Mobile simulation device

Abstract

The application discloses a mobile simulation device, which comprises a support base, a connecting piece, a passenger platform and two linear actuators. The connecting piece is pivotally connected with the support base around a first pivot axis. The passenger platform is adapted to carry passengers and is arranged above the support base and pivotally connected with the connecting piece around a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis. The two linear actuators are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the second pivot axis. Each of the two linear actuators is pivotally connected with the support base and the passenger platform on the opposite sides of the second pivot axis. The mobile simulation device has a simplified structure, a relatively low manufacturing cost and a relatively small size, and is particularly suitable for use in a space-limited place.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a motion simulation device, and more particularly to a motion simulation device for carrying passengers and simulating a motion feeling. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motion simulators are commonly used in amusement facilities or training devices. Generally, a plurality of actuating devices are provided in a motion simulator, and the actuating devices are usually arranged at different positions and along different movement axes respectively, so as to be able to simulate movements in different axes. Such a structure is usually too complex and has a high manufacturing cost.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a motion simulation device which can solve at least the above problems. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a motion simulation device which has a simple structure, a low manufacturing cost and can solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a motion simulation device comprising: a support base; a connecting member pivotally connected to the support base about a first pivot axis; a passenger platform adapted to carry passengers, the passenger platform being disposed above the support base and pivotally connected to the connecting member about a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis; and two linear actuators respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second pivot axis, the two linear actuators being respectively pivotally connected to the support base and to the passenger platform on opposite sides of the second pivot axis.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the motion simulation device has a simplified structure, a relatively low manufacturing cost and a relatively small size, and is particularly suitable for use in a space-limited place.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the first pivot axis is located below the second pivot axis.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the second pivot axis.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are parallel to each other and are respectively pivotally connected to the passenger platform at two pivot points, and the second pivot axis is substantially equidistant from the two pivot points.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are inclined with respect to the second pivot axis.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are operable to drive the passenger platform to swing about the first pivot axis.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are operable to cause the passenger platform to oscillate about the second pivot axis.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators are respectively pivoted to the passenger platform at two first pivot points and to the support base at two second pivot points, the passenger platform is pivoted to the connecting member at a third pivot point, and the third pivot point is at a height relative to the support base between heights of the two first pivot points and heights of the two second pivot points relative to the support base.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the connecting member comprises a frame portion adapted to couple to the passenger platform and two extension segments extending below the frame portion and respectively pivoted to the support base about a first pivot axis.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the passenger platform comprises a seat and a seat support, the seat support is fixed to a backrest portion of the seat and is pivoted to the connecting member about a second pivot axis below the seat.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the motion simulation device further comprises a base and a motor, the support base is pivoted to the base about a third pivot axis, wherein the third pivot axis extends substantially vertically, and the motor is configured to cause the support base to pivot relative to the base about the third pivot axis.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the support base further comprises a support bracket, the connecting member comprises two brackets, and the two brackets are respectively connected to the support bracket via two buffers.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the first pivot axis is a pitch axis, and the second pivot axis is a roll axis.

[0019] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a motion simulation device comprising: a support base; a connecting member pivoted to the support base about a first pivot axis; a passenger platform adapted to carry passengers, the passenger platform being disposed above the support base and being pivoted to the connecting member about a second pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis; and an actuation system connected to the passenger platform, the actuation system being operable to cause the passenger platform to oscillate about the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the first pivot axis is located below the second pivot axis.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the actuation system comprises at least one linear actuator, the linear actuator is pivoted to the passenger platform at a first pivot point and to the support base at a second pivot point.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the passenger platform is pivoted to the connecting member at a third pivot, and the third pivot is at a height relative to the support base between the height of the first pivot relative to the support base and the height of the second pivot relative to the support base.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the linear actuator is inclined relative to the second pivot axis.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the motion simulation device further comprises a base and a motor, the support base is pivoted to the base at a third pivot axis, wherein the third pivot axis extends substantially vertically, and the motor is configured to drive the support base to pivot relative to the base about the third pivot axis.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the connecting member comprises a frame portion adapted to be coupled to the passenger platform, and two extension portions extending below the frame portion and being respectively pivoted to the support base about the first pivot axis.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the support base further comprises a bracket, the connecting member comprises two brackets, and the two brackets are respectively connected to the bracket via two buffers.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the first pivot axis is a pitch axis, and the second pivot axis is a roll axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a motion simulation device according to the present application.

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a side view of the motion simulation device.

[0030] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2. Figure 2

[0031] FIG. 4 is a front view of a partial motion simulation device. Figure 4

[0032] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a partial motion simulation device. Figure 5

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partial motion simulation device from a bottom view. Figure 6

[0034] FIG. 7 is a table of symbols used in the drawings.

