Movement Generator

Abstract

Disclosed is a motion generator for applying forces, moments and motion relative to a surface to an effector and / or effector payload of the motion generator, the effector of the motion generator being operatively coupled to a free end of a rocker arm provided by one or more rockers, each rocker pivoting about a pivot axis such that movement of the rocker about its respective pivot axis results in movement of the effector, at least one rocker being driven by an associated curved linear motor that is concentric with the arc swept by the free end of the associated rocker, and at least one rocker carrying, comprising or including a coil or magnet path of the associated curved linear motor. Also disclosed are motion systems and motion simulators including such motion generators, particularly for use in driving simulations.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motion systems, in particular motion systems for simulating motion such as driving or flying. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a motion generator and a motion system including such a motion generator, as well as methods of using and manufacturing the motion generator or motion system, in particular for use as a driving simulator. [Background technology]

[0002] A motion generator is a device capable of exerting motion, forces and accelerations on an effector or effector payload in one or more directions or degrees of freedom. An effector is a part of a motion generator. An effector payload can be, for example, a human undergoing a simulated motion experience in a motion simulator incorporating a motion generator. Alternatively, the payload can be another motion generator in series with a first motion generator, imparting additional or alternative motion to the effector or payload to the motion provided by the first motion generator. Motion generators are used in motion systems. In the context of the present invention, a motion system comprises a motion generator and includes a control system for controlling the motion generator. The most common type of motion generator currently used in motion simulations is the Stewart Platform (or "hexapod") motion generator. It is a type of parallel manipulator with six actuators, usually mounted in pairs at three locations on the manipulator base and crossing to three mounting points on the platform or top (i.e., "end effector"). A payload, such as a human user on a platform that usually takes the form of a device or cockpit, driver's seat, or model vehicle, can be moved in six degrees of freedom that a free-floating object can move in, i.e., three linear directions of motion X, Y, Z (lateral, longitudinal, and vertical) and three rotational directions (pitch, roll, and yaw). Generally, in a motion system using a parallel manipulator, multiple computer-controlled actuators are arranged to operate in parallel and support the payload. In this context, "parallel" means that there is only one actuator in each separate load path between the payload and the base, while in a serial manipulator, one or more possible load paths between the payload and the base include at least two actuators.

[0003] Motion simulators, including motion systems, are used in a variety of applications including motion simulation (e.g., fixed-wing and rotorcraft flight simulators, vehicle and driving simulators), vibration, and earthquake simulation. A motion simulator is a simulation system incorporating at least one motion generator / motion system that can create for the occupants the effect or sensation of being in a moving vehicle or aircraft. Motion simulators are used professionally in the form of driving simulators and flight simulators, respectively, to train drivers and pilots. They are also used industrially, in the construction, design and testing of the vehicles themselves, and in the design of vehicle parts. Professional motion simulators used for driving and flying simulations typically synchronize the visual display (provided, for example, by a projection system and associated screens and audio signals) with the movement of the carriage (or chassis) in which the driver or pilot sits, to provide a better sense of the motion effects. The advent of virtual reality (VR) head mounted displays (HMDs) has the potential to make aspects of immersive simulations low cost with current motion systems and to apply virtual reality to leisure uses such as passive amusement park or arcade driving, first person view rides or flying rides, and active games where one or more players have multiple controls for a driving, riding, flying or first person view gaming experience. The payloads (e.g., chassis and cockpit) of motion generators used for motion simulation are relatively heavy, often on the order of 100 kg, although lighter payloads are possible in certain applications, such as games (e.g., motorsport game simulation applications). Motion generator motion simulation applications require precise control of such relatively heavy payloads over large movements (or "excursions"), often on the order of a meter or more.

[0004] The types of hexapods typically used for human participant motion simulation traditionally have a relatively low bandwidth up to about 20 Hz. That is, they can create constant amplitude back and forth motions and vibrations at frequencies up to 20 times per second, beyond which the amplitude of the motion decreases as the frequency increases. When simulating the motion of an automobile, this may be sufficient to reproduce the suspension motion of most cars, but it cannot convey higher frequency content such as that associated with vibrations from the car's engine, tire vibrations, road noise, and sharp curbs on a race track. The low bandwidth also means that signals are delayed, meaning the driver cannot react as quickly.

[0005] Current motion systems, especially those intended for cutting edge use such as vehicular, military, and commercial flight instruction and training applications, are typically very large, heavy, complex, and very expensive. Their complexity requires extensive programming and maintenance, further increasing costs to users.

