Simulator mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a simulator mechanism (10) comprising: a cabin (20) in which at least one seat (21) is positioned; a frame body (30) that at least partially surrounds the periphery of said cabin (20) and is rotatably connected about a y-axis (y) extending in the front-rear direction of the cabin (20); a rotary body (40) to which the frame body (30) is rotatably connected about an x-axis (x) extending in the right-left direction of the cabin (20); and a carrier base (50) to which the rotary body (40) is rotatably connected about a z-axis (z) extending in the height direction of the cabin (20). The novelty of the invention lies in that the seat (21) is positioned between a rear end (22) of the cabin (20) and at least one of the x-axis (x) and the z-axis (z).

Description

[0001] SIMULATOR MECHANISM

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a simulator mechanism, particularly for simulating aircraft.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Simulators are presented to users for purposes such as education and entertainment. The realism of the simulation is particularly important for educational purposes. To ensure realism in simulators used to simulate land, air and sea vehicles, the seat in which the user sits must be moved in accordance with the movements of the relevant vehicle. Although virtual reality glasses can convey the environment to the user as desired in the virtual world, the simulator cannot provide the desired effect when movements are not realistic. Accordingly, simulator mechanisms that move in multiple axes are generally used so that the seat can be moved in accordance with the motion of the vehicle being simulated.

[0006] Particularly in the simulation of aircraft, it is difficult to provide the user experience with the G-forces generated by movement occurring on many axes and sudden changes in direction at high speeds, making it challenging to achieve the required movements of the relevant simulator mechanism. Additionally, during multi-axis movements, gaps in the mechanisms and similar causes may result in oscillations and vibrations that would not actually occur.

[0007] Consequently, all the issues mentioned above have necessitated innovation in the relevant technical field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a simulator mechanism designed to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a simulator mechanism that enables the generation of G-forces in a manner close to real user experiences.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a simulator mechanism that prevents the occurrence of unintended movements that would not occur in real- world usage scenarios.

[0011] The present invention, in order to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and to be apparent from the detailed description set forth below, relates to a simulator mechanism comprising: a cabin in which at least one seat is positioned; a frame body that at least partially surrounds the periphery of said cabin and is rotatably connected about a y-axis extending in the front-rear direction of the cabin; a rotary body to which the frame body is rotatably connected about an x-axis extending in the right-left direction of the cabin; and a carrier base to which the rotary body is rotatably connected about a z-axis extending in the height direction of the cabin. Accordingly, the seat is positioned between a rear end of the cabin and at least one of the x-axis and the z-axis. Thus, since the user is displaced from the axis of rotation, G-forces are generated during motion.

[0012] A possible embodiment of the invention comprises at least one braking mechanism to at least partially restrict the movement of the cabin along the x-axis. Thus, during the turn, unwanted movements that would not occur in reality are stopped by the braking mechanism.

[0013] In a possible configuration of the invention, at least one first motor is provided on the frame body to enable the movement of the cabin along the y-axis.

[0014] In a possible embodiment of the invention, there is at least one first shaft extending along the y-axis to provide connection between the cabin and the frame body. In a possible configuration of the invention, a second motor is provided on the rotating body to enable the movement of the cabin and frame body along the x- axis.

[0015] In a possible configuration of the invention, there is at least one second shaft extending along the x-axis to connect the frame body and the rotating body.

[0016] In a possible configuration of the invention, a gearbox is provided to transmit the motion from the second motor to the second shaft.

[0017] In a possible configuration of the invention, the brake mechanism is connected to the second shaft.

