Joystick adjustment tool

Abstract

To provide an adjusting tool for a joystick, which can instantly switch the height between the height adjusted by the adjusting tool and the original height of the joystick. [Solution] A joystick adjustment device includes an annular base that fits onto the outer edge of a joystick head while leaving the center of the head exposed; a lid that can cover the top of the annular base; an operation surface that is located above the lid while covering the top of the annular base and accepts operations on the joystick by the operator's fingers; and an adjustment mechanism that connects the operation surface to the lid so that the distance between the lid and the operation surface can be adjusted. The lid is pivotally supported on the annular base so that the top of the annular base can be opened and closed between a first position that covers the top of the annular base and a second position that is out of the way of the annular base.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to an adjustment tool for a joystick. [Background technology]

[0002] A joystick adjustment tool is a tool that is attached to the head of a joystick to adjust the height of the joystick. Patent Document 1 describes a joystick adjustment tool in which an operating part is fitted into a male thread part that extends upward from an attachment base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6797507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The joystick adjustment tool in Patent Document 1 is not designed to be removed from the head while the joystick is in use, and therefore has the problem of making it difficult to instantly switch the height between the height adjusted by the adjustment tool and the original height of the joystick. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) One aspect disclosed in this specification is a joystick adjustment tool for adjusting the height of a joystick. The joystick adjustment tool includes: an annular base that fits around the outer edge of the joystick head while leaving the center of the joystick head exposed; a cover that can cover the top of the annular base; an operation surface that is positioned above the cover while covering the top of the annular base and accepts operations on the joystick by an operator's finger; and an adjustment mechanism that connects the operation surface to the cover so as to adjust the distance between the cover and the operation surface. The cover is pivotally supported on the annular base so as to be able to open and close the top of the annular base between a first position that covers the top of the annular base and a second position that is not above the annular base. With this joystick adjustment tool, a joystick operator can instantly switch the height between the height adjusted by the joystick adjustment tool and the original height of the joystick by opening and closing the cover.

[0007] (2) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the adjustment mechanism may include a female thread provided on the cover and a male thread extending from the back side of the operation surface and engaging with the female thread. The adjustment mechanism is capable of adjusting the distance between the cover and the operation surface according to the depth to which the male thread engages with the female thread. With this joystick adjustment tool, the female thread is provided on the cover side and the male thread is provided on the operation surface side, ensuring a wider range of adjustment for the height of the operation surface relative to the cover compared to when the positional relationship between the male thread and the female thread is reversed.

[0008] (3) The joystick adjustment tool described above may further include a fixing nut that positions and fixes the operation surface relative to the female thread portion by engaging with the male thread portion and contacting the cover. With this joystick adjustment tool, the fixing nut can prevent the height of the operation surface from unintentionally changing relative to the cover due to the force applied to the operation surface when the joystick is operated.

[0009] (4) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the cover may have a handle that protrudes outward beyond the annular base when viewed from above with the cover in the first position. With this joystick adjustment tool, a joystick operator can easily and instantly switch between the height adjusted by the joystick adjustment tool and the original height of the joystick by opening and closing the cover using the handle.

[0010] (5) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the annular base may have a through hole. The cover may have a tapered portion that fits into the through hole so as to be tightened as the cover moves to the second position. With this joystick adjustment tool, the tapered portion of the cover can be prevented from swinging when the cover is open at the second position by fitting the through hole in the annular base.

[0011] (6) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the annular base may have a recess. The lid may have a protrusion that fits into the recess when the lid is in the first position. With this joystick adjustment tool, the protrusion of the lid fits into the recess of the annular base, preventing the lid from swinging when closed in the first position.

[0012] (7) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the annular base may have a support shaft that pivotally supports the cover and a pair of opposing surfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft and face each other. The cover may have a clamped portion that fits between the pair of opposing surfaces when the cover is in the first position. With this joystick adjustment tool, the cover, which is closed in the first position, can be prevented from swinging by the clamped portion of the cover fitting into the pair of opposing surfaces of the annular base.

