Human-machine interface device

Abstract

A human-machine interface device comprising a return mechanism for returning an implement to a neutral position. The return mechanism comprises a rocker suspended on a first spring and a second spring. The rocker is rotatable about a second axis and comprises a first flank and a second flank, each located on a respective side of a median plane containing a first axis about which the implement rotates. The first and second flanks each comprise a first and second region for accommodating one end of the first and second springs, respectively, the second accommodation region lying entirely between the first and second axes in an orthogonal projection in a plane containing said first and second axes.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a human-machine interface device.

[0002] Known human-machine interface devices include:

[0003] - Fixed main body,

[0004] - An appliance that can be rotated by the user about an axis between a neutral position and an inclined position. The neutral position is the position of the appliance when no external stress is applied to it.

[0005] - A return mechanism for returning an appliance to its neutral position, the return mechanism comprising a first spring and a second spring that permanently drive the appliance to its neutral position.

[0006] For example, such a human-machine interface device could be a fingerwheel switch as described in patent application EP2509090. In the case of such a fingerwheel switch, the device movable by the user's hand is a fingerwheel actuator. Two springs wound around the axis of rotation of the fingerwheel actuator return the fingerwheel actuator to its neutral position. In this type of human-machine interface device, once one of the two springs breaks, the fingerwheel actuator no longer returns to its neutral position, and the human-machine interface device becomes unusable.

[0007] Prior art can also be found in US2761026A, US2019 / 189373A1, and JP2009117361A. In these human-machine interface devices, when the appliance rotates in one direction, the rocker arm rotates in the opposite direction about another axis. Prior art can also be found in FR3051927 and JPS5899734U.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by providing a more robust human-machine interface device. Therefore, its subject matter is the human-machine interface device as described in claim 1.

[0009] The invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example only, wherein:

[0010] - Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of the human-machine interface device;

[0011] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a subset of the components of a human-machine interface device;

[0012] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of various components of a human-machine interface device;

[0013] - Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Functional diagram of the human-machine interface device;

[0014] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of another human-machine interface device;

[0015] - Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Functional diagram of the human-machine interface device.

[0016] In these figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. In the remainder of this specification, features and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

[0017] In this specification, firstly, detailed examples of embodiments are described in the first part with reference to the accompanying drawings. Next, variations of these embodiments are described in the following second part. Finally, the advantages of the various embodiments are described in the third part.

[0018] Part 1: Examples of Implementation Schemes

[0019] Figures 1 to 3 A human-machine interface device 2 including a device 4 is shown, the rotation of which is guided within a body 6. Here, device 4 refers to a wheel actuator. Therefore, interface device 2 refers to a wheel switch. Device 4 is mounted to rotate only about a single axis 10. Axis 10 is parallel to the X direction of the orthogonal coordinate system XYZ. Axis 10 is systematically stationary relative to body 6.

[0020] In this XYZ coordinate system, the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical. In the following text, the terms "top," "bottom," "upper," and "lower," etc., are defined relative to the vertical Z direction. The terms "left" and "right" are defined relative to the Y direction and the vertical intermediate plane 30 of the interface device 2. Therefore, the term "right side" or "right-hand side" refers to everything located to the right of plane 30 when the Y direction points to the right. In the following text, the XYZ coordinate system is used to determine the orientation of each figure in the figures.

[0021] The appliance 4 can be accessed from the outside of the main body 6, allowing it to be directly actuated by the user's hand. For this purpose, in this embodiment, the appliance 4 includes a semi-circular surface 12, the axis of rotation of which coincides with axis 10. The semi-circular surface 12 extends around axis 10 from lower slider 12A to another lower slider 12B. Here, these portions 12A and 12B are referred to as "sliders" because, as described below, they form part of a sliding connection. The angle between the first plane and the second plane is greater than 45° or 90°, and typically less than 270° or 200°, wherein the first plane contains axis 10 and slider 12A, and the second plane contains axis 10 and slider 12B. Here, this angle is equal to 180°.

[0022] In this example of the embodiment, notch 14 ( Figure 1 It protrudes inward from face 12.