[0035] ​100: Mobile simulation device; 102: Support base; 104: Connector; 106: Passenger platform; 108: Actuation system; 110, 122, 154: Pivot axis; 112: Frame section; 114: Extension section; 116: Bracket; 118: Bracket; 120: Buffer section; 124: Seat; 124A: Seating section; 124B: Backrest section; 126: Seat support; 128, 134, 136: Pivot joint; 130: Bearing; 132: Linear actuator; 132A: Base; 132B: Slide rod; 138: Pivot joint; X: Forward and backward axial direction; 150: Base; 152: Motor; 156: Gear set; 160, 162: Gears Detailed Implementation

[0036] To illustrate the technical content and structural features of the present invention in detail, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mobile simulation device 100 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view of the mobile simulation device 100. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part of the image. Figure 4 This is a front view of part of the mobile simulation device 100. Figure 5 This is a rear view of part of the mobile simulation device 100. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of the motion simulation device 100 from a bottom viewpoint. The motion simulation device 100 can carry passengers and move in different directions, and is suitable for simulation platforms or amusement rides. (See also...) Figures 1-6 The mobile simulation device 100 may include a support base 102, a connector 104, a passenger platform 106, and a motion system 108.

[0038] The support base 102 can extend generally horizontally and can provide support for the connector 104, the passenger platform 106, and the actuation system 108. According to one embodiment, the support base 102 includes a substrate.

[0039] The connecting member 104 is pivotally connected to the support base 102 about a pivot axis 110, such that the connecting member 104 is pivotable about the pivot axis 110 relative to the support base 102. The pivot axis 110 is substantially horizontal. According to an embodiment, the connecting member 104 can include a frame portion 112 and two extension portions 114, which are fixedly connected to each other. The connecting member 104 including the frame portion 112 and the extension portions 114 can be integrally formed, or can be an assembly formed by fastening the frame portion 112 and the extension portions 114 to each other. The frame portion 112 is configured to couple to the passenger platform 106, and the two extension portions 114 can extend downwardly from the frame portion 112 and are pivotally connected to the support base 102 about the pivot axis 110, respectively. According to an embodiment, the frame portion 112 can be substantially triangular or isosceles trapezoidal, and the two extension portions 114 can extend downwardly from two corners of the frame portion 112. In addition, the support base 102 can be provided with supports 116, and the connecting member 104 can be provided with two brackets 118, which are connected to the supports 116 via two buffer portions 120, respectively, so as to provide a buffer support to the connecting member 104. The supports 116 can be fixedly provided on the support base 102, and the buffer portions 120 can include, but are not limited to, springs, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1-6 , the passenger platform 106 is disposed above the support base 102 and is adapted to carry passengers. The passenger platform 106 is pivotally connected to the connecting member 104 about a pivot axis 122, such that the passenger platform 106 is pivotable about the pivot axis 122 relative to the connecting member 104 and the support base 102. The pivot axis 110 is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis 122, and the pivot axis 110 is located below the pivot axis 122. According to an embodiment, the passenger platform 106 includes one or more seats 124 and a seat support 126, wherein the seat 124 is only schematically shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and is omitted in other figures for the purpose of clearly showing other structural details. The seat 124 is fixedly connected to the seat support 126 and can include a seating portion 124A and a backrest portion 124B, so as to form a seating space for a passenger. According to an embodiment, the seat support 126 can be fixedly connected to a plurality of seats 124 arranged in a row, and a passenger can sit on the seat 124 in a state of having his / her feet off the ground.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the seat support 126 can include a combination of a support rod and / or a plate body. The seat support 126 can be fixedly coupled to the backrest portion 124B of the seat 124 and pivotally coupled to the link 104 at the rear of the seat 124 about the pivot axis 122. For example, the seat support 126 can be pivotally coupled to the frame portion 112 of the link 104 at the pivot location 128 via a bearing 130, where the bearing 130 can define the pivot axis 122. The bearing 130 can include, but is not limited to, a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or the like. According to one embodiment, the bearing 130 can be located at a middle position of the seat support 126, and a majority of the bearing 130 can be disposed above the support 116 and the cushion portion 120. As shown in Figures 1-5 the link 104 and the seat support 126 can extend along substantially parallel planes to facilitate providing a compact assembly.

