ANALOGUE STICK WITH AN OFF-CENTRALLY POSITIONED SPRING BEARING

Abstract

The innovative concept revealed here relates to an analog stick (100) with a pivotally mounted control lever (110) which has a control element (140) at a first axial end section and a plate-shaped actuating element (150) at an opposing second axial end section. The plate-shaped actuating element (150) is in contact with a spring-loaded clip (160) and is designed to transmit a deflection of the control lever (110) to the clip (160), thereby deflecting the clip (160) against the spring force of the spring element (170). The clamp (160) is designed to return the operating lever (110) to its zero position in an unactuated state by means of the spring force of the spring element (170), wherein the spring element (170) and the operating lever (110) are spaced apart laterally from each other in the extension direction of the clamp (160).

Description

The innovative concept described herein relates to an analog stick for a joystick or game controller with magnetic field-based motion detection.Today joysticks are used for control in many applications. Joysticks have become known, in particular in connection with the control of computer games. However, industrial machines and aircraft are now also controlled by joysticks.Digital joysticks were primarily widely used at the beginning. Thus, similarly to a control cross, four directions (left / right-up / down) could be digitally mapped. However, as three-dimensional worlds are being drawn into computer games, the demand for control has also become more complex. This led to the development of analog controllers or joysticks with which the movements could be mapped significantly more precisely.In the consumer market, these analog control devices have become known in particular by the introduction of analog sticks into game controllers. The analog sticks are usually installed in addition to a control cross and are provided for operation with the thumb. In principle, however, such analog sticks can also be used for analog movement transmission in joysticks and other control elements.The haptics for the user are important in this connection. In this case, it is desirable for the analog stick to provide the same haptics in all movement regions, as a result of which the analog stick always feels the same for the user in every position. This is achieved nowadays by a conventional steel spring being arranged below the analog stick. This steel spring is arranged centrally under the analog stick or concentrically with respect to the central axis of the analog stick, so that the spring force always counteracts a deflection of the analog stick in a proportional manner. As a result, the deflection of the analog stick always feels the same for the user over its entire range of movement.For the movement detection of the analog stick, potentiometers are used here, which are mounted laterally on the axes of the analog stick. However, a relatively large minimum structural space is required here in order to accommodate the analog stick together with the potentiometers mounted on the side. In addition, a pressing function of the analog stick usually also occurs, i.e. the user can also press down the analog stick in addition to the pivoting movement in order to use it as a push button. For this purpose, a further switch is required. However, this cannot be arranged below the analog stick, since the spring is located here. Therefore, this switch also has to be mounted laterally on the analog stick, which additionally increases the installation space.Magnetic sensors represent a conceivable alternative to the movement detection of the analog stick. These provide a high-precision resolution of the movement of the analog stick and are also available at low cost. These are microelectronic components which have significantly smaller dimensions than potentiometers. Magnetic field sensors manufactured in microelectronics are also very sensitive, however. The metal spring below the analog stick generates magnetic interference fields, which considerably impair the measurements.It would therefore be desirable to realize a highly precise movement recognition of analog sticks in the smallest possible installation space and at the same time to provide haptics which are as uniform as possible over the entire movement range of the analog stick.This object is achieved by an analog stick according to claim 1.The innovative analog stick presented here has an operating lever which can be pivotably deflected by means of two axes of rotation arranged orthogonally to one another. The operating lever has an operating element at a first axial end section for moving the operating lever. At an opposite second axial end section, the operating lever has a plate-shaped actuating element which is movable together with the operating lever. The analog stick also has a clip pretensioned by means of a spring element, wherein the plate-shaped actuating element is in contact with the clip and is configured to transmit a deflection of the operating lever to the clip, whereby the clip is deflected against the spring force of the spring element. The clip is configured to reset the operating lever into its zero position in an unactuated state by means of the spring force of the spring element. The spring element and the operating lever are laterally spaced apart from one another when viewed in the direction of extension of the clip. As a result, the installation space below the analog stick, which is otherwise occupied by the spring in conventional analog sticks, can be saved, resulting in new design possibilities.Some exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the drawing and are explained below. