A hand-held flight simulation handle

Abstract

This invention discloses a handheld flight simulator handle, relating to the technical field of flight simulator input devices. It includes a handle housing with a main control PCB board inside. The front of the handle housing has auxiliary control components, the bottom has a brake switch component, and the back has a directional component. This handle integrates a control stick, throttle, rudder, landing gear, and flaps. It features symmetrical paddle linkages for the rudder, a non-contact Hall effect sensor, a torsion spring with foam cushioning for accurate centering and elimination of vibration, adjustable tolerance compensation force, a switch linkage for amplified displacement, photoelectric non-contact operation, tactile feedback from ball screw grooves, replaceable springs, and a self-lubricating oil reservoir for a good feel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flight simulator input device technology, specifically a handheld flight simulator handle. Background Technology

[0002] As an important platform for pilot training and aviation enthusiasts to experience flight, flight simulators have long relied on a combined solution consisting of multiple separate physical devices for their input control system. Typical control components include a master stick or control panel, independent finger-operated rudder, throttle valve, and various function switch panels. Each component is connected to the computer via independent cables, which not only occupies a large amount of desktop or cockpit space, but also creates messy wiring, making it inconvenient for users to store and carry. In addition, the split structure leads to high manufacturing costs, and the matching and debugging between the devices is also quite complicated. Although this traditional configuration can provide relatively complete control functions, it has obvious shortcomings in terms of integration, portability, and economy, making it difficult to meet the increasingly diverse usage scenarios.

[0003] In recent years, the significant improvement in personal computer performance has led to the rapid popularization of flight simulation games. More and more enthusiasts are eager to obtain an immersive experience in home or mobile settings. This change has put forward a dual demand for miniaturization and integration of control devices. However, most flight joysticks or controllers currently available to the consumer market only provide the main control axis and a few buttons. The control of the throttle and rudder still relies on separate throttle consoles, foot rudders, or keyboard combinations. In essence, they still continue the traditional architecture of multiple separate components. Users need to operate multiple devices at the same time, resulting in messy cables, space occupation, and high costs, which greatly reduces the immersion and smoothness of flight simulation. Therefore, how to integrate the control stick, throttle, rudder, and function switches into a single handheld device to eliminate the drawbacks of separation has become a technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handheld flight simulator handle to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A handheld flight simulator controller includes a controller housing with a main control PCB board inside. The front of the controller housing has auxiliary control components, a shoulder button at the top, and a flap switch, a landing gear switch, and a brake switch component sequentially located at the bottom. The brake switch component allows the user to press and trigger the braking function. The back of the controller housing has a directional component for operation by the user's fingers or palm, providing bidirectional left and right deflection input.

[0006] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention also provides the following optional technical solutions: In one alternative embodiment: the operating components include an eight-way view switch, an analog joystick, XYAB buttons, a menu button group, a throttle switch, and a trim wheel. All of these components are installed inside the handle housing, while their control terminals are exposed outside the housing. The eight-way view switch is located in the upper part of the handle housing, the XYAB buttons are located to the upper right of the switch, the analog joystick is located below the XYAB buttons, and the trim wheel is located to the upper right of the handle housing. The trim wheel is adjusted using a rotary encoder. A menu button group is located in the center of the handle housing, and the throttle switch is located to one side of the trim wheel. The throttle switch controls the flight throttle valve via a sliding resistor.

[0007] In one alternative: the top of both handle housings is also provided with a trigger button, which is located on the side of the shoulder button.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment: the directional component includes two directional paddles, which are symmetrically arranged. The directional paddles are respectively connected to the two input ends of a first linkage drive assembly. The first linkage drive assembly is rotatably mounted on the upper end of a mounting plate. The mounting plate is installed inside the handle housing. Bearings are symmetrically provided at the connection between the first linkage drive assembly and the mounting plate. The output end of the first linkage drive assembly is connected to an angle sensor, which is installed inside the handle housing.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment: the first linkage transmission assembly comprises an input linkage, a transmission linkage, and an output linkage. The rudder lever is mounted on the end of the input linkage. The input linkage is slidably disposed in a guide groove at the upper end of the mounting plate. The other end of the input linkage is slidably disposed in a limiting groove at the end of the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage is rotatably connected to the mounting plate. One end of the output linkage is fixedly connected to the transmission linkage. The other end of the output linkage is connected to an angle sensor. The angle sensor is a non-contact Hall effect sensor. A permanent magnet is mounted on the rotating shaft of the non-contact Hall effect sensor. Fixed rods are symmetrically arranged at the upper end of the mounting plate. The two fixed rods are respectively connected to the two ends of a return torsion spring, which is mounted on the upper end of the mounting plate.

