Large-angle centering and limiting device for steering wheel of game machine

Abstract

A large-angle centering and limiting device for a steering wheel of a game machine comprises a gear assembly, a driving motor, a centering auxiliary assembly and a limiting assembly, the driving motor is provided with a first output shaft, and the first output shaft is in transmission connection with the gear assembly so as to drive the gear assembly to rotate; the centering auxiliary assembly is in transmission connection with the gear assembly and used for moving the steering wheel from the deflection position to the middle position. The limiting assembly is used for limiting the rotation angle range of the steering wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of game consoles, and in particular to a large-angle centering and limiting device for a game console steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Current game console steering wheels, while simulating real driving, rarely exceed one full rotation. To better simulate realistic driving, game console steering wheels need to provide force feedback exceeding one full rotation. Torsion springs, as force feedback, are difficult to achieve due to their performance and lifespan limitations. If motor-driven force feedback is used, a special transmission mechanism is required to limit the rotation beyond one full rotation.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes a novel game console device that enables a wide range of rotation angles, provides stable transmission and automatic centering, while protecting the steering wheel from damage due to excessive rotation, thereby improving the overall reliability and user experience of the device. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a large-angle centering and limiting device for a game console steering wheel, which can provide stable transmission and automatic centering function, while protecting the steering wheel from damage caused by excessive rotation, thereby improving the reliability of the entire device and the user experience.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] This utility model provides a large-angle centering and limiting device for a game console steering wheel, including a gear assembly; a drive motor; a centering auxiliary assembly; and a limiting assembly. The drive motor has a first output shaft, which is driven by the gear assembly to drive the gear assembly to rotate. The centering auxiliary assembly is driven by the gear assembly and is used to move the steering wheel from the deflected position to the center position. The limiting assembly is used to limit the rotation angle range of the steering wheel.

[0007] As an improvement of this utility model, the gear assembly includes a mounting base with a hollow inner cavity. A first gear portion is provided on the inner wall of the hollow inner cavity. The gear assembly is installed in the hollow inner cavity and meshes with the first gear portion. The gear assembly also includes a central drive shaft. The mounting base has a mounting hole. The central drive shaft is installed on the mounting base through the mounting hole. One end of the central drive shaft is provided with the first gear, and the other end of the central drive shaft is connected to the first output shaft for transmission.

[0008] As an improvement of this utility model, the gear assembly also includes several second gears, which are mounted in the mounting base by a mounting bracket. Several mounting shafts are provided on the mounting bracket, and the second gears are mounted on the mounting shafts. The second gears, the first gear, and the first gear part mesh with each other.

[0009] As an improvement of this utility model, the gear assembly also includes a mounting cover on the mounting base, the mounting cover having a mounting cavity, and a centering auxiliary component disposed in the mounting cavity and connected to the gear assembly for transmission.

[0010] As an improvement of this utility model, the centering auxiliary component includes a torsion spring assembly, which includes a rotating shaft and a torsion spring. The rotating shaft is connected to the mounting bracket through a mounting cover. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft. The upper and lower ends of the rotating shaft have snap-fit ​​grooves, and the two ends of the torsion spring have snap-fit ​​parts. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the snap-fit ​​parts at both ends of the torsion spring are respectively installed in the snap-fit ​​grooves.

[0011] As an improvement of this utility model, the torsion spring assembly also includes a torsion spring cover, which is disposed on the mounting cover. The mounting cover has a through hole, and one end of the rotating shaft passes through the through hole and is connected to the mounting bracket by a connector. The mounting bracket is provided with at least one first connecting part, and the rotating shaft is provided with at least one second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are connected by a connector.

[0012] As an improvement of this utility model, the limiting component includes a first limiting block disposed on the rotating shaft, a second limiting block disposed on the mounting cover, and a third limiting block disposed on the torsion spring cover. The rotating shaft includes a rotating shaft housing and a shaft core disposed within the rotating shaft housing. A partition is provided between the rotating shaft housing and the shaft core, and the partition divides the rotating shaft into a first part and a second part. At least two first limiting blocks are disposed on both the first part and the second part. A first limiting groove and a second limiting groove are formed between the two first limiting blocks in the first part, and a third limiting groove and a fourth limiting groove are formed between the two first limiting blocks in the second part. The second limiting block is slidably disposed in the second limiting groove, and the third limiting block is slidably disposed in the fourth limiting groove to limit the rotation range of the rotating shaft.