[0013] (8) In the joystick adjustment tool described above, the annular base may have an anti-slip structure with upwardly facing projections and recesses. With this joystick adjustment tool, when the joystick operator directly operates the joystick head with the cover open to the second position, the anti-slip structure can prevent the operator's fingers from slipping off the joystick head.

[0014] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms other than a joystick adjustment tool, such as a joystick, a controller equipped with a joystick, or a component of a controller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the adjustment tool in an on state. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the adjustment tool in an off state. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the adjustment tool with the annular base and the lid separated. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment tool as seen from diagonally above. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment tool as seen from diagonally below. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the adjustment tool in the on state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the adjustment tool in the off state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the height of the joystick is adjusted using an adjustment tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the adjustment tool 100 in the on state. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the adjustment tool 100 in the off state. The adjustment tool 100 is a joystick adjustment tool for adjusting the height of the joystick 800.

[0017] The joystick 800 is an input device that accepts directional input by tilting a stick 820. A head 810 that accepts operation by the operator's finger is provided at the tip of the stick 820. The upward direction shown in each figure, including FIG. 1, is the direction toward the head 810 in the axial direction along which the stick 820 of the joystick 800 extends. The downward direction in each figure is the direction opposite to the upward direction.

[0018] The adjustment tool 100 is used by being attached to the head 810 of the joystick 800. The adjustment tool 100 includes an annular base 110, a cover 120, a fixing nut 130, and an operating unit 140. The adjustment tool 100 in Fig. 1 is in an on state where the cover 120 is in an on position (first position) covering the top of the annular base 110. The adjustment tool 100 in Fig. 2 is in an off state where the cover 120 is in an off position (second position) where it is removed from the top of the annular base 110.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing adjustment tool 100 with annular base 110 and lid 120 separated. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of adjustment tool 100 seen from diagonally above. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of adjustment tool 100 seen from diagonally below. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing adjustment tool 100 in the on state. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing adjustment tool 100 in the off state.

[0020] The annular base 110 of the adjustment tool 100 has an annular shape that fits onto the outer edge 814 of the head 810 of the joystick 800 with the center 812 of the head 810 exposed. The annular base 110 has a slit portion 112, a head fitting portion 113, an opening 114, a through hole 115, a recess 116, a shaft support portion 117A, a support shaft 117B, a pair of opposing surfaces 117C, and an anti-slip structure 118.

[0021] The slit portion 112 of the annular base 110 forms a gap by cutting out a part of the annular base 110. When the annular base 110 is attached to or detached from the head 810 of the joystick 800, the gap of the slit portion 112 expands, promoting deformation of the annular base 110, thereby making it easier to attach or detach the annular base 110 to or from the head 810.

[0022] The head fitting portion 113 of the annular base portion 110 forms the inner circumferential surface of the annular base portion 110. The head fitting portion 113 fits onto the outer edge portion 814 of the head 810 of the joystick 800.

[0023] The opening 114 of the annular base 110 forms an opening at the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the annular base 110. When the adjustment tool 100 is attached to the head 810 of the joystick 800, the center portion 812 of the joystick 800 is exposed from the inside of the opening 114.

[0024] The through-hole 115 of the annular base 110 is a portion through which the tapered portion 125 of the lid 120 passes when the lid 120 is opened or closed. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the through-hole 115 is provided adjacent to the support shaft 117B as part of the shaft support portion 117A. When the lid 120 moves to the OFF position as shown in Figure 7, the tapered portion 125 of the lid 120 fits into the through-hole 115 so as to be tightened as the lid 120 moves to the OFF position.

[0025] The recess 116 of the annular base 110 forms a depression by cutting out a portion of the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the annular base 110. The recess 116 is provided on the circumference of the annular base 110, at a position facing the slit portion 112. In the on state with the lid 120 closed, the recess 116 fits into the protrusion 126 of the lid 120.

