Operating element for a machine
By innovating the configuration of support components and cradle elements, the manufacturing complexity and operability issues of the joystick were solved, achieving low-friction, high-precision signal transmission and simplified manufacturing, thus improving the joystick's operability and control accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ELOBAU GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing joysticks present difficulties in manufacturing and operability, lack reliable electrical detection, require additional force to operate, and are highly complex to manufacture.
The configuration of support components and cradle elements allows the control levers to pivot about multiple rotation axes. Movement is restricted by the engagement of guide elements with cradle elements, providing mechanical signal transmission, simplifying manufacturing and reducing friction.
It achieves simplified manufacturing of operating elements, low friction and high-precision signal transmission, improves operability and control accuracy, and reduces the number of parts and weight.
Smart Images
Figure CN122396989A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an operating element, such as a joystick, for controlling the operation of a machine. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an operating element. Background Technology
[0002] Mobile machinery, such as agricultural or construction vehicles, can be controlled via an operating element in the form of a joystick. This operating element controls the movement of the machine, where pushing the joystick forward or pulling it backward corresponds to forward and backward movement of the machine, respectively. Pivoting the joystick left or right causes the machine to move accordingly in the left and right directions, respectively. To allow the joystick to pivot about two orthogonal axes, a universal joint mount or universal joint mount can be used to support the joystick links. In this configuration, it may be difficult to provide a robust configuration in which movement can be reliably detected electrically.
[0003] US document 4,763,100 A discloses a joystick with an additional degree of control. The joystick includes a pivotally mounted X-arm connected to an X-potential meter and a pivotally mounted Y-arm connected to a Y-potential meter. The X-arm element has a central arc portion with a groove through which a vertical section integrally connected to a leg of a platform member extends slidably. A lever of the joystick is mounted to the platform member. When the joystick pivots along the X-axis, the vertical section pivots the X-arm element. However, this configuration is difficult to manufacture because it requires adjustment of several tolerances relative to each other, thus making the configuration of manufacturing tools difficult. Further difficulty lies in installing components in such an assembly. Moreover, this configuration results in relatively high friction and may require additional force to actuate the joystick levers. Therefore, the user's operability of the joystick may be affected.
[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the manufacture of the corresponding operating element and to make manufacturing more cost-effective. Furthermore, it is desirable to improve the operability of this operating element, and in particular, to provide smooth operation under reduced forces. A further desire is to provide precise detection of the movement of the levers of this operating element. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide improved operating elements. In particular, it is desirable to improve the operability of such operating elements while simplifying manufacturing and making them more cost-effective.
[0006] This requirement is met by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the invention.
[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, an operating element, such as a joystick, is provided for controlling the operation of a machine. The operating element includes a control lever and a support assembly mechanically supporting the control lever. The support assembly is configured such that the control lever is pivotable about a first axis of rotation and about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The operating element also includes a cradle element supported within a housing of the operating element and pivotable about a third axis of rotation. The cradle element is configured to provide mechanical signal transmission for pivoting of the control lever about the first axis of rotation. The operating element also includes a guide element mechanically coupled to the lever to pivot together with the lever. The guide element is configured to interact with the cradle element to pivot the cradle element about the third axis of rotation when the control lever pivots about the first axis of rotation, and to move the guide element relative to the cradle element when the lever pivots about the second axis of rotation. The cradle element includes a guide support and has engagement portions configured to engage the guide support from at least two sides to limit movement of the guide support relative to the guide element in at least two opposite directions.
[0008] Several benefits can be achieved through this configuration. By providing a cradle element separate from the support assembly of the control lever, forces acting on the control lever, such as those generated by the user, can be absorbed by the support assembly, allowing the cradle element providing signal transmission to operate in a substantially force-free manner. The cradle element can therefore have a relatively simple, lightweight, and easy-to-manufacture configuration. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit large forces to detect pivoting about a first axis of rotation. Consequently, the cradle element and guide element can be made relatively small, resulting in small tolerances. This leads to more accurate signal transmission. Furthermore, by providing the cradle element as a guide support and by having the guide element engage the guide support from both sides (e.g., opposite), such as by the guide element gripping or clamping the guide support, a configuration in which the cradle element becomes more compact and easier to manufacture can be achieved. Moreover, this engagement results in relatively low friction between the cradle element and the guide element, thereby improving the operability of the operating element. This guide element can be manufactured in a relatively simple manner and with high precision, reducing mechanical complexity and improving control accuracy. Similarly, it is easy to assemble because this guide bracket can be easily installed and can be engaged with the joint in a simple and direct manner.
[0009] In addition to being more compact, this configuration allows for weight reduction and a decrease in the number of parts. This guide bracket can be further manufactured in a simple manner and has predetermined dimensions, particularly a predetermined width, thereby further improving the accuracy of control.
[0010] Preferably, relative movement in at least two opposite directions is prevented. For example, in at least two opposite directions, there may be little or no play between the engagement portion and the guide bracket.
[0011] The at least two opposite directions that restrict relative motion can correspond to the direction of motion of the guide bracket as it pivots about a third axis of rotation. These two opposite directions can, for example, be (substantially) perpendicular to the third axis of rotation. For instance, when pivoting about the third axis of rotation, they can be tangent to the circle described by the guide bracket at their respective positions. Through this engagement, the pivoting of the rod can be reliably transmitted to the pivoting of the cradle element, which can result in reliable mechanical signal transmission.