[0010] In one alternative: both ends of the return torsion spring are provided with cushioning foam, and the space between the return torsion spring coils is filled with filling foam.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment: the brake switch component includes a light shield, which is mounted on the second linkage transmission assembly. A photoelectric sensor assembly is provided inside the handle housing at a position corresponding to the light shield. The photoelectric sensor assembly is mounted on the main control PCB board and includes an infrared emitting tube and a receiving tube. The second linkage transmission assembly includes an operating linkage. A gear position operation key is fixedly provided at one end of the operating linkage and is located outside the handle housing. A transmission slider is installed at the other end of the operating linkage. Limit seats are symmetrically slidably provided on the transmission slider and are all installed inside the handle housing.

[0012] In one alternative: a ball screw is installed on one side of the limiting seat, and several positioning grooves are provided on one side of the transmission slider.

[0013] In one alternative: an oil reservoir is provided on one side of the second linkage drive assembly.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention integrates the control stick, throttle, rudder, landing gear, and flap control modules into a single handle, solving the problems of traditional separate devices that occupy a large space, have messy cables, high costs, and are not portable. All flight controls can be completed with one hand, significantly improving immersion and smoothness. The rudder uses symmetrical paddles, linkage transmission, and non-contact Hall sensors, and employs a torsion spring return mechanism with foam filling between spring coils and buffer foam at both ends to eliminate play and vibration overshoot, ensuring precise and smooth return. At the same time, the foam adaptively compensates for tolerances, improving assembly efficiency and consistency. The return force and damping characteristics are adjustable. The brake switch uses linkage to amplify displacement and photoelectric non-contact triggering to eliminate contact bounce. Ball screws and positioning grooves provide clear tactile feedback, and replaceable springs adjust the shifting force. The oil reservoir provides self-lubrication, improving reliability and feel. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the directional component of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shoulder key installation of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the directional component structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first linkage transmission assembly of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the centering torsion spring and buffer foam of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the brake switch component of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the ball screw according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure reference numerals: 11 Handle housing, 12 Eight-way view switch, 13 Analog joystick, 14 XYAB buttons, 15 Menu key group, 16 Throttle switch, 17 Trim wheel button, 18 Shoulder button, 19 Landing gear switch, 20 Flange switch, 21 Brake switch assembly, 22 Directional assembly, 23 Rudder paddle, 24 Mounting plate, 25 First linkage drive assembly, 26 Bearing, 27 Return to center torsion spring, 28 Cushioning foam, 29 Gear operation button, 30 Second linkage drive assembly, 31 Operating linkage, 32 Sunshade, 33 Drive slider, 34 Limit seat, 35 Ball screw, 36 Oil reservoir. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example 1

[0025] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, a handheld flight simulator controller includes a controller housing 11, inside which is a main control PCB board. The front of the controller housing 11 has auxiliary control components. The upper end of the controller housing 11 has shoulder buttons 18. The bottom end of the controller housing 11 has, in sequence, a flap switch 20, a landing gear switch 19, and a brake switch component 21. The landing gear switch 19 is used for landing gear retraction and extension control, the flap switch 20 is used for flap retraction and extension control, and the brake switch component 21 is located on the bottom surface of the controller housing 11 in a position easily accessible to the fingers for the user to press and trigger the braking function. The back of the controller housing 11 has a directional component 22 located below the grip area for the user to operate with their fingers or palm, providing bidirectional left and right deflection input. The operating components include an eight-way view switch 12, an analog joystick 13, XYAB buttons 14, a menu button group 15, a throttle switch 16, and a balance wheel button 17. The eight-way view switch 12, analog joystick 13, XYAB buttons 14, menu button group 15, throttle switch 16, and balance wheel button 17 are all installed inside the handle housing 11. The control ends of the eight-way view switch 12, analog joystick 13, XYAB buttons 14, menu button group 15, throttle switch 16, and balance wheel button 17 are exposed outside the handle housing 11. Switch 12 is located in the upper part of the handle housing 11 and is used to control the switching of the flight view. The XYAB button 14 is located to the upper right of the eight-way view switch 12. The analog joystick 13 is located below the XYAB button 14. The trim wheel button 17 is located to the upper right of the handle housing 11. The trim wheel button 17 is adjusted by a rotary encoder. The menu button group 15 is located in the center of the handle housing 11. The throttle switch 16 is located on one side of the trim wheel button 17. The throttle switch 16 controls the flight throttle valve through a sliding resistor.

