EP4127857B1 - Human-machine interface - Google Patents

Human-machine interface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4127857B1
EP4127857B1 EP21704594.7A EP21704594A EP4127857B1 EP 4127857 B1 EP4127857 B1 EP 4127857B1 EP 21704594 A EP21704594 A EP 21704594A EP 4127857 B1 EP4127857 B1 EP 4127857B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
utensil
rocker
axis
neutral position
springs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21704594.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4127857A1 (en
EP4127857C0 (en
Inventor
Hervé Carton
Morgan Verdier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thales Avionics SAS
Original Assignee
Crouzet SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP4127857A1 publication Critical patent/EP4127857A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4127857B1 publication Critical patent/EP4127857B1/en
Publication of EP4127857C0 publication Critical patent/EP4127857C0/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • G05G5/05—Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/04—Controlling members for hand actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G2505/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/28—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions
    • H01H23/30—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre positions and one or both end positions unstable

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a man-machine interface.
  • such a man-machine interface may be a thumbwheel as described in the application EP2509090 .
  • the utensil that can be moved by hand by the user is a wheel.
  • This wheel is returned to its neutral position by two springs wound around the axis of rotation of the wheel.
  • the wheel no longer returns to its neutral position and the man-machine interface is no longer usable.
  • the invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a more robust man-machine interface. Its object is therefore such a man-machine interface conforming to claim 1.
  • THE figures 1 to 3 represent a man-machine interface 2 comprising a utensil 4 guided in rotation inside a chassis 6.
  • the utensil 4 is a wheel.
  • Interface 2 is therefore a wheel button.
  • the utensil 4 is only mounted to rotate around a single axis 10.
  • the axis 10 is parallel to a direction X of an orthogonal reference XYZ.
  • Axis 10 is systematically stationary relative to chassis 6.
  • the X and Y directions are horizontal and the Z direction is vertical. Subsequently, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower” and the like are defined with respect to the vertical direction Z. The terms “left” and “right” are defined with respect to the direction Y and a vertical median plane 30 of the interface 2. Thus, the term “right” designates what is to the right of the plane 30 when the direction Y points to the right. Subsequently, the XYZ coordinate system is used to orient each of the figures.
  • the utensil 4 is accessible from outside the chassis 6 so as to be directly operable by hand by a user.
  • the utensil 4 comprises a semi-circular face 12 whose axis of revolution coincides with the axis 10.
  • the face 12 extends around the axis 10 from a lower slide 12A to another slide lower 12B.
  • these parts 12A and 12B are called “slide” because, as described below, they are part of a slide connection.
  • the angle between a first plane containing the axis 10 and the slide 12A and a second plane containing the axis 10 and the slide 12B is greater than 45° or 90° and, generally, less than 270° or 200°. Here, this angle is equal to 180°.
  • notches 14 project inwards from face 12.
  • the utensil 4 also includes a lever 16 projecting outwards from the face 12. In a neutral position, this lever 16 extends essentially vertically.
  • the lever 16 can be grasped by the user's fingers to move the utensil 4 in rotation around the axis 10 in a forward direction S AV and, alternately, in a rear direction S AR .
  • the forward S AV and reverse S AR directions are represented by arrows identified by, respectively, the symbols S AV and S AR on the figure 1 .
  • the S AV direction is counterclockwise and the S AR direction is clockwise.
  • the utensil 4 pivots, around the axis 10 and in the direction S AV , from the neutral position, shown on the figure 1 , towards a first inclined position shown on the figure 2 .
  • the utensil 4 is also capable of pivoting, around the axis 10 and in the S AR direction, from the neutral position, towards a second inclined position.
  • this second inclined position of the utensil 4 is symmetrical to the first inclined position relative to a vertical plane 30 ( Fig. 1 ).
  • Plane 30 contains axis 10 and extends parallel to the X and Z directions. Plane 30 also passes through lever 16 when the utensil is in its neutral position.
  • the neutral position is the position that the utensil 4 occupies in the absence of external stress.
  • the angular offset ⁇ AV between the neutral position and the first inclined position is here between 15° and 90° or between 20° and 45°.
  • the utensil 4 is mounted on the axis 10 via two ball bearings 20, 22 ( Fig. 2 And 3 ).
  • the utensil 4 comprises a shaft 24 which extends along the axis 10. Each end of the shaft 24 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, on an interior periphery of the ball bearings 20 and 22.
  • the shaft 24 is mechanically connected to the face 12 by a wall 26.
  • the wall 26 extends in a vertical plane 28 ( Fig. 1 ) parallel to directions Y and Z.
  • wall 26 is a half-disc whose center is located on axis 10.
  • Plane 28 is a plane of symmetry for interface 2. In the neutral position, interface 2 is also symmetrical with respect to plane 30. Thus, subsequently, only the elements of interface 2 located behind the plane 28 and to the right of plan 30 are described in detail. The other elements are deduced by symmetry.
  • the outer periphery of the bearings 20, 22 is fixed without any degree of freedom inside respective holes provided in rigid half-shells, respectively, 32 and 34 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • the half-shells 32 and 34 fit into each other along a mounting plane merged here with the plane 28. When these half-shells 32, 34 are fitted into each other , they form chassis 6.
  • the half-shell 32 is shaped to guide and limit the angular amplitude of the movement of the utensil 4.
  • the half-shell 32 has a circular groove 36 ( Fig. 2 ) inside which a vertical edge of the face 12 slides when the utensil 4 moves between the first and second inclined positions.
  • the end of this groove 36 forms a stopper which prevents the utensil 4 from going beyond the first and second inclined positions.
  • the groove 36 delimits the angular amplitude of the movement of the utensil 4.
  • the half-shell 32 has a vertical exterior face facing the side opposite to the plane 28.
  • This exterior face includes an exterior housing 38 ( Fig. 3 ) capable of receiving an electronic card 40 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • the electronic card 40 typically includes a sensor which measures the angular position of the utensil 4 around the axis 10.
  • Interface 2 also includes a cover 42 ( Fig. 3 ) which covers and protects the electronic card 40.
  • an electronic card 44 ( Fig. 3 ) is received in the exterior housing of the half-shell 34.
  • the electronic card 44 is covered by a cover 46 ( Fig. 3 ).
  • the electronic circuit 44 is for example identical to the electronic circuit 40 so as to ensure redundancy in the measurement of the angular position of the utensil 4.
  • Electronic circuits 40 and 44 are electrically connected to a connector 48 ( Fig. 1 ) through which the angular positions of the utensil 4 measured by these electronic cards are delivered.
  • Interface 2 includes a return mechanism which permanently urges utensil 4 towards its neutral position.
  • This mechanism includes two return springs 52 and 54 ( Fig. 1 And 3 ) and a rocker 50 suspended on these two return springs 52 and 54.
  • the springs 52 and 54 are helical springs whose turns wind around a respective central axis.
  • the springs 52 and 54 have not been shown to improve the readability of this figure.
  • the second leaning position is symmetrical to the first leaning position relative to plane 30.
  • the rocker 50 In the rest position, the rocker 50 maintains the utensil 4 in its neutral position. In the first leaning position ( figure 2 ), the rocker 50 permanently urges the utensil 4 in the S AR direction to bring it back from its first inclined position towards its neutral position. In the second tilted position, the rocker 50 permanently urges the utensil 4 in the direction S AV to bring it back from the second tilted position towards the neutral position.
  • the right part of the rocker 50 comprises a wing 60.
  • the wing 60 comprises a portion which, in the rest position, extends in a horizontal plane passing through the axis 10 and in the direction Y to a point support point 62.
  • the wing 60 includes an arcuate portion which goes around the shaft 24.
  • the wing 60 comprises an upper flat 64 and a lower face 66 both extending in a horizontal plane in the rest position.
  • the lower face 66 comprises a reception zone 68 for receiving the upper end of the spring 52.
  • the zone 68 comprises a cylindrical pin 70 capable of fitting inside the turns of the spring 52.
  • the lower end of the spring 52 rests on a flat arranged in the lower part of the half-shell 32.
  • Each of the springs 52 and 54 is dimensioned to bring, by itself, the rocker 50 into its rest position and this from n' any of the first and second leaning positions.
  • the stop 82 is a projection formed in the interior face of the half-shell 32, that is to say in the face of the half-shell 32 facing the plane 28.
  • the stop 82 extends horizontally in the direction 62.
  • the length of the stop 82 in the direction X is also short enough not to hinder the movement of the utensil 4 when it moves towards the second inclined position.
  • the stop 82 is short enough to allow the wall 26 to pass when the utensil 4 is moved to the second inclined position.
  • the stop 82 is also arranged so as not to hinder the movement of the face 12.
  • the stop 82 is located between the hole which receives the ball bearing 22 and the groove 36.
  • the half-shell 32 also includes a stop 84 ( Figure 3 ) symmetrical of the stop 82 with respect to the plane 30.
  • the support point 62 and the stop 82 are also shaped to form, by cooperation in shape, when the utensil 4 moves towards its first inclined position, a joint 85 ( Fig. 2 ).
  • the articulation 85 allows the rocker 50 to pivot around an axis 86 ( Fig. 2 ) from its rest position to its first leaning position.
  • Axis 86 is distinct and parallel to axis 10
  • the support point 62 in an active position, remains in contact with the stop 82 while the rocker 50 moves between its rest position and its first leaning position.
  • the support point 62 is then located on the axis 86.
  • this support point 62 moves towards a distant position in which it is no longer in contact with the stop 82.
  • the orthogonal projection of the reception zone 68 in the horizontal plane containing the axes 10 and 86 is entirely located between these two axes.
  • the point of application of the return force of the spring 52 on the rocker 50 is located between the axes 10 and 86.
  • This point of application corresponds to the point where a point force of the same direction and of the same amplitude as that exerted by the spring 52 on the rocker 50 produces exactly the same effects as the restoring force exerted by the spring 52.
  • this point of application is located at the intersection of the central axis of the spring 52 and the lower face 66 of the wing 60.
  • the shortest distance between this point of application of the restoring force and the axis 86 is greater than 1 mm, 2 mm or 3 mm. Generally, this shortest distance is also less than 3cm or 1cm.
  • the interface 2 comprises a slide connection 90 which mechanically connects the utensil 4 to the rocker 50.
  • This slide connection allows the utensil 4 to cause the rocker 50 to move against the restoring forces of the resources 52 and 54. It also allows the rocker 50 to cause the utensil 4 to move.
  • the slide connection is formed of a first and a second parts symmetrical to each other relative to the plane 30 in the neutral position.
  • the first part is located to the right of the plane 30.
  • This first part includes the flat 64 of the wing 60 turned upwards and the slide 12A of the semi-circular face 12. More precisely, the point of support 62 of the The wing 60 is located beyond the groove 36.
  • the slide 12A comes to rest on the flat 64 and slides on this flat 64 along 'a direction parallel to the plane 28.
  • the slide 12A moves away from the flat 64 as shown in the figure 2 .
  • the first part of the slide connection can be moved, by the utensil 4, between an mounted position in which the slide 12A slides on the flat 64 and a disassembled position in which the slide 12A is moved away from and mechanically isolated from the flat 64.
  • interface 2 will now be described using the functional representations of the figures 4 and 5 .
  • THE figures 4 and 5 represent the interface 2 when the utensil 4 is, respectively, in its neutral position and in its first inclined position.
  • the different elements of interface 2 described with reference to the previous figures are represented in wire form and bear the same references.
  • the springs 52 and 54 maintain the support points of the wings 60 and 80 simultaneously pressing against, respectively, the stops 82 and 84 of the chassis 6.
  • the rocker 50 is therefore maintained in its rest position.
  • the slides 12A and 12B of the utensil 4 are simultaneously supported on the flats of the wings 60 and 80.
  • the utensil 4 is therefore maintained in its neutral position.
  • the spring 52 keeps the support point 62 of the wing 60 resting on the stop 82.
  • the rocker 50 therefore rotates around the axis 86 which passes through the support point 62 of the wing 60 on the stop 82.
  • This rotational movement of the rocker 50 around the axis 86 also compresses the spring 52 since the reception zone 68 is located between the vertical planes containing the axes 10 and 86.
  • the rocker 50 therefore moves towards its first leaning position against the return forces of springs 52 and 54.
  • the spring 54 when the spring 54 is broken, the restoring force which urges the rocker 50 towards its rest position is weaker than when the two springs 52 and 54 are intact. Thus, when the spring 54 is broken, the force that the user must exert to move the utensil 4 between the first and second inclined positions is weaker. The user then feels this difference in the restoring force and can initiate the appropriate maintenance operations before the spring 52 in turn breaks.
  • interface 2 in the case where it is the spring 52 which is broken is the same as that described above in the case where it is the spring 54 which is broken.
  • the utensil 104, the frame 106 and the rocker 150 are configured so that the springs 52 and 54 work in traction and not in compression.
  • spring 52 has been shown.
  • Figure 6 represents the utensil 104 in its neutral position and the rocker 150 in its rest position.
  • Figure 7 represents the utensil 104 in its second inclined position and the rocker 150 in its second inclined position.
  • the interface 100 is symmetrical with respect to the plane 28 and, in the neutral position, also symmetrical with respect to the plane 30.
  • the interface 100 is symmetrical with respect to the plane 28 and, in the neutral position, also symmetrical with respect to the plane 30.
  • the utensil 104 is, for example, identical to the utensil 4 except that the wall 26 has a recess 120.
  • the lower part of the recess 120 forms a horizontal flat 122 in the neutral position.
  • a slide 124 of the rocker 150 rests on this flat 122 in the neutral position.
  • the symmetry of the flat 122 and the slide 124 with respect to the plane 30 bear the references, respectively, 132 and 134.
  • Chassis 106 is identical to chassis 6 except that stops 82 and 84 are replaced by stops, respectively, 136 and 138 ( Figure 6 ). These stops 136, 138 are located under respective support points of the rocker 150.
  • the rocker 150 is identical to the rocker 50 except that the support point 62 is replaced by a support point 142 which is, in the rest position, pressed against the stop 136 by the return force of the spring 52. stop 136 is located under the support point 142. Similar to what was described previously, when the rocker 150 moves from its rest position towards the second leaning position, the support point 142 cooperates with the stop 136 to form an articulation which allows the rocker 150 to rotate around an axis 144 of rotation parallel to the axis 10. The orthogonal projection of the reception zone of the upper end of the spring 52 in a plane containing the axes 10 and 144, is entirely located between these two axes.
  • the point of application of the return force of spring 52 is located between these two axes and distant from axis 144 by a distance greater than 1 mm or 2 mm or 3 mm.
  • the reception zone includes a hole 110 inside which the end of a turn of the spring 52 is received.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are functional representations of the interface 100. They represent the interface 100 when the utensil 106 is, respectively, in its neutral position and in its first inclined position.
  • the lever 16 is omitted.
  • the lever 16 is retained and the semi-circular face 12 is omitted.
  • the utensil 4 is a lever and no longer a wheel.
  • this lever is mechanically connected to the rocker by a slide connection such as that described in the case of interface 2 or 100.
  • the utensil 4 may also include one or more push buttons each movable between an extended position and a position depressed by a finger of the user when the latter grips the utensil 4.
  • the utensil can only be moved between the neutral position and the first inclined position.
  • the position of the spring receiving zone 54 along the left part of the rocker can be arbitrary.
  • this reception zone can be located, going towards the left, on a portion of the lower face of the wing 80 which is beyond the stop 84.
  • the return mechanism then includes a pair of additional return springs, and the rocker also includes two additional wings. These additional wings each extend parallel to the Y direction and are located on either side of the additional axis. Springs additional and the additional wings are arranged as described in the case of the wings and the springs previously described.
  • the utensil can pivot about any axis of rotation that passes through the center of rotation.
  • the mechanical connection between the utensil 4 and the chassis is typically a ball joint connection.
  • the return mechanism then comprises at least two pairs of springs arranged as described in the previous paragraph.
  • the return mechanism can also include more than two pairs of return springs.
  • each pair of springs is arranged as described in chapter I in order to ensure a return of the utensil to its neutral position even in the event that one of the springs in the pair breaks.
  • the utensil can also be shaped to be moved other than by the user's hand.
  • the utensil is shaped to be moved by the user's foot.
  • the utensil can also be moved between its neutral position and an inclined position by a robot or the like.
  • the positions of the slide and the flat are inverted.
  • One of the slide and the flat is then fixed on the rocker and the other of the slide and the flat is fixed on the utensil.
  • the rocker in the return mechanism, whatever the direction in which the utensil is inclined, the utensil rotates around the same axis or the same center of rotation. This makes it easier to measure the angular position of the utensil.
  • the return springs are not directly attached to the utensil, it is possible to disassemble the utensil without removing the springs.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une interface homme-machine.The invention relates to a man-machine interface.