[0023] In this embodiment, the device 4 also includes an operating lever 16 projecting outward from the surface 12. In the neutral position, the operating lever 16 extends substantially vertically. The user's fingers can grip the operating lever 16 to move the device 4 about the axis 10 in the forward direction S. AV Rotation and alternative location along the opposite direction S AR Rotation. Positive direction S AV and the opposite direction S AR Each by Figure 1 The symbol S in AV and S AR The arrow in the symbol indicates the direction. Here, S represents the direction. AV It is counterclockwise, and the direction is S. AR It's clockwise.

[0024] Instrument 4 surrounds axis 10 and along direction S AV from Figure 1 The neutral position shown pivots to Figure 2 The first tilted position is shown. The device 4 can also be tilted around axis 10 and along direction S. AR From the neutral position, it pivots to the second tilted position. Typically, this second tilted position of the appliance 4 is relative to the vertical plane 30 (…). Figure 1 It is symmetrical to the first tilt position. Plane 30 includes axis 10 and extends parallel to the X and Z directions. When the appliance is in its neutral position, plane 30 also passes through the operating lever 16.

[0025] The neutral position is the position occupied by appliance 4 when there is no external stress. The angular offset α between the neutral position and the first tilted position... AV This is included in the range of 15° to 90° or 20° to 45°.

[0026] To limit friction between the device 4 and the shaft 10, the device 4 uses two ball bearings 20 and 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The device 4 is mounted on axis 10. For this purpose, the device 4 includes a shaft 24 extending along axis 10. Each end of the shaft 24 is fixed without any degrees of freedom to the inner periphery of ball bearings 20 and 22.

[0027] Shaft 24 is mechanically connected to surface 12 via partition 26. Partition 26 is located in a vertical plane 28 parallel to the Y and Z directions. Figure 1 Extending from ) Here, partition 26 is a semi-circular disk centered on axis 10.

[0028] Plane 28 is the plane of symmetry for interface device 2. In a neutral position, interface device 2 is also symmetrical with respect to plane 30. Therefore, in the following description, only the components of interface device 2 located behind plane 28 and to the right of plane 30 will be described in detail. Other components can be derived from symmetry.

[0029] The outer peripheries of bearings 20 and 22 are respectively fixed without any degrees of freedom to the interior of corresponding holes provided in rigid half-shells 32 and 34. Figure 3 ).

[0030] Here, half-shells 32 and 34 are interlocked along a coupling plane that coincides with plane 28. When these half-shells 32 and 34 are interlocked, they form the main body 6.

[0031] The semi-shell 32 is shaped to guide and limit the angular range of movement of the device 4. For example, the semi-shell 32 includes a circular groove 36. Figure 2 When the appliance 4 moves between the first tilted position and the second tilted position, the vertical edge of the surface 12 slides within the circular groove 36. The end of the groove 36 forms a stop that prevents the appliance 4 from moving beyond the first tilted position and the second tilted position. Therefore, the groove 36 defines the angular range of movement of the appliance 4.

[0032] The half-shell 32 includes a vertical outer surface facing away from the plane 28. This outer surface includes a surface capable of accommodating the circuit board 40. Figure 3 ) outer casing 38 ( Figure 3 The circuit board 40 typically includes a sensor for measuring the angular position of the instrument 4 about axis 10.

[0033] Interface device 2 also includes a cover 42 that covers and protects circuit board 40. Figure 3 ).

[0034] Similarly, circuit board 44 ( Figure 3 The circuit board 44 is housed within the outer casing of the half-shell 34. The circuit board 44 is covered by the cover 46. Figure 3Coverage. For example, circuit board 44 is the same as circuit board 40 to ensure redundancy in the angular position measurement of appliance 4.

[0035] Circuit boards 40 and 44 are electrically connected to connector 48. Figure 1 The angular position of the appliance 4, measured by these circuit boards, is transmitted via connector 48.

[0036] The interface device 2 includes a return mechanism that permanently drives the appliance 4 to its neutral position. This mechanism includes two return springs 52 and 54. Figure 1 and Figure 3 And a rocker arm 50 suspended from the two return springs 52 and 54. For example, springs 52 and 54 are helical springs, with coils wound around their respective central axes. Figure 2 For ease of reading in this diagram, springs 52 and 54 are not shown.