[0006] Professional driving simulator motion systems have been developed by McLaren / MTS Williams / ABD and Ansible, among others, but they tend to be expensive because they are highly mechanically complex and feature precision-machined custom parts and often expensive custom linear motors. Such professional driving simulator motion systems are more responsive than hexapods when moving in one direction, but are still limited in other directions. The use of common ball screws in such systems, although excellent for positioning, is disadvantageous in that ball screws inhibit the transmission of forces and can only achieve low bandwidth. Such issues significantly impair the natural motion simulation experience for human users. For example, they result in worsening latency, necessitating additional corrective measures to minimize motion sickness (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0007] The motion simulator disclosed in EP2486558 has a mechanism for controlling pitch, heave and roll movements using a three degree of freedom parallel manipulator including three upright arms driven by bell cranks, resulting in high responsiveness and bandwidth in these degrees of freedom. A rotary table driven in rotation by a linear actuator is required to provide yaw rotation. The motion simulator is intended to be relatively compact. However, the responsiveness and bandwidth of the system in the horizontal degrees of freedom are limited, since the movements in these degrees of freedom are provided by a serial manipulator which introduces flexure, inertia and friction.

[0008] US5919045 discloses an interactive racing car simulator that includes a primary motion generator that comprises a simple serial arrangement of overlapping rectangular frames called "X and Y frames" that are arranged to move in the X and Y directions, respectively, on linear guides by pneumatic control. While the simple arrangement of X and Y frames of the type disclosed in this document provides good excursion motion in the X and Y directions, the serial motion generator is not particularly compact in the vertical direction because the frames are stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, the motion in the X and Y directions is not particularly accurate and the simulator may have a relatively low bandwidth.

[0009] An example of a primary motion generator in combination with other motion generators for use in a driving simulator is shown in EP 2810268A, which discloses a three degree of freedom primary motion generator arranged in series with a six degree of freedom secondary motion generator, which allows the primary motion generator to be used to maintain large movements in the horizontal plane while at the same time achieving maximum vertical movement of the secondary motion generator. Thus, with two motion generators working in series, it is possible to achieve combinations of movements in different degrees of freedom that would not be possible with a single hexapod of similar size. However, the hexapod described in that document uses linear actuators, in particular recirculating ball screw driven linear actuators. As mentioned above, recirculating ball screw actuators have significant friction, which leads to poor response and bandwidth. The use of other linear actuators in the construction of the hexapod brings about further problems. If the linear actuators are allowed to move as part of the moving strut, the large moving mass leads to mechanical resonances at low frequencies, limiting the response and bandwidth of the system. Alternatively, if the linear actuator is fixed relative to the base and one end of the hexapod column travels along the linear actuator, the weight and inertial load of the system are reacted by a linear bearing, also with significant friction. US2017 / 0053548A discloses a motion system including a cable / actuator controlled platform that can slide on a large, low-friction, fixed base, allowing large horizontal movements of the platform. The cables and actuators are mounted on the periphery of the large base, allowing large horizontal movements of the platform in this design. A secondary motion generator based on a hexapod is in turn mounted on the platform and supports the cockpit of a model vehicle to provide additional cockpit movements. The motion system is not compact for the level of excursion motion provided by the large, low-friction, fixed base design.US2012 / 0180593 discloses a hexapod-based system for use in flight or driving simulators (but primarily for flight simulation), in which each leg moves along a linear guide, and in some embodiments the legs are powered by a linear motor. Such linear guides are heavy and have significant friction, which is a particular disadvantage in driving simulation applications where responsiveness is of particular importance. US2014 / 157916 discloses a motion simulation system including a series of actuators, each with a planetary gearbox driven by an associated servo motor that meshes with a crank. This direct drive system is a high friction, high latency configuration intended for use in applications such as amusement parks (see Figures 17A-17G). Although no data is provided, the configuration of US2012 / 0180593 is expected to have a relatively low bandwidth and long latency. It is therefore not suitable for driving simulation or gaming devices where high bandwidth and low latency are desirable.