Des interfaces hommes-machines connues comportent :

  • un châssis fixe,
  • un ustensile déplaçable, par un utilisateur, en rotation, autour d'un axe, entre une position neutre et une position inclinée, la position neutre étant la position de l'ustensile en absence de sollicitation extérieure sur cet ustensile, et
  • un mécanisme de rappel de l'ustensile vers sa position neutre, ce mécanisme de rappel comportant des premier et second ressorts qui sollicitent en permanence l'ustensile vers sa position neutre.
Known human-machine interfaces include:
  • a fixed chassis,
  • a utensil movable, by a user, in rotation, around an axis, between a neutral position and an inclined position, the neutral position being the position of the utensil in the absence of external stress on this utensil, and
  • a mechanism for returning the utensil to its neutral position, this return mechanism comprising first and second springs which permanently bias the utensil towards its neutral position.

Par exemple, une telle interface homme-machine peut être un bouton à molette ("Thumbwheel" en anglais) tel que décrit dans la demande EP2509090 . Dans le cas de ce bouton à molette, l'ustensile déplaçable à la main par l'utilisateur est une molette. Cette molette est ramenée dans sa position neutre par deux ressorts enroulés autour de l'axe de rotation de la molette. Dans ce type d'interface homme-machine, dès qu'un des deux ressorts casse, la molette ne revient plus dans sa position neutre et l'interface homme-machine n'est plus utilisable.For example, such a man-machine interface may be a thumbwheel as described in the application EP2509090 . In the case of this wheel button, the utensil that can be moved by hand by the user is a wheel. This wheel is returned to its neutral position by two springs wound around the axis of rotation of the wheel. In this type of man-machine interface, as soon as one of the two springs breaks, the wheel no longer returns to its neutral position and the man-machine interface is no longer usable.

De l'état de la technique est aussi connu de US2761026A , US2019/189373A1 et JP2009117361A . Dans ces interfaces hommes-machines, lorsque l'ustensile est déplacé en rotation dans un sens, une bascule est déplacée en rotation autour d'un autre axe en sens opposé.
De l'état de la technique est également connu de FR3051927 et JPS5899734U .The state of the art is also known to US2761026A , US2019/189373A1 And JP2009117361A . In these human-machine interfaces, when the utensil is moved in rotation in one direction, a seesaw is moved in rotation around another axis in the opposite direction.
The state of the art is also known from FR3051927 And JPS5899734U .