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic partially transparent side view of an analog stick according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a schematic partially transparent perspective view of an analog stick according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3A shows a schematic perspective view of a clip and a plate-shaped actuating element for deflecting the clip according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3B shows a schematic partially transparent perspective view of an analog stick with a clip and a plate-shaped actuating element for deflecting the clip according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4A shows a schematic partially transparent perspective view of a deflected analog stick according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4B shows a schematic partially transparent side view of an analog stick deflected in a first direction according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4C shows a schematic partially transparent side view of an analog stick deflected in an opposite second direction according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5A is a schematic bottom view of a plate-shaped actuating element according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5B shows a schematic bottom view of a plate-shaped actuating element according to a further exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 6A-6E show schematic sketches of an analog stick in a side view according to various exemplary embodiments, and FIG. 7 shows a schematic schematic diagram of an analog stick with a magnetic sensor in a side view according to an exemplary embodiment.Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein elements having the same or similar function are provided with the same reference numerals.Method steps that are depicted or described within the scope of the present disclosure can also be carried out in a sequence different from that depicted or described. Moreover, method steps relating to a particular feature of a device are interchangeable with that feature of the device, as is the other way round.FIG. 1 shows a first conceivable embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100. The analog stick 100 may be provided for use in a joystick or game controller, for example. Other applications in which analog sticks may be used, such as appliance and machine controls, are also included.FIG. 1 shows a partially transparent side view of the analog stick 100 including the associated mechanics and sensor system. The analog stick 100 has an operating lever 110. The operating lever 110 is pivotably mounted by means of two axes of rotation 120, 130 arranged orthogonally to one another. The operating lever 110 can thus be moved along a circular path as desired forwards, backwards, left and right.The operating lever 110 may be configured in the form of an elongate cylinder. At a first axial end portion, the operating lever 110 may have an operating element 140 for moving the operating lever 110. For this purpose, the operating element 140 is firmly connected to the operating lever 110, so that a movement of the operating element 140 is transmitted to the operating lever 110. The operating element 140 can be, for example, a plate-shaped attachment which can be moved by a finger. Alternatively, the operating element 140 may also be a joystick which can be operated with the entire hand or an stick which can be operated with the fingers. At its opposite second axial end portion, the operating lever 110 can have a plate-shaped actuating element 150 which is likewise movable together with the operating lever 110.Below the operating lever 110 a clip 160 is arranged. The clip 160 is located opposite the actuating element 150. The clip 160 can be designed, for example, in the form of an elongate, flat plate. The clip 160 is preferably rigid. The clip 160 may comprise metal or plastic.The clip 160 may be rotatably mounted. For example, the clip 160 can be clamped at one side, as is shown in FIG. 1 by way of example with reference to the bearing 180. The clip 160 can be rotatably deflected by means of the bearing 180, as is schematically indicated by the double arrow 190.The clip 160 can be prestressed by means of a spring element 170. The spring element 170 can be a metallic helical spring which can be designed in the form of a tension or compression spring. Alternatively, the spring element 170 may be a plastic spring, e.g. made of a soft elastically deformable rubber. A plurality of spring elements 170 can also be provided, for example in the form of an array of helical springs.The plate-shaped operating member 150 is in contact with the buckle 160. In addition, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is configured to transmit a deflection of the operating lever 110 to the clip 160, as a result of which the clip 160 is deflected counter to the spring force of the spring element 170. That is, a pivoting movement of the operating lever 110 can be translated into a rotational movement of the clip 160.The clip 160 is also designed to reset the operating lever 110 into its zero position in an unactuated state by means of the spring force of the spring element 170. The zero position is shown in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the spring element 170 presses the clip 160 into its initial position, in which the clip 160 acts on the plate-shaped actuating element 150 in such a way that the actuating element 150 forces the operating lever 110 into its neutral initial position or zero position. The plate-shaped actuating element 150 preferably lies flat on the clip 160.The innovative concept presented here provides that the spring element 170 and the operating lever 110 are laterally spaced apart from one another, as viewed in the direction of extent of the clip 160. In other words, the spring element 170 is offset laterally with respect to the operating lever 110 or orthogonally with respect to the operating lever 110 in its zero position. Viewed in a plan view, a projection of the operating lever 110 and a projection of the spring element 170 would not intersect.The spring element 170 is therefore no longer mounted directly below the operating lever 110. As a result, installation space can be saved directly opposite or below the operating lever 110, which can be used otherwise. Some advantageous examples of use are explained in more detail below.According to the innovative concept disclosed herein, the spring element 170 and the