[0010] The applicant's patent application WO2020 / 228992: EP20020225 discloses a rocker-based motion generator, in which the rocker is driven by an actuator in the form of an elongated belt, cable, rope drive or linear motor. The motion generator provides high bandwidth motion with short delay. The applicant's patent application US2005 / 0277092 and the applicant's patent application EP3751543 and EP3731213 disclose other motion generators and motion simulation systems in the technical background of the invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2486558 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,919,045 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2810268 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0053548 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0180593 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 157916 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2020 / 228992 Brochure [Patent Document 8] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0277092 [Patent Document 9] European Patent Application Publication No. 3751543 [Patent Document 10] European Patent Application Publication No. 3731213 [Non-patent literature]

[0012] [Non-Patent Document 1] Lucas, G et al. - Study of latency gap corrections in a dynamic driving simulator - In: Driving Simulation Conference & Exhibition, France, 2019-09-04 - DSC 2019 EUROPE VR - 2019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved motion generator that is particularly useful for driving and vehicle motion type simulation applications, and an improved motion system incorporating such a motion generator, which is also particularly well suited to these applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion generator comprising an effector, the mechanism of the motion generator being arranged to apply forces, moments and motions to the effector and / or effector payload of the motion generator relative to a surface, the effector being operatively coupled to free ends of rocker arms provided by a plurality of rockers, each of the rockers pivoting about a pivot axis such that motion of the rocker about the respective pivot axis results in motion of the effector, at least one rocker being driven by a curved linear motor concentric with an arc swept by the free end of the associated rocker, the at least one rocker carrying, comprising or including a coil or magnet path of the associated curved linear motor. The free end of the rocker may sweep an arc having a radius of length from the free end of the rocker to the pivot axis of the rocker. The associated curved linear motor may be concentric with the arc.

[0015] The term "curved" as used in this context with respect to linear motors and their components includes linear motors that are generally curved, curvilinear, arcuate, or polygonal or faceted (as many "curved" linear motors are viewed in terms of the configuration of short, straight electromagnets along their length), but do not extend to form a complete circle. Typically, curved linear motors extend over an arc of about 90° or less.

[0016] In the motion generator of the present invention, the combination of the rocker and curved linear motor forms an axial flux electric machine, whereby the coils (or "forcers", or "windings") of the ironless curved linear motor form only a portion or arc of a full circle, facilitating a direct drive mechanism. This combination significantly improves responsiveness and reduces friction and inertia compared to conventional motion generators by placing the coils at a large radius in the rocker, and typically close to the actuation path to the end effector. This minimizes any bending moments in the rocker that can cause deflections and hinder responsiveness, while allowing maximization of excursion motion with large rocker radii that are highly desirable in motion simulation applications, especially driving simulation applications.

[0017] Such motion generators according to the present invention have been found to provide excellent levels of bandwidth and position control along with low latency.

[0018] Preferably, the rocker comprises or includes the coil rather than the magnet path of the associated curved linear motor. Alternatively, if the rocker comprises or includes the magnet path, this configuration may involve simpler cable management. The coil may be integrated into the structure of the rocker.

[0019] The curved linear motor may be an ironless or iron-core linear motor. In fact, multiple curved linear motors may be associated with each rocker, and such combinations of linear motors are still referred to herein as linear motors. Preferably, the curved linear motor is an ironless motor that does not exhibit cogging, which is an undesirable position-dependent torque disturbance caused by iron cores in the presence of magnets. Examples of curved linear motors include Akribis' ironless ACR series of motors, such as the ACR820-5S and ACR335-58. Other curved linear motors from manufacturers such as Aerotech and PBA Systems may also be suitable.

[0020] In this context, a rocker conventionally means a solid body (which may also be called a rocker arm) attached at one end of an elongated rotating joint or pivot, such as a shaft running in bearings, such that the free end of the body can rotate or sweep around the axis of rotation provided by this joint or pivot, thereby rotating relative to another solid body attached at the other end of the joint or pivot. Typically, a rocker may have other joints and handles attached to the body, typically at the free end, to other moving elements. Rockers are typically used in mechanical systems to control the relative movement of moving elements, to control mechanical advantages, and to change the direction of movement. Mechanical elements such as bell cranks and levers are a form of rocker. Rockers are often used in, for example, car suspensions, for example in push rod or pull rod configurations. Also, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term "rocker" refers to a solid body attached to or integral with the flexure such that the free end of the body can arc about an imaginary axis at the midpoint of the flexure, which imaginary axis is equal to the pivot axis as described above for the other rockers. In a preferred embodiment, the rocker pivots on a shaft that rotates in bearings, the bearings being located above the associated motor components. As will be described below, the rocker is preferably symmetrical about its mid-plane.

[0021] The rocker, particularly the rocker body or rocker arm, may be made of composite material or metal, preferably aluminum, construction. A lightweight rocker construction is preferred to improve the responsiveness of the motion generator. For example, the rocker may be of a perforated "tea bag" shape (comprising two pairs of opposing approximately triangular faces, with adjacent triangular faces inverted with respect to each other), with the rocker's pivot shaft housed along the lower straight side of the "tea bag", while the upper outer side and adjacent faces are arcuate in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis, providing a mounting seat for the circular linear motor coil. In a preferred embodiment, the motor component is below the pivot axis of the associated rocker. In this case, the rocker may have the form of a "swing boat".