[0012] The guide bracket can preferably be arranged between the portions of the guide bracket in the joint.
[0013] The engagement portion can, for example, engage the guide bracket from at least two opposing sides. In other instances, the engagement portion can engage the guide bracket from three or more sides, which may be distributed around the cross-section of the guide bracket (e.g., from three directions offset by 90 degrees, or from three directions offset by 120 degrees). This engagement also allows for restriction of relative movement in at least two opposite directions. The portion of the engagement portion that engages with the guide bracket can be provided by two, three, or more engagement members, or by a single engagement member, which may extend, for example, around a segment of the guide bracket's periphery (e.g., a semicircle, or two quarter circles, etc.) and have portions that engage with the guide bracket, these portions may also continuously span such a segment of the periphery.
[0014] The engaging portion can be configured to grip or clamp the guide bracket from two opposite sides (i.e., from two opposite directions). The engaging portion can surround the guide bracket on both opposite sides. The guide bracket can also be referred to as a "driver".
[0015] In one embodiment, the engagement portion of the guide element is configured to slide and / or roll along the guide bracket as the rod pivots about the second axis of rotation. Therefore, a sliding or rolling engagement can be provided between the engagement portion and the guide bracket. This configuration allows the rod to pivot about the second axis of rotation and reduces friction.
[0016] When the rod pivots about the second axis of rotation, at least a portion of the guide element of the guide bracket that moves thereon may have the shape of a circular arc segment, the center of which is located on the second axis of rotation.
[0017] The third axis of rotation may be perpendicular to the second axis of rotation. When the member pivots about the second axis of rotation, the axial direction of the first axis of rotation may pivot about the second axis of rotation. When the member is in its default position, the first axis of rotation may, for example, be parallel to the third axis of rotation.
[0018] When the member is positioned such that the first axis of rotation is parallel to the third axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation is preferably superimposed on the third axis of rotation. In this configuration, the relative movement between the guide element and the guide support can be reduced or minimized during the pivoting of the member about the first axis of rotation.
[0019] The support assembly can be a universal joint mount or a universal bracket mount, and the first and second rotation axes, and optionally the third rotation axis, can intersect at a point. This configuration provides precise control and a beneficial tactile experience.
[0020] In one embodiment, the cradle element includes a single guide bracket. Specifically, no other guide elements may be included. This configuration further simplifies the manufacture of the operating element and reduces the number of parts. Friction can be further reduced by having only a single guide bracket. Furthermore, the configuration and adjustment of manufacturing tools can be simplified by this configuration.
[0021] The guide support may include or may be a bent rod. In particular, it may include or may be a bent wire. Such a rod or wire can be manufactured cost-effectively and with high precision. This wire may have a circular cross-section and a precise diameter with low tolerances, thereby reducing play in the engagement between the joint and the guide support. This improves control precision. Furthermore, the guide support can be easily manufactured by bending the corresponding wire. The guide support may be made of metals such as steel, aluminum, etc.
[0022] The mating portion can be, for example, U-shaped. The guide bracket can have a slot, and the guide bracket can be received in the slot. In other words, the guide bracket can engage with the slot. This configuration facilitates assembly while providing low-friction but precise interaction between the guide element and the guide bracket.
[0023] The engagement portion may include two protrusions projecting toward the guide bracket from opposite sides, specifically providing engagement from two opposite sides. These protrusions may form the aforementioned slots. The respective protrusions effectively define the interaction area between the guide element and the guide bracket, which improves control precision and allows for further miniaturization, reducing friction. In other instances, three or more protrusions may engage the guide bracket, or a protrusion spanning a portion of the guide bracket's periphery may engage the guide bracket.
[0024] For example, the engaging portion of the guide element may include two engaging members extending away from the rod in the axial direction of the rod. They may extend, for example, in a (fourth) direction perpendicular to the first and second axes of rotation. Each engaging member may have an engaging surface arranged opposite to the engaging surface of the other engaging member. Each engaging surface may include a corresponding protrusion extending toward the protrusion of the engaging surface of the other engaging member. A guide support may be received between the protrusions of the two engaging members. This simplifies the configuration of the guide element and can facilitate manufacturing.
[0025] The protrusions may have rounded edges or a circular shape. Specifically, they may have such rounded edges or a circular shape in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging member (e.g., perpendicular to a fourth direction). A rounded edge may mean that the edge forms a continuous curved curve in the cross-section. For example, each protrusion may have a raised shape in the cross-section. The corresponding shape of the protrusions can allow for changes in orientation of the guide element relative to the guide support without jamming between the engaging portion of the guide support and the guide element.
[0026] In some embodiments, each protrusion may have a convex shape, for example, in a cross-section perpendicular to a fourth direction (which is perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes). In other embodiments, the protrusion may have a concave shape. This shape can improve the ability of the engagement portion to rotate relative to the guide bracket without causing the guide element to jam on the guide bracket.