[0026] The shaft support portion 117A of the annular base portion 110 is a portion that protrudes outward from the circumference of the annular base portion 110. The shaft support portion 117A supports the support shaft 117B outside the circumference of the annular base portion 110. The shaft support portion 117A is provided at a portion on the circumference of the annular base portion 110 that faces the slit portion 112.

[0027] Support shaft 117B of annular base 110 supports lid 120 so that lid 120 can open and close above annular base 110. Support shaft 117B is an axis parallel to the direction of extension of a tangent at a position on the circumference of annular base 110 where axis support portion 117A is provided.

[0028] The pair of opposing surfaces 117C of the annular base 110 are two surfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft 117B and face each other. The pair of opposing surfaces 117C are provided on both ends of the support shaft 117B with the support shaft 117B sandwiched therebetween. When the lid 120 is in the closed, on state, the pair of opposing surfaces 117C sandwich the sandwiched portion 127C of the lid 120.

[0029] The anti-slip structure 118 of the annular base 110 is provided on the upward-facing surface of the annular base 110. The anti-slip structure 118 is formed as an upward-facing uneven surface.

[0030] The lid 120 of the adjustment tool 100 is a member configured to be able to cover the upper part of the annular base 110. The lid 120 is pivotally supported on the annular base 110 so that the upper part of the annular base 110 can be opened and closed between an ON position (first position) where the lid 120 covers the upper part of the annular base 110 and an OFF position (second position) where the lid 120 is not covering the upper part of the annular base 110. The lid 120 is in the shape of a disk having an outer periphery equivalent to that of the annular base 110. The lid 120 has a female thread portion 122, a handle portion 124, a tapered portion 125, a protrusion 126, a support portion 127A, a bearing portion 127B, and a clamped portion 127C.

[0031] The female screw portion 122 of the cover 120 forms a female screw extending along the axis of the disk-shaped cover 120. The female screw portion 122, together with the male screw portion 142 of the operation unit 140, constitutes an adjustment mechanism AM. As shown in FIG. 6 , the adjustment mechanism AM is a mechanism that connects the operation surface 141 to the cover 120 so as to adjust the distance AD ​​between the cover 120 and the operation surface 141 of the operation unit 140.

[0032] Handle 124 of lid 120 is a portion that protrudes outward from annular base 110 when viewed from above and below with lid 120 in the closed on position. Handle 124 is provided on the circumference of disk-shaped lid 120 at a portion facing support portion 127A.

[0033] Tapered portion 125 of cover 120 is an extension of the end of bearing portion 127B. The width of tapered portion 125 along the axis of bearing portion 127B increases in a tapered manner as it moves away from bearing portion 127B. When cover 120 moves to the OFF position as shown in FIG. 7, tapered portion 125 fits into through-hole 115 of annular base 110 so as to be tightened as cover 120 moves to the OFF position.

[0034] The protrusion 126 of the cover 120 is a portion that protrudes toward the annular base 110. The protrusion 126 is provided on the back side of the support portion 127A. The protrusion 126 fits into the recess 116 of the annular base 110 when the cover 120 is in the closed, on state.

[0035] Support portion 127A of lid body 120 is a portion that protrudes outward from the circumference of disk-shaped lid body 120. Bearing portion 127B is formed at the end of support portion 127A. Support portion 127A is provided at a portion on the circumference of disk-shaped lid body 120 that faces handle portion 124.

[0036] Bearing 127B of lid 120 rotatably fits onto support shaft 117B of annular base 110. Bearing 127B rotates around the axis of support shaft 117B. As bearing 127B rotates around the axis of support shaft 117B, lid 120 opens and closes the top of annular base 110.

[0037] The clamped portion 127C of the cover 120 is a portion that constitutes the periphery of both ends of the bearing portion 127B as part of the support portion 127A. When the cover 120 is in the closed on state, the clamped portion 127C fits between the pair of opposing surfaces 117C of the annular base 110.