[0022] The invention therefore provides a motion generator in the form of a parallel manipulator having one, two, three, four, five or preferably six degrees of freedom, equipped with two or more, typically six, curved linear motors, each capable of generating responsive and high bandwidth movements. In a motion generator according to the invention, the effector (e.g. a platform or chassis etc.) may typically be coupled to four or more elongated rigid struts, more typically six such struts.

[0023] Advantageously, the rockers are symmetrical and not chiral, for example the rockers may be symmetrical about their mid-plane, so that one rocker can be readily replaced with a further such rocker, saving on spare part costs.

[0024] A motion generator according to the present invention may be advantageous in some or all of several respects compared to known motion generators. Thus, the motion generator of the present invention can provide responsive, high bandwidth motion in all six degrees of freedom. In particular, the motion generator can achieve very accurate positioning and low latency.

[0025] The first and second joints, i.e. the upper and lower joints, in the motion generator of the present invention may have a combined total number of degrees of freedom that is at least five. Preferably, one of the first or second joints comprises a universal, Cardan or spherical joint or a flexure, while the other may be, for example, a spherical joint. Offsetting the two rotation axes of the Cardan joint is particularly preferred as this configuration allows the joint to be more rigid in axial motion compared to conventional Cardan joints with intersecting rotation axes.

[0026] A motion generator according to the invention typically comprises a plurality of rocker units. In many configurations, the motion generator comprises six rockers. At least one rocker unit may be mounted to the surface. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one rocker may be mounted to a frame, base or other support fixed to the surface. A rocker that is arranged to pivot above an associated motor is preferred.

[0027] At least one, and preferably each, rocker's pivot axis is fixed generally parallel relative to a surface, where the surface is a physical surface on which the motion generator is mounted, i.e. the pivot axis is in a horizontal plane. Alternatively (in the context of a combination including a motion generator according to the invention, typically mounted as a secondary motion generator on a primary motion generator) the rocker's pivot axis may not be fixed relative to such a surface, but may be fixed generally parallel relative to a plane above the physical surface, which plane moves with the primary motion generator. The rocker's pivot axis is preferably a revolute joint, a bearing axle shaft or a flexure. Low friction revolute bearings are particularly preferred. In other embodiments each rocker may rotate in a plane perpendicular to the surface.

[0028] A motion generator according to the invention may typically comprise four, five, six or more elongated struts, although motion generators with one to three struts are also contemplated. For example, a motion generator may comprise X elongated struts, where X is less than six, and at least one mechanical constraint means, where Y=6-X, that constrains Y degrees of freedom of the effector. Alternatively, there could be more than six elongated struts. A pair of elongated struts may be located on opposite sides of the end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the motion generator comprises three pairs of such elongated struts.

[0029] The motion generator may include a brake to retard the motion of the rocker. Various forms of braking are considered for this application, including disk brakes, regenerative brakes, and linear brakes. Regenerative braking, also known as safe dynamic braking, can be achieved using an existing curved linear motor by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy in the motor coils. Typically, the torque of the regenerative brake is proportional to the speed of the motor. A combination of regenerative and disk brakes is considered to be preferred for motion generators.

[0030] The payload supported by the effector may be greater than 10 kg, preferably greater than 80 kg, preferably greater than 250 kg, or even greater than 500 kg in vehicle motion simulation applications. Typically, in motion simulation applications, the payload may be a vehicle chassis, cockpit, or a model thereof.