[0027] Each protrusion can, for example, form a continuous curved curve in cross-section, extending away from the corresponding joining member (i.e., towards another joining member), curving around the joining member, and curving towards the joining member, thereby forming a convex shape of the protrusion. As another example, each protrusion may have in cross-section: a first straight or (concave) curved section extending away from the corresponding joining member (particularly the corresponding joining surface, if provided); a second convex curved section; an optional third straight section extending parallel to the joining member (particularly parallel to the first axis of rotation); a fourth convex curved section; and a fifth straight or (concave) curved section extending towards the joining member (e.g., towards the corresponding joining surface, if provided). This profile may, for example, correspond to two mirrored S-shaped sections, which are optionally connected via straight sections. Similarly, in this way, a protrusion with an overall convex shape can be formed. Preferably, the extensions of the two convex curved sections in the direction parallel to the first axis of rotation may be greater than the extension of the (optional) third straight section parallel to the first axis of rotation. Thus, a sufficiently rounded shape that avoids jamming can be achieved. Alternatively, the convex curved section can have the shape of a circular section. The curved section can be a continuously curved section.
[0028] Along the direction of the extension of the engaging member (e.g., the fourth direction), at least within the range where the engaging portion engages the guide bracket during operation, the cross-sectional shape of the engaging member can remain (relatively) constant. Changes in the positioning of the guide bracket relative to the guide element in the fourth direction can therefore have no significant effect on the interaction between the guide element and the guide bracket. Thus, precise control can be achieved even if the distance between the two elements changes in the fourth direction.
[0029] The guide element can be mounted to the rod via a rotatable mounting portion configured to allow for orientation changes of the engagement portion relative to the control rod. When the rod pivots in both directions (i.e., about the first and second axes of rotation), it may cause some rotation about its longitudinal axis. This rotatable mounting portion can compensate for this rotation. Specifically, excessive rotation of the engagement portion against the guide bracket can be avoided, and therefore, jamming of the engagement portion on the guide bracket can be prevented. For example, if the rod pivots about both the first and second axes, the engagement portion can be oriented to suit the orientation of the guide bracket. Specifically, the rotatable mounting portion can provide rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, which may be perpendicular to the first and second axes of rotation. This fourth axis of rotation may specifically extend in this fourth direction.
[0030] The longitudinal extension of the rod can be in the direction of the fourth axis of rotation. However, it should be clear that the rod can have a handle configured in any desired ergonomic shape and extending in any desired direction. The rod can consist of multiple components. It can include, for example: a pivotable component to which the guide element is mounted via a rotatable mounting; a handle mounted to the pivotable component; and possibly other components, such as intermediate components.
[0031] The rotatable mounting portion can be configured to allow the guide element to move a predetermined distance relative to the rod in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable mounting portion (specifically, in the axial direction of the fourth rotation axis). This allows for compensation for any changes in the distance between the guide element and the guide bracket. In other words, the rotatable mounting portion can have a predetermined clearance in the axial direction.
[0032] The rotatable mounting portion may include a latch for latching a guide element to a control lever. The rotatable mounting portion may, for example, include a latch tongue or protrusion disposed on the lever (such as on a pivotable part of the lever) and a recess or hole on the guide element into which the latch element engages. This facilitates the mounting of the guide element to the lever.
[0033] The cradle element may include a bracket mounting portion at one end or each end of the guide bracket. The bracket mounting portion may be configured to rotatably mount the guide bracket to a component of the operating element, such as a housing portion of the operating element. Therefore, the cradle element can have a simple construction that is easy to manufacture.
[0034] For example, the bracket mounting portion can be made of plastic material and can be molded onto the guide bracket. For instance, it can be molded onto the bent wire that provides the guide bracket. The cradle element can thus be manufactured by bending the corresponding wire and molding the bracket mounting portion onto each end of the bent wire. Specifically, the cradle element can consist of the bent wire and the bracket mounting portion molded onto each end of the bent wire. This allows the cradle element to be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.
[0035] The bracket mounting portion can be configured to provide pivoting of the cradle element about a third axis of rotation. For example, it can engage a hole in the housing portion and rotate within such a (circular) hole.
[0036] The bracket mounting portion may include, for example, one or more latches and can be configured to latch into an opening (e.g., a circular hole) provided in a housing portion of the housing of the operating element. This configuration facilitates assembly. The bracket mounting portion may include two, three, or more radially extending protrusions configured to slide on the inner surface of a hole in the housing portion. This can reduce friction.
[0037] Preferably, the cradle element, particularly at least one support mounting portion of the cradle element, includes a sensor component of a (rotational) sensor configured to detect rotation of the guide bracket about a third rotation axis. The sensor component may be coupled (particularly mounted) to the cradle element to rotate or pivot together with the cradle element about the third rotation axis. Specifically, this sensor can convert mechanical signals transmitted by the cradle element into electrical signals for detecting actuation of the rod about a first rotation axis.
[0038] The sensor component may include, for example, a magnet or magnetic device, an optical indicator, etc. Preferably, the sensor component interacts with a second sensor component in a non-contact manner, the second sensor component being fixedly mounted to the housing portion of the operating element. Specifically, the sensor component may rotate about a third rotation axis together with a guide bracket.
