| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus for supplying tactile signals to the user of a vehicle (5, 25) or other machine to indicate the operational status or condition of the vehicle or machine, or a functional part thereof. A cam (10) undergoes rotary movement within a flexible cylindrical wall (6) having a corrugated inner surface (7), as with ridges (11) or the like. The distal end of the cam (10) contacts the inner surface (7) as the cam (10) rotates. The rotary motion of the cam (10) is modulated or regulated in response to output signals (3) associated with operating conditions, for example fluid pressure, engine speed, oil temperature, transmitted from corresponding sending units. The rotation of the cam (10) causes periodic flexure or displacement of the wall (6) which is palpable to the user. In one embodiment, the rotating cam (10) causes one or more movable plungers (17) to move to-and-fro in and out of the wall (13), also resulting in a tactile signal to the user. The cam (10) may be driven by an electric motor (12) which is responsive to the input signals (3).</p> |