[0037] Joystick 50 can move between the following positions:

[0038] - Stationary position, such as Figure 1 As shown;

[0039] - First oblique position, such as Figure 2 As shown; and

[0040] -Second oblique position.

[0041] The second oblique position is symmetrical to the first oblique position relative to plane 30.

[0042] In the stationary position, the rocker arm 50 holds the appliance 4 in a neutral position. In the first oblique position ( Figure 2 The joystick 50 is permanently positioned along direction S. AR Push the device 4 to return it from its first inclined position to its neutral position. In the second inclined position, the rocker arm 50 is permanently positioned along direction S. AV Push the device 4 so that it returns from its second oblique position to its neutral position.

[0043] The right-hand side portion of the joystick 50 includes a wing 60. The wing 60 includes a section that, in its rest position, extends in a horizontal plane passing through axis 10 and extends along the Y direction to fulcrum 62. On the side opposite fulcrum 62, the wing 60 includes an arcuate section surrounding axis 24.

[0044] The side wing 60 includes an upper planar portion 64 and a lower surface 66, both extending in a horizontal plane in their rest position. The lower surface 66 includes a receiving region 68 for receiving the upper end of the spring 52. Here, region 68 includes a cylindrical pin 70 capable of being fitted into the coil of the spring 52. The lower end of the spring 52 is located on a planar portion formed in the lower part of the half-shell 32. The dimensions of each of the springs 52 and 54 are defined to individually return the rocker arm 50 from either a first inclined position or a second inclined position to its rest position.

[0045] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the flank 60, which is symmetrical to the flank 60 in the static position, is indicated by reference numeral 80.

[0046] In the resting position, the fulcrum 62 of the side wing 60 is pushed against the base 82 of the half-shell 32 by the spring 52. The base 82 is a protrusion formed in the inner surface of the half-shell 32, that is, a protrusion formed in the surface of the half-shell 32 facing the plane 28. The base 82 extends horizontally in the X direction such that its end is located above the fulcrum 62. The length of the base 82 in the X direction is also short enough that it does not impede the movement of the device 4 when the device 4 moves to the second tilting position. Therefore, when the device 4 moves to the second tilting position, the base 82 is short enough to allow the partition 26 to pass through. Similarly, the base 82 is also arranged not to impede the movement of the surface 12. For this purpose, the base 82 is located between the hole and the groove 36 accommodating the ball bearing 22.

[0047] The half-shell 32 also includes a base 84 ( Figure 3 The base 84 is symmetrical with respect to the plane 30 and the base 82.

[0048] The fulcrum 62 and the base 82 are also designed to form a hinge 85 through the interaction of their shapes when the appliance 4 moves to its first tilted position. Figure 2 The hinge 85 allows the rocker arm 50 to revolve around axis 86. Figure 2 It pivots from its rest position to its first oblique position. Axis 86 separates from axis 10 and is parallel to axis 10.

[0049] For this purpose, the fulcrum 62 remains in contact with the base 82 in the active position while the rocker arm 50 moves between its rest position and its first oblique position. The fulcrum 62 then lies on the axis 86. Conversely, when the rocker arm 50 moves from its rest position to its second oblique position, the fulcrum 62 moves to a distant position where it is no longer in contact with the base 82.

[0050] In the resting position, the orthogonal projection of the receiving area 68 onto the horizontal plane containing axes 10 and 86 lies precisely between these two axes. Therefore, the point of application of the restoring force of spring 52 on rocker arm 50 is located between axes 10 and 86. This point of application corresponds to a point where the effect of a discrete force with the same direction and amplitude as the force applied by spring 52 to rocker arm 50 is exactly the same as the effect of the restoring force applied by spring 52. In this embodiment, this point of application is located at the intersection of the central axis of spring 52 and the lower surface 66 of the side wing 60. The shortest distance between this point of application of the restoring force and axis 86 is greater than 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm. Typically, this shortest distance is also less than 3 cm or 1 cm.

[0051] To allow the rocker arm 50 to move between its rest position and its first and second inclined positions, the interface device 2 includes a sliding connector 90 that mechanically connects the appliance 4 to the rocker arm 50. This sliding connector allows the appliance 4 to drive the rocker arm 50 to move against the restoring forces of the springs 52 and 54. It also allows the rocker arm 50 to drive the appliance 4 to move.

