Rotary motion input type manipulation simulator

A rotary-motion-input manipulation simulator comprising:

• an input member which is rotatable about an axis;
• operation means which rotates about the axis when operated by an operator, and imparts a rotary motion to the input member;
• an output member whose rectilinear motion deforms a reaction force generation means which generates a reaction force according to an amount of deformation thereof;
• and
• transmission means provided between the input member and the output member and adapted to convert the rotary motion of the input member to a rectilinear motion and transmit the rectilinear motion to the output member and to transmit the reaction force of the reaction force generation means to the input member via the output member, the manipulation simulator allowing the operator to operate the operation means, and applying an operational reaction force to the operator via the operation means,
• wherein the reaction force generation means generates the reaction force linearly according to the amount of deformation thereof;
• the transmission means is configured to continuously and nonlinearly vary a ratio of an amount of rectilinear motion of the output member to an amount of rotary motion of the input member according to the amount of rotary motion of the input member;
• and
• the input member and the output member are coaxial with respect to the axis and are fitted to each other such that they can move rotatably and rectilinearly in relation to each other, the output member being radially inward of the input member.