[0031] The motion generator according to the invention may be arranged in other aspects of the invention to operate as a secondary motion generator in series with the primary motion generator. Such a combination arrangement with a primary motion generator and a secondary motion generator can provide a user with a larger range of motion for the effector / effector payload. For example, by using a suitable primary motion generator, the combination of motion generators can achieve excursion motions of the order of one meter or more, as required for motion simulation, particularly vehicle motion simulation applications. Furthermore, such a combination arrangement can allow the use of a relatively simple and therefore cost-effective primary motion generator, for example providing motions in only the X and Y directions, together with a secondary motion generator according to the invention providing more complex motions. Alternatively, the primary motion generator can provide motions in the X and Y directions as well as yaw rotational degrees of freedom. An example of a known motion generator suitable for use as a primary motion generator together with a motion generator according to the invention as a secondary motion generator is disclosed in US2017 / 0053548. In such a combination, a motion generator according to the present invention is arranged as a secondary motion generator, with at least one rocker unit of the secondary motion generator attached to the frame, end effector or as a payload of the primary motion generator. For example, the primary motion generator may include a frame or platform as an end effector, and at least one rocker motor arrangement of the secondary motion generator (motion generator according to the present invention) may be pivotally attached to the frame of the primary motion generator.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a motion system comprising at least one motion generator according to the invention and a control system. The control system may control the operation of at least one motion generator actuator (i.e. one of the curved linear motors), preferably all such actuators. The control system may calculate the position, acceleration and / or force that needs to be generated at each curved linear motor to generate a required motion profile. The motion generator or the rocker of the motion system may include a linear encoder (particularly a curved linear encoder) that, in use, provides a particularly high resolution control (e.g. around 1 million counts per radian) over the position of the rocker.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a driving or vehicle simulator comprising a motion generator according to the invention or a motion system according to the invention and at least one environment simulation means selected from visual projection or display means and audio means. The driving or vehicle simulator may comprise cockpit or chassis and / or vehicle simulation elements as payload of the motion generator. The driving or vehicle simulator may comprise a means for simulating an environment comprising at least one of a display device, a virtual reality device, a projection device and software means for modelling a virtual environment, and a vehicle model.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a motion system comprising the steps of manufacturing or preparing a motion generator according to the invention and coupling a control system to the motion generator to manufacture the motion system.

[0035] Other features of the motion generator, motion system, and driving simulator will become apparent from the following description and further claims. When referring to equipment such as a motion generator, motion system, motion simulator, and particular aspects or embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that other aspects and embodiments of the invention may be applied to such equipment as well. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] A motion generator, motion system and driving simulator according to the present invention, and their operation and manufacture, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 14 of the accompanying drawings are shown in Figure 1; [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view from above and to one side of a motion generator according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rocker motor configuration of the motion generator of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the rocker motor arrangement of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the rocker of the rocker motor configuration of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is another elevational view of the locker of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the magnet path of the rocker motor configuration of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a rocker motor arrangement for use in a motion generator according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another motion generator according to the present invention viewed from above and to one side in a neutral or normal state. [Figure 8A] FIG. 9 is a detailed exploded perspective view of components in the rocker unit of the motion generator of FIG. 8. [Figure 8B] FIG. 9 is a further detailed view of the components in the rocker unit of the motion generator of FIG. 8, particularly showing the brake and encoder components. [Figure 9] The motion generator of Figure 8 is shown from various sides in a neutral or normal state, specifically, A is a plan view, B is a rear view, C is a front elevation view, D is a side view from one side, and E is a side view from the other side. [Figure 10] The motion generator of Fig. 8 is shown from various sides in a yaw rotation state, specifically, A is a plan view, B is a rear view, C is a front elevation view, D is a side view from one side, and E is a side view from the other side. [Figure 11]The motion generator of Figure 8 is shown from various sides in a roll rotation state, specifically, A is a plan view, B is a rear view, C is a front elevation view, D is a side view from one side, and E is a side view from the other side. [Figure 12] The figures show the lift and sway combined deflection states from various sides. Specifically, A is a plan view, B is a rear view, C is a front elevation view, D is a side view from one side, and E is a side view from the other side. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above and one side of a combination of a motion generator according to the present invention as a secondary motion generator in combination with another motion generator as a primary motion generator in the combination. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a driving simulator according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In this specification, references to particular orientations or positions, such as upper and lower, refer to those orientations or positions illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] <Movement Generator> A motion generator 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The motion generator is placed on a surface 12, typically a floor of the building in which the motion generator is located. Alternatively, the surface 12 may be provided by a base for the motion generator. The motion generator comprises six rocker motor arrangements RM1-6, each with a respective rocker R1-6 and a respective associated curved linear motor CLM1-6. In this embodiment, the curved linear motors are actually provided by a number of suitable motors, such as ACR335-5S motors, per rocker. For example, there may be six motors per rocker. Each rocker R1-6 comprises a rocker body (or arm) RB1-6, respectively, one end of which pivots about a respective associated rocker pivot axis RPA1-6. The other end of each rocker R1-6, which is the free end of the rocker, is connected by a lower universal joint LJ1-6 to one of a series of six generally upwardly extending elongated struts S1-6. The other end of each of the elongated struts S1 to S6 is connected by upper universal joints UJ1 to UJ6 to an end effector 14, which is a chassis of a racing car including a cockpit. The struts S1 to S6 are connected to the effector 14 in pairs.