[0039] The sensor may, for example, include a Hall sensor on a circuit board mounted in the housing of the operating element, which detects rotation of a magnet or magnetic device on a bracket mount of the cradle element. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor may include an optical detector that detects rotation of an optical indicator (such as an optical rotary encoder) on the bracket mount. The sensor component can therefore be of a simple structure, and its rotation can be detected optically. However, a magnetic sensor is preferred because it provides robustness against dust or debris entering the housing of the operating element.
[0040] In this embodiment, the operating element is configured such that the forces acting on the lever are not borne by the cradle element. The cradle element can simply track the position of the lever without bearing any forces. Therefore, the robustness requirements of the cradle element can be kept low, resulting in simple and cost-effective manufacturing.
[0041] The connection between the guide element and the cradle element can be a (fundamentally) stress-free connection. Apart from the (low) force (friction) required to rotate the cradle element about a third axis of rotation, the cradle element does not exert any force on the guide element.
[0042] The support assembly may include: a frame; a first swivel mount supporting the rod within the frame for rotation about a first rotation direction; and a second swivel mount supporting the frame within the housing of the operating element for rotation about a second rotation direction. The support assembly may incorporate a universal joint mount, a universal arm mounting, etc. The frame may specifically be a universal joint frame. The first and second swivel mounts may be configured to withstand forces acting on the rod, such as forces applied by the user. Therefore, the cradle element remains substantially unstressed.
[0043] The sensor component of the (rotational) sensor can be mechanically coupled to a universal joint frame; for example, it can be mounted to a journal of the universal joint frame, with the short shaft providing rotation about a second axis of rotation. Similarly, this sensor component can be a magnet or magnet assembly, an optical indicator, etc. In particular, it can have a configuration corresponding to that of the sensor component mounted to the cradle element (especially its support mounting portion). This second rotational sensor can have a configuration similar to the (first) rotational sensor described above. Operating elements can include corresponding (first and / or second) rotational sensors.
[0044] Therefore, the pivoting of the link about the first axis of rotation can be (indirectly) detected by using the first rotation sensor to detect the pivoting of the cradle element about the third axis of rotation, and the pivoting of the link about the second axis of rotation can be (directly) detected by detecting the rotation of the universal joint frame about the second axis of rotation.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine, particularly a mobile machine, such as an agricultural vehicle, construction vehicle, or industrial vehicle, is provided. The machine includes an operating element having any of the configurations described herein and adapted to control the functions of the machine.
[0046] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for manufacturing an operating element, particularly a joystick, is provided. The method includes: providing a control lever; providing a support assembly and mechanically supporting the control lever via the support assembly such that the control lever is pivotable about a first rotation axis and about a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis; providing a cradle element and supporting the cradle element within a housing of the operating element such that the cradle element is pivotable about a third rotation axis, wherein the cradle element is configured to provide mechanical signal transmission for pivoting of the control lever about the first rotation axis, and wherein the cradle element includes a guide bracket; mechanically coupling a guide element to the lever for pivoting together with the lever, wherein the guide element is configured to interact with the cradle element to cause the cradle element to pivot about the third rotation axis when the control lever pivots about the first rotation axis and to cause the guide element to move relative to the cradle element when the lever pivots about the second rotation axis; and engaging the guide bracket at least from both sides with an engagement portion of the guide element. This engagement restricts movement of the guide bracket relative to the guide element in at least two opposite directions. By this method, an operating element having any of the aforementioned advantages can be obtained.
[0047] In one embodiment, the method may include bending a wire to create a guide bracket.
[0048] In a further embodiment, the method may include molding the bracket mounting portion to at least one end of the guide bracket, preferably to each end of the guide bracket.
[0049] The method may also include mounting the guide element to the pivotable assembly of the rod by latching the guide element to the pivotable assembly. This mounting can occur via a rotatable mounting portion.
[0050] The method may further include latching at least one, preferably each, of the guide brackets to a housing portion of the housing of the operating element. Preferably, a rotatable connection is established by such latching.
[0051] The method may also include mounting a sensor component, which may have any of the above configurations, to the cradle element, particularly to its bracket mounting portion.
[0052] This method can be performed to manufacture an operating element having any of the configurations described herein. Furthermore, the operating element may have any configuration produced by implementing the manufacturing method.
[0053] It should be understood that the features mentioned above, as well as those to be described below, can be used not only in the indicated corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Specifically, features of different aspects and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other, unless otherwise indicated. Attached Figure Description
[0054] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.
[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional side view of an operating element according to an embodiment.
[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a rod component with a guide element and a cradle element of an operating element according to another embodiment.
[0057] Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an enlarged view of the guide element whose guide support interacts with the cradle element.
[0058] Figure 4 It shows the installation to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an enlarged view of the guide element of the rod component.
[0059] Figure 5 It shows the installation to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the guide element of the rod component.
[0060] Figure 6 It is shown that... Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an enlarged view of the guide element whose guide support interacts with the cradle element.
[0061] Figure 7 It shows including Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of the operating elements of the rod components, guide elements, and cradle elements.
[0062] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an operating element according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0063] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. It should be noted that the drawings are to be regarded as schematic representations only, and the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Rather, various representations of elements have been chosen such that their function and general purpose will become apparent to those skilled in the art. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”).
