 41 can be displaced all at once by one drive means. In addition, the drive unit 42 can rotate the tactile sensation action imparting unit 41 in any direction clockwise and counterclockwise. Thereby, the progress direction of the haptic action generated by the spiral portion of the haptic action imparting section 41 can be switched between the direction from the bottom to the top and the direction from the top to the bottom as shown in the drawing. Yes.

  The control unit of the haptic information presentation unit 40 is an electronic circuit component that generates an operation signal for operating the drive unit 42 according to the information content input from the support information generation unit 30 and inputs the operation signal to the drive unit 42. is there. The drive unit 42 operates according to an operation signal input from the drive control unit. Further, depending on the information content to be presented, a control signal for presenting driving support information by a display device or a sound output device mounted on the vehicle is output, and information is presented by display or sound output.

[Detailed description of the tactile sensation action imparting unit 41]
Next, the detailed structure of the haptic effect imparting portion 41 provided in the wheel portion 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the wheel unit 51 and a perspective view showing the external appearance of the tactile force application unit 41 built in the wheel unit 51.

  As shown in the ZZ cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, a slot 512 for accommodating the tactile sensation action imparting portion 41 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the annular cylindrical wheel main body 511 serving as a core material of the wheel portion 51. It is provided along the circumferential direction of the wheel portion 51. The tactile sensation action imparting portion 41 is extended along the circumferential direction of each gripping portion of the wheel portion 51 so as to be accommodated in the slot 512.

  The tactile sensation action imparting portion 41 has a structure including a cord-shaped shaft portion 43 having a circular cross section rich in elasticity and a large number of protrusions 45 arranged in a spiral on the surface of the shaft portion 43. The tactile force imparting action imparting portion 41 rotates about a spiral axis corresponding to the central axis of the shaft portion 43, so that the projection row composed of a large number of projections 45 is displaced so as to advance in one direction, This exerts a tactile sensation on the driver's hand holding the grip. Further, as the tactile force sense action imparting unit 41 continues to rotate in a certain direction, the displacement such that the spiral projection row advances in one direction continues indefinitely, and the continuous tactile force sense Produces an effect.

  A cover 513 that covers the entire wheel body 511 is provided on the surface of the wheel part 51 together with the haptic effect imparting part 41 housed in the wheel body 511. The cover 513 has moderate flexibility, and is deformed in accordance with being pressed by the protrusion 45 that is displaced on the rotation surface of the tactile force imparting portion 41, so that the tactile force sense action is obtained. The tactile force sensation produced by the imparting unit 41 is transmitted to the driver's hand.

Next, variations in the shape of the haptic effect imparting unit 41 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3A shows a configuration in which a spiral thread 47 is provided on the surface of the shaft portion 43 as an example of the tactile sensation action imparting portion 41. By rotating the tactile force sense action imparting portion 41 around the spiral axis, the thread 47 formed on the surface of the shaft portion 43 is displaced so as to advance in one direction, and the tactile force is applied to the driver's hand. Exerts conscious effects. Further, the tactile force sense action imparting unit 41 continues to rotate in a certain direction, and thus the displacement such that the spiral thread 47 advances in one direction continues indefinitely, and a continuous tactile force sense. Cause an effect.

  FIG. 3B shows a configuration in which a coil spring 49 having elasticity is employed as an example of the tactile sensation action imparting portion 41. When the tactile force sense action imparting portion 41 formed of the coil spring 49 rotates around the spiral axis, the spiral portion of the coil spring 49 is displaced so as to advance in one direction, and the tactile force sense is applied to the driver's hand. Has an effect. In addition, since the tactile force sense action imparting unit 41 continues to rotate in a certain direction, the displacement of the spiral portion of the coil spring 49 progressing in one direction continues indefinitely, and a continuous tactile force sense. Cause an effect.

[Variations of information presentation contents]
As described above, in the haptic information presentation unit 40, the direction of travel of the haptic effect can be switched by switching the rotation direction of the haptic effect applying unit 41. Therefore, a variation of information presentation contents that can be realized by a combination of traveling directions of haptic effects will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, a tactile force sensation that proceeds from the bottom to the top shown in the drawing (ie, clockwise) is generated in the left grip portion of the steering wheel 50, and the right grip portion from below. This is information presentation content that generates a haptic effect that progresses upward (ie, counterclockwise). According to such information presentation content, it is possible to remind the driver of a sense of going forward through the left and right grips. Therefore, for example, it is possible to present information related to moving the vehicle forward, such as an instruction for prompting acceleration or advancement.

