Frame for a simulator

Abstract

Frame for a simulator which comprises two side frame parts extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the frame, as well as a front frame part and a rear frame part which extend on respectively a front side and a rear side of the frame in the width direction of the frame and substantially perpendicularly of the side frame parts and support the side frame parts on respectively the front side and the rear side of the frame. The frame is further configured to be placed on a ground surface only on its front and rear frame part, wherein the side frame parts extend between the front and the rear frame part clear of the ground surface. Each of the side frame parts is formed by an optionally divisible plate-like side element which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction and additionally in the height direction of the frame.

Description

[0001] Frame for a simulator

[0002] The present invention relates to a frame for a simulator, particularly for a vehicle simulator, such as a racing car simulator. The present invention further relates to a simulator.

[0003] Simulators are known in different variants. For simulators intended for use by multiple people it is of great importance that they can be made suitable for the different users, wherein, irrespective of his or her build, each user can adopt a sitting posture which is realistic for the simulated activity. In addition, it is of great importance for such simulators that they can withstand intensive and prolonged use.

[0004] The present invention has for its object to provide an improved frame for such a simulator.

[0005] According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides for this purpose a frame for a simulator which comprises two side frame parts extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the frame, as well as a front frame part and a rear frame part which extend on respectively a front side and a rear side of the frame in a width direction of the frame and substantially perpendicularly of the side frame parts and support the side frame parts on respectively the front side and the rear side of the frame. The frame is further configured to be placed on a ground surface only on its front and rear frame part, wherein the side frame parts extend between the front and the rear frame part clear of the ground surface. Each of the side frame parts is formed by an optionally divisible plate-like side element which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction and additionally in the height direction of the frame.

[0006] Because the frame is configured to be placed on a ground surface only on its front and rear frame part, a lot of space is created in the frame. This enhances the freedom of positioning and adjustability of components of the simulator to be attached to the frame, such as a seat, a set of foot pedals, a manual control unit and / or a screen. At the same time, this results in a large span having to be bridged by the side frame parts between the front and the rear frame part. Embodying the side frame parts as plate-like element extending in the height direction increases the bending stiffness of the side frame parts, and bending of the frame, as seen in the longitudinal direction thereof, is thereby prevented or at least drastically reduced. The plate-like side elements preferably have a height to length ratio greater than 1:30, more preferably greater than 1:20. The plate-like side elements preferably have a thickness of more than 2 mm, more preferably of at least 4 mm.

[0007] It is noted that the side elements preferably extend over at least substantially the whole length of the frame. It is further noted that the frame is preferably configured such that each of the components of the simulator to be attached to the frame, such as a seat, a set of foot pedals, a manual control unit and / or a screen, can be arranged substantially between the side elements. For this purpose the side elements are preferably configured such that said components can be attached on each of the mutually facing inner surfaces of the two side elements. As a result, said components are situated between the side elements on one side and between the front and the rear frame part on the other. In this way the whole of the frame and the components to be attached thereto has a low centre of gravity. At the same time, the components to be attached between the side elements contribute to the stiffness of the whole.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the frame each plate-like side element is provided on its outer side with a longitudinal rib which extends over at least substantially the whole length of the plate -like side element, and a front and a rear transverse rib which are arranged close to respectively a front side and a rear side of the plate-like side element and which extend perpendicularly of the longitudinal rib from a position close to an upper side of the plate-like side element to a position beyond an underside of the plate-like side element, wherein provided in the front and the rear transverse rib is a recess through which the longitudinal rib is arranged in order to support the longitudinal rib.

[0009] Providing the plate-like side elements with such a longitudinal rib further increases the bending stiffness of the side frame parts. The longitudinal ribs lie in the direction of the span and the transverse ribs close to the front side and rear side of each plate -like side element each form a support, i.e. a support point for the longitudinal ribs.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment the front and the rear frame part are arranged against both the undersides and lateral outer sides of respectively the front and rear transverse ribs in order to support the plate-like side elements via respectively their front and rear transverse ribs on respectively both their undersides and lateral outer sides in order to absorb downward and laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements.

[0011] The plate-like side element therefore support on the front and the rear frame part via the transverse ribs. Laterally outward yielding of the plate-like side elements is also prevented or at least drastically reduced in that the front and the rear frame part are arranged against the lateral outer sides of respectively the front and rear transverse ribs.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment at least a portion of at least one of the front frame part and the rear frame part, as seen in cross-section of the frame, is substantially U-shaped, wherein a base of the U extends substantially parallel to the ground surface and substantially in the width direction over the whole width of the frame, and wherein legs of the U extended substantially perpendicularly of the ground surface and substantially in the height direction of the frame along an outer side of the plate like side elements, wherein the legs of the U are arranged against the lateral outer sides of respectively at least one of the front and the rear transverse ribs in order to absorb the laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements via the respective legs.