[0064] Figure 1 An operating element 10 with a lever 20 is schematically shown, the lever 20 being supported by a support assembly 30. The support assembly 30 is configured to allow the lever 20 to rotate about a first axis of rotation 11 (i.e., in and out of the drawing plane) and about a second axis of rotation 12 (as indicated by the arrow) perpendicular to the drawing plane. The support assembly 30 can be provided as a universal joint mount, particularly as a universal joint suspension. It can include a universal joint frame 31 supporting a support shaft 32 about which the lever 20 is rotatable about axis 11. The universal joint frame 31 is rotatable about the second axis of rotation 12. It can be, for example, via a plurality of short shafts 33 (these short shafts are indicated but... Figure 1 The lever 20 (actually located outside the plane of the drawing in the cross-sectional view) is supported in a portion of the housing 15 of the operating element 10. The lever 20 can therefore rotate about the two orthogonal axes of rotation 11, 12. The operating element 10 can be implemented as a 2D joystick.
[0065] It will be apparent that in this configuration, the force acting on the rod is carried by shafts 32 and 33, which transmit this force to the housing 15 of the operating element 10. Furthermore, since the universal joint frame 31 rotates together with the rod 20 about the second axis of rotation 12, it is difficult to measure rotation about the first axis of rotation 11, because the corresponding rotation sensor also needs to rotate. To provide the transmission of a mechanical rotation signal about the first axis of rotation 11, a cradle element 40 including a guide bracket 41 is provided. The cradle element 40 also includes a bracket mounting portion 42 at each end of the guide bracket 41, through which the cradle element 40 is supported (specifically mounted) to the housing portion 16 of the housing 15. The cradle element 40 is mounted by a rotatable mounting portion that allows the cradle element 40 to pivot about a third axis of rotation 13. The axis of rotation 13 is stationary relative to the housing 15, thereby facilitating the detection of the pivoting of the cradle element 40. The second axis of rotation 12 is also stationary relative to the housing 15, while the first axis of rotation 11 rotates about the second axis of rotation 12 when the rod 20 pivots about the second axis of rotation 12.
[0066] If implemented as a universal joint mounting section, the first rotation axis 11 and the second rotation axis 12 intersect. It may be advantageous for the third rotation axis 13 to intersect the second rotation axis 12, particularly at the same intersection point. Figure 1 In the default position shown, the first axis of rotation 11 can therefore be aligned with the third axis of rotation 13. Any pivoting of the link 20 about the first axis of rotation 11 can thus be translated into a corresponding pivoting of the cradle element 40 about the third axis of rotation 13. This allows for the transmission of mechanical signals that enables precise detection of the pivoting position of the link 20 about the first axis of rotation 11.
[0067] To enable the cradle element 40 to pivot together with the lever 20, a guide element 50 is provided that engages with the guide bracket 41 of the cradle element 40. The guide element 50 has engagement portions 51 that engage the guide bracket 41 from two opposite sides, specifically clamping or gripping the guide bracket 41. This engagement ensures that when the lever 20 pivots about the rotation axis 11, the guide element 50 causes the cradle element 40 to pivot about a third rotation axis 13 by the same angle. The cradle element 40 can thus be driven by the pivoting of the lever 20 about the axis 11.
[0068] This engagement further allows the guide element 50 to move relative to the cradle element 40 as the lever 20 pivots about the second axis of rotation 20. Specifically, the engagement portion 51 slides or rolls on the guide support 41. The pivoting of the lever 20 about the axis of rotation 12 therefore does not affect the pivoting position of the cradle element 40.
[0069] To facilitate this movement along the guide bracket 41, the guide bracket 41 may include a circular segment 45 that is curved corresponding to a segment of a circle. This circle may have a center that coincides with (i.e., is concentric with) the second axis of rotation 12. As the rod 20 pivots about the second axis of rotation 12, the gap between the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 can thus remain substantially constant. The tolerances required for axial movement between the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 can therefore be kept low, and friction can be reduced.
[0070] It should be clear that this circular section 45 may extend only within the range corresponding to the pivoting range of the rod 20 about the second axis of rotation 12.
[0071] With this configuration, the force acting on the lever 20 can be absorbed by the support assembly 30, allowing the rocker element 40 to remain essentially unstressed. Furthermore, precise and low-friction interaction between these components is achieved by engaging the guide bracket 41 with the engagement portion 51 of the guide element 50. This enables accurate and precise detection of the pivoting position of the lever 20, while simultaneously improving the user's tactile experience due to reduced friction.
[0072] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The above explanation applies accordingly to certain embodiments of certain components of the operating element 10. Figure 2 A pivotable component 21 of the rod 20 is shown. This pivotable component may include a through-hole 22 through which the pivotable component is rotatably supported on the shaft 32 about axis 11 (see...). Figure 1 The pivotable component 21 may include, for example, a bearing to facilitate rotation on the shaft 32. The lever 20 may also include a handle (not shown) mounted to the pivotable component 21. The pivotable component 21 extends in an axial direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 11. On the side opposite to the side where the handle is mounted, a guide element 50 is mounted to the pivotable component 21. The engagement portion 51 includes a first engagement member 53 and a second engagement member 55, which engage the guide bracket 41 from opposite sides, as described in further detail below.