  In the case shown in FIG. 4B, the left gripping portion of the steering wheel 50 generates a haptic action that proceeds from the top to the bottom as shown in the drawing (ie, counterclockwise), and the right gripping portion This is information presentation content that generates a tactile sensation action that progresses downward (ie, clockwise). According to such information presentation content, it is possible to remind the driver of a feeling of lowering through the left and right grips. Therefore, for example, it is possible to present information related to suppressing the forward movement of the vehicle, such as an instruction for prompting deceleration, stop, or reverse.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4C, a tactile force effect that proceeds from the bottom to the top shown in the drawing (that is, clockwise) is generated in the left grip portion of the steering wheel 50, and the right grip portion is viewed from above. This is information presentation content that generates a haptic effect that proceeds downward (ie, clockwise). According to such information presentation content, it is possible to recall a sense of turning clockwise, that is, turning rightward, with respect to the driver via the left and right grips. Therefore, for example, it is possible to present information related to steering in the right direction, such as an instruction for prompting the user to turn right or change the course to the right.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4D, a tactile force sensation that proceeds from the top to the bottom as shown in the drawing (ie, counterclockwise) is generated in the left grip portion of the steering wheel 50, and the bottom grip portion in the right grip portion. This is information presentation content that generates a tactile sensation action that progresses upward (ie, counterclockwise). According to such information presentation content, it is possible to recall a sense of turning counterclockwise, that is, turning leftward, with respect to the driver via the left and right grips. Therefore, for example, it is possible to present information related to steering to the left, such as an instruction to urge the user to turn left or change the course to the left.

  The example shown in FIG. 4 (e) is information presentation content that generates a tactile sensation effect that vibrates in the vertical direction in both the left and right grips of the steering wheel 50. According to such information presentation content, it is possible to alert the driver with strong attention through the left and right grips. Therefore, for example, it is possible to present information related to alerting such as notifying some abnormality or danger, or the presence of a target to be noted.

[Variation of generation method of haptic action]
Next, a variation of the method for generating a haptic effect when the haptic effect imparting section 41 is constituted by a coil spring will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows a configuration in which drive units 42 are provided at both ends of the tactile force sensation applying unit 41 formed of a coil spring having elasticity. As a result, the rotational direction can be independently controlled on the upper end side and the lower end side of the haptic effect applying unit 41.

  And as shown in FIG.5 (b), the both ends of the tactile force sense provision part 41 are rotated in synchronization with the same direction, The longitudinal direction of the tactile sense action provision part 41, ie, the wheel part 51, is rotated. It is possible to generate a haptic effect that proceeds in a direction along the circumferential direction. Moreover, the advancing direction of a tactile force action can be switched by switching the rotation direction to the reverse direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, the diameter of the coil spring is reduced or loosened by rotating both ends of the tactile force applying portion 41 in different directions and twisting the coil spring in the direction to squeeze the coil spring. The diameter of the coil spring can be increased by a twisting operation in the direction. Thus, by utilizing the change in diameter caused by twisting the coil spring, a tactile force sensation that vibrates in the radial direction of the tactile force sense imparting portion 41 can be generated. It is possible to give the driver a feel different from the tactile sensation effect that occurs when the imparting unit 41 is rotated in one direction.

[How to identify the gripping position of the steering wheel]
Next, a method for specifying the position (gripping position) where the driver is holding the steering wheel 50 by the haptic information presentation unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the driver grips the wheel portion 51 in which the haptic effect imparting portion 41 is incorporated, a frictional resistance is generated in the rotation of the haptic effect imparting portion 41 due to the gripping force applied to the grip position. When a load is applied to a part of the haptic effect imparting section 41, the rotational load or torsional vibration when the haptic effect imparting section 41 rotates according to the location varies and is given to the driver's hand. The feel may not be constant from time to time.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the gripping position by the driver is the center of the haptic effect applying unit 41, the elasticity of the upper part of the haptic effect applying unit 41 with the gripping position as a boundary. The coefficient k1 and the elastic modulus k2 of the lower part are almost the same size. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the gripping position by the driver is an upper part of the haptic effect applying unit 41, the upper part of the haptic effect applying unit 41 with the gripping position as a boundary. When the elastic coefficient k1 ′ and the lower elastic modulus k2 ′ are compared, k1 ′> k2 ′. Thus, there is a correlation between the gripping position of the wheel unit 51 and the magnitude relationship between the elastic coefficients of the upper and lower parts of the haptic effect applying unit 41 with the gripping position as a boundary.

  Therefore, the grip position in the wheel unit 51 is specified by detecting a characteristic having a correlation with an elastic coefficient such as a rotational load or a torsional frequency in the tactile force application unit 41. Specifically, a rotary encoder and a torque sensor are provided at the rotating parts of the drive unit 42 provided at both ends of the tactile force applying unit 41, and both driving are performed while the driver is holding the wheel unit 51. Each drive unit 42 detects a rotational load and torsional vibration when the tactile force sense applying unit 41 is rotated by the unit 42. Based on the detection result, in the control unit of the haptic information presentation unit 40, the rotational load and torsional frequency in the upper part of the haptic effect imparting unit 41, and the rotational load and torsional frequency in the lower part Is calculated, and the grip position by the driver is specified.