[0039] One of the rocker motor configurations (RM5) is shown in detail in Figures 2-6. In particular, Figure 2 shows the curved magnet path MW5 (one of the magnet paths MW1-6 of the rocker motor configurations RM1-6). The magnet path MW5 has a curved outer edge E5 on which the electromagnets of the motor are located. The outer edge E5 of the magnet path has a radius of curvature that coincides with the free end FE5 of the rocker body RB5. The coil F5 for the curved linear motor CLM5 is located at or towards the free end FE5 of the rocker R5. In this case, the coil F5 is attached to the free end FE5 of the rocker R5. Figure 3 shows the rocker motor configuration RM5 from above and illustrates the three-dimensional shape of the rocker body RB5. Figure 4 shows the radius RR5 of the rocker R5 and the attachment point AP5 of the associated lower universal joint LJ5 at the free end FE5 of the rocker R5. The curved coil F5 is shown in Figure 5 to be attached to or towards the curved free end FE5 of the rocker R5. Similarly, Figure 6 shows the curved outer edge of the magnet path MW5 and the radius MWR5 of the magnet path. Figure 7 shows a rocker motor configuration RMX where the rocker RX includes a curved coil FX at its outer free end FEX, the coil FX being received within the curved magnet path MWX with an air gap around the coil FX. Note that the drawing in Figure 7 also shows the magnet path of an Akribis type curved linear motor, where the magnet path passes through a groove in the coil that surrounds the magnet. The drawings in Figures 1-6 represent the same type of motor, but these drawings do not show this internal detail.

[0040] The motion generator 10 is suitable for use in a motion system, driving simulator, or motion generator combination according to the present invention.

[0041] <Other motion generators> The other motion generator is shown in normal condition in Fig. 8 and in various operating conditions in Figs. 9-12A-E. The motion generator 20 is placed on a surface 21, which is typically the floor of the building in which the motion generator is located. Alternatively, the surface 21 may be provided by a base unit for the motion generator. The motion generator 20 comprises six modular rocker motor units 2RM1-6, each with a respective rocker 2R1-6 and a respective associated curved linear motor 2CLM1-6. As shown in Fig. 8A, the rocker 2R of each unit is symmetrical about its mid-plane MP. The rockers of the modular rocker units are generally identical and therefore easily interchangeable in the motion generator, and the main component 2RM1 in only one of the units is identified. The corresponding components 2RM2-6 of the other units are generally identical (except for the handedness of some components) and are not individually identified in Fig. 8. Each curved linear motor 2CLM is preferably an ironless motor. Each of the rockers 2R1-6 comprises a curved rocker body 2RB1-6, one end of which rotates around a pivot axis formed by a rocker shaft 2RS1-6, respectively. Either end of each rocker shaft 2RS is supported by a shaft bearing 2SB. The other end of each rocker 2R1-6, which is the free end of the rocker, is connected by a lower Cardan joint 2LJ1-6 to one of a series of six generally upwardly extending elongated struts 2S1-6. Alternatively, the joints 2LJ1-6 may be universal joints, spherical bearings or flexures or simple rod ends. The joints 2LJ1-6 connect to pins 2P1-6 carried by the rockers 2R1-6 and to associated spherical bearings 2SB1-6. The spherical bearings 2SB1-6 may be replaced by universal joints, spherical bearings or flexures. The other end of each elongated strut 2S1-6 is connected by an upper Cardan joint 2UJ1-6, which may alternatively be a universal joint, spherical bearing or flexure each connected to an end effector or effector payload in the form of a racing car chassis 22 including a cockpit.The pillars 2S1 to 2S6 are connected to the chassis 22 in pairs.

[0042] The component 2RM1 of one of the modular rocker motor units is shown in more detail in Figures 8A and B. Figure 8A shows the curved magnet path 2MW1. The magnet path 2MW1 has a curved outer edge 2E1 on which the magnets of the motor are located. The outer edge 2E2 of the magnet path 2MW1 has a radius of curvature that coincides with the outer edge of the associated rocker body 2RB1. The magnet path 2MW1 is supported on a magnet path support 2MWS. The coil (or "forcer") 2C1 of the curved linear motor 2CLM1 is located at the curved free end FE5 of the rocker R5. In this embodiment, each curved linear motor 2CLM, i.e., magnet path 2MW and coil 2C, is suspended below the corresponding rocker shaft 2RS in a typical "swing boat" configuration. This configuration is dynamic. This configuration is also spatially advantageous in terms of avoiding collisions above the motor and the support and chassis. Note that the shaft bearing 2RB is relatively high in this embodiment (i.e. when compared to the low rocker bearing of the embodiment of FIG. 1) due to the clearance above the associated magnet run. Locating the high shaft bearing above the rockers is also advantageous kinematically. The modularity of the rocker units is also highly advantageous in that the rockers can be easily replaced.