[0073] The cradle element 40 includes only a single guide bracket 41. The guide bracket 41 can be a bent rod or a bent line. The cradle element 40 can therefore be shaped by bending a corresponding line with a desired diameter into a desired form (e.g.,...). Figure 2 (As shown) and is manufactured in a simple manner by molding the bracket mounting part 42 to each end of the line. This provides a simple and cost-effective solution.
[0074] Furthermore, because this type of wire can have a predetermined diameter with low tolerance, a dimensional match can be provided between the mating portion 51 and the guide bracket 41 in a simple and cost-effective manner. Therefore, accuracy can be improved while maintaining low friction.
[0075] As in Figure 2 As exemplarily illustrated, the bracket mounting portion 42 is provided with a latch to latch the cradle element 40 to the housing portion 16 of the housing 15. It also includes a stop (axial stop 43) for securing the bracket mounting portion 42 in a predetermined axial position. The bracket mounting portion 42 also includes circular protrusions 44, such as three, four, or more circular protrusions 44, which interact with the inner circumferential surface of a hole in the housing portion 16 into which the bracket mounting portion 42 is inserted. These circular protrusions 44 reduce friction between the housing portion 16 and the bracket mounting portion 42 as the cradle element 40 pivots about a third axis of rotation 13. The circular protrusions 44 may be circumferentially distributed on the bracket mounting portion 42 about the axis of rotation 13; they may be equidistant from the axis of rotation 13.
[0076] Figure 3 Detailed illustration Figure 2 The engagement between the engagement portion 51 and the guide bracket 41 in the embodiment. Figure 3 A bottom view is shown, in which the engaging members 53, 55 extend in the axial direction of the pivotable member 21, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Figure 3 The attached drawing is in plan view. The first engaging member 53 includes a first engaging surface 54, which faces the second engaging surface 56 of the second engaging member 55. On each engaging surface 54, 56, a corresponding protrusion 52 is provided that protrudes toward a protrusion on the corresponding other engaging surface.
[0077] The protrusions 52 are configured and sized to interact with the guide bracket 41, particularly by abutting the guide bracket 41 from two opposite sides. Therefore, the spacing between the opposing protrusions 52 can be designed to correspond to the external dimensions of the guide bracket 41, particularly its diameter. Since the diameter of the guide bracket 41 can have low tolerance, precise alignment of the spacing of the protrusions 52 with the diameter of the guide bracket 41 becomes possible. Interaction can thus occur with minimal clearance and reduced friction, thereby improving control accuracy and tactile perception.
[0078] The protrusion 52 has a circular shape. Specifically, it passes through a point parallel to... Figure 3The sections of the mating area in the attached plane have rounded edges. Each protrusion 52 may specifically form a raised portion that protrudes outward from the corresponding mating surfaces 54, 56. The engagement of such rounded or raised protrusions 52 can further reduce friction. In addition, it allows for a clearance in the angular orientation between the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 about the axis 14 parallel to the extension of the mating members 53, 55 (i.e., about the axis 14 perpendicular to the attached plane). This configuration reduces the possibility of jamming between the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 when the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 move relative to each other (e.g., when the rod 20 slides relative to each other as it pivots about the second axis of rotation 12).
[0079] Figure 4 This illustrates the mounting of the guide element 50 to... Figure 2 An enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment on the pivotable component 21 of the rod 20. A rotatable mounting portion 60 is provided, through which the guide element 50 is rotatable relative to the rod component 21 about a fourth axis of rotation 14. The axis of rotation 14 may correspond to an axial extension of the rod component 21. Specifically, the fourth axis of rotation 14 may be perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 11 and the second axis of rotation 12. The axes of rotation 11, 12, and 14 may intersect at the same point. However, it should be understood that the guide element 50 may also be biased, for example, along an arcuate direction defined by the circular component 45, in which case the axis of rotation 14 need not be perpendicular to the first or second axis of rotation 11, 12.
[0080] The rotatable mounting portion 60 may include a latching connector 61. This latching connection may include a locking tab 62 on one component and a snap-in hole 63 on another component. The snap-in hole 63 may be wide enough to allow the guide element 50 to rotate relative to the rod component 21. Other embodiments of the rotatable mounting portion 60 are, of course, conceivable. Figure 4 The latch configuration shown can be, for example, reversed.
[0081] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a pivotable component 21 and a guide element 50 passing through a rod is shown. The pivotable component 21 includes a short shaft on which a locking tab 62 is disposed, and the guide element 50 has a mounting portion shaped like a cover, the mounting portion including a snap-fit hole 63 arranged on the short shaft to create a latching engagement with the locking tab 62. Figure 5As shown, the rotatable mounting portion 60 can further provide clearance in the axial direction of the fourth rotation axis 14, allowing the guide element 50 to move a distance relative to the rod member 21 in the axial direction. Therefore, any relative variation in the spacing between the guide bracket 41 and the rod member 21 in the axial direction of axis 14 can be compensated, for example, due to misalignment between rotation axes 11 and 13 caused by manufacturing tolerances.