[0038] Operating unit 140 of adjustment tool 100 is a component located above lid 120 when lid 120 is in the on state, covering the top of annular base 110. Operating unit 140 is disk-shaped and has the same outer periphery as lid 120. Operating unit 140 has operating surface 141 and male thread portion 142.

[0039] An operation surface 141 of the operation unit 140 is a surface that accepts operations performed by the operator's fingers on the joystick 800. The operation surface 141 has a shape that imitates the head 810 of the joystick 800.

[0040] The male screw portion 142 of the operation unit 140 is a shaft having a male screw that extends from the back side of the operation surface 141 along the axis of the disk-shaped operation unit 140. The male screw portion 142 fits into the female screw portion 122 of the lid body 120. The operation unit 140 is connected to the lid body 120 by the male screw portion 142 fitting into the female screw portion 122. The male screw portion 142 constitutes an adjustment mechanism AM together with the female screw portion 122 of the lid body 120. As shown in FIG. 6 , the male screw portion 142, which is the adjustment mechanism AM, can adjust the distance AD ​​between the lid body 120 and the operation surface 141 depending on the depth to which it fits into the screw portion 122.

[0041] Fixing nut 130 of adjustment tool 100 positions and fixes operating surface 141 relative to female thread portion 122 by abutting against lid body 120 while fitted onto male thread portion 142 of operating unit 140. Fixing nut 130 is disk-shaped with an outer periphery slightly larger than lid body 120 and operating unit 140. Fixing nut 130 has female thread portion 133 and outer periphery uneven portion 135.

[0042] The female screw portion 133 of the fixing nut 130 forms a female screw that extends along the axis of the disk-shaped fixing nut 130. The female screw portion 133 fits into the male screw portion 142 of the operating portion 140.

[0043] The outer peripheral uneven portion 135 of the fixing nut 130 is unevenness formed on the outer periphery of the disk-shaped fixing nut 130. The outer peripheral uneven portion 135 functions as a non-slip surface when the operator operates the fixing nut 130.

[0044] 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing how the height of the joystick 800 is adjusted by the adjustment tool 100. The adjustment tool 100 in Fig. 8A is in the off state with the cover 120 open. In the state of Fig. 8A, the height of the joystick 800 is the original height H1 of the joystick 800.

[0045] 8(b) shows adjustment tool 100 in an on state with lid 120 closed and operation unit 140 lowered to the lowest position after adjustment. In the state shown in FIG. 8(b), joystick 800 has a height H2 that is higher than its original height H1.

[0046] The adjustment tool 100 in Fig. 8(c) is in an on state with the cover 120 closed and the operation unit 140 raised from the lowest position to be adjusted. In the state of Fig. 8(c), the height of the joystick 800 is height H3, which is higher than height H2 in Fig. 8(b).

[0047] According to the adjustment tool 100 described above, the operator of the joystick 800 can instantly switch the height between the heights H2 and H3 adjusted by the adjustment tool 100 and the original height H1 of the joystick by opening and closing the cover 120.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the adjustment device 100, the female screw portion 122 is provided on the lid body 120 side and the male screw portion 142 is provided on the operating surface 141 side, so that a wider range of adjustment for the height of the operating surface 141 relative to the lid body 120 can be secured compared to when the positional relationship between the male screw portion 142 and the female screw portion 122 is reversed.

[0049] Furthermore, with adjustment tool 100, fixing nut 130 can prevent the height of operation surface 141 relative to lid 120 from unintentionally changing due to a force applied to operation surface 141 as joystick 800 is operated.

[0050] Furthermore, with the adjustment tool 100, the operator of the joystick 800 can easily and instantly switch between the heights H2, H3 adjusted by the adjustment tool 100 and the original height H1 of the joystick 800 by opening and closing the cover 120 using the handle portion 124.