[0013] As an improvement of this utility model, the centering auxiliary component includes a force feedback motor, which includes a second output shaft. The second output shaft is connected to the gear assembly for transmission. When the gear assembly rotates, the force feedback motor can provide a feedback force in the opposite direction to the rotation of the gear assembly, so that the steering wheel automatically returns to the center.

[0014] As an improvement of this utility model, a fourth limiting block is provided on the mounting bracket, and a third limiting groove is provided on the mounting bracket cover. The fourth limiting block slides in the third limiting groove to limit the rotation range of the mounting bracket.

[0015] As an improvement to this utility model, it also includes a position detection element, which is installed on the centering auxiliary component and is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering wheel in real time and output an electrical signal.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A large-angle centering and limiting device for a game console steering wheel includes a gear assembly, a drive motor, a centering auxiliary assembly, and a limiting assembly. The drive motor has a first output shaft, which is driven by the gear assembly to drive its rotation. The centering auxiliary assembly is driven by the gear assembly and is used to move the steering wheel from a deflected position to the center position. The limiting assembly limits the rotation angle range of the steering wheel. This structure provides stable transmission and automatic centering function, while protecting the steering wheel from damage due to excessive rotation, thus improving the reliability of the entire device and the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3-1 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft structure;

[0022] Figure 3-2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the torsion spring cover.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the mounting cover;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring.

[0026] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the connection structure of the mounting cover, rotating shaft, and mounting bracket in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 100. Return to center and limit device;

[0030] 1000, Gear assembly; 1001, Mounting base; 1101, Mounting hole; 1102, Mounting cover; 1103, Mounting cavity; 1104, Through hole; 1002, Hollow inner cavity; 1003, First gear section; 1004, Central drive shaft; 1005, First gear; 1006, Second gear; 1007, Mounting bracket; 1008, Mounting shaft; 1009, Connecting piece; 1010, First connecting part;

[0031] 2000, Drive motor; 2001, First output shaft;

[0032] 3000, Centering Auxiliary Component; 3001, Torsion Spring Assembly; 3101, Rotating Shaft; 3102, Torsion Spring; 3103, Snap-fit ​​Slot; 3104, Snap-fit ​​Part; 3105, Torsion Spring Cover; 3106, Second Connecting Part; 3107, Rotating Shaft Housing; 3108, Shaft Core; 3109, Partition Plate; 3110, First Part; 3111, Second Part; 3002, Force Feedback Motor; 3003, Second Output Shaft;

[0033] 4000 Limiting component; 4001, First limiting block; 4002, Second limiting block; 4003, Third limiting block; 4004, First limiting slot; 4005, Second limiting slot; 4006, Third limiting slot; 4007, Fourth limiting slot; 4008, Fourth limiting block; 4009, Fifth limiting slot;

[0034] 5000, Position detection element. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This utility model discloses a large-angle centering and limiting device 100 for a game console steering wheel, as shown in the reference. Figures 1-7 The system includes a gear assembly 1000, a drive motor 2000, a centering auxiliary assembly 3000, and a limiting assembly 4000. The drive motor 2000 has a first output shaft 2001, which is connected to the gear assembly 1000 to drive its rotation. The centering auxiliary assembly 3000 is also connected to the gear assembly 1000 and moves the steering wheel from the deflected position to the center position. The limiting assembly 4000 limits the rotation angle range of the steering wheel. This structure provides stable transmission and automatic centering, while protecting the steering wheel from damage due to excessive rotation, thus improving the overall reliability and user experience.

[0036] In this embodiment, the gear assembly 1000 includes a mounting base 1001, which has a hollow inner cavity 1002. A first gear portion 1003 is provided on the inner wall of the hollow inner cavity 1002. The gear assembly 1000 is installed in the hollow inner cavity 1002 and meshes with the first gear portion 1003. The gear assembly 1000 includes a central drive shaft 1004. The mounting base 1001 has a mounting hole 1101. The central drive shaft 1004 is installed on the mounting base 1001 through the mounting hole 1101. A first gear 1005 is provided at one end of the central drive shaft 1004, and the other end of the central drive shaft 1004 is connected to the first output shaft 2001 for transmission.