[0082] As in Figure 5 As can be further seen in the cross-sectional view, the joining portions 51, particularly the joining members 53 and 55, form a slot 57 in which the guide bracket 41 is received. In the axial direction of component 21, for example in the direction of axis 14, the joining portions 51, particularly the protrusions 52, provide a substantially constant spacing within the range of interaction. This can further relax the tolerance requirements in the axial direction for the engagement of the guide bracket 41 and the guide element 50.
[0083] This rotary mounting is optional, and the guide element 50 can also be fixedly mounted to the rod 20, or even molded to the rod 20 or produced integrally with the rod 20.
[0084] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged cross-section of the operating element 10 shows that the lever 20 has pivoted about the first and second rotation axes 11 and 12. Therefore, the orientation of the lever 20 about the rotation axis 14 has changed, causing the lever to be misaligned with the guide bracket 41 of the cradle element 40. (As in...) Figure 6 As can be seen, the circular shape of the protrusion 52 allows for (at least partially) compensation for this misalignment. Therefore, the guide element 50 can still slide along the guide bracket 41 with relatively low friction while still providing accurate mechanical signal transmission and essentially no backlash. It will be apparent that by allowing relative rotation of the guide element 50 relative to the rod member 21, the risk of corresponding jamming can be further reduced, and the orientation between the guide element 50 and the guide bracket 41 can be maintained even if the orientation of the rod member 21 changes about axis 14.
[0085] return Figure 2 The operating element 10 may include a sensor component 71 disposed on the cradle element 40 (e.g., on one or both support mounts 42). The sensor component 71 preferably interacts non-contactly with a second sensor component (not shown) of a rotation sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor component 71 is a magnetic assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets. The second sensor component (such as a Hall sensor) can then detect the rotation of the magnetic field as the cradle element 40 pivots. In other embodiments, an optical signaling component may be employed, whose rotation can be detected optically. Other configurations are conceivable.
[0086] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 2 An embodiment of the operating element 10 of the component. As can be seen, the bracket mounting portion 42 is received in the opening 17 of the housing 15 such that it can rotate about the third axis of rotation 13. The circular protrusion 44 centers the bracket mounting portion 42 in the opening 17 and ensures reduced friction. Of course, other engaging devices, such as rollers, bearings, or the like, are conceivable.
[0087] The pivotable component 21 of the rod is supported on the universal joint frame. Figure 7 (Not visible in the image), where the short shaft 33 is supported in the housing 15 to allow the universal joint frame to rotate about the second rotation axis 12. A sensor component 72, which may correspond to the sensor component 71, is disposed on the shaft 33. The pivoting of the rod 20 about the second rotation axis 12 can be detected by a corresponding rotation sensor, which may form part of the operating element 10.
[0088] As in Figure 7 As can be further seen, the guide element 50 protrudes from the rod member 21 and engages with the guide bracket 41 of the cradle element 40, such that when the rod 20 is about the first axis of rotation 11 (in Figure 7 During pivoting (not visible in the center), the cradle element 40 correspondingly pivots about the third rotation axis 13. This pivoting is detected by a corresponding rotation sensor, which is formed part of the rotation sensor component 71 and can be included in the operating element 10. Thus, a mechanically simple and reliable solution providing high detection accuracy can be achieved.
[0089] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an operating element 10 having any of the configurations described herein is shown. In step S1, a lever, such as lever component 21, is provided. In step S2, a guide element 50 is mounted to the control lever 20, for example, by using a latch connection and snapping the guide element 50 onto a locking piece 62. In step S3, the control lever is mounted to the support assembly, for example, by mounting the lever component 21 to the universal joint frame 31 using a shaft 32. In step S4, a cradle element is mounted to the housing portion 16 of the operating element 10, for example, by clamping the bracket mounting portion 41 into an opening 17 provided in the housing 15. In step S5, the guide bracket 41 engages with the engagement portion 51 of the guide element 50. This can occur simultaneously with step S4. The operating element 10 can thus be assembled in a quick and efficient manner. It should be understood that the order of the steps can be reversed, some steps are optional, and some steps can be performed simultaneously.
[0090] While specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments are to be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and all variations falling within the meaning and equivalents of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.
[0091] Reference Symbol List
[0092] 10 Operating elements
[0093] 11 First axis of rotation
[0094] 12 Second axis of rotation
[0095] 13 Third axis of rotation
[0096] 14 Fourth axis of rotation
[0097] 15. Housing
[0098] 16. Shell section
[0099] 17. Openings in the housing section
[0100] 20 rods
[0101] 21 Pivotable components of rods
[0102] 22 shaft hole
[0103] 30 Support Components
[0104] 31 Universal Joint Frame
[0105] 32-axis
[0106] 33 Short axis
[0107] 40 Cradle Components
[0108] 41 Guide bracket
[0109] 42 Bracket Mounting Section
[0110] 43 Axial stop
[0111] 44 Circular protrusion
[0112] 45 Circular Section
[0113] 50 guiding elements
[0114] 51 Joint portion
[0115] 52. Protrusion
[0116] 53 First connecting member
[0117] 54 First mating surface
[0118] 55 Second joint member
[0119] 56 Second mating surface
[0120] 57 Groove
[0121] 60 Rotatable mounting part
[0122] 61 Latch connection
[0123] 62 Locking Pieces
[0124] 63 buckle holes
[0125] 70 Rotary Sensor
[0126] 71 Sensor Components
[0127] 72 Sensor Components
[0128] S1-S5 Method Steps.
