Control rod capable of switching control modes

Abstract

The invention discloses a control rod capable of switching control modes. The control rod comprises a movement mechanism, a handle assembly, a dust cover and a bottom cover. The damping force of the movement mechanism is adjustable so that the control lever can be switched among a fixed type, a parking type and a self-resetting type, in the parking type and the self-resetting type, the movement mechanism outputs electric signals of X-axis displacement and Y-axis displacement, in the fixed type, the movement mechanism is locked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and in the self-resetting type, the movement mechanism outputs electric signals of X-axis displacement and Y-axis displacement. The handle assembly outputs electric signals of X axial displacement and Y axial displacement. The control lever is ingenious in structure and convenient to assemble, can be quickly switched among three forms of a fixed control lever, a parking control lever and a self-resetting control lever, is used for meeting different operation requirements, and is suitable for different occasions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of joystick design, in particular to a joystick capable of switching control modes. Background Art

[0002] A joystick is an input device, generally used for angle control on engineering machinery or port machinery. Currently, joysticks generally include three types: fixed joysticks, parked joysticks, and self-reset joysticks. Fixed joysticks can be used in a vibrating environment, but the operating feel is not good; parked joysticks can ensure that the handle is parked at any angle, but cannot achieve the self-reset function; wrist-operated joysticks have a better operating feel, but can only be used on fixed seats, and there is currently no joystick that can quickly switch the control mode. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a joystick with switchable control form in order to address the problems existing in the prior art. The joystick has an ingenious structure and is easy to assemble. By adjusting the damping force, the joystick can be quickly switched among three forms: a fixed joystick, a parked joystick and a self-resetting joystick. The joystick is used to meet different operating requirements and is suitable for different occasions.

[0004] The technical solution for achieving the purpose of the present invention is: a joystick with switchable control forms, the joystick with switchable control forms includes a motion mechanism, a handle assembly, a dust cover and a bottom cover; the motion mechanism is used to realize rotational motion in the X and Y axes, and the handle assembly is installed on the motion mechanism to provide a driving force; the dust cover is installed below the handle assembly and seals the mounting contact parts of the handle assembly and the motion mechanism, and the bottom cover is covered on the motion mechanism, both of which are used to isolate external foreign matter; the damping force of the motion mechanism is adjustable to realize the switching of the joystick among three forms: fixed, parked and self-resetting. In the parked and self-resetting forms, the motion mechanism outputs electrical signals of displacement in the X and Y axes. In the fixed form, the X and Y axes of the motion mechanism are locked, and the handle assembly outputs electrical signals of displacement in the X and Y axes.

[0005] Furthermore, the motion mechanism includes a panel, a two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, a first sensor, a second sensor, a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism, a knob threaded rod and a threaded block; the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism is installed inside the panel to realize self-resetting rotational motion in the X and Y axes, and the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively installed on the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism to convert the rotation of the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism in X and Y into electrical signal changes; the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are respectively assembled at the other end of the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, and provide a stationary damping force or completely lock the axial motion by respectively clamping the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism; the knob threaded rod and the threaded block are used to provide locking force of the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism, thereby adjusting the damping force of the motion mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism have the same structure, and the installation directions are centrally symmetrical;

[0007] The first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are installed simultaneously to adjust the damping forces in two axial directions; or, the first damping mechanism or the second damping mechanism is installed independently to adjust the damping force in only one axial direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the first damping mechanism includes a first pressure rod, a first bushing, a first bracket and a first bearing; the first bracket is installed on the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, the first bearing is pressed into the first bracket, and the first rotating shaft of the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism passes through the first bearing and extends from the first bracket; the first bushing is sleeved on the extended first rotating shaft and is provided with an opening; the first pressure rod wraps the first bushing inside and is also provided with an opening, and the direction of the opening is aligned with the opening of the first bushing during assembly and the direction is consistent; the upper part of the first pressure rod is fixed on the first bracket, and the lower part extends a cantilever, and when the cantilever is subjected to force, it drives the openings of the first pressure rod and the first bushing to contract, hugs the first rotating shaft, and provides damping force.

[0009] Furthermore, the first bushing is made of non-metallic material, and the first pressure rod is made of highly elastic metal material.

