Multi-directional input device, control handle and steering apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a multi-directional input device, a control handle, and a control device. The multi-directional input device includes a housing, an operating body, a rocker arm assembly, a circuit board, a reset mechanism, and electrical connectors. The housing has a cavity, and an opening communicating with the cavity is also provided on the housing. At least a portion of the operating body is swayably disposed within the cavity. The operating body includes a first end and a second end; the first end extends out of the cavity from the opening, and the second end extends into the cavity. The circuit board is disposed within the cavity. The reset mechanism is disposed within the cavity and elastically abuts against the second end. The reset mechanism is configured to reset the operating body when at least a portion of the operating body is swayed within the cavity. The reset mechanism includes multiple elastic elements and a floating element. The floating element has a receiving groove, and the multiple elastic elements are disposed within the receiving groove. The floating element is disposed at the end of the elastic element near the opening, and the elastic elements abut against the second end. By providing multiple elastic elements to support the floating element, the elastic redundancy capability of the reset mechanism is significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of non-contact sensing technology, specifically to multi-directional input devices, control handles, and control equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Existing multi-directional input devices mainly rely on a single spring to provide the restoring force for vertical floating. After long-term stress, the spring is prone to elastic fatigue and irreversible deformation, which leads to the decay of elastic potential energy and affects the operator's operating feel. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, it is necessary to provide a multi-directional input device, a control handle, and a control device.

[0004] This application provides a multi-directional input device, which includes a housing, an operating body, a rocker arm assembly, a circuit board, a reset mechanism, and an electrical connector. The housing has a cavity, and an opening communicating with the cavity is also provided on the housing. At least a portion of the operating body is rotatably disposed within the cavity. The operating body includes a first end and a second end; the first end extends out of the cavity from the opening, and the second end extends into the cavity. The rocker arm assembly is at least partially located within the housing and rotatably disposed thereon. The operating body is drivenly connected to the rocker arm assembly. The circuit board is disposed within the cavity. The reset mechanism is disposed within the cavity and includes multiple elastic members and a floating member. The floating member has a receiving groove, and the multiple elastic members are disposed within the receiving groove. The second end of the floating member is located on the side facing the opening. The elastic members are configured to elastically abut against the second end by the floating member, and to reset the operating body when at least a portion of the operating body is rocked within the cavity. The electrical connector is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The rocker arm assembly is connected to the electrical connector, and the electrical connector is configured to move with the rocker arm assembly. The circuit board is configured to sense changes in the position of the electrical connector.

[0005] This application significantly improves the elastic redundancy of the reset mechanism by setting multiple elastic elements to support the floating element. Even if some elastic elements experience slight elastic decay due to long-term use, the remaining elastic elements can still maintain sufficient total reset force, avoiding the drawback of a single spring failure affecting the overall use. This significantly extends the effective service life of the reset mechanism and ensures stable elastic support even after long-term use. Furthermore, the pressing feel can be changed by adjusting the elastic potential energy of the springs.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element is a helical cylindrical spring and includes a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other. The third end is located inside the receiving groove and abuts against the bottom surface of the receiving groove, while the fourth end is located outside the receiving groove and abuts against the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, at least a portion of the circuit board is disposed within the housing and located on the side opposite to the opening of the floating member. The circuit board has a clearance hole, and the fourth end passes through the clearance hole and abuts against the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the housing includes an upper shell and a lower shell that are fixed to each other, a circuit board is disposed on the lower shell, and the lower shell is provided with a relief groove corresponding to the elastic element, and the fourth end abuts against the bottom surface of the relief groove.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, four elastic elements are provided, and four receiving grooves are provided corresponding to the four elastic elements, with the four elastic elements respectively housed in the four receiving grooves.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the floating member is further provided with a first groove on the side facing the operating body, and the second end abuts against the bottom surface of the first groove.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the rocker arm assembly includes a first rocker arm and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm and the second rocker arm are configured to rotate with the operating body in two mutually perpendicular directions. At least one of the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm includes a rocker arm body, a rotating part disposed at both ends of the rocker arm body, and a driving part disposed at the rotating part. The driving part is located in the cavity, and a second groove is provided on the side of the floating member facing the opening corresponding to the rotating part.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the electrical connector is provided with a locking post, and the drive unit is provided with a locking slot corresponding to the locking post. The locking slot and the locking post are connected in cooperation. The electrical connector is configured to move with the drive unit, and the circuit board is configured to sense the movement of the electrical connector.