L'invention vise à pallier à cet inconvénient en proposant une interface homme-machine plus robuste. Elle a donc pour objet une telle interface homme-machine conforme à la revendication 1.The invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a more robust man-machine interface. Its object is therefore such a man-machine interface conforming to claim 1.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une illustration partielle, en perspective, d'une interface homme-machine ;
  • la figure 2 est une illustration partielle, en perspective, d'un sous-ensemble d'éléments de l'interface homme-machine de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une illustration en perspective et en vue éclatée des différents éléments de l'interface homme-machine de la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 4 et 5 sont des schémas fonctionnels de l'interface homme-machine de la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des illustrations partielles, en perspective, d'une autre interface homme-machine ;
  • les figures 8 et 9 sont des schémas fonctionnels de l'interface homme-machine de la figure 6.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:
  • there figure 1 is a partial illustration, in perspective, of a man-machine interface;
  • there figure 2 is a partial illustration, in perspective, of a subset of elements of the human-machine interface of the figure 1 ;
  • there Figure 3 is an illustration in perspective and exploded view of the different elements of the man-machine interface of the figure 1 ;
  • THE figures 4 and 5 are functional diagrams of the man-machine interface of the figure 1 ;
  • THE figures 6 and 7 are partial illustrations, in perspective, of another man-machine interface;
  • THE figures 8 and 9 are functional diagrams of the man-machine interface of the Figure 6 .

Dans ces figures, les mêmes références sont utilisées pour désigner les mêmes éléments. Dans la suite de cette description, les caractéristiques et fonctions bien connues de l'homme du métier ne sont pas décrites en détail.In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements. In the remainder of this description, the characteristics and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

Dans cette description, des exemples détaillés de mode de réalisation sont d'abord décrits dans le chapitre I en référence aux figures. Ensuite, dans le chapitre Il suivant, des variantes de ces modes de réalisation sont présentées. Enfin, les avantages des différents modes de réalisation sont présentés dans un chapitre III.In this description, detailed examples of embodiments are first described in chapter I with reference to the figures. Then, in the following chapter II, variants of these embodiments are presented. Finally, the advantages of the different embodiments are presented in Chapter III.

Chapitre I : Exemples de modes de réalisation :Chapter I: Examples of embodiments:

Les figures 1 à 3 représentent une interface homme-machine 2 comportant un ustensile 4 guidé en rotation à l'intérieur d'un châssis 6. Ici, l'ustensile 4 est une molette. L'interface 2 est donc un bouton à molette. L'ustensile 4 est uniquement montée en rotation autour d'un seul axe 10. L'axe 10 est parallèle à une direction X d'un repère orthogonal XYZ. L'axe 10 est systématiquement immobile par rapport au châssis 6.THE figures 1 to 3 represent a man-machine interface 2 comprising a utensil 4 guided in rotation inside a chassis 6. Here, the utensil 4 is a wheel. Interface 2 is therefore a wheel button. The utensil 4 is only mounted to rotate around a single axis 10. The axis 10 is parallel to a direction X of an orthogonal reference XYZ. Axis 10 is systematically stationary relative to chassis 6.

Dans ce repère XYZ, les directions X et Y sont horizontales et la direction Z est verticale. Par la suite, les termes tels que « haut », « bas », « supérieur », « inférieur » et similaires sont définis par rapport à la direction verticale Z. Les termes "gauche" et "droite" sont définis par rapport à la direction Y et un plan médian vertical 30 de l'interface 2. Ainsi, le terme "droite" désigne ce qui se trouve à droite du plan 30 lorsque la direction Y pointe vers la droite. Par la suite, le repère XYZ est utilisé pour orienter chacune des figures.In this XYZ coordinate system, the X and Y directions are horizontal and the Z direction is vertical. Subsequently, terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower" and the like are defined with respect to the vertical direction Z. The terms "left" and "right" are defined with respect to the direction Y and a vertical median plane 30 of the interface 2. Thus, the term "right" designates what is to the right of the plane 30 when the direction Y points to the right. Subsequently, the XYZ coordinate system is used to orient each of the figures.

L'ustensile 4 est accessible depuis l'extérieur du châssis 6 de manière à être directement actionnable à la main par un utilisateur. A cet effet, dans ce mode de réalisation, l'ustensile 4 comporte une face semi-circulaire 12 dont l'axe de révolution est confondu avec l'axe 10. La face 12 s'étend autour de l'axe 10 depuis un coulisseau inférieur 12A jusqu'à un autre coulisseau inférieur 12B. Ici, ces parties 12A et 12B sont appelées "coulisseau" car, comme décrit plus loin, elles font parties d'une liaison glissière. L'angle entre un premier plan contenant l'axe 10 et le coulisseau 12A et un second plan contenant l'axe 10 et le coulisseau 12B est supérieur à 45° ou 90° et, généralement, inférieur à 270° ou 200°. Ici, cet angle est égal à 180°.The utensil 4 is accessible from outside the chassis 6 so as to be directly operable by hand by a user. To this end, in this mode of embodiment, the utensil 4 comprises a semi-circular face 12 whose axis of revolution coincides with the axis 10. The face 12 extends around the axis 10 from a lower slide 12A to another slide lower 12B. Here, these parts 12A and 12B are called "slide" because, as described below, they are part of a slide connection. The angle between a first plane containing the axis 10 and the slide 12A and a second plane containing the axis 10 and the slide 12B is greater than 45° or 90° and, generally, less than 270° or 200°. Here, this angle is equal to 180°.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, des crans 14 (Fig. 1) font saillie vers l'intérieur à partir de la face 12.In this example embodiment, notches 14 ( Fig. 1 ) project inwards from face 12.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'ustensile 4 comporte aussi un levier 16 en saillie vers l'extérieur à partir de la face 12. Dans une position neutre, ce levier 16 s'étend essentiellement verticalement. Le levier 16 peut être saisi par les doigts de l'utilisateur pour déplacer l'ustensile 4 en rotation autour de l'axe 10 dans un sens avant SAV et, en alternance, dans un sens arrière SAR. Les sens avant SAV et arrière SAR sont représentés par des flèches identifiées par, respectivement, les symboles SAV et SAR sur la figure 1. Ici, le sens SAV est le sens antihoraire et le sens SAR est le sens horaire.In this embodiment, the utensil 4 also includes a lever 16 projecting outwards from the face 12. In a neutral position, this lever 16 extends essentially vertically. The lever 16 can be grasped by the user's fingers to move the utensil 4 in rotation around the axis 10 in a forward direction S AV and, alternately, in a rear direction S AR . The forward S AV and reverse S AR directions are represented by arrows identified by, respectively, the symbols S AV and S AR on the figure 1 . Here, the S AV direction is counterclockwise and the S AR direction is clockwise.

L'ustensile 4 pivote, autour de l'axe 10 et dans le sens SAV, depuis la position neutre, représentée sur la figure 1, vers une première position inclinée représentée sur la figure 2. L'ustensile 4 est aussi capable de pivoter, autour de l'axe 10 et dans le sens SAR, depuis la position neutre, vers une seconde position inclinée. Typiquement, cette seconde position inclinée de l'ustensile 4 est le symétrique de la première position inclinée par rapport à un plan vertical 30 (Fig. 1). Le plan 30 contient l'axe 10 et s'étend parallèlement aux directions X et Z. Le plan 30 passe également par le levier 16 lorsque l'ustensile est dans sa position neutre.The utensil 4 pivots, around the axis 10 and in the direction S AV , from the neutral position, shown on the figure 1 , towards a first inclined position shown on the figure 2 . The utensil 4 is also capable of pivoting, around the axis 10 and in the S AR direction, from the neutral position, towards a second inclined position. Typically, this second inclined position of the utensil 4 is symmetrical to the first inclined position relative to a vertical plane 30 ( Fig. 1 ). Plane 30 contains axis 10 and extends parallel to the X and Z directions. Plane 30 also passes through lever 16 when the utensil is in its neutral position.

La position neutre est la position que l'ustensile 4 occupe en absence de sollicitation extérieure. Le décalage angulaire αAV entre la position neutre et la première position inclinée est ici compris entre 15° et 90° ou entre 20° et 45°.The neutral position is the position that the utensil 4 occupies in the absence of external stress. The angular offset α AV between the neutral position and the first inclined position is here between 15° and 90° or between 20° and 45°.

Pour limiter les frottements entre l'ustensile 4 et l'axe 10, l'ustensile 4 est monté sur l'axe 10 par l'intermédiaire de deux roulements à billes 20, 22 (Fig. 2 et 3). A cet effet, l'ustensile 4 comporte un arbre 24 qui s'étend le long de l'axe 10. Chaque extrémité de l'arbre 24 est fixée, sans aucun degré de liberté, sur une périphérie intérieure des roulements à billes 20 et 22.To limit friction between the utensil 4 and the axis 10, the utensil 4 is mounted on the axis 10 via two ball bearings 20, 22 ( Fig. 2 And 3 ). For this purpose, the utensil 4 comprises a shaft 24 which extends along the axis 10. Each end of the shaft 24 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, on an interior periphery of the ball bearings 20 and 22.