operating lever 110 are spaced apart from one another in such a way that an imaginary extension of the operating lever 110 therefore does not pass through the spring element 170 but rather runs outside past the spring element 170 when the analog stick 100 is in its zero position.In the zero position of the analog stick 100, the central axis 171 of the spring element 170 and the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 run parallel to one another and are laterally offset from one another or spaced apart from one another (i.e. laterally or perpendicularly to the central axes 111, 171). In this case, in the zero position of the analog stick 100, both the central axis 171 of the spring element 170 and the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 each run perpendicular to the two rotational axes 120, 130 of the operating lever 110.The operating lever 110 and the spring element 170 are therefore arranged eccentrically. Due to the lateral offset, additional installation space is now produced below the operating lever 110, which can be used, for example, for accommodating a sensor system for detecting the movement of the operating lever 110.For example, a magnetic sensor that can resolve the movement of the operation lever 110 with high precision may be employed. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a magnet 210 may be disposed at the second axial end portion of the operation lever 110. The magnet 210 can be fixed on the end face of the operating lever 110 or integrated into the operating lever 110. Integration into the operating lever 110 creates an additional saving in installation space. In both cases, the operating lever 110 and the magnet 210 can be arranged concentrically around a common central axis 111.Arranged opposite the second axial end portion of the operating lever 110 may be a magnetic sensor 220 which is configured to detect a movement of the magnet 210 and thus also a movement of the operating lever 110. The magnetic sensor 220 can thus be arranged directly below the operating lever 110. Since the spring element 170 is laterally spaced apart therefrom, the spring element 170 does not generate any magnetic interference fields which could impair the measurement.The magnet 210 is preferably arranged on the operating lever 110 in such a way that a central axis of the magnet 210 runs through the magnetic sensor 220 both in the zero position and in a deflected position of the analog stick 100. As a result, the orientation or position of the operating lever 110 can be detected over its complete range of movement.The magnetic sensor 220 may be configured as a 3D sensor. Accordingly, the magnetic sensor 220 may detect movement of the magnet 210 in x, y, and z directions. Thus, the magnetic sensor 220 can detect the rotational, tilting, and pivotal movements of the operation lever 110. At the same time, however, the 3D magnetic sensor 220 can also detect a pressing movement or vertical movement of the operating lever 110, as a result of which a push-button functionality can additionally be realized. Thus, a single magnetic sensor 220 may be sufficient to cover all desired functionalities of the analog stick 100, for which three different components (two potentiometers and a push button switch) are otherwise required in conventional analog sticks.In the exemplary embodiment depicted here, the clip 160 is arranged between the magnet 210 and the magnetic sensor 220. It is advantageous if the clip 160 is made of a non-magnetic material, such as copper, aluminum, brass, etc., in order not to impair the measurements of the magnetic sensor 220. Such an arrangement is space-saving and at the same time the magnetic sensor 220 provides reliable and highly precise values.As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the analog stick 100 can have a housing 230. The package 230 in turn may be disposed on a substrate 240 such as a printed circuit board (PCB). All the components and elements described hitherto, with the exception of the operating lever 110 and the operating element 140, can be arranged or integrated in the housing 230. The operating lever 110 can extend out of the housing 230 through an opening in the housing 230, so that the operating element 140 is accessible from the outside.The magnetic sensor 220 may be disposed on the substrate 240. Optionally, a bearing block 250 can be arranged on the substrate 240 which extends vertically upwards (i.e. in the direction of the housing cover) starting from the substrate 240 and accommodates the two axes of rotation 120, 130. The bearing block 250 can have a slot-shaped opening through which the clip 160 extends.The bearing 180, in which the buckle 160 is rotatably supported, may also be disposed on the substrate 240. In addition, the spring element 170 can optionally also be arranged on the substrate 240 and be supported on the same. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is a compression spring. However, a tension spring would also be conceivable, which could be suspended, for example, on the housing cover. Various embodiments will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E.The spring element 170 can be fixed in its position with the aid of a fastening means 260. This can be, for example, a screw which is passed perpendicularly through the spring element 170. For this purpose, the screw 260 can be inserted through an opening in the housing cover and screwed on the opposite side in the substrate 240. The fastener 260 may also extend through an opening in the buckle 160. As a result, the clip 160 is secured against unintentional rotation or tilting.FIGS. 3A and 3B show detailed views of the suspension of the operating lever 110 and the functional interaction of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 with the clip 160. As already mentioned at the beginning, the operating lever 110 can be pivotably mounted by means of two axes of rotation 120, 130 arranged orthogonally to one another.The operating lever 110 can have, for example, a first axis of rotation 130, which is rotatably mounted in a bearing element 310. The bearing element 310 can in turn