[0013] This application also provides a control handle, including the aforementioned multi-directional input device.

[0014] This application also provides a control device, including the aforementioned control handle. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the multi-directional input device is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device shown is along point AA.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control handle according to one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of key component symbols: Multi-directional input device 10, housing 100, operating body 200, first end 201, second end 202, cavity 101, opening 102, rocker arm assembly 300, circuit board 400, reset mechanism 500, elastic element 510, third end 511, fourth end 512, floating element 520, receiving groove 521, electrical connector 600, clearance hole 401, upper shell 110, lower shell 120, clearance groove 121, first groove 522, first rocker arm 310, second rocker arm 320, rocker arm body 301, rotating part 302, driving part 303, second groove 523, locking post 601, locking slot 304, control handle 30, control device 40.

[0021] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located. When a component is considered to be "located" on another component, it can be directly located on the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 2 This application provides a multi-directional input device 10, including a housing 100, an operating body 200, a rocker arm assembly 300, a circuit board 400, a reset mechanism 500, and an electrical connector 600. The housing 100 has a cavity 101 (see...). Figure 3The housing 100 also has an opening 102 communicating with the cavity 101. At least a portion of the operating body 200 is rotatably disposed within the cavity 101. The operating body 200 includes a first end 201 and a second end 202. The first end 201 extends out of the cavity 101 from the opening 102, and the second end 202 extends into the cavity 101. The rocker arm assembly 300 is at least partially located within the housing 100 and rotatably disposed within the housing 100. The operating body 200 is drivenly connected to the rocker arm assembly 300. The circuit board 400 is disposed within the cavity 101. A reset mechanism 500 is disposed within the cavity 101 and elastically abuts against the second end 202. The reset mechanism 500 is configured to reset the operating body 200 when at least a portion of the operating body 200 is shaken within the cavity 101. The reset mechanism 500 includes a plurality of elastic members 510 and a floating member 520. The floating member 520 is provided with a receiving groove 521, and the plurality of elastic members 510 are disposed within the receiving groove 521. The second end 202 is located on the side of the floating member 520 facing the opening 102. The elastic members 510 are configured to elastically abut against the second end 202 via the floating member 520, and reset the operating body 200 when at least a portion of the operating body 200 is shaken within the cavity 101. Electrical connector 600 is disposed on and electrically connected to circuit board 400. Rocker arm assembly 300 is connected to electrical connector 600. Electrical connector 600 is configured to move with rocker arm assembly 300. Circuit board 400 is configured to sense position changes of electrical connector 600.

[0026] This application significantly improves the elastic redundancy of the reset mechanism 500 by setting multiple elastic elements 510 to support the floating element 520. Even if some elastic elements 510 experience slight elastic decay due to long-term use, the remaining elastic elements 510 can still maintain sufficient total reset elastic force, avoiding the drawback that the failure of a single elastic element 510 would affect the use of the multi-directional input device 10, significantly extending the effective service life of the reset mechanism 500, and ensuring that it can still provide stable elastic support after long-term use. Furthermore, the pressing feel can be changed by adjusting the elastic potential energy of the elastic elements 510.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element 510 is a helical cylindrical spring and includes a third end 511 and a fourth end 512 disposed opposite to each other. The third end 511 extends into and abuts against the receiving groove 521, while the fourth end 512 is located outside the receiving groove 521 and abuts against the housing 100. By having the third end 511 of the elastic element 510 abut against the receiving groove 521, the installation position of the elastic element 510 on the floating element 520 is ensured to be stable, reducing axial displacement of the elastic element 510 during repeated deformation. The fourth end 512 directly abuts against the housing 100, forming a fixed force support point, so that the deformation range and elastic force transmission path of the elastic element 510 remain consistent.