L'arbre 24 est mécaniquement raccordé à la face 12 par une paroi 26. La paroi 26 s'étend dans un plan vertical 28 (Fig. 1) parallèle aux directions Y et Z. Ici, la paroi 26 est un demi-disque dont le centre est situé sur l'axe 10.The shaft 24 is mechanically connected to the face 12 by a wall 26. The wall 26 extends in a vertical plane 28 ( Fig. 1 ) parallel to directions Y and Z. Here, wall 26 is a half-disc whose center is located on axis 10.

Le plan 28 est un plan de symétrie pour l'interface 2. Dans la position neutre, l'interface 2 est également symétrique par rapport au plan 30. Ainsi, par la suite, seuls les éléments de l'interface 2 situés derrière le plan 28 et à droite du plan 30 sont décrits en détail. Les autres éléments se déduisent par symétrie.Plane 28 is a plane of symmetry for interface 2. In the neutral position, interface 2 is also symmetrical with respect to plane 30. Thus, subsequently, only the elements of interface 2 located behind the plane 28 and to the right of plan 30 are described in detail. The other elements are deduced by symmetry.

La périphérie extérieure des roulements 20, 22 est fixée sans aucun degré de liberté à l'intérieur de trous respectifs aménagés dans des demi-coques rigides, respectivement, 32 et 34 (Fig. 3).The outer periphery of the bearings 20, 22 is fixed without any degree of freedom inside respective holes provided in rigid half-shells, respectively, 32 and 34 ( Fig. 3 ).

Les demi-coques 32 et 34 s'emboîtent l'une dans l'autre le long d'un plan d'encastrement confondu ici avec le plan 28. Lorsque ces demi-coques 32, 34 sont emboîtées l'une dans l'autre, elles forment le châssis 6.The half-shells 32 and 34 fit into each other along a mounting plane merged here with the plane 28. When these half-shells 32, 34 are fitted into each other , they form chassis 6.

La demi-coque 32 est conformée pour guider et limiter l'amplitude angulaire du déplacement de l'ustensile 4. Par exemple, la demi-coque 32 comporte une rainure circulaire 36 (Fig. 2) à l'intérieur de laquelle glisse un bord vertical de la face 12 lorsque l'ustensile 4 se déplace entre les première et seconde positions inclinées. L'extrémité de cette rainure 36 forme un arrêtoir qui empêche l'ustensile 4 d'aller au-delà des première et seconde positions inclinées. Ainsi, la rainure 36 délimite l'amplitude angulaire du déplacement de l'ustensile 4.The half-shell 32 is shaped to guide and limit the angular amplitude of the movement of the utensil 4. For example, the half-shell 32 has a circular groove 36 ( Fig. 2 ) inside which a vertical edge of the face 12 slides when the utensil 4 moves between the first and second inclined positions. The end of this groove 36 forms a stopper which prevents the utensil 4 from going beyond the first and second inclined positions. Thus, the groove 36 delimits the angular amplitude of the movement of the utensil 4.

La demi-coque 32 comporte une face extérieure verticale tournée du côté opposé au plan 28. Cette face extérieure comporte un logement extérieur 38 (Fig. 3) apte à recevoir une carte électronique 40 (Fig. 3). La carte électronique 40 comporte typiquement un capteur qui mesure la position angulaire de l'ustensile 4 autour de l'axe 10.The half-shell 32 has a vertical exterior face facing the side opposite to the plane 28. This exterior face includes an exterior housing 38 ( Fig. 3 ) capable of receiving an electronic card 40 ( Fig. 3 ). The electronic card 40 typically includes a sensor which measures the angular position of the utensil 4 around the axis 10.

L'interface 2 comporte aussi un capot 42 (Fig. 3) qui recouvre et protège la carte électronique 40.Interface 2 also includes a cover 42 ( Fig. 3 ) which covers and protects the electronic card 40.

De façon similaire, une carte électronique 44 (Fig. 3) est reçue dans le logement extérieur de la demi-coque 34. La carte électronique 44 est recouverte par un capot 46 (Fig. 3). Le circuit électronique 44 est par exemple identique au circuit électronique 40 de manière à assurer une redondance de la mesure de la position angulaire de l'ustensile 4.Similarly, an electronic card 44 ( Fig. 3 ) is received in the exterior housing of the half-shell 34. The electronic card 44 is covered by a cover 46 ( Fig. 3 ). The electronic circuit 44 is for example identical to the electronic circuit 40 so as to ensure redundancy in the measurement of the angular position of the utensil 4.

Les circuits électroniques 40 et 44 sont électriquement raccordés à un connecteur 48 (Fig. 1) par l'intermédiaire duquel sont délivrées les positions angulaires de l'ustensile 4 mesurées par ces cartes électroniques.Electronic circuits 40 and 44 are electrically connected to a connector 48 ( Fig. 1 ) through which the angular positions of the utensil 4 measured by these electronic cards are delivered.

L'interface 2 comporte un mécanisme de rappel qui sollicite en permanence l'ustensile 4 vers sa position neutre. Ce mécanisme comporte deux ressorts de rappel 52 et 54 (Fig. 1 et 3) et une bascule 50 suspendue sur ces deux ressorts de rappel 52 et 54. Par exemple, les ressorts 52 et 54 sont des ressorts hélicoïdaux dont les spires s'enroulent autour d'un axe central respectif. Sur la figure 2, les ressorts 52 et 54 n'ont pas été représentés pour améliorer la lisibilité de cette figure.Interface 2 includes a return mechanism which permanently urges utensil 4 towards its neutral position. This mechanism includes two return springs 52 and 54 ( Fig. 1 And 3 ) and a rocker 50 suspended on these two return springs 52 and 54. For example, the springs 52 and 54 are helical springs whose turns wind around a respective central axis. On the figure 2 , the springs 52 and 54 have not been shown to improve the readability of this figure.

La bascule 50 est déplaçable entre :

  • une position de repos, représentée sur la figure 1,
  • une première position penchée représentée sur la figure 2, et
  • une seconde position penchée.
The rocker 50 can be moved between:
  • a rest position, shown on the figure 1 ,
  • a first leaning position represented on the figure 2 , And
  • a second leaning position.

La seconde position penchée est le symétrique de la première position penchée par rapport au plan 30.The second leaning position is symmetrical to the first leaning position relative to plane 30.

Dans la position de repos, la bascule 50 maintient l'ustensile 4 dans sa position neutre. Dans la première position penchée (figure 2), la bascule 50 sollicite en permanence l'ustensile 4 dans le sens SAR pour le ramener de sa première position inclinée vers sa position neutre. Dans la seconde position penchée, la bascule 50 sollicite en permanence l'ustensile 4 dans le sens SAV pour le ramener de la seconde position inclinée vers la position neutre.In the rest position, the rocker 50 maintains the utensil 4 in its neutral position. In the first leaning position ( figure 2 ), the rocker 50 permanently urges the utensil 4 in the S AR direction to bring it back from its first inclined position towards its neutral position. In the second tilted position, the rocker 50 permanently urges the utensil 4 in the direction S AV to bring it back from the second tilted position towards the neutral position.

La partie droite de la bascule 50 comporte une aile 60. L'aile 60 comporte une portion qui, dans la position de repos, s'étend dans un plan horizontal passant par l'axe 10 et dans la direction Y jusqu'à un point d'appui 62. Du côté opposé au point d'appui 62, l'aile 60 comporte une portion en arc de cercle qui contourne l'arbre 24.The right part of the rocker 50 comprises a wing 60. The wing 60 comprises a portion which, in the rest position, extends in a horizontal plane passing through the axis 10 and in the direction Y to a point support point 62. On the side opposite the support point 62, the wing 60 includes an arcuate portion which goes around the shaft 24.

L'aile 60 comporte un méplat supérieur 64 et une face inférieure 66 s'étendant tous les deux dans un plan horizontal dans la position de repos. La face inférieure 66 comporte une zone 68 d'accueil pour recevoir l'extrémité supérieure du ressort 52. Ici, la zone 68 comporte un pion cylindrique 70 apte à s'emboîter à l'intérieur des spires du ressort 52. L'extrémité inférieure du ressort 52 repose sur un méplat aménagé dans la partie inférieure de la demi-coque 32. Chacun des ressorts 52 et 54 est dimensionné pour ramener, à lui-seul, la bascule 50 dans sa position de repos et cela à partir de n'importe laquelle des première et seconde positions penchées.The wing 60 comprises an upper flat 64 and a lower face 66 both extending in a horizontal plane in the rest position. The lower face 66 comprises a reception zone 68 for receiving the upper end of the spring 52. Here, the zone 68 comprises a cylindrical pin 70 capable of fitting inside the turns of the spring 52. The lower end of the spring 52 rests on a flat arranged in the lower part of the half-shell 32. Each of the springs 52 and 54 is dimensioned to bring, by itself, the rocker 50 into its rest position and this from n' any of the first and second leaning positions.

Sur les figures 1 à 3, l'aile symétrique de l'aile 60 dans la position de repos, porte la référence 80.On the figures 1 to 3 , the symmetrical wing of the wing 60 in the rest position, bears the reference 80.