[0010] Furthermore, a first limiting device is installed on the first damping mechanism to adjust the extension and contraction amount of the first pressure rod opening, thereby adjusting the maximum damping force.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure borne by the cantilever is provided by the knob threaded rod and the threaded block, the knob threaded rod is installed on the panel through threads, and the threaded block is installed on the knob threaded rod; the first pressure rod and the second pressure rod of the second damping mechanism are both provided with waist-shaped through holes for passing the knob threaded rod; the knob threaded rod is provided with a boss, and the knob threaded rod is rotated to adjust the position of the boss up and down, so as to press down the first pressure rod and further adjust the damping force of the first damping mechanism; the threaded block is provided with a limiting boss, which is stuck on both sides of the second pressure rod, and the threaded block is driven to move up and down when the knob threaded rod is rotated, so as to lift the second pressure rod and further adjust the damping force of the second damping mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, the movement mechanism also includes a blocking piece, which is installed below the knob threaded rod and is used to limit the position of the threaded block.

[0013] Furthermore, the shape of the contact portion between the threaded block and the second pressure rod is a special-shaped curved surface fitted according to the deformation of the second pressure rod.

[0014] Furthermore, a force-sensitive sensor is installed on the handle assembly to output electrical signals of the two axial displacements of X and Y.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages:

[0016] (1) The overall structure is ingenious and easy to assemble. Through the damping force, the joystick can be quickly switched between the fixed joystick, the parked joystick and the self-reset joystick to meet different operating requirements and be suitable for different occasions.

[0017] (2) The present invention adopts a threaded adjustment method, which can dynamically adjust the damping force, and the thread has a self-locking ability, so the damping force will not change with the use of the joystick.

[0018] (3) The damping mechanism structures in the two axes of the present invention are completely identical, with a high degree of standardization, which is conducive to modular assembly. Moreover, the pressure rods with the same structure can ensure the same deformation, that is, the damping forces on the two axes of the joystick are the same.

[0019] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a joystick capable of switching control modes in an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is an oblique view of the motion mechanism in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3FIG. 1 is a front view of a motion mechanism in one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a left side view of the motion mechanism in one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 The figure is a right sectional view of the motion mechanism in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first damping mechanism in one embodiment.

[0026] Description of reference numerals in the figures:

[0027] 1—motion mechanism, 2—handle assembly, 3—dust cover, 4—bottom cover, 11—panel, 12—double-axis self-reset motion mechanism, 13—first sensor, 14—second sensor, 15—first damping mechanism, 16—second damping mechanism, 17—knob threaded rod, 18—threaded block, 19—blocking piece, 21—force sensitive sensor, 121—first rotating shaft, 122—second rotating shaft, 151—first pressure rod, 152—first bushing, 153—first bracket, 154—first bearing, 155—first limit screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0030] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in the field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0031] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "springs", "screws", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "springs", "screws", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "springs" and "screws" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in the field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0032] In one embodiment, in combination Figure 1 , a joystick with switchable control forms is provided, comprising a motion mechanism 1, a handle assembly 2, a dust cover 3 and a bottom cover 4; the motion mechanism 1 is used to realize rotational motion in two axial directions of X and Y, and the handle assembly 2 is installed on the motion mechanism 1 to provide a driving force; the dust cover 3 is installed below the handle assembly 2 and seals the mounting contact part of the handle assembly 2 and the motion mechanism 1, and the bottom cover 4 is covered on the motion mechanism 1, both of which are used to isolate external foreign matter; the damping force of the motion mechanism 1 is adjustable to realize the switching of the joystick among three forms: fixed, parked and self-reset. In the parked and self-reset forms (the joystick has good control performance, but is not suitable for use in a vibration environment), the motion mechanism outputs electrical signals of displacement in the two axial directions of X and Y. In the fixed form, the X and Y axes of the motion mechanism are locked, and the handle assembly outputs electrical signals of displacement in the two axial directions of X and Y (achieving the same function, although the control performance is poor, but can withstand vibration environments).