[0037] In this embodiment, the gear assembly 1000 further includes a plurality of second gears 1006. The plurality of second gears 1006 are mounted within the mounting base 1001 via mounting brackets 1007. The mounting brackets 1007 are provided with a plurality of mounting shafts 1008, and the second gears 1006 are mounted on the mounting shafts 1008. The second gears 1006, the first gear 1005, and the first gear section 1003 mesh with each other. This gear structure effectively improves the smoothness of the transmission and significantly enhances the transmission efficiency, ensuring stable power transmission.

[0038] In this embodiment, the gear assembly 1000 further includes a mounting cover 1102 covering the mounting base 1001. The mounting cover 1102 has a mounting cavity 1103, and a centering assist component 3000 is disposed within the mounting cavity 1103 and is drive-connected to the gear assembly 1000. The centering assist component 3000 is disposed within the mounting cavity 1103 of the mounting cover 1102 and is drive-connected to the gear assembly 1000. This ensures that the centering assist component 3000 can operate stably, realizing the automatic centering function of the steering wheel through the motion transmitted by the gear assembly 1000.

[0039] In this embodiment, the centering assist component 3000 includes a torsion spring assembly 3001. The torsion spring assembly 3001 includes a rotating shaft 3101 and a torsion spring 3102. The rotating shaft 3101 is connected to the mounting bracket 1007 via a mounting cover 1102. The torsion spring 3102 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 3101. The rotating shaft 3101 has locking grooves 3103 at both ends, and the torsion spring 3102 has locking portions 3104 at both ends. The torsion spring 3102 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 3101, and the locking portions 3104 at both ends of the torsion spring 3102 are respectively installed in the locking grooves 3103. The torsion spring 3102 deforms during rotation, providing a feedback force opposite to the direction of rotation, thus achieving automatic centering of the steering wheel. This structure not only provides a stable feedback force, enabling the steering wheel to automatically return to the center position, but also ensures the fixation and reliability of the torsion spring 3102 and the rotating shaft 3101, improving the performance and user experience of the entire device.

[0040] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the torsion spring assembly 3001 also includes a torsion spring cover 3105, which covers the mounting cover 1102. The mounting cover 1102 is provided with a through hole 1104. One end of the rotating shaft 3101 passes through the through hole 1104 and is connected to the mounting bracket 1007 via a connector 1009. The mounting bracket 1007 is provided with at least one first connecting part 1010, and the rotating shaft 3101 is provided with at least one second connecting part 3106. The first connecting part 1010 and the second connecting part 3106 are connected via the connector 1009.

[0041] Specifically, both the first connecting part 1010 and the second connecting part 3106 are threaded holes, and the connecting piece 1009 is a screw. The rotating shaft 3101 is connected to the mounting bracket 1007 through the threaded connection, which achieves a more stable connection and ensures the stability and reliability of the rotating shaft 3101.

[0042] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 3-1 as well as Figure 3-2 The limiting assembly 4000 includes a first limiting block 4001 disposed on the rotating shaft 3101, a second limiting block 4002 disposed on the mounting cover 1102, and a third limiting block 4003 disposed on the torsion spring cover 3105. The rotating shaft 3101 includes a rotating shaft housing 3107 and a shaft core 3108 disposed within the rotating shaft housing 3107. A partition 3109 is provided between the rotating shaft housing 3107 and the shaft core 3108, dividing the rotating shaft 3101 into a first part 3110 and a second part 3111. At least two first limiting blocks 4001 are provided on both part 10 and part 3111. A first limiting groove 4004 and a second limiting groove 4005 are formed between the two first limiting blocks 4001 in part 3110. A third limiting groove 4006 and a fourth limiting groove 4007 are formed between the two first limiting blocks 4001 in part 3111. The second limiting block 4002 is slidably disposed in the second limiting groove 4005, and the third limiting block 4003 is slidably disposed in the fourth limiting groove 4007 to limit the rotation range of the rotating shaft 3101. Through the above structure, multi-level limiting control of the rotation range of the rotating shaft 3101 is realized.

[0043] In this embodiment, the gear assembly 1000 has a transmission ratio of 1:3 to 1:10, preferably 1:6, so that the rotation angle of the steering wheel is 3 to 10 times the rotation angle of the mounting bracket 1007.