Dans la position de repos, le point d'appui 62 de l'aile 60 est poussée contre une butée 82 de la demi-coque 32 par le ressort 52. La butée 82 est une saillie formée dans la face intérieure de la demi-coque 32, c'est-à-dire dans la face de la demi-coque 32 tournée vers le plan 28. La butée 82 s'étend horizontalement dans la direction X de sorte que son extrémité est située au-dessus du point d'appui 62. La longueur de la butée 82 dans la direction X est aussi suffisamment courte pour ne pas entraver le déplacement de l'ustensile 4 lorsqu'il se déplace vers la seconde position inclinée. Ainsi, la butée 82 est suffisamment courte pour laisser passer la paroi 26 lorsque l'ustensile 4 est déplacé dans la seconde position inclinée. De même, la butée 82 est aussi agencée pour ne pas entraver le déplacement de la face 12. A cet effet, ici, la butée 82 est située entre le trou qui reçoit le roulement à billes 22 et la rainure 36.In the rest position, the support point 62 of the wing 60 is pushed against a stop 82 of the half-shell 32 by the spring 52. The stop 82 is a projection formed in the interior face of the half-shell 32, that is to say in the face of the half-shell 32 facing the plane 28. The stop 82 extends horizontally in the direction 62. The length of the stop 82 in the direction X is also short enough not to hinder the movement of the utensil 4 when it moves towards the second inclined position. Thus, the stop 82 is short enough to allow the wall 26 to pass when the utensil 4 is moved to the second inclined position. Likewise, the stop 82 is also arranged so as not to hinder the movement of the face 12. For this purpose, here, the stop 82 is located between the hole which receives the ball bearing 22 and the groove 36.

La demi-coque 32 comporte aussi une butée 84 (figure 3) symétrique de la butée 82 par rapport au plan 30.The half-shell 32 also includes a stop 84 ( Figure 3 ) symmetrical of the stop 82 with respect to the plane 30.

Le point d'appui 62 et la butée 82 sont également conformées pour former par coopération de forme, lorsque l'ustensile 4 se déplace vers sa première position inclinée, une articulation 85 (Fig. 2). L'articulation 85 permet à la bascule 50 de pivoter autour d'un axe 86 (Fig. 2) depuis sa position de repos jusqu'à sa première position penchée. L'axe 86 est distinct et parallèle à l'axe 10The support point 62 and the stop 82 are also shaped to form, by cooperation in shape, when the utensil 4 moves towards its first inclined position, a joint 85 ( Fig. 2 ). The articulation 85 allows the rocker 50 to pivot around an axis 86 ( Fig. 2 ) from its rest position to its first leaning position. Axis 86 is distinct and parallel to axis 10

Pour cela, le point d'appui 62, dans une position active, reste en contact avec la butée 82 alors que la bascule 50 se déplace entre sa position de repos et sa première position penchée. Le point d'appui 62 est alors situé sur l'axe 86. Lorsque, à l'inverse, la bascule 50 se déplace de la position de repos vers sa seconde position penchée, ce point d'appui 62 se déplace vers une position éloignée dans laquelle il n'est plus en contact avec la butée 82.For this, the support point 62, in an active position, remains in contact with the stop 82 while the rocker 50 moves between its rest position and its first leaning position. The support point 62 is then located on the axis 86. When, conversely, the rocker 50 moves from the rest position towards its second leaning position, this support point 62 moves towards a distant position in which it is no longer in contact with the stop 82.

Dans la position de repos, la projection orthogonale de la zone d'accueil 68 dans le plan horizontal contenant les axes 10 et 86 est entièrement située entre ces deux axes. Ainsi, le point d'application de la force de rappel du ressort 52 sur la bascule 50 est situé entre les axes 10 et 86. Ce point d'application correspond au point où une force ponctuelle de même direction et de même amplitude que celle exercée par le ressort 52 sur la bascule 50 produit exactement les mêmes effets que la force de rappel exercée par le ressort 52. Dans ce mode de réalisation, ce point d'application est situé à l'intersection de l'axe central du ressort 52 et de la face inférieure 66 de l'aile 60. La distance la plus courte entre ce point d'application de la force de rappel et l'axe 86 est supérieure à 1 mm, 2 mm ou 3 mm. Généralement, cette distance la plus courte est également inférieure à 3 cm ou 1 cm.In the rest position, the orthogonal projection of the reception zone 68 in the horizontal plane containing the axes 10 and 86 is entirely located between these two axes. Thus, the point of application of the return force of the spring 52 on the rocker 50 is located between the axes 10 and 86. This point of application corresponds to the point where a point force of the same direction and of the same amplitude as that exerted by the spring 52 on the rocker 50 produces exactly the same effects as the restoring force exerted by the spring 52. In this embodiment, this point of application is located at the intersection of the central axis of the spring 52 and the lower face 66 of the wing 60. The shortest distance between this point of application of the restoring force and the axis 86 is greater than 1 mm, 2 mm or 3 mm. Generally, this shortest distance is also less than 3cm or 1cm.

Pour déplacer la bascule 50 entre sa position de repos et ses première et seconde positions penchées, l'interface 2 comporte une liaison glissière 90 qui relie mécaniquement l'ustensile 4 à la bascule 50. Cette liaison glissière permet à l'ustensile 4 d'entraîner en déplacement la bascule 50 à l'encontre des forces de rappel des ressources 52 et 54. Elle permet aussi à la bascule 50 d'entraîner en déplacement l'ustensile 4.To move the rocker 50 between its rest position and its first and second leaning positions, the interface 2 comprises a slide connection 90 which mechanically connects the utensil 4 to the rocker 50. This slide connection allows the utensil 4 to cause the rocker 50 to move against the restoring forces of the resources 52 and 54. It also allows the rocker 50 to cause the utensil 4 to move.

Ici, la liaison glissière est formée d'une première et d'une seconde parties symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport au plan 30 dans la position neutre. La première partie est située à droite du plan 30. Cette première partie comporte le méplat 64 de l'aile 60 tourné vers le haut et le coulisseau 12A de la face semi-circulaire 12. Plus précisément, le point d'appui 62 de l'aile 60 se situe au-delà de la rainure 36. Ainsi, lorsque l'ustensile 4 pivote de sa position neutre vers sa seconde position inclinée, le coulisseau 12A vient en appui sur le méplat 64 et glisse sur ce méplat 64 le long d'une direction parallèle au plan 28. A l'inverse, lorsque l'ustensile 4 pivote de sa position neutre vers sa première position, le coulisseau 12A s'éloigne du méplat 64 comme représenté sur la figure 2. Ainsi, la première partie de la liaison glissière est déplaçable, par l'ustensile 4, entre une position montée dans laquelle le coulisseau 12A glisse sur le méplat 64 et une position démontée dans laquelle le coulisseau 12A est éloigné et mécaniquement isolé du méplat 64.Here, the slide connection is formed of a first and a second parts symmetrical to each other relative to the plane 30 in the neutral position. The first part is located to the right of the plane 30. This first part includes the flat 64 of the wing 60 turned upwards and the slide 12A of the semi-circular face 12. More precisely, the point of support 62 of the The wing 60 is located beyond the groove 36. Thus, when the utensil 4 pivots from its neutral position towards its second inclined position, the slide 12A comes to rest on the flat 64 and slides on this flat 64 along 'a direction parallel to the plane 28. Conversely, when the utensil 4 pivots from its neutral position towards its first position, the slide 12A moves away from the flat 64 as shown in the figure 2 . Thus, the first part of the slide connection can be moved, by the utensil 4, between an mounted position in which the slide 12A slides on the flat 64 and a disassembled position in which the slide 12A is moved away from and mechanically isolated from the flat 64.

Dans la position de repos, les coulisseaux 12A et 12B de la face 12 sont simultanément en appui sur les méplats, respectivement, des ailes 60 et 80. Ainsi, dès qu'un utilisateur déplace l'ustensile 4 à partir de sa position neutre, dans le sens SAR ou dans le sens SAV, cela entraîne immédiatement en rotation, dans le même sens, la bascule 50. En dehors de la position de repos, seule une des coulisseaux 12A, 12B est en appui sur le méplat d'une aile de la bascule 50.In the rest position, the slides 12A and 12B of the face 12 are simultaneously supported on the flats, respectively, of the wings 60 and 80. Thus, as soon as a user moves the utensil 4 from its neutral position, in the S AR direction or in the S AV direction, this immediately causes the rocker 50 to rotate in the same direction. Outside of the rest position, only one of the slides 12A, 12B rests on the flat of a wing of the rocker 50.

Le fonctionnement de l'interface 2 va maintenant être décrit à l'aide des représentations fonctionnelles des figures 4 et 5. Les figures 4 et 5 représentent l'interface 2 lorsque l'ustensile 4 est, respectivement, dans sa position neutre et dans sa première position inclinée. Dans ces représentations fonctionnelles, les différents éléments de l'interface 2 décrits en référence aux précédentes figures sont représentés sous une forme filaire et portent les mêmes références.The operation of interface 2 will now be described using the functional representations of the figures 4 and 5 . THE figures 4 and 5 represent the interface 2 when the utensil 4 is, respectively, in its neutral position and in its first inclined position. In these functional representations, the different elements of interface 2 described with reference to the previous figures are represented in wire form and bear the same references.

En absence de sollicitation extérieure, les ressorts 52 et 54 maintiennent les points d'appui des ailes 60 et 80 simultanément en appui contre, respectivement, les butées 82 et 84 du châssis 6. La bascule 50 est donc maintenue dans sa position de repos. Lorsque la bascule 50 est dans sa position de repos, les coulisseaux 12A et 12B de l'ustensile 4 sont simultanément en appui sur les méplats des ailes 60 et 80. L'ustensile 4 est donc maintenu dans sa position neutre.In the absence of external stress, the springs 52 and 54 maintain the support points of the wings 60 and 80 simultaneously pressing against, respectively, the stops 82 and 84 of the chassis 6. The rocker 50 is therefore maintained in its rest position. When the rocker 50 is in its rest position, the slides 12A and 12B of the utensil 4 are simultaneously supported on the flats of the wings 60 and 80. The utensil 4 is therefore maintained in its neutral position.