[0026] The two handle housings 11 are also provided with a trigger button on the top. The trigger button is located on one side of the shoulder button 18. When in use, both the shoulder button 18 and the trigger button retain the traditional handle mounting position.

[0027] The directional component 22 includes two directional paddles 23, which are symmetrically arranged. The directional paddles 23 are respectively connected to the two input ends of the first linkage transmission assembly 25. The first linkage transmission assembly 25 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the mounting plate 24. The mounting plate 24 is installed inside the handle housing 11. Bearings 26 are symmetrically provided at the connection between the first linkage transmission assembly 25 and the mounting plate 24. The output end of the first linkage transmission assembly 25 is connected to an angle sensor, which is installed inside the handle housing 11.

[0028] The first linkage transmission assembly 25 consists of an input linkage, a transmission linkage, and an output linkage. The rudder lever 23 is installed at the end of the input linkage. The input linkage is slidably disposed in the guide groove at the upper end of the mounting plate 24. The other end of the input linkage is slidably disposed in the limiting groove at the end of the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 24. One end of the output linkage is fixedly connected to the transmission linkage, and the other end of the output linkage is connected to an angle sensor. The angle sensor is a non-contact Hall effect sensor. A permanent magnet is installed on the rotating shaft of the non-contact Hall effect sensor. Angle information is obtained by detecting changes in the direction of the magnetic field. The sensor resolution is 12 bits or more, which can meet the requirements of high-precision flight simulation. The upper end of the mounting plate 24 is symmetrically provided with fixing rods. The two fixing rods are respectively connected to the two ends of the return torsion spring 27. The return torsion spring 27 is installed on the upper end of the mounting plate 24.

[0029] Both ends of the centering torsion spring 27 are provided with buffer foam 28, and the space between the spring coils of the centering torsion spring 27 is filled with filling foam. When the user needs to perform left or right operations, when the rear rudder lever 23 is operated, the rudder lever 23 drives the input link to produce linear motion, the input link drives the transmission link to deflect, and the output link transmits the deflection motion to the non-contact Hall effect sensor. At the same time, one side of the centering torsion spring 27 is compressed to store energy, and the other side of the centering torsion spring 27 assists in tensioning. After releasing the rear rudder lever 23, the centering torsion spring 27 releases the stored energy to drive the rudder lever 23 to return to center. The filling foam fills the space between the spring coils of the centering torsion spring 27, cushioning the centering torsion spring 27. The foam 28 absorbs the gap caused by the manufacturing tolerance of the centering torsion spring 27 through elastic deformation, effectively eliminating the false position in the traditional pure torsion spring solution, making the centering position more accurate. The viscoelasticity of the foam provides damping force during the rebound of the centering torsion spring 27, suppressing the vibration and overshoot of the centering torsion spring 27, making the centering action smoother and the operation feel better. Since the cushioning foam 28 can adaptively compensate for tolerances, there is no need to perform precise preload verification and multiple adjustments to the torsion spring during assembly, which greatly improves production efficiency and product consistency. At the same time, by adjusting the preload angle of the centering torsion spring 27 or the compression of the foam, the centering force and damping characteristics can be customized.