[0051] Furthermore, with adjustment tool 100, tapered portion 125 of lid 120 fits into through-hole 115 of annular base 110, thereby preventing lid 120 from swinging when in the open OFF position.

[0052] Furthermore, with adjustment tool 100, protrusion 126 of lid 120 fits into recess 116 of annular base 110, thereby preventing lid 120 from swinging when closed at the on position.

[0053] Furthermore, with adjustment tool 100, clamped portions 127C of lid 120 fit into a pair of opposing surfaces 117C of annular base 110, thereby preventing lid 120 from swinging when closed at the on position.

[0054] Furthermore, with the adjustment tool 100, when the operator of the joystick 800 directly operates the head 810 of the joystick 800 with the cover 120 open to the off position, the anti-slip structure 118 can prevent the operator's fingers from slipping off the head 810 of the joystick 800.

[0055] The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications. The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. Among the technical features in the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, those corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention section can be replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, technical features not described as essential in this specification can be deleted as necessary.

[0056] For example, in an adjustment tool of another embodiment, the positional relationship between the male and female threads may be reversed from that of the above-described embodiment. In this form of adjustment tool, a male thread extends upward from the cover 120, and a female thread that fits into the male thread is provided on the operation unit 140. With this form of adjustment tool, the operator of the joystick 800 can instantly switch the height between the height adjusted by the adjustment tool 100 and the original height of the joystick by opening and closing the cover 120. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 100…adjustment device 110...Annular base 112...Slit section 113...Head fitting part 114...Opening 115...Through hole 116...recess 117A…Shaft support part 117B…Support shaft 117C…Opposite surface 118...Anti-slip structure 120...lid body 122...Female thread 122...Threaded part 124...Handle 125...Tapered section 126...Convex part 127A…Support part 127B…Bearing part 127C...Pinched part 130...Fixing nut 133...Female thread 135...Outer periphery uneven part 140...Operation unit 141…Operation surface 142...Male thread 800...Joystick 810...Head 812...Central part 814...Outer edge 820...Stick AD…distance AM…adjustment mechanism

Claims

1. A joystick adjustment tool for adjusting the height of a joystick, an annular base that fits around the outer edge of the joystick head while leaving the center of the head exposed; a lid capable of covering the annular base from above; an operation surface that is positioned above the lid body in a state where the lid body covers an upper portion of the annular base and that accepts an operation on the joystick by an operator's finger; an adjustment mechanism that connects the operation surface to the lid body so as to adjust the distance between the lid body and the operation surface; Equipped with The cover is pivotally supported on the annular base so as to be able to open and close the top of the annular base between a first position that covers the top of the annular base and a second position that is out of the top of the annular base.

2. 2. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1, The adjustment mechanism includes: a female screw portion provided on the lid; a male screw portion extending from the rear side of the operation surface and fitting into the female screw portion; Including, The adjustment mechanism is capable of adjusting the distance between the cover and the operation surface according to the depth to which the male screw portion fits into the female screw portion.

3. 3. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 2, The joystick adjustment tool further includes a fixing nut that positions and fixes the operation surface relative to the female thread portion by abutting against the cover while fitted into the male thread portion.

4. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1 , wherein the cover has a handle portion that protrudes outward beyond the annular base portion when viewed from above and below with the cover in the first position.

5. 2. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1, the annular base portion has a through hole; The joystick adjustment tool has a tapered portion that fits into the through hole so that the cover is tightened as it moves to the second position.

6. 2. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1, the annular base has a recess; The cover has a protrusion that fits into the recess when the cover is in the first position.

7. 2. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1, The annular base portion is a support shaft that supports the lid body; a pair of opposing surfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft and face each other; and The lid has a clamped portion that fits between the pair of opposing surfaces when the lid is in the first position.

8. The joystick adjustment tool according to claim 1 , wherein the annular base has an anti-slip structure with upwardly facing projections and recesses.

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