Lorsqu'un utilisateur exerce une force F (Fig. 5) sur l'ustensile 4 dans le sens SAV, l'ustensile 4 se déplace vers sa première position inclinée en tournant autour de l'axe 10. Le coulisseau 12B est alors en appui et glisse sur le méplat de l'aile 80. La seconde partie de la liaison glissière est alors dans sa position montée. Ainsi, par l'intermédiaire de cette seconde partie de la liaison glissière, l'ustensile 4 pousse l'aile 80 vers le bas. Le ressort 54 se comprime et le point d'appui de l'aile 80 n'est plus en appui sur la butée 84. Le coulisseau 12A s'éloigne du méplat 64 de l'aile 60 et n'est plus en contact avec l'aile 60.When a user exerts a force F ( Fig. 5 ) on the utensil 4 in the direction S AV , the utensil 4 moves towards its first inclined position by rotating around the axis 10. The slide 12B is then supported and slides on the flat of the wing 80. The second part of the slide connection is then in its mounted position. Thus, via this second part of the slide connection, the utensil 4 pushes the wing 80 downwards. The spring 54 is compressed and the point of support of the wing 80 is no longer in contact with the stop 84. The slide 12A moves away from the flat 64 of the wing 60 and is no longer in contact with the wing 60.

En parallèle, le ressort 52 maintient le point d'appui 62 de l'aile 60 en appui sur la butée 82. La bascule 50 tourne donc autour de l'axe 86 qui passe par le point d'appui 62 de l'aile 60 sur la butée 82. Ce mouvement de rotation de la bascule 50 autour de l'axe 86 comprime aussi le ressort 52 puisque la zone 68 d'accueil est située entre les plans verticaux contenant les axes 10 et 86. La bascule 50 se déplace donc vers sa première position penchée à l'encontre des forces de rappel des ressorts 52 et 54.In parallel, the spring 52 keeps the support point 62 of the wing 60 resting on the stop 82. The rocker 50 therefore rotates around the axis 86 which passes through the support point 62 of the wing 60 on the stop 82. This rotational movement of the rocker 50 around the axis 86 also compresses the spring 52 since the reception zone 68 is located between the vertical planes containing the axes 10 and 86. The rocker 50 therefore moves towards its first leaning position against the return forces of springs 52 and 54.

Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche l'ustensile 4 et n'exerce plus aucune force sur cet ustensile, les ressorts 52 et 54 ramènent automatiquement la bascule 50 dans sa position de repos. Lorsque la bascule 50 retourne dans sa position de repos, le méplat de l'aile 80 repousse vers le haut le coulisseau 12B, ce qui ramène l'ustensile 4 dans sa position neutre.When the user releases the utensil 4 and no longer exerts any force on this utensil, the springs 52 and 54 automatically return the rocker 50 to its rest position. When the rocker 50 returns to its rest position, the flat of the wing 80 pushes the slide 12B upwards, which returns the utensil 4 to its neutral position.

Lorsque le ressort 54 est cassé, il n'exerce plus aucune force de rappel sur la bascule 50. Par contre, le ressort 52, qui n'est pas endommagé, reste apte à ramener, à lui seul, la bascule 50 dans sa position de repos et cela aussi bien à partir de la première que de la seconde position penchée. Ainsi, même lorsque le ressort 54 est cassé, l'interface 2 reste utilisable.When the spring 54 is broken, it no longer exerts any restoring force on the rocker 50. On the other hand, the spring 52, which is not damaged, remains capable of returning, by itself, the rocker 50 to its position of rest and this both from the first and the second leaning position. Thus, even when spring 54 is broken, interface 2 remains usable.

De plus, lorsque le ressort 54 est cassé, la force de rappel qui sollicite la bascule 50 vers sa position de repos est plus faible que lorsque les deux ressorts 52 et 54 sont intacts. Ainsi, lorsque le ressort 54 est cassé, la force que doit exercer l'utilisateur pour déplacer l'ustensile 4 entre les première et seconde positions inclinées est plus faible. L'utilisateur ressent alors cette différence dans la force de rappel et peut déclencher les opérations de maintenance appropriées avant que le ressort 52 ne casse à son tour.Furthermore, when the spring 54 is broken, the restoring force which urges the rocker 50 towards its rest position is weaker than when the two springs 52 and 54 are intact. Thus, when the spring 54 is broken, the force that the user must exert to move the utensil 4 between the first and second inclined positions is weaker. The user then feels this difference in the restoring force and can initiate the appropriate maintenance operations before the spring 52 in turn breaks.

Le fonctionnement de l'interface 2 dans le cas où c'est le ressort 52 qui est cassé est le même que celui décrit ci-dessus dans le cas où c'est le ressort 54 qui est cassé.The operation of interface 2 in the case where it is the spring 52 which is broken is the same as that described above in the case where it is the spring 54 which is broken.

Les figures 6 et 7 représentent une interface homme-machine 100 identique à l'interface homme-machine 2 sauf que :

  • l'ustensile 4 est remplacé par un ustensile 104,
  • le châssis 6 est remplacé par un châssis 106, et
  • la bascule 50 est remplacée par une bascule 150.
THE figures 6 and 7 represent a man-machine interface 100 identical to the man-machine interface 2 except that:
  • utensil 4 is replaced by a utensil 104,
  • chassis 6 is replaced by a chassis 106, and
  • the flip-flop 50 is replaced by a flip-flop 150.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'ustensile 104, le châssis 106 et la bascule 150 sont configurés pour que les ressorts 52 et 54 travaillent en traction et non pas en compression. Pour simplifier les figures 6 et 7, seul le ressort 52 a été représenté. La figure 6 représente l'ustensile 104 dans sa position neutre et la bascule 150 dans sa position de repos. La figure 7 représente l'ustensile 104 dans sa seconde position inclinée et la bascule 150 dans sa seconde position penchée.In this embodiment, the utensil 104, the frame 106 and the rocker 150 are configured so that the springs 52 and 54 work in traction and not in compression. To simplify the figures 6 and 7 , only spring 52 has been shown. There Figure 6 represents the utensil 104 in its neutral position and the rocker 150 in its rest position. There Figure 7 represents the utensil 104 in its second inclined position and the rocker 150 in its second inclined position.

Comme dans le mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 3, l'interface 100 est symétrique par rapport au plan 28 et, dans la position neutre, également symétrique par rapport au plan 30. Ainsi, par la suite, seuls les éléments situés dans la partie droite du plan 30 sont décrits plus en détails.As in the embodiment of figures 1 to 3 , the interface 100 is symmetrical with respect to the plane 28 and, in the neutral position, also symmetrical with respect to the plane 30. Thus, subsequently, only the elements located in the right part of the plane 30 are described in more detail.

L'ustensile 104 est, par exemple, identique à l'ustensile 4 sauf que la paroi 26 comporte un évidement 120. La partie inférieure de l'évidement 120 forme un méplat 122 horizontal dans la position neutre. Un coulisseau 124 de la bascule 150 est en appui sur ce méplat 122 dans la position neutre. Les symétriques du méplat 122 et du coulisseau 124 par rapport au plan 30 portent les références, respectivement, 132 et 134.The utensil 104 is, for example, identical to the utensil 4 except that the wall 26 has a recess 120. The lower part of the recess 120 forms a horizontal flat 122 in the neutral position. A slide 124 of the rocker 150 rests on this flat 122 in the neutral position. The symmetry of the flat 122 and the slide 124 with respect to the plane 30 bear the references, respectively, 132 and 134.

Le châssis 106 est identique au châssis 6 sauf que les butées 82 et 84 sont remplacées par des butées, respectivement, 136 et 138 (figure 6). Ces butées 136, 138 sont situées sous des points d'appui respectifs de la bascule 150.Chassis 106 is identical to chassis 6 except that stops 82 and 84 are replaced by stops, respectively, 136 and 138 ( Figure 6 ). These stops 136, 138 are located under respective support points of the rocker 150.

La bascule 150 est identique à la bascule 50 sauf que le point d'appui 62 est remplacé par un point d'appui 142 qui est, dans la position de repos, plaqué contre la butée 136 par la force de rappel du ressort 52. La butée 136 est située sous le point d'appui 142. De façon similaire à ce qui a été décrit précédemment, lorsque la bascule 150 se déplace de sa position de repos vers la seconde position penchée, le point d'appui 142 coopère avec la butée 136 pour former une articulation qui permet à la bascule 150 de tourner autour d'un axe 144 de rotation parallèle à l'axe 10. La projection orthogonale de la zone d'accueil de l'extrémité supérieure du ressort 52 dans un plan contenant les axes 10 et 144, est entièrement située entre ces deux axes. Ainsi, le point d'application de la force de rappel du ressort 52 est situé entre ces deux axes et éloigné de l'axe 144 par une distance supérieure à 1 mm ou 2 mm ou 3 mm. Ici, la zone d'accueil comporte un trou 110 à l'intérieur duquel est reçue l'extrémité d'une spire du ressort 52.The rocker 150 is identical to the rocker 50 except that the support point 62 is replaced by a support point 142 which is, in the rest position, pressed against the stop 136 by the return force of the spring 52. stop 136 is located under the support point 142. Similar to what was described previously, when the rocker 150 moves from its rest position towards the second leaning position, the support point 142 cooperates with the stop 136 to form an articulation which allows the rocker 150 to rotate around an axis 144 of rotation parallel to the axis 10. The orthogonal projection of the reception zone of the upper end of the spring 52 in a plane containing the axes 10 and 144, is entirely located between these two axes. Thus, the point of application of the return force of spring 52 is located between these two axes and distant from axis 144 by a distance greater than 1 mm or 2 mm or 3 mm. Here, the reception zone includes a hole 110 inside which the end of a turn of the spring 52 is received.