Claims
1. An operating element for controlling the operation of a machine, specifically a joystick, the operating element comprising: - Control lever (20); - A support assembly (30) mechanically supports the control lever (20) so that the control lever (20) can pivot about a first rotation axis (11) and about a second rotation axis (12) perpendicular to the first rotation axis (11); - A cradle element (40) is supported in the housing (15) of the operating element (10) and is pivotable about a third rotation axis (13), the cradle element (14) being configured to provide mechanical signal transmission for the control lever (20) to pivot about the first rotation axis (11); as well as - A guide element (50), mechanically coupled to the control lever (20) for pivoting together with the control lever (20), wherein the guide element (50) is configured to interact with the cradle element (40) to pivot the cradle element (40) about the third rotation axis (13) as the control lever (20) pivots about the first rotation axis (11), and to move the guide element relative to the cradle element (40) as the control lever (20) pivots about the second rotation axis (12). The cradle element (40) includes a guide bracket (41), and the guide element (50) has an engagement portion (51) configured to engage the guide bracket (41) from at least both sides to restrict the movement of the guide bracket (41) relative to the guide element (50) in at least two opposite directions.
2. The operating element according to claim 1, wherein, The engagement portion (51) of the guide element (50) is configured to slide and / or roll along the guide bracket (41) when the control lever (20) pivots about the second axis of rotation (12).
3. The operating element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cradle element (40) includes a single guide bracket (41), and / or wherein the guide bracket is arranged between multiple portions of the engaging portion of the guide bracket.
4. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide bracket (41) includes a bent rod or a bent wire, or a bent rod or a bent wire.
5. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The joint portion (51) has a slot (57), in which the guide bracket (41) is received.
6. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The engagement portion (51) includes two or more protrusions (52) that protrude from opposite sides toward the guide bracket (41).
7. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The engagement portion (51) of the guide element (50) includes two engagement members (53, 55) extending axially away from the rod, wherein each engagement member (53) has an engagement surface (54) arranged opposite to the engagement surface (56) of the other engagement member (55), wherein each engagement surface (54, 56) includes a protrusion (52) extending toward the engagement surface of the other engagement member, and the guide bracket (41) is received between the protrusions (52) of the two engagement members (53, 55).
8. The operating element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The protrusion (52) has a rounded edge, or a rounded shape, and / or a raised cross section.
9. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide element (50) is mounted to the rod (20) via a rotatable mounting portion (60), the rotatable mounting portion being configured to allow the orientation of the engagement portion (51) relative to the control rod (20) to change.
10. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cradle element (40) includes a bracket mounting portion (42) at one end or each end of the guide bracket (41), wherein the bracket mounting portion (40) is configured to rotatably mount the guide bracket (41) to a component of the operating element (10), specifically to the housing portion (16) of the operating element (10).
11. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cradle element (40), specifically at least one bracket mounting portion (42), includes a sensor component (71) of a sensor configured to detect the pivoting of the guide bracket (41) about the third rotation axis (13), the sensor component (71) being coupled to the cradle element (40) to rotate or pivot together with the cradle element (40) about the third rotation axis (13).
12. The operating element according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The bracket mounting portion (42) is made of plastic material and molded onto the guide bracket (41). Specifically, the bracket mounting portion is molded onto the bent lines that form the guide bracket (41).
13. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The operating element (10) is configured such that the force acting on the rod (20) is not borne by the cradle element (40).
14. The operating element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support assembly (30) includes: a frame (31); a first rotating suspension (32) for supporting the rod in the frame (31) so that the rod can rotate about the first rotation direction (11); and a second rotating suspension (33) for supporting the frame (31) in the housing (15) of the operating element (10) so that the frame can rotate about the second rotation direction (12).
15. A method of manufacturing an operating element, specifically a joystick, the method comprising: - Provide control levers (20); - Provide a support assembly (30) and mechanically support the control lever (20) by the support assembly (30) so that the control lever (20) can pivot about a first rotation axis (11) and about a second rotation axis (12) perpendicular to the first rotation axis (13); - Provide a cradle element (40) and support the cradle element (40) in the housing (15) of the operating element (10) such that the cradle element can pivot about a third rotation axis (13), wherein the cradle element (40) is configured to provide mechanical signal transmission for the control lever (20) to pivot about the first rotation axis (11), and wherein the cradle element (40) includes a guide bracket (41). - A guide element (50) is mechanically coupled to the control lever (20) to pivot together with the control lever (20), wherein the guide element (50) is configured to interact with the cradle element (40) to pivot the cradle element (40) about the third rotation axis (13) when the control lever (20) pivots about the first rotation axis (11), and to move the guide element relative to the cradle element (40) when the control lever (20) pivots about the second rotation axis (12); as well as - The engaging portion (51) of the guide element (50) engages the guide bracket (41) from at least both sides to restrict the movement of the guide bracket (41) relative to the guide element (50) in at least two opposite directions.