[0028] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the circuit board 400 is at least partially disposed within the housing 100 and located on the side of the floating member 520 opposite to the opening 102. The circuit board 400 has a clearance hole 401, and the fourth end 512 passes through the clearance hole 401 and abuts against the housing 100. By providing the clearance hole 401 on the circuit board 400, it is ensured that the fourth end 512 of the elastic member 510 can directly abut against the housing 100, stabilizing the force support point of the elastic member 510 without affecting the installation of the circuit board 400 and the realization of its electrical functions. The simple clearance structure allows the elastic member 510 to maintain an optimal force state, while facilitating the installation and positioning of the elastic member 510, improving the space utilization and reliability of the multi-directional input device 10, and maintaining a good operating feel even after long-term use.

[0029] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the housing 100 includes an upper housing 110 and a lower housing 120 fixed to each other. A circuit board 400 is disposed on the lower housing 120. The lower housing 120 has a clearance groove 121 corresponding to the elastic member 510, and the fourth end 512 abuts against the clearance groove 121. The clearance groove 121 on the lower housing 120 provides positioning for the fourth end 512 of the elastic member 510, enabling the elastic member 510 to be installed quickly and accurately, ensuring that the abutting state of multiple elastic members 510 is consistent. The circuit board 400 is fixed to the lower housing 120, and the clearance hole 401 (in...) Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the clearance groove 121 corresponds to each other, further ensuring the rational layout of components such as the elastic element 510 and the circuit board 400, and avoiding structural interference caused by assembly errors. The clearance groove 121 effectively limits the fourth end 512 of the elastic element 510, ensuring stable elastic force transmission. After long-term use, the elastic potential energy decays evenly, and the tactile sensation will not fluctuate due to the displacement of a single elastic element 510.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, four elastic elements 510 are provided, distributed around the floating element 520. Four corresponding elastic elements 510 are provided in the receiving groove 521, and the four elastic elements 510 are parallel to each other. Through the symmetrical distribution and parallel arrangement of the four elastic elements 510, the reset mechanism 500 achieves balanced force distribution in all directions. The four elastic elements 510 are distributed around the floating element 520, forming a roughly square shape. This ensures that the operating body 200 receives a uniform reset force regardless of which direction it is rocked, effectively avoiding the problem of insufficient force in one direction or uneven force distribution leading to tactile deviation. When the operating body 200 is rocked in the Y direction, the two elastic elements 510 located on either side of the first rocker arm 310 near the drive unit 303 deform and reset synchronously, resulting in rapid and stable reset force feedback without any jamming or lag.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the floating member 520 is further provided with a first groove 522 on the side facing the operating body 200, and the second end 202 abuts against the first groove 522. The first groove 522 is approximately located in the middle of the floating member 520, that is, at the intersection of the lines connecting the four elastic members 510 diagonally. By providing the first groove 522 on the floating member 520, the first groove 522 can effectively limit the abutment position of the second end 202 of the operating body 200, preventing relative sliding or displacement between the operating body 200 and the floating member 520 when the operating body 200 is shaken, ensuring that the elastic force always acts on the preset force point of the operating body 200, and improving the accuracy of elastic force transmission.