[0013] The base of the U of the at least one of the front and the rear frame part is preferably arranged against the undersides of respectively the at least one of the front and the rear transverse ribs in order to absorb the downward forces on the plate-like side elements via the respective base. Embodying at least one of the front and the rear portion with such a U-shaped portion, wherein the legs thereof wrap around the two plate -like side elements on their outer sides, provides effective resistance to laterally outward forces on plate-like side elements.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the at least one portion of the at least one of the front frame part and the rear frame part is formed by an optionally divisible, substantially U-shaped plate-like element, wherein the base of the substantially U-shaped plate -like element extends substantially parallel to the ground surface and substantially in the width direction and additionally in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and wherein legs of the substantially U-shaped plate-like element extend substantially perpendicularly of the ground surface and substantially in the height direction and additionally in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0015] By embodying the U-shaped portion as a plate-like element the frame is supported thereby on its underside in stable manner.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the frame is further provided with at least one stiffening element between said legs and the plate-like side elements.

[0017] Said one stiffening element preferably extends substantially transversely of said transverse ribs.

[0018] More preferably, the plate-like side elements are provided close to the transverse ribs against which the legs of the U-shaped plate-like element are arranged with at least one additional rib which extends substantially transversely of the respective transverse rib. The lateral outer sides of the platelike side elements are hereby supported over a part of their lengths by the legs of the U-shaped platelike element. In this way laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements are resisted in effective manner.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment a middle portion of the base is raised relative to the ground surface, such that only side portions of the base that are not the middle portion are arranged on the ground surface.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment the frame is further provided with one or more stiffening elements under the raised middle portion.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment the front and / or the rear frame part comprises a beam which extends in the width direction of the frame between the plate-like side elements and which is arranged with its longitudinal outer ends against lateral inner sides of the plate-like side elements in order to support the plate-like side elements on respectively the front side and / or the rear side of the frame on their lateral inner sides in order to absorb laterally inward forces on the plate -like side elements.

[0022] By embodying the front and / or the rear frame part with such a beam, particularly in combination with the U-shaped portion wherein the legs thereof support the plate-like side elements against laterally outward forces, the plate -like side elements are as it were clamped between the outer ends of the beam and the legs of the U. This creates a very rigid construction at comer points of the frame, which results in a very robust frame. In a preferred embodiment the front and / or the rear frame part comprises a beam which extends in the width direction of the frame to a position under the plate-like side elements and which is arranged with its longitudinal outer ends against undersides of the plate-like side elements in order to support the plate-like side elements on respectively the front side and / or the rear side of the frame on their undersides in order to absorb downward forces on the plate-like side elements.

[0023] Embodying the front and / or the rear frame part with such a beam distributes downward forces over said front and / or rear frame part, this further increasing the stability of the frame.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment said beam of the front and / or the rear frame part is attached to respectively the front and / or the rear transverse ribs of the plate-like side elements. The forces exerted on said transverse ribs are hereby transmitted and distributed over the beam in effective manner.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment the plate -like side elements are provided close to a centre thereof, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the plate -like side elements, with at least one additional transverse rib on their outer sides, wherein the at least one additional transverse rib is provided with a recess through which the longitudinal rib is arranged in order to support the longitudinal rib.

[0026] Providing the plate-like side elements with such an additional transverse rib on their outer sides provides an additional support point for the longitudinal ribs, this increasing the bending stiffness of the longitudinal ribs and thereby of the plate-like side elements.

[0027] Each of the above stated measures as such increases the stiffness of the frame, such that the stiffness of the frame need not also be obtained from support parts for simulator components which are attached to the frame. In this respect the following is particularly noted in this regard.