[0052] Here, the sliding connector is formed by a first part and a second part symmetrical about plane 30 in the neutral position. The first part is located on the right side of plane 30. This first part includes an upward-facing planar portion 64 of a side wing 60 and a slider 12A of a semi-circular surface 12. More precisely, the fulcrum 62 of the side wing 60 is located outside the groove 36. Therefore, when the appliance 4 pivots from its neutral position to its second tilted position, the slider 12A moves to press against the planar portion 64 and slides on the planar portion 64 in a direction parallel to plane 28. Conversely, when the appliance 4 pivots from its neutral position to its first position, the slider 12A moves away from the planar portion 64, as... Figure 2 As shown. Therefore, the first part of the sliding connector can be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by means of the device 4, wherein in the engaged position, the slider 12A slides on the flat portion 64, and in the disengaged position, the slider 12A is away from the flat portion 64 and mechanically isolated from the flat portion 64.

[0053] In the resting position, the sliders 12A and 12B of the semicircular surface 12 simultaneously press against the planar portions of the side wings 60 and 80, respectively. Therefore, once the user moves the appliance 4 from its neutral position along direction S... AR Or along direction S AV The movement immediately drives the rocker arm 50 to rotate in the same direction. Outside the stationary position, only one of the sliders 12A and 12B presses against the flat portion of the side wing of the rocker arm 50.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The function is used to describe the operation of interface device 2. Figure 4and Figure 5 The interface device 2 is shown in its neutral position and its first tilted position, respectively. In these functional representations, the various elements of the interface device 2 described with reference to the preceding figures are shown by line drawings and are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0055] In the absence of external stress, springs 52 and 54 simultaneously press the fulcrums of side wings 60 and 80 against the bases 82 and 84 of the main body 6, respectively. Therefore, the rocker arm 50 remains in its stationary position. When the rocker arm 50 is in its stationary position, the sliders 12A and 12B of the device 4 simultaneously press against the planar portions of side wings 60 and 80. The device 4 thus remains in its neutral position.

[0056] When the user moves along direction S AV Apply force F to device 4 Figure 5 When the device 4 rotates about axis 10, it moves to its first tilted position. Then the slider 12B presses against the flat portion of the side wing 80 and slides on that flat portion. Then the second part of the sliding connector is in its engaged position. Therefore, through this second part of the sliding connector, the device 4 pushes the side wing 80 downward. The spring 54 is compressed and the fulcrum of the side wing 80 is no longer pressed against the base 84. The slider 12A moves away from the flat portion 64 of the side wing 60 and is no longer in contact with the side wing 60.

[0057] In parallel, spring 52 presses the fulcrum 62 of the side wing 60 against the base 82. Therefore, rocker arm 50 rotates about axis 86, which passes through the point where the fulcrum 62 of the side wing 60 presses against the base 82. Since the receiving area 68 lies between the vertical plane containing axis 10 and axis 86, this rotational movement of rocker arm 50 about axis 86 also compresses spring 52. Therefore, rocker arm 50 moves to its first oblique position against the restoring forces of springs 52 and 54.

[0058] When the user releases the device 4 and no longer applies any force to it, springs 52 and 54 automatically return the rocker arm 50 to its rest position. When the rocker arm 50 returns to its rest position, the flat portion of the side wing 80 pushes the slider 12B upward, which returns the device 4 to its neutral position.

[0059] When spring 54 is damaged, it no longer exerts any restoring force on rocker arm 50. Conversely, the undamaged spring 52 can still independently return rocker arm 50 from the first inclined position and the second inclined position to its rest position. Therefore, even if spring 54 is damaged, interface device 2 can still be used.

[0060] Furthermore, when spring 54 fails, the restoring force that drives rocker arm 50 to its resting position is weaker than when both springs 52 and 54 are intact. Therefore, when spring 54 fails, the force the user must apply to move the device 4 between the first and second tilt positions is smaller. The user then perceives this difference in restoring force and can trigger appropriate maintenance before springs 52 fail sequentially.

[0061] The operation of the interface device 2 is the same as the operation described above when the spring 54 is damaged, in the case of spring 52 failure.

[0062] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The same human-machine interface device 100 as human-machine interface device 2 is shown, except that:

[0063] - Replace appliance 4 with appliance 104.