[0043] FIG. 8B shows the disc brake unit of the modular rocker unit 2RM1. The disc brake unit comprises a brake caliper 2BC and a brake disc 2BD fixed in relationship to the rocker body 2RB1. The disc brake unit can be operated as required under the control of a control system to assist in controlling the position of the rocker body. A curved linear encoder 2LE tape is also attached to the rocker 2RB1 and operates in conjunction with the encoder read head 2ERH to determine the position of the rocker body to very high resolution (e.g., approximately one million counts per radian). This provides further control of the rocker position in use and supports very high bandwidth movement of the effector.

[0044] The motion generator 20 is also suitable for use in a motion system, driving simulator, or motion generator combination according to the present invention.

[0045] <Operation of the motion generator> In operation, a motion generator according to the invention, such as motion generator 10 or 20, is operated by an associated control system (not shown, but generally described, for example, in WO 2020 / 228992), which together with the motion generator forms a motion system. The control system operates with a simulation environment, such as a driving simulation, in which the physics of the simulated vehicle and its environment (e.g. a race track, a city road, etc.) are calculated. For example, the driving simulation may be in the context of a driving simulator according to the invention, as described below. In such an embodiment, the control system receives motion requests from the simulation environment, which are representative of the motion of a virtual vehicle. A computer program determines the motion of the vehicle in the virtual world and then applies a motion cueing algorithm (MCA, also known as a washout filter) to convert the motion of the simulated vehicle into motions that can be represented by the motion generator. These calculated motions are provided to the control system as motion requests. The MCA may be part of the simulation environment or the control system, or may be separate to both. The simulated environment may receive input signals from a control device, such as steering, throttle, or brake inputs, which an operator, i.e., a human user such as a driver, passenger, or pilot, uses to control a virtual vehicle in the simulated environment. The operator may be a passenger (driver) riding on a chassis as a payload of a motion generator (e.g., motion generator 10 or 20 in the exemplary embodiment). These inputs may be fed back to the simulated environment via a control system or directly. The simulated environment may also generate outputs on a visual display for the driver, passenger, or other user or operator. The simulated environment may also require additional data from the control system, such as regarding the position of the motion generator and input signals of the control device.

[0046] The motion generator can be operated to move an end effector such as the chassis 14 or 22 through various motions or states, such as roll, pitch, yaw, sway, up, down, forward, etc., from the normal state described above, and may be operated into a combination of such states. For example, the motion generator may be operated into a combination of up and left yaw states. Examples of such motions or states and the corresponding effector, rocker, and strut positions are shown in Figures 9A-E through 12A-E for the motion generator 20 of Figure 8.

[0047] The motion generator of the present invention operating in this manner has advantages including high bandwidth, low friction and inertia, and low latency which enhance the precision / positioning of payload / end effector movements.

[0048] <Combination of motion generating machines> As mentioned above, a motion generator according to the invention may be used in series with a further motion generator. For example, a motion generator according to the invention may be used as a secondary motion generator in a combination, i.e. the motion generator itself is the payload of the primary motion generator. This combination is advantageous in that the primary motion generator is relatively inexpensive and provides good excursion range in the X and Y directions, and the primary motion generator provides higher bandwidth and positional accuracy, and lower levels of inertia and friction to further increase the accuracy of the motion imparted to the payload. Such a combination (or "two stage" motion generator) is shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows a two stage motion generator 40 comprising a first stage low frequency motion generator 42 on top of which is mounted a second stage high frequency motion generator 44 supporting the effector payload (chassis 45). The first stage motion generator 42 is arranged to provide three degrees of freedom of motion and comprises a rotatable platform 46 arranged to rotate about a vertical axis and capable of moving 360° or more about that axis. The rotatable platform 46 moves in the X and Y directions on guide carriages GC1-4 which are powered to move along linear rails LR1-4 above a surface 48 (typically the simulator room floor). The rotatable platform 46 provides a surface on which the second stage motion generator is mounted and provides the second stage motion generator with motion in the X and Y directions as well as yaw rotation. The second stage motion generator 44 is a motion generator of the present invention, such as the motion generators 10 or 20 described above, providing high bandwidth motion to its effector payload (chassis 45).