Le fonctionnement de l'interface 100 va maintenant être décrit à l'aide des figures 8 et 9. Les figures 8 et 9 sont des représentations fonctionnelles de l'interface 100. Elles représentent l'interface 100 lorsque l'ustensile 106 est, respectivement, dans sa position neutre et dans sa première position inclinée.The operation of the interface 100 will now be described using the figures 8 and 9 . THE figures 8 and 9 are functional representations of the interface 100. They represent the interface 100 when the utensil 106 is, respectively, in its neutral position and in its first inclined position.

En absence de sollicitation extérieure, les ressorts 52 et 54 plaquent les points d'appui opposés de la bascule 150 contre, respectivement, les butées 136 et 138. Les méplats 122, 132 sont alors simultanément en appui contre les coulisseaux 124 et 134. L'ustensile 104 est donc maintenu dans sa position neutre.In the absence of external stress, the springs 52 and 54 press the opposite support points of the rocker 150 against, respectively, the stops 136 and 138. The flats 122, 132 are then simultaneously in support against the slides 124 and 134. The utensil 104 is therefore maintained in its neutral position.

Lorsque l'utilisateur exerce une force F (Fig. 9) qui déplace l'ustensile 104 de sa position neutre vers sa première position inclinée, le méplat 122 tire vers le haut le coulisseau 124. Dans le même temps, le point d'appui gauche de la bascule 150 reste en appui sur la butée 138. La bascule 150 pivote donc, à l'encontre des forces de rappel des ressorts 52 et 54, autour de l'axe horizontal qui passe par ce point d'appui gauche contre la butée 138.When the user exerts a force F ( Fig. 9 ) which moves the utensil 104 from its neutral position to its first inclined position, the flat 122 pulls the slide 124 upwards. At the same time, the left support point of the rocker 150 remains supported on the stop 138 The rocker 150 therefore pivots, against the return forces of the springs 52 and 54, around the horizontal axis which passes through this left support point against the stop 138.

Lorsque l'utilisateur relâche l'ustensile 104, les ressorts 52 et 54 ramènent automatiquement la bascule 150 dans sa position de repos. Lorsque la bascule 150 retourne dans sa position de repos, le coulisseau 124 appuie sur le méplat 122, ce qui ramène en même temps l'ustensile 104 dans sa position neutre.When the user releases the utensil 104, the springs 52 and 54 automatically return the rocker 150 to its rest position. When the rocker 150 returns to its rest position, the slide 124 presses on the flat 122, which at the same time returns the utensil 104 to its neutral position.

Comme dans le cas de l'interface 2, si le ressort 54 casse, puisque le point d'application de la force de rappel du ressort 52 est situé entre les axes 10 et 144, le ressort 52 est capable à lui seul de ramener la bascule 150 dans sa position de repos et cela aussi bien à partir de la première que de la seconde position penchée.As in the case of interface 2, if spring 54 breaks, since the point of application of the return force of spring 52 is located between axes 10 and 144, the spring 52 is capable by itself of returning the rocker 150 to its rest position, both from the first and the second leaning position.

Chapitre II : Variantes de l'ustensile :Chapter II: Variants of the utensil: Variantes de l'ustensileUtensil variations

De nombreuses formes différentes sont possibles pour l'ustensile 4. Par exemple, dans une première variante, le levier 16 est omis. Dans une autre variante, seul le levier 16 est conservé et la face semi-circulaire 12 est omise. Dans ce dernier cas, l'ustensile 4 est un levier et non plus une molette. Cependant, même dans le cas d'un simple levier, ce levier est mécaniquement raccordé à la bascule par une liaison glissière telle que celle décrite dans le cas de l'interface 2 ou 100.Many different shapes are possible for the utensil 4. For example, in a first variant, the lever 16 is omitted. In another variant, only the lever 16 is retained and the semi-circular face 12 is omitted. In the latter case, the utensil 4 is a lever and no longer a wheel. However, even in the case of a simple lever, this lever is mechanically connected to the rocker by a slide connection such as that described in the case of interface 2 or 100.

L'ustensile 4 peut également comporter un ou plusieurs boutons-poussoirs déplaçables chacun entre une position sortie et une position enfoncée par un doigt de l'utilisateur lorsque celui-ci agrippe l'ustensile 4.The utensil 4 may also include one or more push buttons each movable between an extended position and a position depressed by a finger of the user when the latter grips the utensil 4.

Dans une variante simplifiée, l'ustensile est seulement déplaçable entre la position neutre et la première position inclinée. Dans ce cas, la position de la zone d'accueil du ressort 54 le long de la partie gauche de la bascule peut être quelconque. Par exemple, dans le cas de la bascule 50, cette zone d'accueil peut être située, en allant vers la gauche, sur une portion de la face inférieure de l'aile 80 qui se trouve au-delà de la butée 84.In a simplified variant, the utensil can only be moved between the neutral position and the first inclined position. In this case, the position of the spring receiving zone 54 along the left part of the rocker can be arbitrary. For example, in the case of the rocker 50, this reception zone can be located, going towards the left, on a portion of the lower face of the wing 80 which is beyond the stop 84.

Ce qui a été décrit dans le cas particulier où l'ustensile 4 est uniquement apte à pivoter autour d'un seul axe peut aussi être appliqué à des ustensiles aptes à pivoter autour de plusieurs axes de rotation non-parallèles entre eux et qui passent tous par un même point appelé "centre de rotation". Ce centre de rotation est fixé, sans aucun degré de liberté, au châssis de l'interface. Ainsi, ce qui a été décrit s'applique aussi au cas d'un ustensile apte à pivoter autour de l'axe 10 et autour d'un axe horizontal supplémentaire parallèle à la direction Y et coupant l'axe 10. Dans ce cas, tout ce qui a été décrit pour ramener l'ustensile 4 vers sa position neutre après qu'il ait pivoté autour de l'axe 10 est aussi appliqué pour ramener l'ustensile 4 vers sa position neutre après qu'il ait pivoté autour de l'axe supplémentaire. En particulier, le mécanisme de rappel comporte alors une paire de ressorts supplémentaires de rappel, et la bascule comporte en plus deux ailes supplémentaires. Ces ailes supplémentaires s'étendent chacune parallèlement à la direction Y et sont situées de part et d'autre de l'axe supplémentaire. Les ressorts supplémentaires et les ailes supplémentaires sont agencés comme décrit dans le cas des ailes et des ressorts précédemment décrits.What has been described in the particular case where the utensil 4 is only capable of pivoting around a single axis can also be applied to utensils capable of pivoting around several axes of rotation not parallel to each other and which all pass by the same point called "center of rotation". This center of rotation is fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the chassis of the interface. Thus, what has been described also applies to the case of a utensil capable of pivoting around axis 10 and around an additional horizontal axis parallel to the direction Y and intersecting axis 10. In this case, everything that has been described to return the utensil 4 to its neutral position after it has pivoted around the axis 10 is also applied to return the utensil 4 to its neutral position after it has pivoted around the axis 10. additional axis. In particular, the return mechanism then includes a pair of additional return springs, and the rocker also includes two additional wings. These additional wings each extend parallel to the Y direction and are located on either side of the additional axis. Springs additional and the additional wings are arranged as described in the case of the wings and the springs previously described.

En variante, l'ustensile peut pivoter autour de tous les axes de rotation qui passe par le centre de rotation. Dans ce dernier cas, la liaison mécanique entre l'ustensile 4 et le châssis est typiquement une liaison rotule. Pour assurer le retour de l'ustensile dans sa position neutre, le mécanisme de rappel comporte alors au moins deux paires de ressorts disposées comme décrit dans le paragraphe précédent.Alternatively, the utensil can pivot about any axis of rotation that passes through the center of rotation. In the latter case, the mechanical connection between the utensil 4 and the chassis is typically a ball joint connection. To ensure the return of the utensil to its neutral position, the return mechanism then comprises at least two pairs of springs arranged as described in the previous paragraph.

Lorsque l'ustensile peut pivoter autour d'au moins trois axes de rotation non colinéaire, le mécanisme de rappel peut aussi comporter plus de deux paires de ressorts de rappel. Dans tous les cas, chaque paire de ressorts est agencée comme décrit dans le chapitre I afin d'assurer un retour de l'ustensile vers sa position neutre même dans le cas où l'un des ressorts de la paire casse.When the utensil can pivot around at least three non-collinear axes of rotation, the return mechanism can also include more than two pairs of return springs. In all cases, each pair of springs is arranged as described in chapter I in order to ensure a return of the utensil to its neutral position even in the event that one of the springs in the pair breaks.

L'ustensile peut aussi être conformé pour être déplacé autrement que par la main de l'utilisateur. Par exemple, en variante, l'ustensile est conformé pour être déplacé par un pied de l'utilisateur. L'ustensile peut aussi être déplacé entre sa position neutre et une position inclinée par un robot ou autre.The utensil can also be shaped to be moved other than by the user's hand. For example, as a variant, the utensil is shaped to be moved by the user's foot. The utensil can also be moved between its neutral position and an inclined position by a robot or the like.

Autres variantes :Other variations:

D'autres modes de réalisation de la liaison glissière sont possibles. Par exemple, dans un mode de réalisation particulier, les positions du coulisseau et du méplat sont interverties. L'un du coulisseau et du méplat est alors fixé sur la bascule et l'autre du coulisseau et du méplat est fixé sur l'ustensile.Other embodiments of the slide connection are possible. For example, in a particular embodiment, the positions of the slide and the flat are inverted. One of the slide and the flat is then fixed on the rocker and the other of the slide and the flat is fixed on the utensil.