have a second axis of rotation 120 running orthogonally to the first axis of rotation 130, by means of which the bearing element 310, and thus the operating lever 110, is rotatably mounted in the previously described bearing block 250.In the partially transparent side view depicted in FIG. 3B, the suspension 181 of the clip 160 can also be seen, by means of which the clip 160 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 180 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ). It can also be seen here that the clip 160 can have a bend 320 or a curvature in order to produce an elevation under which the spring element 170 can be arranged in a space-saving manner. Alternatively, the clip 160 can have a depression in which the spring element 170 can be arranged in a space-saving manner. This would be the case, for example, if the spring element 170 were designed in the form of a tension spring which is suspended from the housing cover.In FIG. 3B, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 can also be seen. The plate-shaped actuating element 150 can be arranged, for example, in a recess in the bearing element 310. The plate-shaped actuating element 150 is also motion-coupled to the operating lever 110, i.e. it moves with the operating lever 110.As has already been explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the clip 160 is prestressed by means of the spring element 170, so that the clip 160 forces the operating lever 110 into its zero position in the event of a non-actuation. In this case, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 can lie flat on the surface of the clip 160, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 3B.However, when the operating lever 110 is now moved, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 moves along and tilts or pivots out accordingly. As a result, the flush contact surface of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 present in the zero position converts to an individual contact point, i.e. the plate-shaped actuating element 150 then no longer touches the clip 160 over the full surface, but only at an individual contact point.FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate this using the symbolically represented contact point 330. In the position shown here, the operating lever 110 is rotated both about the first axis of rotation 120 and about the second axis of rotation 130. As a result, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 tilts, so that its outer periphery forms a single contact point 330 with the clip 160. At this contact point 330, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 exerts a deflecting force on the clip 160 in order to deflect the clip 160 counter to the spring force of the spring element 170. This rotates the clip 160 about its bearing 180.The contact point 330 varies with the position of the operating lever 110. That is, depending on the position of the operating lever 110, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 comes into contact with the clip 160 at different clip regions or clip sections. As will be explained below, however, deflection forces of different magnitude are required at different clip sections in order to deflect the clip 160. This leads to an uneven haptics when operating the analog stick 100, but the innovative concept provides a solution for this.FIG. 4C first shows a further partially transparent side view of the analog stick 100 in a deflected state, wherein the force vectors F 1,..., F 4 drawn in here and the length information L 1,..., L 4 are to be omitted first. In FIG. 4C, the operating lever 110 is deflected in the opposite direction in comparison to FIG. 4B. Here, too, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 tilts during the movement of the operating lever 110, with the result that the outer periphery of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is in contact with the surface of the clip 160 at exactly one single contact point 330 and deflects the latter rotationally counter to the spring force of the spring element 170.For the rotational deflection of the clip 160 about the bearing 180, a torque M is required. Due to the physical law of levers (M=F x r), the deflection force transmitted to the clip 160 at the contact point 330, which is required to generate the torque M required for deflecting the clip 160, is greater the shorter the lever arm, i.e. the distance r from the bearing 180 of the clip 160. In FIG. 4C, the lever arms or distances from the bearing 180 are marked with r1 and r2. That is, for deflecting the clip 160, a greater deflecting force is required in the position of the operating lever 110 shown in FIG. 4B, because of the shorter lever arm r 1, than in the position of the operating lever 110 required in FIG. 4C.In the position shown in FIG. 4C, the contact point 330 of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is at a distance r 2 from the bearing 180. In the position shown in FIG. 4B, on the other hand, the contact point 330 of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is at a smaller distance r 1 (r 1<r 2) from the bearing 180. In order to now generate the same torque M for deflecting the clip 160, a greater deflecting force is therefore required at the contact point 330 (FIG. 4B ) remote at the distance r 1 on account of the smaller lever r 1 than at the contact point 330 (FIG. 4C ) remote at the distance r 2. This means that in different clip regions or clip sections, deflection forces of different magnitude are required in order to deflect the clip 160.However, this manifests itself in an uneven haptics for the user, i.e. the haptics vary with the respective position of the operating lever 110 when the operating lever 110 is operated. However, it is desirable that the haptics of the control lever 110 are the same in all its positions. The innovative analog stick 100 presented here creates a solution for this, namely with a novel geometric shape of the plate-shaped actuating element 150.FIG. 5A shows a possible embodiment of the plate-shaped actuating element 150, with which the above-described different deflection