[0030] The brake switch component 21 includes a light shield 32, which is mounted on the second linkage transmission assembly 30. A photoelectric sensor assembly is provided inside the handle housing 11 at a position corresponding to the light shield 32. The photoelectric sensor assembly is mounted on the main control PCB board and includes an infrared emitting tube and a receiving tube. The second linkage transmission assembly 30 includes an operating linkage 31. One end of the operating linkage 31 is fixedly equipped with a gear position operation key 29, which is located outside the handle housing 11. The other end of the operating linkage 31 is equipped with a transmission slider 33. Limit seats 34 are symmetrically slidably mounted on the transmission slider 33, and all limit seats 34 are mounted on the handle housing. Internally, in this embodiment, taking a two-position parking brake switch as an example, when braking is required, the user pushes the operating linkage 31 through the position operation key 29. The operating linkage 31 drives the transmission slider 33 to move. The operating linkage 31 and the transmission slider 33 increase the displacement of the position operation key 29. The transmission slider 33 drives the light shield 32 to move. When the light shield 32 enters the reflection area, the output level of the photoelectric sensor component flips, realizing non-contact switch triggering. After detecting the change in the light path, the photoelectric sensor component outputs an electrical signal to switch, realizing the "on" or "off" of the switch function. The non-contact triggering of the photoelectric sensor component effectively reduces the bounce problem of traditional mechanical contacts, and achieves stable trigger response in conjunction with MCU threshold judgment. Example 2

[0031] The difference from Embodiment 1 is that: a ball screw 35 is installed on one side of the limiting seat 34, and several positioning grooves are provided on one side of the transmission slider 33. The ball screw 35 is set on the movement path of the transmission slider 33. By replacing the ball screw 35, the spring strength can be adjusted. The operator can customize the shifting operation force according to personal preference and different functional needs, thereby improving the user experience. When the transmission slider 33 moves and passes through the ball screw 35, the steel ball is embedded in the positioning groove to generate segment resistance, forming a clear shifting feel. Example 3

[0032] The difference from Embodiment 1 is that: the second connecting rod transmission assembly 30 is provided with an oil reservoir 36 on one side, which is used to store lubricating grease to achieve a long-term self-lubricating effect.

[0033] The above embodiments disclose a handheld flight simulator handle, wherein the handle housing 11 is similar in shape to a conventional handle. When in use, the eight-way view switch 12 is used to control the switching of the flight view, the trim wheel key 17 is used to achieve trim adjustment by a rotary encoder, the throttle switch 16 is used to control the flight throttle valve through a sliding resistor, the landing gear switch 19 is used for landing gear retraction and extension control, and the flap switch 20 is used for flap retraction and extension control. When the user needs to perform left or right operations, operating the rear rudder lever 23 causes the rudder lever 23 to drive the input linkage to produce linear motion. The input linkage drives the transmission linkage to deflect, and the output linkage transmits the deflection motion to the non-contact Hall effect sensor. Simultaneously, one side of the centering torsion spring 27 is compressed to store energy, while the other side of the centering torsion spring 27 assists in tensioning. After releasing the rear rudder lever 23, the centering torsion spring 27 releases its stored energy, driving the rudder lever 23 to return to center. The filling foam is filled between the spring coils of the centering torsion spring 27, and the cushioning foam 28 absorbs the pressure of the centering torsion spring 27 through elastic deformation. The clearance caused by the manufacturing tolerance effectively eliminates the false position in the traditional pure torsion spring solution, making the centering position more accurate. The viscoelasticity of the filling foam provides damping force during the rebound of the centering torsion spring 27, suppressing the vibration and overshoot of the centering torsion spring 27, making the centering action smoother and the operation feel better. Since the buffer foam 28 can adaptively compensate for the tolerance, there is no need to perform precise preload verification and multiple adjustments on the torsion spring during assembly, which greatly improves production efficiency and product consistency. At the same time, by adjusting the preload angle of the centering torsion spring 27 or the compression of the filling foam, the centering force and damping characteristics can be customized. When braking is required, the user pushes the operating linkage 31 via the gear shift button 29. The operating linkage 31 moves the transmission slider 33, and the operating linkage 31 and the transmission slider 33 increase the displacement of the gear shift button 29. The transmission slider 33 moves the light shield 32. When the light shield 32 enters the reflection zone, the output level of the photoelectric sensor component flips, realizing non-contact switch triggering. After detecting the change in the light path, the photoelectric sensor component outputs an electrical signal to switch, realizing the "on" or "off" of the switch function. When the transmission slider 33 moves past the ball screw 35, the steel ball is embedded in the positioning groove to generate segment resistance, forming a clear shifting feel. By changing the spring strength of the ball screw 35, the operator can customize the shifting operation force according to personal preference and different functional needs, improving the user experience.