[0044] Preferably, the gear assembly 1000 in this embodiment includes three second gears 1006. The drive motor 2000 drives the central transmission shaft 1004 to rotate the first gear 1005. The rotation of the first gear 1005 causes the three second gears 1006 to mesh and rotate with the first gear section 1003, thereby causing the mounting bracket 1007 to rotate. The rotation of the mounting bracket 1007 causes the rotating shaft 3101 to rotate. The torsion spring 3102 deforms and acts on the rotating shaft 3101, providing a feedback force opposite to the rotation direction of the gear assembly 1000, causing the steering wheel to automatically return to center. In this embodiment, by setting three second gears 1006, the transmission ratio of this utility model is 6. That is, when the steering wheel rotates 1080 degrees, the mounting bracket 1007 rotates 180 degrees, and the corresponding rotating shaft 3101 and torsion spring 3102 also rotate 180 degrees. Even if the steering wheel has undergone a large rotation, the torsion spring 3102 only needs a small deformation to generate sufficient centering force, avoiding fatigue and damage to the torsion spring 3102 and rotating shaft 3101 caused by excessive rotation, extending the service life of the components, and also enhancing the automatic centering effect, improving the realism and operation accuracy of the game console driving simulation.

[0045] In this embodiment, the mounting base 1001, the mounting cover 1102, and the torsion spring cover 3105 are connected by screws.

[0046] As another embodiment of this utility model, refer to Figure 8 As shown, the centering assist component 3000 includes a force feedback motor 3002, which includes a second output shaft 3003. The second output shaft 3003 is connected to the gear assembly 1000 for transmission. When the gear assembly 1000 rotates, the force feedback motor 3002 can provide a feedback force in the opposite direction to the rotation of the gear assembly 1000, causing the steering wheel to automatically return to the center. The feedback force provided by the force feedback motor 3002 is more stable and controllable. After the steering wheel is rotated, it can more effectively make the steering wheel automatically return to the center, reducing the user's operating burden and improving the system's response speed and accuracy.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 1007 is provided with a fourth limiting block 4008, and the cover of the mounting bracket 1007 is provided with a fifth limiting groove 4009. The fourth limiting block 4008 slides within the fifth limiting groove 4009 to limit the rotation range of the mounting bracket 1007. Through the cooperation of the fourth limiting block 4008 and the fifth limiting groove 4009, the mounting bracket 1007 is ensured to rotate within a preset angle range, preventing equipment damage or performance degradation caused by excessive rotation.

[0048] In this embodiment, the game console steering wheel large-angle centering and limiting device 100 further includes a position detection element 5000. The position detection element 5000 is mounted on the centering auxiliary assembly 3000 and is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering wheel in real time and output an electrical signal. The position detection element 5000 can accurately capture the rotation angle of the steering wheel and provide real-time feedback to the user's operation. This allows the system to respond quickly and provide a smoother control experience.

[0049] Specifically, the position detection element 5000 is a VR variable resistor element, which achieves an ideal balance between accuracy, response speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in the steering wheel device. This not only meets the requirements for high performance but also provides users with a more realistic and smoother driving experience. The position detection element 5000 can also be a grating sensor. Using a grating sensor as the position detection element 5000 can significantly improve the detection accuracy and response speed of the steering wheel device, providing users with a superior driving experience.