forces can be compensated, so that the haptics of the operating lever 110 for the user are largely constant in all positions of the operating lever 110.FIG. 5A shows a view of the underside of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 facing the clip 160. The operating lever 110 (not visible here) is arranged opposite. As can be seen, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has an eccentric shape with respect to the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110. More specifically, the outer contour of the plate-shaped operating member 150 has an eccentric shape with respect to the central axis 111.FIG. 5B shows a further embodiment of the plate-shaped actuating element 150. Here too, the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has an eccentric shape with respect to the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110, which is schematically depicted here. The eccentric outer contour is not as pronounced in FIG. 5B as in FIG. 5A. Nevertheless, in both cases it can be seen that the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has in each case substantially an egg shape.In FIG. 5B, the radial distances L 2, L 4 of the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 are also drawn in. As can be seen, the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is at different points respectively at different distances from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110. On the left-hand side visible in the image, the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has a first radial distance L 4. On the opposite right side visible in the image, the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has a different second radial distance L 2. In this example, L2>L4.As will be explained in more detail later, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is arranged on the operating lever 110 in such a way that the outer contour (L4), which is situated closer to the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110, points in the direction of the bearing 180 of the clip 160, while the outer contour (L2) of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 which is at a greater distance is directed away from the bearing 180 of the clip 160.As mentioned at the beginning, deflection forces of different magnitude are required in different clip regions or clip sections in order to deflect the clip 160 with one and the same torque M. This in turn is due to the different lever arms r 1, r 2. That is, at a clip portion positioned closer to the bearing 180 of the clip 160, a greater force is required to deflect the clip 160 than at a clip portion having a greater distance (greater lever arm) from the bearing 180 of the clip 160.According to the innovative concept presented here, therefore, in the clip regions in which a lower deflection force is required for deflecting the clip 160, the radial distance L 2 between the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 and the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 is greater than in clip regions in which a deflection force which is relatively greater than this is required for deflecting the clip 160.With respect to the pivot point or the bearing 180 of the clip 160, this means that the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 facing the bearing 180 of the clip 160 is at a smaller distance L 4 from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 than the outer contour (L 2) of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 facing away from the pivot point 180 of the clip 160.In summary, with regard to the geometric shape of the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150, it can be stated that the outer contour is the closer to the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110, the closer it is positioned to the bearing 180 of the clip 160, or the smaller the lever arm r 1, r 2 is at the respective contact point 330. Conversely, this means that the outer contour is spaced further from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110, the further it is positioned from the bearing 180 of the clip 160, or the larger the lever arm r 1, r 2 is at the respective contact point 330.An explanation will be given below with reference to FIG. 4C, and here, the drawn force vectors F1,..., F4and the radial distances L1,..., L4are considered. First, it can be seen that the user can exert an operating force F 1, F 3 on the operating element 140 in order to move the operating lever 110. This operating force F 1, F 3 is transmitted to the plate-shaped actuating element 150 via the operating lever 110. At the contact point 330, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 exerts a deflection force F 2, F 4, which is dependent on the operating force F 1, F 3, on the clip 160. The deflecting force F2, F4 produces the aforementioned torque to deflect the buckle 160 against the spring force of the spring member 170.As mentioned at the beginning, a haptic that is substantially identical over the entire range of movement of the operating lever 110 is desired for the user. This can be achieved by the operating forces F 1, F 3 for moving the operating element 140 being substantially the same in all positions of the operating lever. In FIG. 4C, this is expressed in terms of the fact that F 1=F 3. A symmetrical configuration of the operating element 140 is assumed here, i.e. L 1=L 3.The operating force F 1, F 3 exerted by the user on the operating element 140 is now transmitted via the operating lever 110 to the opposing plate-shaped actuating element 150. The plate-shaped actuating element 150 then exerts a deflection force F 2, F 4 on the clip 160 as a function of the operating force F 1, F 3 at its contact point 330. Here, too, the lever principle is used again, because the plate-shaped actuating element 150 has a smaller circumference than the operating element 140, i.e. L 4<L 3 and L 2<L 1. Thus, a force transmission takes place here between the operating force F 1, F 3 and the deflection force F 2, F 4.In the position of the operating lever 110 shown in FIG. 4C, the operating force F 1 exerted on