[0064] - Replace main body 6 with main body 106, and

[0065] - Replace joystick 50 with joystick 150.

[0066] In this embodiment, the appliance 104, the main body 106, and the rocker arm 150 are configured such that springs 52 and 54 operate in a stretched state rather than a compressed state. For simplicity... Figure 6 and Figure 7 Only spring 52 is shown. Figure 6 The device 104 is shown in its neutral position and the rocker arm 150 is in its stationary position. Figure 7 The device 104 is shown in its second tilt position and the rocker arm 150 is in its second oblique position.

[0067] As in Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment, the interface device 100 is symmetrical with respect to plane 28, and also symmetrical with respect to plane 30 in the neutral position. Therefore, in the following description, only the elements located in the right-hand portion of plane 30 are described in detail.

[0068] For example, appliance 104 is the same as appliance 4, except that the partition 26 includes a window 120. The lower portion of the window 120 is formed as a flat portion 122 horizontal in the neutral position. The slider 124 of the rocker arm 150 rests against this flat portion 122 in the neutral position. The symmetrical equivalents of the flat portion 122 and the slider 124 with respect to the plane 30 are indicated by reference numerals 132 and 134, respectively.

[0069] The main body 106 is the same as the main body 6, except that base 82 and base 84 have been replaced by base 136 and base 138 respectively. Figure 6 These bases 136 and 138 are located below the corresponding fulcrum of the rocker arm 150.

[0070] Rocker arm 150 is identical to rocker arm 50, except that fulcrum 62 has been replaced by fulcrum 142, which is pressed against base 136 by the resting force of spring 52 in the rest position. Base 136 is located below fulcrum 142. Similar to the description above, when rocker arm 150 moves from its rest position to a second oblique position, fulcrum 142 and base 136 interact to form a hinge that allows rocker arm 150 to rotate about a rotation axis 144 parallel to axis 10. The region for receiving the upper end of spring 52, when orthogonally projected in a plane containing axis 10 and axis 144, lies entirely between these two axes. Therefore, the point of application of the restoring force of spring 52 is located between these two axes and at a distance greater than 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm from axis 144. Here, the receiving region includes a hole 110, within which the end of one coil of spring 52 is received.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Describe the operation of interface device 100. Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are functional representations of the interface device 100. They respectively show the interface device 100 when the appliance 106 is in its neutral position and its first tilted position.

[0072] In the absence of external stress, springs 52 and 54 push the opposite fulcrums of rocker arm 150 against bases 136 and 138, respectively. Then, flat portions 122 and 132 simultaneously press against sliders 124 and 134. The device 104 is thus held in its neutral position.

[0073] When the user applies a force F to move the device 104 from its neutral position to its first tilted position, Figure 9 When the rocker arm 150 is in motion, the flat portion 122 pulls the slider 124 upward. At the same time, the left-hand fulcrum of the rocker arm 150 remains pressed against the base 138. Therefore, the rocker arm 150 pivots against the restoring forces of the springs 52 and 54 about the horizontal axis passing through the left-hand fulcrum to press against the base 138.

[0074] When the user releases the appliance 104, springs 52 and 54 automatically return the rocker arm 150 to its rest position. When the rocker arm 150 returns to its rest position, the slider 124 presses against the flat part 122, which simultaneously returns the appliance 104 to its neutral position.

[0075] In the case of interface device 2, if spring 54 is damaged, since the point of application of the restoring force of spring 52 is located between axis 10 and axis 144, spring 52 can independently return rocker 150 from the first inclined position and the second inclined position to its rest position.

[0076] Part Two: Variations of the Utensils

[0077] Variations of tools

[0078] The device 4 can take many different forms. For example, in a first variant, the operating lever 16 is omitted. In another variant, only the operating lever 16 is retained and the semicircular surface 12 is omitted. In the latter case, the device 4 is an operating lever, no longer a wheel switch. However, even in the case of a simple operating lever, the lever is mechanically connected to a rocker arm via a sliding connector, as described in the cases of interface device 2 or interface device 100.

[0079] The device 4 may also include one or more buttons, each of which can move between a proudposition and a position where the user's fingers press when gripping the device 4.