[0028] Because the frame is configured to be placed on a ground surface only on its front and rear frame part, a lot of space is created in the frame. This enhances the freedom of positioning and adjustability of components of the simulator to be attached to the frame, such as a seat, a set of foot pedals, a manual control unit and / or a screen. At the same time, this results in a large span having to be bridged by the side frame parts between the front and the rear frame part. In known frames for simulators some of the stiffness of the simulator is therefore obtained from support parts for components of the simulator (such as a seat, a manual control unit and a set of foot pedals) which are attached to the frame, particularly between the side frame parts. These support parts function here as stiffening elements for the frame. Owing to each of the above stated measures, the frame according to the present invention conversely already possesses sufficient stiffness as such, i.e. without said support parts. As a result, the position of each of the support parts can be chosen freely. In other words, the positions of the seat, the manual control unit and the set of foot pedals have almost no influence on the stiffness. The relative position of these components can therefore be chosen freely, without this having any adverse effects on the stiffness. Different seats, i.e. having different shapes and dimensions, or differing in weight and with a different centre of gravity, can furthermore be arranged in the frame without being detrimental to the stiffness of the frame. This enables both a large adjustment range of the simulator components and application of as many true-to-life simulator components as possible, such as a determined seat, this allowing a user of the simulator to adopt a very realistic sitting posture for a range of simulated activities, situations and / or environments irrespective of his or her build. When the simulator is a vehicle simulator, the frame can provide a very true-to-life simulation of for example an IndyCar, a Formula One car or a GT car. The personal sitting posture, as the user is accustomed to in real life, can also be simulated very accurately. This is particularly highly advantageous for professional race car drivers.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment the frame is further configured to arrange at least one of seat supports and foot pedal supports on the inner side of each of the plate-like side elements in order to attach thereto respectively at least one of a seat and a set of foot pedals of the simulator, such that the at least one of the seat and the set of foot pedals is arranged in the frame between the plate-like side elements clear of the ground surface.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment a recess is provided in each of the plate-like side elements, wherein the recesses lie directly opposite each other, wherein a guide for guiding the at least one of the seat supports and the foot pedal supports therealong is received in each of the recesses.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment the frame is further configured to attach a support frame for a manual control unit onto the plate-like side elements thereof.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a simulator comprising a frame according to any one of the above described embodiments. The simulator further comprises seat supports, foot pedal supports and a support frame for a manual control unit arranged on the plate-like side elements, as well as a seat mounted on the seat supports, a set of foot pedals mounted on the foot pedal supports and a manual control unit mounted on the support frame.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment the simulator further comprises at least one screen, which is preferably arranged substantially in line with the manual control unit, as seen from the seat.

[0034] The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following figures, which show preferred embodiments of the frame and the simulator according to the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention in any way, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of the frame according to the present invention, including support parts for components of a simulator arranged thereon; Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the frame shown in figure 1, excluding the support parts;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective front view of the frame shown in figure 1, including the support parts;

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the frame shown in figure 2; Figure 5 is a side view of the frame shown in figures 2 and 4;

[0038] Figure 6 is a front view of the frame shown in figures 2 and 4; and

[0039] Figure 7 is a rear view of the frame shown in figures 2 and 4.

[0040] Figures 1-7 show several views of an undercarriage or frame 1 for a simulator, particularly for a vehicle simulator, such as a racing car simulator. Frame 1 is formed by two upright plate -like side elements 2 which extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction 51 of the frame and which form side frame parts of the frame 1. A front frame part 3 and a rear frame part 4 are provided on respectively a front side and a rear side of the frame 1. The front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4 extend in a width direction 52 of the frame, i.e. perpendicularly of the extending direction of the platelike side elements 2. Frame 1 is here positioned on a ground surface 100 only on its front frame part 3 and rear frame part 4, wherein the plate-like side elements 2 extend between the front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4 clear of the ground surface 100.

[0041] Each plate-like side element 2 is provided on its outer side with a longitudinal rib 6 which extends over the length of the plate-like side element 2. A front and a rear transverse rib 7 are also provided on each plate-like side element 2 close to respectively a front side and a rear side of the plate-like side element 2. A recess through which the longitudinal rib 6 is arranged is provided in each of the front and the rear transverse rib 7. The transverse ribs 7 extend to a position under the plate-like elements 2 and are connected on their underside and outward-directed lateral sides to the front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4.

[0042] For this purpose a lower plate-like portion 8 of the front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4 is U-shaped, wherein legs 9 of the U are arranged against the outward-directed lateral sides of the transverse ribs 7 and wherein the undersides of the transverse ribs 7 support on the base 10 of the U close to the legs 9 thereof.

[0043] An additional longitudinal rib 11 is provided on the plate-like side elements 2 close to the transverse ribs 7 against which the legs 9 of the U-shaped plate-like portion 8 of the front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4 are arranged. The lateral outer sides of the plate-like side elements 2 are hereby supported over a part of their length by the legs 9 of the U. In this way laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements 2 are resisted in effective manner.