[0042] The actuation system 108 can be coupled to the passenger platform 106 such that the actuation system 108 can drive the passenger platform 106 to oscillate about the pivot axis 110 and the pivot axis 122. More specifically, the actuation system 108 can include at least one linear actuator 132 coupled to the passenger platform 106 such that the linear actuator 132 can drive the passenger platform 106 to oscillate relative to the support base 102. The linear actuator 132 can include, for example, an electric cylinder, but the present application is not limited thereto, and the linear actuator 132 can also include a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like. According to one embodiment, the actuation system 108 can include two linear actuators 132, where each of the linear actuators 132 is pivotally coupled to the support base 102 and pivotally coupled to the passenger platform 106 on opposite sides of the pivot axis 122. The configuration of the two linear actuators 132 can allow the linear actuators 132 to apply forces to the passenger platform 106 to generate moments to drive the passenger platform 106 to oscillate about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122. That is, the forces applied by the two linear actuators 132 to the passenger platform 106 can generate moments about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122, and by controlling the strokes of the two linear actuators 132, the magnitudes of the moments can be varied to drive the passenger platform 106 to oscillate about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1-6The two linear actuators 132 are respectively pivotally coupled to the passenger platform 106 at two pivot points 134 and to the support base 102 at two pivot points 136. The height Hl of the pivot point 128 where the bearing 130 is located relative to the support base 102 can be between the height H2 of the pivot points 134 relative to the support base 102 and the height H3 of the pivot points 136 relative to the support base 102. According to an embodiment, the two linear actuators 132 can be symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis 122 such that the distance of the pivot axis 122 from the two pivot points 134 is substantially equal and the distance of the pivot axis 122 from the two pivot points 136 is also substantially equal. According to an embodiment, the linear actuators 132 include a base 132A and a slide 132B that are in sliding engagement with each other. The base 132A can be pivotally coupled to the support base 102 at the pivot points 136, and the slide 132B can be pivotally coupled to the passenger platform 106 at the pivot points 134. The base 132A of the linear actuators 132 can be pivotally coupled to a pivot block 138 that is fixed to the support base 102 and located behind the support 116 such that the support 116 is interposed between the connector 104 and the pivot block 138 along the front-to-back axis X of the support base 102. In this way, the two linear actuators 132 can be inclined relative to the pivot axis 122. According to an embodiment of a symmetric configuration, the two linear actuators 132 can extend substantially parallel to each other between the pivot points 134 and 136 such that the two linear actuators 132 act along two vertical planes that are parallel to each other.

[0044] It is noted that the configuration of the two linear actuators 132 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. According to another embodiment, the two linear actuators 132 can be symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis 122 but extend non-parallel to each other between the pivot points 134 and 136 such that the distance of the pivot axis 122 from the two pivot points 134 is substantially equal to a first distance and the distance of the pivot axis 122 from the two pivot points 136 is substantially equal to a second distance, and the first distance and the second distance are not the same. According to other embodiments, the two linear actuators 132 can be equidistantly but asymmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis 122, and the passenger platform 106 can be caused to oscillate about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122 by controlling the stroke difference of the linear actuators 132. Thus, the two linear actuators 132 can be disposed on opposite sides of the pivot axis 122 in any suitable symmetric or asymmetric configuration to cause the passenger platform 106 to oscillate about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the pivot axis 110 is the pitch axis, the pivot axis 122 is the roll axis, and the two linear actuators 132 are operated to drive the passenger platform 106 to swing about the pivot axis 110 and / or the pivot axis 122. For example, when the two linear actuators 132 generate the same and synchronous stroke, the passenger platform 106 and the connecting member 104 are driven to tilt forward and backward synchronously about the pivot axis 110 relative to the support base 102. When the two linear actuators 132 generate different strokes, the passenger platform 106 is driven to swing left and right about the pivot axis 122 relative to the support base 102 and the connecting member 104. Therefore, based on the connection relationship among the support base 102, the connecting member 104 and the passenger platform 106, the actuating system 108 can simulate the forward and backward tilting and the left and right rolling movement patterns that are easily felt during flight by using the two linear actuators 132, and has the advantage of simplified structure.

[0046] It is noted that the actuating system 108 is not limited to the above embodiment, and can have other structures. For example, the actuating system 108 of another embodiment of the present application can also include an electric motor which is additionally added to the actuating system 108 or replaces one of the two linear actuators 132, wherein the electric motor is connected to the passenger platform 106 so that the electric motor can drive the passenger platform 106 to swing left and right about the pivot axis 122.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1-6 The motion simulation device 100 can further include a base 150 and a motor 152. The base 150 is disposed below the support base 102, and the support base 102 is pivotally connected to the base 150 about a pivot axis 154 which extends substantially vertically. The motor 152 is an electric motor and is used to drive the support base 102 to pivot about the pivot axis 154 relative to the base 150. According to an embodiment, the motor 152 can be disposed on the support base 102 and drives the support base 102 to pivot through a gear set 156. For example, the gear set 156 can include gears 160 and 162, wherein the gear 160 is fixedly connected to the base 150, and the gear 162 is connected to an output shaft of the motor 152 and engages with the gear 160. Through operation of the motor 152, the passenger platform 106 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 154. Pivoting of the passenger platform 106 about the pivot axis 154 can save equipment configuration space, for example, positioning the passenger platform 106 toward one side for passengers to get on or off, and then pivoting the passenger platform 106 by 180 degrees toward the other side to start the simulation operation after the passengers are seated. Of course, the passenger platform 106 can also be driven to pivot about the pivot axis 154 during the motion simulation to increase the sense of body sway in the direction.