[0033] Further, in one embodiment, in combination Figures 2 to 4The motion mechanism includes a panel 11, a two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12, a first sensor 13, a second sensor 14, a first damping mechanism 15, a second damping mechanism 16, a knob threaded rod 17 and a threaded block 18; the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12 is installed inside the panel 11, and is used to realize the self-resetting rotational motion in the two axes of X and Y. The first sensor 13 and the second sensor 14 are respectively installed on the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12, and are used to convert the rotation of the two axes of X and Y of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism into electrical signal changes; The first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 122 of the double-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12 extend from the other end of the two axial directions respectively, and the first damping mechanism 15 and the second damping mechanism 16 are respectively assembled on the extending sides of the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 122, and provide a stationary damping force or completely lock the axial movement by respectively clamping the first rotating shaft 121 and the second rotating shaft 122 of the double-axis self-resetting motion mechanism; the knob threaded rod 17 and the threaded block 18 are used to provide a locking force for the first damping mechanism 15 and the second damping mechanism 16, thereby adjusting the damping force of the motion mechanism.

[0034] Further, in one embodiment, the first damping mechanism 15 and the second damping mechanism structure 16 are completely identical, and the installation directions are centrally symmetrical;

[0035] The first damping mechanism 15 and the second damping mechanism 16 are installed simultaneously to adjust the damping forces in two axial directions; or, the first damping mechanism 15 or the second damping mechanism 16 is installed independently to adjust only one axial damping force, and the damping force adjustment method is not affected.

[0036] Preferably, in some embodiments, combined Figure 5 to Figure 6 Taking the first damping mechanism 15 as an example, the first damping mechanism 15 includes a first pressure rod 151, a first bushing 152, a first bracket 153 and a first bearing 154; the first bracket 153 is installed on the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12, the first bearing 154 is pressed into the first bracket 153, and the first rotating shaft 121 of the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism 12 passes through the first bearing 154 and extends from the first bracket 153; the first bushing 152 is sleeved on the extended first rotating shaft 121 and is provided with an opening; the first pressure rod 151 wraps the first bushing 152 inside and is also provided with an opening. When assembled, the opening direction is aligned with the opening of the first bushing 152 and the direction is consistent; the upper part of the first pressure rod 151 is fixed on the first bracket 153, and the lower part extends a cantilever. When the cantilever is subjected to force, it drives the openings of the first pressure rod 151 and the first bushing 152 to shrink, hold the first rotating shaft 121 tightly, and provide damping force.

[0037] Here, when the cantilever of the first pressure rod 151 is deformed by pressure, the opening of the first pressure rod 151 will be contracted by force to press the first bushing 152; similarly, the opening of the first bushing 152 will be contracted by force to hold the first rotating shaft 121. Accordingly, the cantilever of the first pressure rod 151 is subjected to different pressures, the first bushing 152 holds the first rotating shaft 121 to different degrees, and the damping force provided is also different.

[0038] Furthermore, in one of the embodiments, a first limiting device is installed on the first damping mechanism 15 to adjust the extension amount of the opening of the first pressure rod 151, thereby adjusting the maximum damping force.

[0039] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first limiting device adopts a first limiting screw 155, and by adjusting the tightening depth of the first limiting screw 155, the telescopic amount of the opening of the first pressure rod 151 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the maximum damping force.

[0040] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first bushing 152 is made of non-metallic material, which can provide a smoother damping force.

[0041] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first compression rod 151 is made of a highly elastic metal material, which can provide a damping force in a wider range.

[0042] Furthermore, in one of the embodiments, the pressure borne by the cantilever is provided by the knob threaded rod 17 and the threaded block 18, the knob threaded rod 17 is installed on the panel 11 by threading, and the threaded block 18 is installed on the knob threaded rod 17; the first pressure rod 151 and the second pressure rod of the second damping mechanism are both provided with a waist-shaped through hole for passing the knob threaded rod 17; the knob threaded rod 17 is provided with a boss, and the knob threaded rod 17 is rotated to adjust the position of the boss up and down, so as to press down the first pressure rod 151 to provide pressure, thereby adjusting the damping force of the first damping mechanism 15; the threaded block 18 is provided with a limiting boss, which is stuck on both sides of the second pressure rod. When the knob threaded rod 17 is rotated, the threaded block 18 cannot be driven to rotate, but can only be driven to move up and down, so as to lift the second pressure rod, thereby adjusting the damping force of the second damping mechanism.

[0043] Preferably, in some embodiments, the shape of the contact portion between the threaded block 18 and the second pressure rod is a special-shaped curved surface fitted according to the deformation of the second pressure rod.

[0044] The solution of this embodiment is adopted to prevent jamming.

[0045] Furthermore, in one of the embodiments, the motion mechanism 1 further includes a blocking piece 19 , which is installed below the knob threaded rod 17 and is used to limit the position of the threaded block 18 .