[0018] In a possible configuration of the invention, at least one third motor is provided on the carrier base to enable the rotary body to move along the z-axis.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] Figure 1 provides a representative isometric view of the simulator mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a representative top view of the simulator mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3 shows another isometric view of the simulator mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBABLE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0024] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention, namely the simulator mechanism (10), is explained using examples that are intended solely to facilitate a better understanding of the subject matter and do not impose any limiting effect. The present invention comprises a cabinet (20) within which a seat (21 ) can be positioned, within the simulator mechanism (10). A frame body (30) surrounds the mentioned cabin (20). The cabin (20) is connected to the frame body (30) in such a way that it can rotate on a y-axis (y) extending from the front to the rear of the cabin (20). To provide the connection mentioned, the first shaft (32) extends along the y- axis (y) from the front and rear of the cabin (20) towards the frame body (30). Additionally, a first motor (31 ) provided on the frame body (30) causes the frame body (30) to rotate about its y-axis (y) via the aforementioned first shaft (32). The aforementioned rotation movement enables the cabin (20) to tilt to the right and left. In a possible configuration of the invention, the y-axis (y) extends through the center of gravity of the cabin (20).

[0025] A rotating body (40) is associated with the frame body (30). In other words, the frame body (30) is connected to the rotating body (40) in such a way that it can perform a rotational movement about an x-axis (x). The frame body (30) and the rotating body (40) are connected by means of a second shaft (42) extending along the x-axis (x). In the structure described, the x-axis (x) extends along the left and right sides of the cabin (20). A second motor (41 ) provided on the rotating body (40) drives the movement of the frame body (30) via a second shaft (42). During the movement described, the front of the cabin (20) moves upwards and the rear moves downwards, or the front moves downwards and the rear moves upwards, depending on the direction of rotation of the second motor (41 ).

[0026] In a possible configuration of the invention, the rotating body (40) is provided in a U-shaped form. Accordingly, the frame body (30) is positioned between the arms of the U-shape extending upwards from the sides.

[0027] A carrier base (50) is provided to which the rotating body (40) is connected so that it can perform a rotational movement about a z-axis (z). The carrier base (50) mentioned ensures that the simulator mechanism (10) sits on the floor. A third motor (51 ) provided on the carrier base (50) enables the rotating body (40) and consequently the cabin (20) to rotate about the z-axis (z). The mentioned z-axis (z) extends perpendicular to the ground. The x-axis (x) extends parallel to the ground. In a possible configuration, the x-axis (x) is perpendicular to the z-axis (z). In the simulator mechanism (10) of the invention, the seat (21 ) located within the cabin (20) is positioned as close as possible to one rear end (22) of the cabin (20). In other words, the seat (21 ) is located between the x-axis (x) and the rear end (22) of the cabin (20). This means that when the user sits on the seat (21 ), they are positioned a certain distance away from the x-axis (x). In a possible embodiment, the seat (21 ) is positioned between the extension direction of the z-axis (z) and the rear end (22) of the cabin (20). According to the structures mentioned, the seat (21 ) is positioned at a distance from at least one of the z-axis (z) and x-axis (x). In other words, at least one of the z-axis (z) and the x-axis (x) does not pass through the seat (21 ).

[0028] The positioning of the seat (21 ) described above causes it to be positioned away from the user's center of rotation during rotation of the cabin (20) about the z-axis (z) and x-axis (x), resulting in a G-force being exerted on the user. In detail, during manoeuvres in a real aircraft, the aircraft moves on a circular axis of rotation. The distance from the center of rotation defined at the center of this circular axis causes a G-force to act on the pilot, who moves as if swinging on a pendulum. The invention relates to a simulator mechanism (10) wherein the distance from the seat (21 ) to the axis of rotation ensures that G-force is generated on the user.

[0029] In the simulator mechanism (10) of the invention, the frame body (30) is connected to the rotating body (40) on both sides. While rotational movement is provided by the second motor (41 ) on one side of the frame body (30), the movement of the frame body (30) is restricted on the other side by a brake mechanism (43) connected to the second shaft (42).