[0044] A middle portion 12 of the base 10 of the U-shaped plate -like portion 8 of the front frame part 3 and the rear frame part 4 is raised relative to the ground surface 100, such that only side portions 13 of base 10 that are not the middle portion 12 are arranged on the ground surface 100. A plurality of stiffening elements 14 are arranged under the raised middle portion 12.

[0045] The rear frame part 4 comprises a beam 15 extending in the width direction 52 of frame 1 between the plate-like side elements 2. This lies with its longitudinal outer ends 16 against the lateral inner sides of the plate-like side elements 2. The plate-like side elements 2 are hereby supported on the rear side of frame 1 on their lateral inner sides in order to absorb laterally inward forces on the plate-like side elements 2.

[0046] By embodying the rear frame part 4 with such a beam 15, particularly in combination with the U-shaped plate-like portion 8 wherein the legs 9 thereof support the plate-like side elements 2 against laterally outward forces, the plate-like side elements 2 are as it were clamped between the outer ends 16 of the beam 15 and the legs 9 of the U. This creates a very rigid construction at comer points of frame 1, this resulting in a very robust frame.

[0047] The front frame part 3 comprises a beam 17 extending in the width direction 52 of frame 1 to a position under the plate-like side elements 2. This beam lies with its longitudinal outer ends against undersides of the plate-like side elements 2. The plate-like side elements 2 are hereby supported on the front side of frame 1 on their undersides in order to absorb downward forces on the plate-like side elements 2.

[0048] Embodying the front frame part 3 with such a beam 17 distributes downward forces over the front frame part 3, this further increasing the stability of frame 1.

[0049] The plate-like side elements 2 are further provided close to a centre thereof, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like side elements 2, with two additional transverse ribs 19 on their outer sides. Each of these transverse ribs has a recess through which the longitudinal rib 6 is arranged. Additional support points for the longitudinal ribs 6 are provided hereby, this increasing the bending stiffness of the longitudinal ribs 6 and thereby of the plate-like side elements 2.

[0050] Two recess 30 are further provided in each of the plate-like side elements 2, wherein two guides 31 are received in each of the recesses 30 for the purpose of guiding therealong guide members 32 on which are arranged support parts 33 for supporting a seat to be arranged in frame 1 and support parts 43 for supporting a foot board 34 for foot pedals to be arranged in frame 1.

[0051] Figures 1 and 3 also show a support frame 20 for a steering wheel of the simulator. Each of the above stated measures as such contributes to such a rigid frame that the stiffness of the frame 1 need not also be obtained from for instance said support frame 20 for the steering wheel and the foot board 34 for the foot pedals.

[0052] It can generally be stated that frame 1 enables the position in the frame of support parts for simulator components to be chosen freely. In the case of a vehicle simulator the positions of a seat, a manual control unit and a set of foot pedals have almost no effect on the stiffness of the frame 1. The relative position of these components can therefore be chosen freely, without this having any adverse effects on the stiffness. Different seats, i.e. having different shapes and dimensions, or differing in weight and with a different centre of gravity, can furthermore be arranged in the frame without being detrimental to the stiffness of the frame. This enables both a large adjustment range of the simulator components and application of as many true-to-life simulator components as possible, such as a determined seat, this allowing a user of the simulator to adopt a very realistic sitting posture for a range of simulated activities, situations and / or environments irrespective of his or her build. When the simulator is a vehicle simulator, the frame can provide a very true-to-life simulation of for example an IndyCar, a Formula One car or a GT car. The personal sitting posture, as the user is accustomed to in real life, can also be simulated very accurately. This is particularly highly advantageous for professional race car drivers.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the shown embodiments but also extends to other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. Frame for a simulator, comprising: two side frame parts extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the frame; and a front frame part and a rear frame part which extend on respectively a front side and a rear side of the frame in a width direction of the frame and substantially perpendicularly of the side frame parts, and support the side frame parts on respectively the front side and the rear side of the frame, wherein the frame is configured to be placed on a ground surface only on its front and rear frame part, wherein the side frame parts extend between the front and the rear frame part clear of the ground surface, characterized in that each of the side frame parts is formed by an optionally divisible plate-like side element which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction and additionally in the height direction of the frame,2. Frame according to claim 1, wherein each plate -like side element is provided on its outer side with: a longitudinal rib which extends over at least substantially the whole length of the plate-like side element, and a front and a rear transverse rib which are arranged close to respectively a front side and a rear side of the plate -like side element and which extend perpendicularly of the longitudinal rib from a position close to an upper side of the plate -like side element to a position beyond an underside of the plate-like side element, wherein provided in the front and the rear transverse rib is a recess through which the longitudinal rib is arranged in order to support the longitudinal rib.