[0049] <Driving simulator> A driving simulator 30 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 14. The driving simulator 30 comprises a motion system 32 including a motion generator according to the present invention, for example a motion generator as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-7, or a motion generator as described above in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9-12A-E, or a combination including a motion generator according to the present invention, for example as described above in connection with FIG. 13, and a control system (not shown, but generally described, for example, in WO2020 / 228992). The motion generator has a chassis 34 as an effector payload. The motion system is mounted on a surface 36 in front of a projection system 38 on which an image of the driving environment can be displayed (the projection system constitutes an example of an environmental simulation means). An audio system (not shown) provides the user with sounds that reproduce the sounds of the driving environment and constitutes another example of an environmental simulation means. The motion generator of the driving simulator 30 is operated under the command of the control system (for example, as described above).

[0050] A motion generator according to the invention as described in the above embodiments, when used in a driving simulator, may be advantageous in some or all respects compared to known motion generators for such applications: A driving simulator incorporating a motion generator according to the invention has low latency, avoiding or minimizing the need for latency compensation required in other driving simulators, particularly those which are significantly more expensive.

[0051] <Manufacturing method of the motion generator> A motion system according to the invention, including a motion generator and control means as described above, may be assembled, for example by conventional means, from custom and standard components as described above. In particular, a motion system may be manufactured by connecting a motion generator according to the invention with a control system as described above. It is noted that the rocker units are preferably modular in the sense that one rocker can be replaced with another such unit at any position of the motion generator.

Claims

1. 1. A motion generator for applying forces, moments and motion to an effector and / or effector payload of the motion generator relative to a surface, the effector of the motion generator being operatively coupled to free ends of rocker arms provided by one or more rockers, each rocker pivoting about a respective pivot axis such that movement of the rocker about its respective pivot axis results in movement of the effector, at least one of the rockers being driven by an associated curved linear motor, the associated curved linear motor being concentric with an arc swept by the free end of the associated rocker, and at least one of the rockers carrying, comprising or including a coil or magnet path of the associated curved linear motor.

2. 10. The motion generator of claim 1, wherein said at least one rocker carries or comprises a coil of said associated linear motor.

3. 2. A motion generator according to claim 1, wherein the associated curved linear motor is an ironless or iron-core linear motor, preferably an ironless motor.

4. 10. The motion generator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the coils or magnet paths of the motor is positioned substantially or completely below the pivot axis of each of the associated rockers, as the case may be.

5. 5. A motion generator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bearings for the associated shafts forming the pivot axes of each of the rockers are optionally above the corresponding coils or magnet paths of the associated motors.

6. 2. A motion generator according to claim 1, wherein each rocker is of composite, plastic or metal construction, preferably aluminum.

7. 2. The motion generator of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis of each rocker is parallel to the surface.

8. 10. The motion generator of claim 1, wherein the effector is operatively connected to a free end of a rocker arm by one of a plurality of struts.

9. A motion generator according to claim 8, comprising 1 to 4 or more, preferably 6, elongated rigid struts.

10. 10. A motion generator as claimed in claim 9, wherein there are six struts arranged in three pairs, each strut connected at one end to an associated rocker, and the other end of each strut in the pair connected to three attachment points or joints on or connected to the effector.

11. 2. The motion generator of claim 1, wherein the effector and rocker are connected by intermediate first and second joints.

12. 12. A motion generator according to claim 11, wherein the intermediate first and second joints each comprise a universal, cardan, or spherical joint, a swivel, or a flexure, preferably a cardan joint with an offset axis of rotation, and the other joint is a universal, spherical, or cardan joint, a swivel, or a flexure, preferably a cardan joint also with an offset axis of rotation.

13. 2. A motion generator according to claim 1, wherein the or each rocker is symmetrical about its mid-plane.

14. A combination comprising a primary motion generator and a secondary motion generator arranged to operate together, wherein the primary motion generator or the secondary motion generator of the combination is the motion generator of claim 1.

15. 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the secondary motion generator is a motion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and is arranged to operate at a higher frequency than the primary motion generator of the combination.

16. A motion system comprising at least one motion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or at least one combination according to claim 14, and a control system.

17. An exercise system comprising at least one combination as described in claim 15 and a control system.

18. A driving simulator comprising a motion generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a combination according to claim 14, or a motion system including a control system and any of the motion generators or the combinations, and at least one environment simulation means selected from visual projection or display means and audio means.

19. A driving simulator comprising a combination as described in claim 15, or a motion system including said combination and a control system, and at least one environmental simulation means selected from visual projection or display means and audio means.

20. 14. A method of manufacturing a motion generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, said method comprising the steps of providing an effector suitable for applying forces, moments and motion to a payload relative to a surface; and connecting to one to four or more elongated rigid struts; and connecting each of said struts at one end to the effector by a first joint and at its other end by a second joint to one of a plurality of rockers, said rockers carrying, comprising or including the coils or magnet path of an associated curved linear motor.

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