Chapitre III : Avantages des modes de réalisation décrits :Chapter III: Advantages of the embodiments described:

Lorsque l'un des ressorts 52, 54 casse, il n'exerce plus aucune force de rappel sur la bascule. Toutefois, dans les modes de réalisation décrits ici, cela n'empêche pas de ramener l'ustensile dans sa position neutre en absence de sollicitation extérieure sur ce dernier. Ainsi, même si l'un des ressorts 52, 54 casse, l'interface homme-machine reste utilisable.When one of the springs 52, 54 breaks, it no longer exerts any restoring force on the rocker. However, in the embodiments described here, this does not prevent the utensil from being returned to its neutral position in the absence of external stress on the latter. Thus, even if one of the springs 52, 54 breaks, the man-machine interface remains usable.

De plus, lorsqu'un des ressorts 52, 54 est cassé, la force que doit exercer un utilisateur pour déplacer l'ustensile de sa position neutre vers l'une de ses positions inclinées est plus faible. L'utilisateur perçoit ce retour haptique. Il est donc informé qu'un des deux ressorts 52, 54 est cassé. Cela permet de déclencher les opérations de maintenance nécessaires avant que l'autre ressort casse et donc avant que l'interface soit totalement inutilisable.In addition, when one of the springs 52, 54 is broken, the force that a user must exert to move the utensil from its neutral position to one of its inclined positions is weaker. The user perceives this haptic feedback. He is therefore informed that one of the two springs 52, 54 is broken. This allows operations to be triggered necessary maintenance before the other spring breaks and therefore before the interface is completely unusable.

Grâce à l'utilisation de la bascule dans le mécanisme de rappel, quel que soit le sens dans lequel est incliné l'ustensile, l'ustensile tourne autour du même axe ou d'un même centre de rotation. Cela facilite la mesure de la position angulaire de l'ustensile. De plus, puisque les ressorts de rappel ne sont pas directement fixés sur l'ustensile, il est possible de démonter l'ustensile sans démonter les ressorts.Thanks to the use of the rocker in the return mechanism, whatever the direction in which the utensil is inclined, the utensil rotates around the same axis or the same center of rotation. This makes it easier to measure the angular position of the utensil. In addition, since the return springs are not directly attached to the utensil, it is possible to disassemble the utensil without removing the springs.

Le fait de placer les deux zones d'accueil des ressorts entre, respectivement, l'axe 10 et les axes de rotation de la bascule, permet de conserver la possibilité de ramener l'ustensile dans sa position neutre à partir de n'importe laquelle des première et seconde positions inclinées.The fact of placing the two spring reception zones between, respectively, the axis 10 and the axes of rotation of the rocker, makes it possible to retain the possibility of returning the utensil to its neutral position from any first and second inclined positions.

Claims (12)

  1. Human-machine interface comprising :
    - a chassis (6; 106),
    - a utensil (4; 104) which can be rotated by a user in a first direction, about a first axis, from a neutral position to a first inclined position, the neutral position being the position of the utensil in the absence of external stress on the utensil,
    - a mechanism for returning the utensil to its neutral position, this return mechanism comprising :
    - first and second springs (52, 54) which constantly urge the utensil towards its neutral position,
    - a rocker (50; 150) suspended on the first and second springs (52, 54), this rocker being rotatable in the first direction, about a second axis (86; 144), between a rest position in which the rocker holds the utensil in its neutral position and a first tilted position in which the utensil is in its first tilted position, the second axis being distinct from and parallel to the first axis,
    the rocker comprising a first and a second wing (60, 80) each situated on a respective side of a median plane (30) containing the first axis (10), these first and second wings comprising, respectively, first and second zones (68; 110) for receiving one end of a spring, the orthogonal projection of the second receiving zone (68, 110), in a plane containing the first and second axes (10, 86; 144), being situated entirely between the first and second axes, and
    - the first and second springs (52, 54) each have a first end fixed to the chassis and a second end received inside the first and second reception areas respectively
    characterised in that the return mechanism comprises a sliding connection (12A, 12B, 64; 122, 132, 124, 134) between the rocker and the utensil, this sliding connection being capable of transforming the displacement, in rotation in the first direction, of the utensil towards the first inclined position into a displacement, in rotation in the first direction, of the rocker towards the first tilted position and of transforming the displacement of the rocker towards its rest position into a displacement of the utensil towards its neutral position.
  2. The interface of claim 1, wherein :
    - the utensil can be rotated by the user in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, about the first axis (10) from the neutral position to a second inclined position,
    - the rocker is rotatable in the second direction about a third axis (144) of rotation from its rest position to a second tilted position in which the utensil is in its second tilted position, the third axis being distinct from and parallel to the first axis and located, with respect to the median plane (30), on a side opposite the side on which the second axis is located,
    - the sliding link (12A, 12B, 64; 122, 132, 124, 134) is also able to transform the movement of the utensil towards the second inclined position into a movement of the rocker towards the second tilted position.
  3. The interface of claim 2, wherein :
    - the chassis comprises first and second stops (82, 84; 136, 138) located at the positions of the second and third axles respectively,
    - the scale comprises :
    - a first support point (62) movable between :
    - an active position in which it rests on the first stop (82; 138) to form, by cooperation of shape with this first stop, a first articulation which allows the rocker to rotate about the second axis (86) when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to its first inclined position, and
    - a remote position in which the first support point (62) is moved away from the first stop (82; 138) when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to its second inclined position,
    - a second support point (142) movable between :
    - an active position in which it rests on the second stop (84, 136) to form, by cooperation of shape with this second stop, a second articulation which allows the rocker to rotate about the third axis (144) when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to its second inclined position, and
    - a remote position in which the second support point (142) is moved away from the second stop (136) when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to its first inclined position.
  4. The interface of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sliding connection comprises :
    - a first part comprising a first slide (12B; 124) and a first flat (122), the first slide being formed on one of the utensil and the first wing and the first flat being formed on the other of the utensil and the first wing, this first part of the sliding connection being movable by the utensil between :
    - a mounted position in which the first slide (12B; 124) slides on the first flat (122) when the utensil is moved between its neutral position and its first inclined position, and
    - a dismantled position in which the first slide is separated from the first flat (122) when the utensil is moved between its neutral position and its second inclined position,
    - a second part comprising a second slide (12A; 134) and a second flat (64; 132), the second slide being formed on one of the utensil and the second wing and the second flat being formed on the other of the utensil and the second wing, this second part of the sliding connection being movable by the utensil between :
    - a mounted position in which the second slide (12A; 134) slides on the second flat (64; 132) when the utensil is moved between its neutral position and its second inclined position, and
    - a dismantled position in which the second slide (12A; 134) is separated from the second flat (64; 132) when the utensil is moved between its neutral position and its first inclined position.
  5. Interface according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the orthogonal projection of the first reception area, in a plane passing through the first and third axes, is entirely located between these first and third axes.
  6. Interface according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first ends of the first and second springs (52, 54) are fixed to the frame so that these two springs work in compression when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to any one of its first and second inclined positions.
  7. Interface according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first ends of the first and second springs (52, 54) are fixed to the frame so that these two springs work in tension when the utensil is moved from its neutral position to any one of its first and second inclined positions.
  8. Interface according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the first and second springs (52, 54) is capable, on its own, of returning the rocker from any one of its tilted positions to its rest position in the absence of external stress.
  9. Interface according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the distance between the second axis and a point of application on the second wing (60) of the return force of the second spring (52) is greater than 1 mm.
  10. Interface according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the distance between the third axis and a point of application on the first wing (80) of the return force of the first spring (54) is greater than 1 mm.
  11. Interface according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the utensil can only be moved in rotation about one or more axes which all pass through the same fixed point relative to the chassis.
  12. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein :
    - the first and second springs (52, 54) are arranged to exert on the utensil, via the rocker (50; 150), a first bearing force in a first direction perpendicular to the plane passing through the first and second axes, and
    - the interface has no complementary springs arranged to exert a second bearing force on the utensil in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the amplitude of which is between 0.9|F1 I and 1.1|F1 |, where |F1 I is the amplitude of the first bearing force.
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FR2973527B1 (en) 2011-04-04 2013-03-29 Bosch Rexroth Dsi Sas REMINDER TO NEUTRAL BY DOUBLE SPRING
US10073489B2 (en) * 2015-09-21 2018-09-11 Deere & Company Rolling return to neutral depressable control
FR3051953A1 (en) * 2016-05-30 2017-12-01 Bosch Gmbh Robert PIVOT DEVICE WITH GAME COMPENSATION AND REMOTE CONTROL THUS EQUIPPED
FR3075457B1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2019-11-15 Airbus Helicopters MECHANISM FOR ELECTRICAL CONTROL AND AIRCRAFT
FR3088739B1 (en) 2018-11-15 2020-11-13 Crouzet Automatismes JOYSTICK
FR3108773B1 (en) 2020-03-27 2022-12-16 Crouzet Automatismes HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE

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CA3173627A1 (en) 2021-09-30
BR112022019340A2 (en) 2022-11-29
FR3108773B1 (en) 2022-12-16
EP4127857A1 (en) 2023-02-08
FR3108773A1 (en) 2021-10-01
CN115668094A (en) 2023-01-31
US12019463B2 (en) 2024-06-25
EP4127857C0 (en) 2024-03-20
WO2021190826A1 (en) 2021-09-30

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