  By identifying the grip position of the driver in the wheel section 51, the control section of the haptic information presentation section 40 corrects fluctuations in the rotational load and torsional frequency due to the haptic action imparting section 41 due to the difference in the grip position. Then, the rotational speed and rotational torque of the drive units 42 at both ends of the haptic effect applying unit 41 are adjusted so that the haptic effect applied to the driver's hand is constant.

  Furthermore, it may be configured to present information different from the tactile sensation information using the result of specifying the grip position of the driver in the wheel unit 51. If the position where the driver is holding the wheel unit 51 is known, for example, the driver's driving behavior such as whether or not the steering wheel 50 is about to be rotated and whether or not the driver is in an appropriate driving posture can be estimated to some extent. . Therefore, the control unit of the haptic information presentation unit 40 generates driving support information (for example, an operation instruction or alert) related to the driving action corresponding to the specified gripping position, and the generated driving support information is It is presented to the driver using a display device and a sound output device mounted on the vehicle.

[effect]
According to the information presentation device of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
Information can be presented with a simple configuration in which the spiral tactile force sense action imparting portion 41 extending along the circumferential direction of the wheel portion 51 is rotated. Further, the tactile sensation action imparting unit 41 can be driven by one or two (when provided at both ends) driving units 42. According to such a configuration, even when the tactile sensation information can be presented in a wide range of the wheel unit 51, if the range in which the tactile sensation action imparting unit 41 is extended according to the scale is increased. It is not necessary to increase the number of driving units 42 any more. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be kept low, which is advantageous.

  Taking advantage of the fact that haptic information with directionality can be presented by the haptic action caused by the displacement of the rotating spiral part, for example, from the little finger side (lower side) of the fist holding the steering wheel to the thumb side (upper side) ), The feeling of climbing towards the head, the feeling of descending from the thumb side (upper side) to the little finger side (lower side), or the feeling of vibrating up and down. Information can be presented.

  By providing the tactile force application unit 41 and the drive unit 42 independently at two locations, the right-hand side grip portion and the left-hand side grip portion in the wheel portion 51, the left and right grip portions can independently The presentation pattern of haptic information can be switched. This makes it possible to present information that is more varied than when haptic information is presented alone.

  Based on the rotational load and the degree of fluctuation of the torsional frequency when the tactile force application unit 41 is rotated, the gripping position in the wheel unit 51 is specified, and the specified gripping position is determined based on the rotational torque and rotation of the driving unit 42. By reflecting the speed, the haptic action applied to the driver's hand can be made constant. Furthermore, by providing information related to the driving behavior corresponding to the gripping position in the wheel unit 51 (for example, an operation instruction or alerting), the driving behavior of the driver can be supported.

  When a coil spring is employed as the tactile force sense action imparting portion 41, a tactile force sense action can be imparted by utilizing a change in the diameter of the coil spring caused by the action of twisting the coil spring. Thereby, the driver can be given a feel different from the tactile sensation effect produced by rotating the haptic effect imparting section 41 in one direction, and the haptic information rich in variations can be presented.

[Another embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the tactile force sense action is directly applied to the driver's hand by the spiral portion provided on the rotation surface of the tactile force sense effect imparting section 41 has been described. On the other hand, the structure which gives a tactile force effect to a driver | operator's hand through the rod driven by the rotating spiral body may be sufficient. Such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  (A) of FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tactile force sensation action imparting portion 41 having a rod row, (b) is a view in the direction of arrow A in the perspective view, and (c) is a rod row. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the wheel part 51 which incorporates the tactile-force effect | action provision part 41 provided with.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the tactile sensation acting imparting portion 41 including the rod row includes a cord-shaped shaft portion 43 having a circular cross section, and a large number of protrusions 45 arranged in a spiral on the surface of the shaft portion 43. Further, a rod row in which a plurality of rod-like rods 44 that are movable along the longitudinal direction are arranged in a row at regular intervals is provided adjacent to the shaft portion 43.

  The rod 44 penetrates from the inside of the slot 512 provided in the wheel main body 511 to the surface of the wheel main body 511 so as to accommodate the shaft portion 43 having the spiral protrusion 45 as shown in FIG. Embedded in the longitudinal (axial) direction, and supported by the wheel body 511 so as to be reciprocally movable in the axial direction of the rod 44 by an elastic body, for example. Each rod 44 is positioned so that the rear end thereof is in contact with the circular orbit of the protrusion 45 rotating on the circumferential surface of the shaft portion 43, and the tip is substantially flush with the surface of the wheel body 511 in a no-load state. Mounted to stop at the position where it becomes.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the shaft portion 43 having the spiral protrusion 45 rotates around the spiral axis, the displaced protrusion 45 contacts the rear end of the rod 44 and applies a load to the rod 44. As a result, the rod 44 is pushed out along the circular orbit of the protrusion 45 and displaced in the axial direction of the rod 44. As a result, the tip of the rod 44 protrudes from the surface of the wheel body 511. This exerts a tactile action on the driver's hand holding the grip. When the shaft portion 43 further rotates and the contact state between the protrusion 45 and the rod 44 is eliminated, the rod 44 returns to the original position by the elastic force.