[0034] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set", "connected", "installed", and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or a sliding connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A handheld flight simulator handle, comprising a handle housing (11), wherein a main control PCB board is disposed inside the handle housing (11), auxiliary control operating components are disposed on the front of the handle housing (11), and shoulder buttons (18) are disposed on the upper end of the handle housing (11), characterized in that, The bottom of the handle housing (11) is provided with a flap switch (20), a landing gear switch (19) and a brake switch component (21) in sequence. The brake switch component (21) is for the user to press to trigger the braking function. The back of the handle housing (11) is provided with a directional component (22). The directional component (22) is for the user to operate with their fingers or palms and provides bidirectional left and right deflection input.

2. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating components include an eight-way view switch (12), an analog joystick (13), XYAB buttons (14), a menu button group (15), a throttle switch (16), and a balance wheel button (17). The eight-way view switch (12), analog joystick (13), XYAB buttons (14), menu button group (15), throttle switch (16), and balance wheel button (17) are all installed inside the handle housing (11). The control ends of the eight-way view switch (12), analog joystick (13), XYAB buttons (14), menu button group (15), throttle switch (16), and balance wheel button (17) are all exposed outside the handle housing (11). Externally, the eight-way view switch (12) is located in the upper part of the handle housing (11), the XYAB button (14) is located to the upper right of the eight-way view switch (12), the analog joystick (13) is located below the XYAB button (14), the trim wheel button (17) is located to the upper right of the handle housing (11), the trim wheel button (17) is adjusted by a rotary encoder, the menu button group (15) is located in the center of the handle housing (11), the throttle switch (16) is located on one side of the trim wheel button (17), the throttle switch (16) is controlled by a sliding resistor to control the flight throttle valve.

3. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two handle housings (11) are also provided with trigger buttons on the top, which are located on the side of the shoulder button (18).

4. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The directional component (22) includes a rudder paddle (23), and the two rudder paddles (23) are symmetrically arranged. The rudder paddles (23) are respectively connected to the two input ends of the first linkage transmission assembly (25). The first linkage transmission assembly (25) is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the mounting plate (24). The mounting plate (24) is installed inside the handle housing (11). Bearings (26) are symmetrically arranged at the connection between the first linkage transmission assembly (25) and the mounting plate (24). The output end of the first linkage transmission assembly (25) is connected to an angle sensor, and the angle sensor is installed inside the handle housing (11).

5. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first linkage transmission assembly (25) consists of an input linkage, a transmission linkage and an output linkage. The rudder lever (23) is installed at the end of the input linkage. The input linkage is slidably disposed in the guide groove at the upper end of the mounting plate (24). The other end of the input linkage is slidably disposed in the limiting groove at the end of the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage is rotatably connected to the mounting plate (24). One end of the output linkage is fixedly connected to the transmission linkage. The other end of the output linkage is connected to the angle sensor. The angle sensor is a non-contact Hall effect sensor. A permanent magnet is installed on the rotating shaft of the non-contact Hall effect sensor. Fixed rods are symmetrically provided at the upper end of the mounting plate (24). The two fixed rods are respectively connected to the two ends of the return torsion spring (27). The return torsion spring (27) is installed at the upper end of the mounting plate (24).

6. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both ends of the return torsion spring (27) are provided with buffer foam (28), and the spring coils of the return torsion spring (27) are filled with filling foam.

7. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brake switch component (21) includes a light shield (32), which is mounted on the second linkage transmission assembly (30). A photoelectric sensor assembly is provided inside the handle housing (11) at the position of the light shield (32). The photoelectric sensor assembly is mounted on the main control PCB board. The photoelectric sensor assembly includes an infrared emitting tube and a receiving tube. The second linkage transmission assembly (30) includes an operating linkage (31). A gear operation key (29) is fixedly provided at one end of the operating linkage (31). The gear operation key (29) is located outside the handle housing (11). A transmission slider (33) is installed at the other end of the operating linkage (31). Limit seats (34) are symmetrically slidably provided on the transmission slider (33). The limit seats (34) are all installed inside the handle housing (11).

8. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 7, characterized in that, A ball screw (35) is installed on one side of the limiting seat (34), and a number of positioning grooves are provided on one side of the transmission slider (33).

9. A handheld flight simulator handle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second linkage drive assembly (30) has an oil reservoir (36) on one side.

Images