[0032] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the rocker arm assembly 300 includes a first rocker arm 310 and a second rocker arm 320. The first rocker arm 310 and the second rocker arm 320 are configured to rotate with the operating body 200 in two mutually perpendicular directions. At least one of the first rocker arm 310 and the second rocker arm 320 includes a rocker arm body 301, a rotating portion 302 disposed at both ends of the rocker arm body 301, and a driving portion 303 disposed in the rotating portion 302. The driving portion 303 is located in the cavity 101. The floating member 520 has a second groove 523 on the side facing the opening 102 corresponding to the rotating portion 302. By cooperating with the second groove 523 of the floating member 520, the rotating portion 302 of the rocker arm assembly 300 provides stable support for the rotational movement of the rocker arm, ensuring that the rocker arm rotates smoothly in a preset direction. When the operating body 200 is rocked, the rotational motion of the rocker arm assembly 300 and the resetting motion of the floating component 520 work together to ensure the flexibility of multi-directional input. The limiting effect of the second groove 523 prevents the rotation part 302 from shifting, ensuring that the linkage accuracy does not decrease after long-term use. Precise positioning during assembly improves the reliability of the multi-directional input device 10 and the stability of the operating feel.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments of this application, the electrical connector 600 is provided with a locking post 601, and the drive unit 303 is provided with a locking slot 304 corresponding to the locking post 601. The locking slot 304 and the locking post 601 are engaged and connected. The electrical connector 600 is configured to move with the drive unit 303, and the circuit board 400 is configured to sense the movement of the electrical connector 600. The engaging structure of the locking post 601 and the locking slot 304 ensures the synchronization of their movements, thereby ensuring the sensing accuracy of the circuit board 400 for changes in the position of the electrical connector 600 and improving the accuracy of the input signal of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 This application embodiment also provides a control handle 30, including the aforementioned multi-directional input device 10.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 This application embodiment also provides a control device 40, including the aforementioned control handle 30.

[0036] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and substance of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device, characterized in that, include: A housing, wherein the housing has a cavity inside, and the housing also has an opening communicating with the cavity; An operating body, at least a portion of which is swayably disposed within the cavity, the operating body comprising a first end and a second end, the first end extending out of the cavity from the opening and the second end extending into the cavity; A rocker arm assembly, at least partially located within the housing and rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the operating body is drivenly connected to the rocker arm assembly; A circuit board, wherein the circuit board is disposed within the cavity; A reset mechanism is provided within the cavity. The reset mechanism includes multiple elastic elements and a floating element. The floating element is provided with a receiving groove. The multiple elastic elements are provided within the receiving groove. The second end is located on the side of the floating element facing the opening. The elastic element is configured to elastically abut against the second end by the floating element and reset the operating body when at least a portion of the operating body is shaken within the cavity. and An electrical connector is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board, a rocker arm assembly is connected to the electrical connector, the electrical connector is configured to move with the rocker arm assembly, and the circuit board is configured to sense changes in the position of the electrical connector.

2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a helical cylindrical spring and includes a third end and a fourth end arranged opposite to each other. The third end is located inside the receiving groove and abuts against the bottom surface of the receiving groove, while the fourth end is located outside the receiving groove and abuts against the housing.

3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the circuit board is disposed within the housing and located on the side of the floating member opposite to the opening. The circuit board has a clearance hole, and the fourth end passes through the clearance hole and abuts against the housing.

4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes an upper shell and a lower shell that are fixed to each other. The circuit board is disposed on the lower shell. The lower shell is provided with a relief groove corresponding to the elastic element. The fourth end abuts against the bottom surface of the relief groove.

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is provided in four parts, and the receiving groove is provided in four parts corresponding to the elastic element. The four elastic elements are respectively received in the four receiving grooves.

6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating component is further provided with a first groove on the side facing the operating body, and the second end abuts against the bottom surface of the first groove.

7. The multi-directional input device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rocker arm assembly includes a first rocker arm and a second rocker arm, which are configured to rotate with the operating body in two mutually perpendicular directions. At least one of the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm includes a rocker arm body, a rotating part disposed at both ends of the rocker arm body, and a driving part disposed at the rotating part. The driving part is located in the cavity, and the floating member has a second groove on the side facing the opening corresponding to the rotating part.

8. The multi-directional input device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrical connector is provided with a locking post, and the driving unit is provided with a locking slot corresponding to the locking post. The locking slot and the locking post are connected in cooperation. The electrical connector is configured to move with the driving unit, and the circuit board is configured to sense the movement of the electrical connector.

9. A control handle, characterized in that, The multi-directional input device includes any one of claims 1-8.

10. A control device, characterized in that, Includes the control handle as described in claim 9.

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