the operating element 140 is transmitted via the operating lever 110 to the plate-shaped actuating element 150 at the contact point 330 shown here. At the contact point 330, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 then exerts a corresponding deflecting force F 2 on the clip 160. According to the force conservation law for lever deflections, the following applies here: F1×L1=F2×L2.When the operating lever 110 is brought into the opposite position (FIG. 4B ), it behaves in the same way, i.e. in the position of the operating lever 110 shown in FIG. 4B, the operating force F 3 exerted on the operating element 140 is transmitted to the plate-shaped operating element 150 via the operating lever 110. At the contact point 330, the plate-shaped actuating element 150 then exerts a corresponding deflecting force F 4 on the clip 160. According to the force conservation law for lever deflections, the following applies here: F3×L3=42×L4.If one then dissolves after F4, the result is: F4=(F3×L3) / L4. That is, the shorter the lever L4, the greater the deflecting force F4. The lever L 4 corresponds here to the radial distance L 4 of the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 described above with reference to FIG. 5B.The same can now be made with the forces F1, F2. If dissolution takes place according to F2, the result is: F2=(F1×L1) / L2. That is, the longer the lever L 2, the smaller the deflecting force F 2. The lever L 2 corresponds here to the radial distance L 2 of the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 described above with reference to FIG. 5B.As seen in FIG. 4C, the radial distance L 4 is smaller than the radial distance L 2. Accordingly, the deflecting force F 4 is greater than the deflecting force F 2. The greater deflection force F 4 can accordingly be transmitted to the clip 160 at the clip sections at which the lever arm r is shorter (see r 1), and the smaller deflection force F 2 can in turn be transmitted to the clip 160 at the clip sections at which the lever arm r is longer (see r 2). As a result, the clip 160 can be deflected with the same torque M in all lever positions. Accordingly, the operating forces F 1, F 3 required for operating the operating element 140 for this purpose are also of the same magnitude in all lever positions, which leads to a constant haptics for the user.According to the invention, by means of the specific shape of the plate-shaped actuating element 150, deflection forces F 2, F 4 of different magnitude can be exerted on the clip 160 in different positions of the operating lever 110, while, on the other hand, the operating forces F 1, F 3 required for actuating the operating element 140 are of the same magnitude in different lever positions.The shape of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 relates in particular to its outer contour. The closer the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is to the pivot point 180 of the clip 160, the smaller the radial distance L 4 from the central axis 111 of the operating lever 110 is to be selected, since a higher deflection force F 4 has to be applied there in order to generate the torque required there for deflecting the clip 160.The contact point 330 dependent on the position of the operating lever 110 thus defines a force application point of the deflection force F 2, F 4 exerted on the clip 160 for generating the torque M in order to deflect the clip 160 counter to the spring force. As mentioned at the beginning, however, deflection forces F 2, F 4 of different magnitude are required at different clip sections in order to generate the torque M. Accordingly, deflection forces F 2, F 4 of different magnitude are also required in each case at different positions of the contact point 330 in order to generate the torque M required there in each case for deflecting the clip 160 counter to the spring force.The innovative plate-shaped actuating element 150 presented here has a geometric shape, by means of which amounts of the deflection force F 2, F 4 of different sizes can be exerted on the clip 160 at the different positions of the contact point 330, with the result that, despite the respective amounts of the deflection force F 2, F 4 of different sizes, the operator force F 1, F 3 required for moving the operator lever 110 is in each case of the same size in different positions of the operator lever 110.Thus, different deflection forces F 2, F 4 can be transmitted to the clip 160 at different contact points 330 with the innovative plate-shaped actuating element 150 in order to generate in each case an identical torque for deflecting the clip 160 in different clip regions. As a result, the operating forces F 1, F 3 required for moving the operating lever become of the same magnitude in all lever positions, so that uniform haptics are obtained for the user in all lever positions.In the embodiments described so far, the clip 160 was rotatably mounted by means of a bearing 180, wherein the spring element 170 was arranged on a side of the clip 160 opposite the bearing 180, and wherein the operating lever 110 was positioned between the bearing 180 and the spring element 170. In addition, a compression spring was used to bias the buckle 160.The following FIGS. 6A to 6E show further conceivable embodiments in order to show possible arrangements of the bearing 180, the spring element 170, the clip 160 and the operating lever 110. These different embodiments can be used, for example, when space limitations exist.FIG. 6A shows an exemplary embodiment in which a tension spring is used as spring element 170 instead of the compression spring discussed hitherto. The tension spring 170 may be fixed, for example, on the inner side of the upper case cover of the case 230 (FIG. 1 ). The functionality described above of the remaining components of innovative analog stick 100 is otherwise largely identical, for which reason reference is made in this respect to the above description.FIG. 6B shows a further exemplary embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100. Here too, the clip 160 is mounted rotatably again by means of the bearing 