[0080] In the simplified variant, the appliance can only move between a neutral position and a first tilted position. In this case, the location of the area accommodating the spring 54 along the left-hand side of the rocker arm can be arbitrarily chosen. For example, in the case of the rocker arm 50, this accommodating area can be located further to the left on the section of the lower surface of the wing 80 extending beyond the base 84.

[0081] The teachings concerning the specific case where the device 4 can only rotate on a pivot about a single axis can also be applied to devices capable of rotating on a pivot about multiple axes of rotation that are not parallel to each other and all pass through the same point (referred to as the "center of rotation"). This center of rotation is fixed without any degrees of freedom relative to the body of the interface device. Therefore, these teachings also apply to the case where the device is capable of rotating on a pivot about axis 10 and about an additional horizontal axis parallel to the Y direction and intersecting axis 10. In this case, all the teachings concerning returning the device 4 to its neutral position after rotating it on a pivot about axis 10 can also be applied to returning the device 4 to its neutral position after rotating it on a pivot about the additional axis. In particular, the return mechanism then includes a pair of additional return springs, and the rocker arm further includes two additional flanks. Each of these additional flanks extends parallel to the Y direction and is located on either side of the additional axis. The additional springs and additional flanks are arranged as described in the case of the flanks and springs above.

[0082] As a variation, the appliance can rotate on a pivot about all axes of rotation passing through the center of rotation. In the latter case, the mechanical connection between the appliance 4 and the body is typically a ball joint connector. To ensure the appliance returns to its neutral position, the return mechanism then includes at least two pairs of springs, arranged as described above.

[0083] When the appliance is capable of rotating on a pivot about at least three non-collinear axes of rotation, the return mechanism may also include more than two pairs of return springs. In each case, each pair of springs is arranged as described in Part I to ensure that even if one of the springs in a pair fails, the appliance can return to its neutral position.

[0084] Appliances can also be designed to move by means other than the user's hands. For example, as a variation, an appliance is designed to move using the user's feet. Appliances can also move between a neutral position and an inclined position using robots or similar devices.

[0085] Other variations:

[0086] Other embodiments of the sliding connector are possible. For example, in one particular embodiment, the positions of the slider and the faceplate are inverted. One of the slider and faceplate is then fastened to a rocker arm, and the other slider and faceplate is fastened to a device.

[0087] Part Three: Advantages of the Embodiments

[0088] When one of springs 52 or 54 fails, it no longer exerts any restoring force on the rocker arm. However, in the embodiment described herein, this does not prevent the device from returning to its neutral position without external stress on the rocker arm. Therefore, the human-machine interface device remains usable even if one of springs 52 or 54 fails.

[0089] Furthermore, when one of springs 52 and 54 fails, the force the user must apply to move the appliance from its neutral position to one of its tilted positions is reduced. The user perceives this tactile feedback. Therefore, he is informed that one of springs 52 or 54 has failed. This allows necessary maintenance operations to be triggered before the other springs fail, and thus before the interface device becomes completely unusable.

[0090] By using a rocker arm in the return mechanism, the appliance rotates around the same axis or the same center of rotation regardless of its tilt direction. This facilitates the measurement of the appliance's angular position. Furthermore, since the return spring is not directly fixed to the appliance, the appliance can be unloaded without unloading the spring.

[0091] The two regions for accommodating the spring are placed between axis 10 and the axis of rotation of the rocker arm, thereby maintaining the ability to return the device from either the first tilt position or the second tilt position to its neutral position.

Claims

1. A human-machine interface device, comprising: -main body, - An appliance capable of being rotated by a user along a first direction and about a first axis from a neutral position to a first tilted position, the neutral position being the position of the appliance when no external stress is applied to it. - A return mechanism for returning the appliance to its neutral position, the return mechanism comprising: - The first and second springs permanently drive the device to its neutral position. A rocker arm suspended from the first and second springs, the rocker arm being rotatable about a second axis in a first direction between a rest position and a first oblique position, wherein in the rest position the rocker arm holds the device in a neutral position, and in the first oblique position the device is in its first tilted position, the second axis being separate from and parallel to the first axis. The rocker arm includes a first side wing and a second side wing, both located on corresponding sides of a mid-plane containing the first axis. The first side wing and the second side wing each include a first receiving area and a second receiving area for receiving one end of a spring. The orthogonal projection of the second receiving area onto the plane containing the first axis and the second axis lies entirely between the first axis and the second axis. Both the first spring and the second spring include a first end fastened to the body and a second end respectively accommodated in the first accommodating region and the second accommodating region. The return mechanism includes a sliding connector between the rocker arm and the device, which is capable of converting the rotation of the device along the first direction to the first inclined position into rotation of the rocker arm along the first direction to the first inclined position; and converting the movement of the rocker arm to its rest position into movement of the device to its neutral position.

2. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein: The device can be rotated by the user from the neutral position to a second tilted position around the first axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The rocker arm is rotatable from its rest position to a second oblique position about a third axis of rotation in the second direction, wherein in the second oblique position, the device is in its second tilted position, the third axis of rotation is separated from and parallel to the first axis and is located on the side opposite to the side where the second axis is found relative to the intermediate plane. - The sliding connector can also convert the movement of the device to the second tilt position into the movement of the rocker arm to the second oblique position.

3. The interface device according to claim 2, wherein: The main body includes a first base and a second base located at positions on the second axis and the third rotation axis, respectively. -The joystick includes: -The first fulcrum, which can move between the following positions: - In the active position, the first fulcrum rests against the first base to form a first hinge through the interaction of its shape with the shape of the first base, the first hinge allowing the rocker arm to rotate about the second axis as the appliance moves from its neutral position to its first tilted position. - In the remote position, when the appliance moves from its neutral position to its second tilted position, the first fulcrum is away from the first base. - The second fulcrum, which can move between the following positions: - In the active position, the second fulcrum rests against the second base to form a second hinge through interaction with the shape of the second base, the second hinge allowing the rocker arm to rotate about the third axis of rotation as the appliance moves from its neutral position to its second tilted position. - In the remote position, when the appliance moves from its neutral position to its first tilted position, the second fulcrum is away from the second base.

4. The interface device according to claim 2, wherein, The sliding connector includes: - A first portion, comprising a first slider and a first planar portion, the first slider being formed on one of the appliance and the first side wing, and the first planar portion being formed on the other of the appliance and the first side wing, the first portion of the sliding connector being movable between the appliance and the following positions: - Engagement position, in which, when the appliance moves between its neutral position and its first inclined position, the first slider slides on the first planar portion, and - In the separated position, when the device moves between its neutral position and its second inclined position, the first slider moves away from the first planar portion. - The second part includes a second slider and a second flat portion, the second slider being formed on one of the appliance and the second side wing, and the second flat portion being formed on the other of the appliance and the second side wing, the second part of the sliding connector being movable between the appliance and the following positions: - Engagement position, in which, when the appliance moves between its neutral position and its second inclined position, the second slider slides on the second planar portion, and - Separation position, in which the second slider moves away from the second planar portion when the device moves between its neutral position and its first inclined position.

5. The interface device according to claim 2, wherein, The orthogonal projection of the first receiving area in a plane passing through the first axis and the third rotation axis lies exactly between the first axis and the third rotation axis.

6. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the first spring and the first end of the second spring are fastened to the body such that when the device moves from its neutral position to either its first tilted position or its second tilted position, the two springs operate in a compressed state.

7. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the first spring and the second spring are tightly fixed to the body such that when the device moves from its neutral position to either its first tilt position or its second tilt position, the two springs operate in a stretched state.

8. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second springs is capable of independently returning the rocker arm from either of its inclined positions to its rest position without external stress.

9. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the point of application of the second axis and the restoring force of the second spring on the second side wing is greater than 1 mm.

10. The interface device according to claim 2, wherein, The distance between the third rotation axis and the point of application of the restoring force of the first spring to the first side wing is greater than 1 mm.

11. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, The device can only rotate relative to the body around one or more axes that all pass through the same fixed point.

12. The interface device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second springs are arranged to apply a first pressure to the device via the rocker arm in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to a plane passing through the first and second axes. - The interface device does not have a complementary spring, which is arranged to apply a second pressure to the device in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the magnitude of the second pressure is 0.9|F1| to 1.1|F1|, where |F1| is the magnitude of the first pressure.

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