3. Frame according to claim 2, wherein the front and the rear frame part are arranged against both the undersides and lateral outer sides of respectively the front and rear transverse ribs in order to support the plate-like side elements via respectively their front and rear transverse ribs on respectively both their undersides and lateral outer sides in order to absorb downward and laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements.

4. Frame according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the front frame part and the rear frame part, as seen in cross-section of the frame, is substantially U-shaped, wherein a base of the U extends substantially parallel to the ground surface and substantiallyin the width direction over the whole width of the frame, and wherein legs of the U extended substantially perpendicularly of the ground surface and substantially in the height direction of the frame along an outer side of the plate-like side elements, wherein the legs of the U are arranged against the lateral outer sides of respectively at least one of the front and the rear transverse ribs in order to absorb the laterally outward forces on the plate-like side elements via the respective legs.

5. Frame according to claim 4, wherein the base of the U of the at least one of the front and the rear frame part is arranged against the undersides of respectively the at least one of the front and the rear transverse ribs in order to absorb the downward forces on the plate-like side elements via the respective base.

6. Frame according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one portion of the at least one of the front frame part and the rear frame part is formed by an optionally divisible, substantially U- shaped plate-like element, wherein the base of the substantially U-shaped plate-like element extends substantially parallel to the ground surface and substantially in the width direction and additionally in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and wherein legs of the substantially U-shaped plate-like element extend substantially perpendicularly of the ground surface and substantially in the height direction and additionally in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

7. Frame according to claim 4, 5 or 6, further provided with at least one stiffening element between said legs and the plate-like side elements.

8. Frame according to claim 7, wherein said one stiffening element extends substantially transversely of said transverse ribs.

9. Frame according to any one of the claims 4-8, wherein a middle portion of the base is raised relative to the ground surface, such that only side portions of the base that are not the middle portion are arranged on the ground surface.

10. Frame according to claim 9, further provided with one or more stiffening elements under the raised middle portion.

11. Frame according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the front and / or the rear frame part comprises a beam which extends in the width direction of the frame between the plate-like side elements and which is arranged with its longitudinal outer ends against lateral inner sidesof the plate-like side elements in order to support the plate-like side elements on respectively the front side and / or the rear side of the frame on their lateral inner sides in order to absorb laterally inward forces on the plate-like side elements.

12. Frame according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the front and / or the rear frame part comprises a beam which extends in the width direction of the frame to a position under the plate-like side elements and which is arranged with its longitudinal outer ends against undersides of the plate-like side elements in order to support the plate-like side elements on respectively the front side and / or the rear side of the frame on their undersides in order to absorb downward forces on the plate-like side elements.

13. Frame according to claim 11 or 12, to the extent dependent on any one of the claims 2-10, wherein said beam of the front and / or the rear frame part is attached to respectively the front and / or the rear transverse ribs of the plate-like side elements.

14. Frame according to any one of the claims 2-13, wherein the plate-like side elements are provided close to a centre thereof, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like side elements, with at least one additional transverse rib on their outer sides, wherein the at least one additional transverse rib is provided with a recess through which the longitudinal rib is arranged in order to support the longitudinal rib.

15. Frame according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame is further configured to arrange at least one of seat supports and foot pedal supports on the inner side of each of the plate-like side elements in order to attach thereto respectively at least one of a seat and a set of foot pedals of the simulator, such that the at least one of the seat and the set of foot pedals is arranged in the frame between the plate-like side elements clear of the ground surface.

16. Frame according to claim 15, wherein a recess is provided in each of the plate-like side elements, wherein the recesses lie directly opposite each other, wherein a guide for guiding the at least one of the seat supports and the foot pedal supports therealong is received in each of the recesses.

17. Frame according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame is further configured to attach a support frame for a manual control unit onto the plate -like side elements thereof.

18. Simulator, comprising a frame according to any one of the foregoing claims, seat supports, foot pedal supports and a support frame for a manual control unit arranged on the plate -likeside elements, as well as a seat mounted on the seat supports, a set of foot pedals mounted on the foot pedal supports and a manual control unit mounted on the support frame.

19. Simulator according to claim 18, further comprising at least one screen, which is preferably arranged substantially in line with the manual control unit, as seen from the seat.

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