180. However, the spring element 170 is positioned here between the bearing 180 and the operating lever 110. The compression spring 170 depicted here by way of example can be replaced by an oppositely arranged tension spring. The functionality described above of the remaining components of innovative analog stick 100 is otherwise largely identical, for which reason reference is made in this respect to the above description.FIG. 6C shows a further exemplary embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100, wherein the clip 160 is mounted in a rocker-like manner. The clip 160 is mounted rotatably again here by means of the bearing 180, but the bearing 180 is positioned in this case between the spring element 170 and the operating lever 110. The compression spring 170 depicted here by way of example can be replaced by an oppositely arranged tension spring. The functionality described above of the remaining components of innovative analog stick 100 is otherwise largely identical, for which reason reference is made in this respect to the above description.FIG. 6D shows a further exemplary embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100, wherein the clip 160 is mounted in a rocker-like manner. The clip 160 is mounted rotatably again here by means of the bearing 180, and the bearing 180 is also positioned here again between the spring element 170 and the operating lever 110. Here, the buckle 160 has an angled portion 160A that is at a certain angle away from the surface of the buckle 160. For example, the buckle 160 may have an imaged L-shape. The spring member 170 may be fixed to this bent portion 160A to bias the buckle 160. For example, the spring element 170 may be configured in the form of a tension spring, which may be fixed to an inner side of the housing 230 (FIG. 1 ). The functionality described above of the remaining components of innovative analog stick 100 is otherwise largely identical, for which reason reference is made in this respect to the above description.FIG. 6E shows a further exemplary embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100. In comparison to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, however, the spring element 170 is designed here in the form of a compression spring which can engage the angled section 160A of the clip 160. Otherwise, this embodiment is identical to FIG. 6D. The functionality described above of the remaining components of innovative analog stick 100 is otherwise largely identical, for which reason reference is made in this respect to the above description.FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an innovative analog stick 100. Here, a magnet 210 is disposed on the plate-shaped operating member 150 so that the magnet 210 is movable together with the operation lever 110. Arranged laterally next to the plate-shaped actuating element 150 is a magnetic sensor 220 which is configured to detect a movement of the magnet 210 and thus also a movement of the operating lever 110. Here, the magnet 210 and the magnetic sensor 220 are arranged to face the same side or surface of the chip 160 (here, the top of the chip 160).The embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative to the arrangements of the magnet 210 and the magnetic sensor 220 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. This embodiment can allow a reduction in the vertical installation space.The above-described embodiments merely illustrate the principles of the innovative concept described herein. It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the concept described herein be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented herein from the description and explanation of the embodiments.Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

Claims

Analog stick (100) for a joystick or game controller, wherein the analog stick (100) has the following features: an operating lever (110) which is pivotably mounted by means of two axes of rotation (120, 130) arranged orthogonally to one another, wherein the operating lever (110) has an operating element (140) at a first axial end section for moving the operating lever (110), and wherein the operating lever (110) has a plate-shaped operating element (150) at an opposite second axial end section, which is movable together with the operating lever (110), a clip (160) prestressed by means of a spring element (170), wherein the plate-shaped operating element (150) is in contact with the clip (160) and is configured to transmit a deflection of the operating lever (110) to the clip (160), whereby the clip (160) is deflected counter to the spring force of the spring element (170), wherein the clip (160) is configured to reset the operating lever (110) in an unactuated state into its zero position by means of the spring force of the spring element (170), and wherein the spring element (170) and the operating lever (110) are laterally spaced apart from one another, as seen in the direction of extension of the clip (160).Analog stick (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spring element (170) and the operating lever (110) are spaced apart from each other in such a way that an imaginary extension of the operating lever (110) does not pass through the spring element (170) but outside the spring element (170) when the analog stick (100) is in its zero position.Analog stick (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the zero position of the analog stick (100), the central axis (171) of the spring element (170) and the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110) extend parallel to one another and are laterally offset from one another.Analog stick (100) according to claim 3, wherein, in the zero position of the analog stick (100), the central axis (171) of the spring element (170) and the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110) each run perpendicular to the two rotational axes (120, 130) of the operating lever (110).Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a magnet (210) is arranged on the second axial end section of the operating lever (110), which magnet is movable together with the operating lever (110), and wherein a magnetic sensor (220) is arranged opposite the second axial end section of the operating lever (110), which magnetic sensor is configured to detect a movement of the magnet (210) and thus also a movement of the operating lever (110).The analog stick (100) of claim 5, wherein the magnet (210) is integrated in the operating lever (110), and wherein the operating lever (110) and the magnet (210) are concentrically arranged around a common central axis (111).Analog stick (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the central axis of the magnet (210) runs through the magnetic sensor (220) both in the zero position and in a deflected position of the analog stick (100).The analog stick (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the clip (160) is disposed between the magnet (210) and the magnetic sensor (220).Analog stick (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a magnet (210) is arranged on the plate-shaped actuating element (150), which magnet is movable together with the operating lever (110), and wherein a magnetic sensor (220) is arranged laterally next to the plate-shaped actuating element (150), which magnetic sensor is configured to detect a movement of the magnet (210) and thus also a movement of the operating lever (110).The analog stick (100) of claim 9, wherein the magnet (210) and the magnetic sensor (220) are arranged to face the same side of the clip (160).Analog stick (100) according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the magnetic sensor (220) is configured as a three-dimensionally measuring magnetic field sensor configured to detect the movement of the operating lever (110) in all three spatial directions.The analog stick (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the clip (160) is made of a non-magnetic material.Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clip (160) is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (180), wherein the spring element (170) is arranged on a side of the clip (160) opposite the bearing (180), and wherein the operating lever (110) is positioned between the bearing (180) and the spring element (170).Analog stick (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the clip (160) is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (180), and wherein the spring element (170) is positioned between the bearing (180) and the operating lever (110).Analog stick (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the clip (160) is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (180), and wherein the bearing (180) is positioned between the spring element (170) and the operating lever (110).Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate-shaped actuating element (150) is configured to exert deflection forces F2, F4 of different magnitude on the clip (160) in different positions of the operating lever (110), while, on the other hand, the operating forces F1, F3 required for actuating the operating element (140) are of the same magnitude in different lever positions.Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating lever (110) can be moved by the exertion of an operating force F1, F3 on the operating element (140), wherein the clip (160) runs under the operating lever (110), and wherein the operating force F1, F3 is transmitted via the operating lever (110) to the plate-shaped operating element (150), and wherein the plate-shaped operating element (150) is in contact with the clip (160) via a contact point (330) in a deflected position of the operating lever (110), and wherein the plate-shaped operating element (150) exerts a deflection force F2, F4 on the clip (160), which deflection force is dependent on the operating force F1, F3, whereby a torque M is generated, deflecting the clip (160) against the spring force of the spring element (170).Analog stick (100) according to claim 17, wherein the contact point (330) dependent on the position of the operating lever (110) defines a force application point of the deflection force F2, F4 exerted on the clip (160) for generating the torque M, wherein deflection forces F2, F4 of different sizes are required in each case at different positions of the contact point (330) in order to generate the torque M required there in each case for deflecting the clip (160) counter to the spring force, and wherein the plate-shaped actuating element (150) has a geometric shape by means of which amounts of the deflection force F2, F4 of different sizes are exerted on the clip (160) at the different positions of the contact point (330), wherein despite the respective amounts of the deflection force F2 of different sizes, F4 is the same magnitude of the operating force F1, F3 required for moving the operating lever (110) in different positions of the operating lever (110).Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate-shaped actuating element (150) has an eccentric outer contour.Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) has substantially an egg shape.Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) is at different locations at different distances from the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110), and wherein in clip regions in which a lower deflection force F2, F4 is required for deflecting the clip (160), the radial distance L2 between the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) and the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110) is greater than in clip regions in which a deflection force F2, F4 relatively greater is required for deflecting the clip (160).Analog stick (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) is at different locations at different distances from the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110), and wherein the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) facing the bearing (180) of the clip (160) has a smaller radial distance L4 from the central axis (111) of the operating lever (110) than the outer contour of the plate-shaped actuating element (150) facing away from the pivot point (180) of the clip (160).

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