[0050] The above description provides one or more embodiments in conjunction with specific content, but it is not intended that the specific implementation of this utility model is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to or identical to those of this utility model, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of this utility model, should be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A large angle return-to-center and limit device (100) for a steering wheel of a game machine, characterized in that: The gear assembly (1000) comprises a mounting seat (1001) having a hollow inner cavity (1002) with a first gear portion (1003) arranged on the inner wall surface of the hollow inner cavity (1002), the gear assembly (1000) is installed in the hollow inner cavity (1002) and engaged with the first gear portion (1003), the gear assembly (1000) further comprises a center transmission shaft (1004), the mounting seat (1001) has a mounting hole (1101), the center transmission shaft (1004) is installed on the mounting seat (1001) through the mounting hole (1101), one end of the center transmission shaft (1004) is provided with a first gear (1005), and the other end of the center transmission shaft (1004) is in transmission connection with the first output shaft (2001). The gear assembly (1000) further comprises a plurality of second gears (1006), the plurality of second gears (1006) are installed in the mounting seat (1001) through mounting supports (1007), the mounting supports (1007) are provided with a plurality of mounting shafts (1008), the second gears (1006) are installed on the mounting shafts (1008), and the second gears (1006), the first gear (1005) and the first gear portion (1003) are engaged with each other. The gear assembly (1000) further comprises a mounting cover (1102) arranged on the mounting seat (1001), the mounting cover (1102) has a mounting cavity (1103), the centering assisting assembly (3000) is arranged in the mounting cavity (1103) and in transmission connection with the gear assembly (1000). ​ 2. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for steering wheels of gaming machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: ​ 3. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for steering wheels of gaming machines according to claim 2, characterized in that: ​ 4. The game machine steering wheel large angle return and limiting device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: ​ 5. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for steering wheels of gaming machines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The back auxiliary assembly (3000) comprises a torsion spring (3102) assembly (3001), the torsion spring (3102) assembly (3001) comprises a rotating shaft (3101) and a torsion spring (3102), the rotating shaft (3101) is connected with the mounting support (1007) through the mounting cover (1102), the torsion spring (3102) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (3101), the rotating shaft (3101) is provided with clamping grooves (3103) at the upper and lower ends, the torsion spring (3102) is provided with clamping portions (3104) at the two ends, and the torsion spring (3102) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (3101) and the clamping portions (3104) at the two ends of the torsion spring (3102) are respectively arranged in the clamping grooves (3103).

6. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for a steering wheel of a gaming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The torsion spring (3102) assembly (3001) further comprises a torsion spring cover (3105), the torsion spring cover (3105) is arranged on the mounting cover (1102), the mounting cover (1102) is provided with a through hole (1104), one end of the rotating shaft (3101) penetrates through the through hole (1104) and is connected with the mounting support (1007) through a connecting piece (1009), wherein the mounting support (1007) is provided with at least one first connecting portion (1010), the rotating shaft (3101) is provided with at least one second connecting portion (3106), and the first connecting portion (1010) and the second connecting portion (3106) are connected through the connecting piece (1009).

7. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for a steering wheel of a gaming machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting assembly (4000) comprises a first limiting block (4001) arranged on the rotating shaft (3101), a second limiting block (4002) arranged on the mounting cover (1102) and a third limiting block (4003) arranged on the torsion spring cover (3105), the rotating shaft (3101) comprises a rotating shaft shell (3107) and an axis (3108) arranged in the rotating shaft shell (3107), the rotating shaft shell (3107) and the axis (3108) are provided with a partition plate (3109), the partition plate (3109) divides the rotating shaft (3101) into a first part (3110) and a second part (3111), at least two first limiting blocks (4001) are arranged on the first part (3110) and the second part (3111), a first limiting groove (4004) and a second limiting groove (4005) are formed between the two first limiting blocks (4001) of the first part (3110), a third limiting groove (4006) and a fourth limiting groove (4007) are formed between the two first limiting blocks (4001) of the second part (3111), the second limiting block (4002) is slidingly arranged in the second limiting groove (4005), and the third limiting block (4003) is slidingly arranged in the fourth limiting groove (4007).

8. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for steering wheels of gaming machines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The return-to-center auxiliary assembly (3000) comprises a force feedback motor (3002), the force feedback motor (3002) comprises a second output shaft (3003), the second output shaft (3003) is in transmission connection with the gear assembly (1000), when the gear assembly (1000) rotates, the force feedback motor (3002) can provide a feedback force opposite to the rotating direction of the gear assembly (1000), so that the steering wheel is automatically returned to the center.

9. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for a steering wheel of a gaming machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: A fourth limiting block (4008) is arranged on the mounting bracket (1007), a fifth limiting groove (4009) is arranged on the cover of the mounting bracket (1007), and the fourth limiting block (4008) slides in the fifth limiting groove (4009) to limit the rotation range of the mounting bracket (1007).

10. The large angle centering and detent device (100) for a steering wheel of a gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further comprising a position detection element (5000) mounted on the return-to-center auxiliary assembly (3000), which is used for detecting the rotation angle of the steering wheel in real time and outputting an electric signal.

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