[0046] The solution of this embodiment is adopted to prevent the threaded block 18 from falling off due to continuous rotation of the knob threaded rod 17 in the loosening direction.

[0047] Preferably, in some embodiments, the mounting threads of the knob threaded rod 17 and the threaded block 18 are both fine pitch threads.

[0048] The solution of this embodiment is adopted to prevent loosening.

[0049] Preferably, in some embodiments, a force sensitive sensor 21 is installed on the handle assembly to output electrical signals of the two axial displacements of X and Y.

[0050] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A joystick with switchable control modes, comprising a motion mechanism, a handle assembly, a dust cover and a bottom cover; the motion mechanism is used to realize rotational motion in two axes, X and Y; the handle assembly is mounted on the motion mechanism to provide a driving force; the dust cover is mounted below the handle assembly and seals the mounting contact portion between the handle assembly and the motion mechanism; the bottom cover is mounted on the motion mechanism and is used to isolate external foreign matter; characterized in that: The damping force of the motion mechanism is adjustable to enable the joystick to switch between three modes: fixed, parked and self-resetting. In the parked and self-resetting modes, the motion mechanism outputs electrical signals of X and Y axial displacements. In the fixed mode, the X and Y axial directions of the motion mechanism are locked, and the handle assembly outputs electrical signals of X and Y axial displacements.

2. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motion mechanism includes a panel, a two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, a first sensor, a second sensor, a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism, a knob threaded rod and a threaded block; the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism is installed inside the panel to realize the self-resetting rotational motion in the two axes of X and Y, and the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively installed on the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism to convert the rotation of the two axes of X and Y of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism into electrical signal changes; the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are respectively assembled at the other end of the two axes of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, and provide a damping force for stopping or completely lock the axial motion by respectively clamping the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft of the two-axis self-resetting motion mechanism; the knob threaded rod and the threaded block are used to provide the locking force of the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism, thereby adjusting the damping force of the motion mechanism.

3. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism have the same structure and are installed in a centrally symmetrical direction; The first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are installed simultaneously to adjust the damping forces in two axial directions; or, the first damping mechanism or the second damping mechanism is installed independently to adjust the damping force in only one axial direction.

4. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first damping mechanism includes a first pressure rod, a first bushing, a first bracket and a first bearing; the first bracket is installed on the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism, the first bearing is pressed into the first bracket, and the first rotating shaft of the dual-axis self-resetting motion mechanism passes through the first bearing and extends from the first bracket; the first bushing is sleeved on the extended first rotating shaft and is provided with an opening; the first pressure rod wraps the first bushing inside and is also provided with an opening, and the direction of the opening is aligned with the opening of the first bushing during assembly and the direction is consistent; the upper part of the first pressure rod is fixed on the first bracket, and the lower part extends a cantilever, when the cantilever is subjected to force, it drives the openings of the first pressure rod and the first bushing to contract, hugs the first rotating shaft, and provides damping force.

5. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first bushing is made of non-metallic material, and the first pressure rod is made of highly elastic metal material.

6. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first damping mechanism is provided with a first limiting device for adjusting the extension and contraction amount of the first pressure rod opening, thereby adjusting the maximum damping force.

7. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure borne by the cantilever is provided by the knob threaded rod and the threaded block, the knob threaded rod is installed on the panel, and the threaded block is installed on the knob threaded rod; the first pressure rod and the second pressure rod of the second damping mechanism are both provided with waist-shaped through holes for passing the knob threaded rod; the knob threaded rod is provided with a boss, and the knob threaded rod is rotated to adjust the position of the boss up and down, so as to press down the first pressure rod and further adjust the damping force of the first damping mechanism; the threaded block is provided with a limiting boss, which is stuck on both sides of the second pressure rod, and the threaded block is driven to move up and down when the knob threaded rod is rotated, so as to lift the second pressure rod and further adjust the damping force of the second damping mechanism.

8. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 7, characterized in that: The movement mechanism also includes a blocking piece, which is installed below the knob threaded rod and is used to limit the position of the threaded block.

9. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 7, characterized in that: The shape of the contact portion between the threaded block and the second pressure rod is a special-shaped curved surface fitted according to the deformation of the second pressure rod.

10. The joystick with switchable control modes according to claim 1, characterized in that: A force-sensitive sensor is installed on the handle assembly to output electrical signals of the X and Y axial displacements.

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