[0030] The vibration that would occur in the cabin (20) during changes in direction in the x- axis (x) movement of the cabin (20) is eliminated by the aforementioned brake mechanism (43). In detail, the rotational movement from the second motor (41 ) is transferred to the second shaft (42) using a gearbox (41 1 ). Due to the gaps that must exist between the gears inside the gearboxes (41 1 ) for them to function, when the movement of the second motor (41 ) stops, the cabin (20) moves in the opposite direction of rotation by an amount equal to the gap. In other words, when the second motor (41 ) stops, the cabin (20) sways for a while within a range of motion equal to the amount of clearance in the gearbox (411 ). In particular, since the seat (21 ) is located far from the rotation axis in the simulator mechanism (10), the amount of oscillation and vibration increases because the center of gravity of the cabin, together with the user's weight, is also far from the rotation axis. In the situation described, a moment is generated depending on the weight of the cabin (20) and the distance between its center of gravity and the x-axis (x). The invention relates to a simulator mechanism (10) wherein the brake mechanism (43) partially brakes to prevent the rotation of the second shaft (42). In other words, the brake mechanism (43) clamps the second shaft (42) sufficiently to overcome at least the generated momentum. The rotational movement of the second motor (41 ) overcomes the braking force, allowing the second shaft (42) to rotate, while the braking force holds the second shaft (42) stationary when the motor drive is cut off. In this way, vibrations that may occur when the motor movement is stopped are prevented.

[0031] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the brake mechanism (43) continuously clamps the second shaft (42). In this situation, the motor force first overcomes the friction provided by the brake mechanism (43), and rotation then occurs.

[0032] In another possible configuration of the invention, the braking mechanism (43) is only activated when necessary. In this situation, a control unit (not shown in the figures) sends a stop signal to the second motor (41) while simultaneously or shortly before sending an operating signal to the brake mechanism (43). Thus, the brake mechanism (43) is engaged as soon as the motor movement stops.

[0033] Thanks to the aforementioned structures, the user experiences a G-force that provides a sensation close to real experience in the simulator mechanism (10) that is the subject of the invention. On the other hand, the structure that generates the G-force also ensures that increased oscillations are prevented by the braking mechanism (43). Consequently, the simulator mechanism (10) of the invention enables the user to experience the G-forces that occur in reality while also preventing vibrations and oscillations that do not occur in reality. The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the claims provided in the annex and cannot be limited to the examples described in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could devise similar structures in light of the above description without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0034] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0035] 10 Simulator mechanism

[0036] 20 Cabin

[0037] 21 Seat

[0038] 22 Rear end

[0039] 30 Frame body

[0040] 31 First motor

[0041] 32 First shaft

[0042] 40 Rotating body

[0043] 41 Second motor

[0044] 411 Gear box

[0045] 42 Second shaft

[0046] 43 Brake Mechanism

[0047] 50 Carrier base

[0048] 51 Third motor

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A simulator mechanism (10) comprising: a cabin (20) in which at least one seat (21) is positioned, a frame body (30) that at least partially surrounds the periphery of said cabin (20) and is rotatably connected about a y-axis (y) extending in the front-rear direction of the cabin (20), a rotary body (40) to which the frame body (30) is rotatably connected about an x-axis (x) extending in the right-left direction of the cabin (20), and a carrier base (50) to which the rotary body (40) is rotatably connected about a z-axis (z) extending in the height direction of the cabin (20), characterized in that the seat (21) is positioned between a rear end (22) of the cabin (20) and at least one of the x-axis (x) and the z-axis (z).

2. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , at least one brake mechanism (43) configured to at least partially restrict the movement of the cabin (20) about the x-axis (x).

3. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , comprises at least one first motor (31 ) provided on the frame body (30) for enabling the movement of the cabin (20) about the y-axis (y).

4. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , comprises at least one first shaft (32) extending along the y-axis (y) for providing the connection between the cabin (20) and the frame body (30).

5. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a second motor (41) provided on the rotary body (40) for enabling the movement of the cabin (20) and the frame body (30) about the x-axis (x).

6. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one second shaft (42) extending along the x-axis (x) for providing the connection between the frame body (30) and the rotary body (40).

7. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a gearbox (411 ) for transmitting the movement received from the second motor (41 ) to the second shaft (42).

8. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the brake mechanism (43) is associated with the second shaft (42).

9. The simulator mechanism (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one third motor (51 ) provided on the carrier base (50) for enabling the movement of the rotary body (40) about the z-axis (z).

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