  A cover 513 that covers the entire wheel body 511 is provided on the surface of the wheel portion 51. The cover 513 has moderate flexibility, and the rod 44 protrudes from the surface of the wheel main body 511 and deforms in accordance with the pressing of the cover 513 from the inside. To the driver's hand.

  In the haptic effect imparting unit 41 including the rod row, the rod 44 is repeatedly operated by continuously rotating the shaft portion 43. Further, since the protrusions 45 are spirally arranged on the surface of the shaft portion 43, the rods 44 arranged along the shaft portion 43 are chained at a predetermined time difference along the displacement direction of the spiral shape. Operate. Accordingly, it is possible to present haptic information having a direction such that the haptic action generated in the driver's fist advances in one direction.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle inside / outside sensor, 20 ... Vehicle state detection part, 30 ... Support information generation part, 40 ... Tactile force sense information presentation part, 41 ... Tactile force sense action provision part, 42 ... Drive part, 43 ... Shaft part, 44 ... Rod, 45 ... Projection, 47 ... Thread, 49 ... Coil spring, 50 ... Steering wheel, 51 ... Wheel part, 511 ... Wheel body, 512 ... Groove hole, 513 ... Cover, 52 ... Spoke part, 53 ... Boss part .

Claims (6)

An information presentation device for presenting haptic information acting on a driver's hand through a grip portion of a steering wheel,
The gripping portion includes a spiral-shaped action portion that extends along the circumferential direction of the gripping portion and extends in the circumferential direction of the gripping portion, and the gripping portion rotates around the spiral axis. A tactile sensation imparting means for imparting a tactile sensation to a driver's hand holding
Drive means for driving the haptic effect applying means so that the action portion rotates around a helical axis ;
A gripping position specifying means for specifying a gripping position at which the driver is gripping the gripping part based on the degree of variation in rotational load and torsional frequency when the driving means rotates the action part;
An information presentation apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit that adjusts a rotational torque and a rotational speed of the driving unit according to the gripping position specified by the gripping position specifying unit. An information presentation device for presenting haptic information acting on a driver's hand through a grip portion of a steering wheel,
An action part comprising a coil spring having a helical shape extending along the circumferential direction of the grip part and extending in the circumferential direction of the grip part inside the grip part, and the action part around a spiral axis Tactile force sensation imparting means for imparting a tactile force sensation to a driver's hand that grips the grip portion by rotating;
Drive means for driving the tactile force sensation action imparting means so that the action part rotates around a spiral axis;
The drive means is configured to be able to individually change the rotation method at both ends of the action portion, and advances along the circumferential direction of the gripping portion by rotating in synchronization with rotations at both ends of the action portion. Generating a haptic action by changing the diameter of the action part by twisting the action part with both ends of the action part being in mutually different rotational states. Information presentation device. An information presentation device for presenting haptic information acting on a driver's hand through a grip portion of a steering wheel,
A spiral shaped working part extending along the circumferential direction of the gripping part and extending in the circumferential direction of the gripping part inside the gripping part, and a spiral of the working part provided inside the gripping part and rotating A plurality of rods that come into contact with the action part in a circular orbit and have a tactile action on the driver's hand by being displaced along the displacement of the action part are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction of the grip part. A tactile force acting means for providing a tactile force action to a driver's hand gripping the grip part by rotating the action part around a spiral axis;
An information presentation apparatus comprising: drive means for driving the tactile force sense action imparting means so that the action portion rotates around a spiral axis . The information presentation device according to claim 1 ,
An information presentation device further comprising gripping position information notifying means for notifying a driver of information related to driving behavior corresponding to the gripping position specified by the gripping position specifying means . In the information presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The driving means includes a first operation mode in which the action portion is unilaterally rotated in a first direction around the spiral axis, and a second around the spiral axis in a direction opposite to the first direction. And a third operation mode in which the rotation direction of the action portion is periodically switched between the first direction and the second direction to cause steady vibration. An information presentation device that switches according to the content of information to be presented. The information presentation device according to claim 5 ,
The tactile force imparting means and the drive means are independently provided at two locations, the right hand side grip portion and the left hand side grip portion of the steering wheel,
By changing the combination of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode in the right-hand side driving means and the left-hand side driving means, it acts on the driver's hand. An information presentation apparatus characterized in that the tactile force information pattern to be switched can be switched .