[0048] The motion simulation device provided by the present application has the advantages of simplified structure, relatively low manufacturing cost, and relatively small size, and is particularly suitable for use in space-limited places.

[0049] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, only is specific and illustrative of the principles of the present application. Further, the description given above is not exclusive or exhaustive. Further, the above description is intended to be illustrative only. Changes or modifications can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the application.

Claims

1. A mobile simulation device, characterized by, including: a support base; a connecting member, pivoted to the support base about a first pivot axis; a passenger platform adapted to carry passengers, the passenger platform being disposed above the support base and being pivoted to the connecting member about a second pivot axis, the first pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis, wherein the passenger platform comprises a seat and a seat support, the seat support being fixed to a backrest of the seat and being pivoted to the connecting member about the second pivot axis behind the seat; and two linear actuators, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second pivot axis, the two linear actuators being respectively pivoted to the support base and being respectively pivoted to the passenger platform on opposite sides of the second pivot axis.

2. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The first pivot axis is located below the second pivot axis.

3. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the second pivot axis.

4. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are parallel to each other and are respectively pivoted to the passenger platform at two pivot points, the second pivot axis being substantially equally distant from the two pivot points.

5. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are inclined with respect to the second pivot axis.

6. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are operable to cause the passenger platform to swing about the first pivot axis.

7. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are operable to cause the passenger platform to swing about the second pivot axis.

8. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The two linear actuators are respectively pivoted to the passenger platform at two first pivot points and are respectively pivoted to the support base at two second pivot points, the passenger platform being pivoted to the connecting member at a third pivot point, and the third pivot point being located at a height relative to the support base between a height of the two first pivot points relative to the support base and a height of the two second pivot points relative to the support base.

9. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting member comprises a frame portion adapted to couple the passenger platform and two extension portions extending below the frame portion and being respectively pivoted to the support base about the first pivot axis.

10. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a base and a motor, the support base being pivoted to the base about a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis being substantially vertically extending, and the motor being configured to cause the support base to pivot relative to the base about the third pivot axis.

11. The mobile analog device of claim 1, wherein, The support base further comprises a support, the connecting member comprises two brackets, and the two brackets are respectively connected to the support via two buffers.

12. Mobile simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The first pivot axis is a pitch axis, and the second pivot axis is a roll axis.

13. A mobile simulation device, characterized by including: a support base; a connecting member, pivoted to the support base about a first pivot axis; a passenger platform adapted to carry passengers, the passenger platform being disposed above the support base and being pivoted to the connecting member about a second pivot axis, the first pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis, wherein the passenger platform comprises a seat and a seat support, the seat support being fixed to a backrest of the seat and being pivoted to the connecting member about the second pivot axis behind the seat; and An actuation system connected to the passenger platform, the actuation system configured to cause the passenger platform to oscillate about the first and second pivot axes.

14. The mobile analog device of claim 13, wherein, The first pivot axis is below the second pivot axis.

15. The mobile analog device of claim 13, wherein, The actuation system includes at least one linear actuator, the linear actuator being pivotally connected to the passenger platform at a first pivot connection and to the support base at a second pivot connection.

16. The mobile analog device of claim 15, wherein, The passenger platform is pivotally connected to the connecting member at a third pivot connection, the third pivot connection being at a height relative to the support base that is between a height of the first pivot connection relative to the support base and a height of the second pivot connection relative to the support base.

17. The mobile analog device of claim 15, wherein, The linear actuator is inclined relative to the second pivot axis.

18. The mobile analog device of claim 13, wherein, A base and a motor are also included, the support base being pivotally connected to the base about a third pivot axis that extends generally vertically, the motor being configured to cause the support base to pivot relative to the base about the third pivot axis.

19. The mobile analog device of claim 13, wherein, The connecting member includes a body portion adapted to couple the passenger platform and two extension segments that extend below the body portion and are pivotally connected to the support base about the first pivot axis.

20. The mobile analog device of claim 13, wherein, The support base also includes a bracket, the connecting member includes two brackets, and the two brackets are connected to the bracket via two dampening portions.

21. Mobile simulation apparatus according to any of claims 13-20, characterized in that, The first pivot axis is a pitch axis, and the second pivot axis is a roll axis.

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