CA2495724A1 - Operating apparatus for controlling a device - Google Patents
Operating apparatus for controlling a device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2495724A1 CA2495724A1 CA002495724A CA2495724A CA2495724A1 CA 2495724 A1 CA2495724 A1 CA 2495724A1 CA 002495724 A CA002495724 A CA 002495724A CA 2495724 A CA2495724 A CA 2495724A CA 2495724 A1 CA2495724 A1 CA 2495724A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- operating apparatus
- actuator
- handle section
- accordance
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/24—Safety devices, e.g. for preventing overload
-
- 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
- G05G5/28—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member for preventing unauthorised access to the controlling member or its movement to a command position
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/20—Drives; Control devices
- E02F9/2004—Control mechanisms, e.g. control levers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
- G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
- G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
- G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H2003/0293—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch with an integrated touch switch
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
- H01H2239/006—Containing a capacitive switch or usable as such
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/022—Application wake up; switches or contacts specially provided for the wake up or standby shift of a circuit
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
- Y10T74/20018—Transmission control
- Y10T74/2003—Electrical actuator
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
- Y10T74/20018—Transmission control
- Y10T74/2014—Manually operated selector [e.g., remotely controlled device, lever, push button, rotary dial, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20012—Multiple controlled elements
- Y10T74/20201—Control moves in two planes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20576—Elements
- Y10T74/20582—Levers
- Y10T74/20612—Hand
Abstract
The invention relates to an operating device for triggering an apparatus, particularly for triggering a vehicle. Preferably, said operating device is pivotable and/or rotatable about several axes and comprises an actuator (16) , an actuation lever, and at least one sensor. The actuator (16) is connected to the actuation lever so as to cooperate therewith. The actuation lever is provided with a handle section (14) on which the sensor is arranged so as to actuate the actuator in a connecting and cooperating manner when the handle section (14) of the actuation lever is duly gripped in a manual manner. The inventive operating device is actuated only if the operator duly grips the operating device, unintentional actuation thereof being prevented while the positive ergonomic characteristics thereof are largely maintained.
Description
Operating apparatus for controlling a device The invention relates to an operating apparatus for controlling a device, in particular for controlling a vehicle.
Operating levers that can be pivoted and/or rotated about a plurality of axes are known that are also called joysticks and that are used in an operator's cab in motor vehicles in the agricultural and construction vehicle fields for controlling the vehicle and/or working equipment functions in numerous ways. Unintended actuation of such operating apparatus poses a significant safety risk for property and for the operator of the vehicle, as well as for others who are located in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Accidental actuation of the operating apparatus generally occurs while the operator's cab is being entered or exited, that is, when there is a probability that an operator will be injured by accidental actuation and in such a case it is not possible to regain control of the vehicle rapidly enough. The likelihood of accidental actuation is frequently heightened by the physical arrangement of a joystick. The selection of a joystick's arrangement is generally influenced by ergonomic considerations in terms of a sitting operator.
Consequently arranging a joystick for minimizing accidental actuation while entering into and/or exiting from the vehicle would have a negative effect on the ergonomics of the joystick in terms of a sitting operator.
Thus efforts were undertaken in the past to solve the problem of accidental actuation of joysticks WO 2004/010239 _ 2 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 such that joysticks were employed that were stiff to operate and that were less sensitive in terms of accidental actuation. However, such joysticks have a negative effect on ergonomics for the operator due to increased fatigue that results from operating the joystick over an extended period of time. It was furthermore suggested to provide mechanical or electromechanical locks and/or releases that activate the joystick for normal operation. Such a solution requires that the operator depresses a lever or a button while he holds and works with the joystick. Such a system does not leave the operator much freedom when operating or holding the joystick and likewise causes fatigue during extended periods of operation.
The object of the invention is to provide an operating apparatus of the type described in the foregoing through which the problems cited in the foregoing are overcome.
In particular an operating apparatus is to be provided and further developed that is only activated when the operator holds the operating apparatus during proper use, whereby unintentional actuation is to be prevented while largely retaining positive ergonomic properties.
This object is attained by the teaching in patent claim 1. Additional advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention derive from the subordinate claims.
-2a-Known from EP 0 701 917 A1 is a deadman's device, in particular for hand-guided and/or hand-hold motor-operated processing machines, that has at least one handle for guiding and/or holding the machine, a safety circuit, and evaluation electronics with associated circuitry.
CHANGED PAGE
WO 2004/010239 _ 3 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 The inventive operating apparatus for controlling a device contains an actuator, an actuating lever, and at least one sensor. The actuator is connected to the actuating lever to cooperate therewith. The actuation lever has a handle section. The sensor is arranged on the handle section in order to activate the actuator connected to cooperate therewith when the handle section of the actuating lever is gripped manually in a proper manner.
The use of an inventive operating apparatus substantially reduces the risk of unintentional actuation of the operating apparatus/joystick and the associated safety risks, whereby the positive ergonomic properties of the joystick can be retained in a very particularly advantageous manner.
In one very particularly preferred embodiment, the operating apparatus or joystick includes at least one sensor that includes a discrete or a separate sensor zone that is arranged in the handle section of the operating apparatus. The sensor or the sensor zones can be operated such that the presence of a person or an object in the immediate vicinity of the operating apparatus is passively detectable. The arrangement of the sensor zones in the regions of the operating apparatus or handle section in which the thumb and one finger of one hand of an operator are located during normal operation makes it possible for the sensor to detect that the operator has manually gripped the operating apparatus or joystick for proper operation. The sensor, via a logic circuit, is in communication with the WO 2004/010239 _ 4 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 actuator circuit, so that the part of the operating apparatus affecting the actuator is not activatable unless the presence of an object is detected in the discrete sensor zones. In like manner the part of the operating apparatus affecting the actuator is only activated when the presence of an object is not detected.
Preferably a sensor has at least once sensor zone that could be arranged in the handle section or in its vicinity.
The sensor could now be operatable in that the presence of an object is passively detectable at the handle section.
Furthermore, the sensor could be connected to the actuator to cooperate therewith such that actuation of the actuator can be effected when the sensor detects the presence of an object. Deactivation of the actuator could be effected when the sensor does not detect any object.
Specifically, the sensor could have at least one capacitive sensor or could be embodied in the form a capacitive sensor.
Very particularly preferred, the sensor is built into the handle section of the actuating lever.
Now it could be provided that the actuator is not activated until the presence of an object is detected in at least two sensor zones. This requires at least two sensor zones arranged on the operating apparatus.
Particularly preferred, at least one means for time delay could be provided that, depending on detection of the presence of an object, does not activate the actuating apparatus until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
In the same manner, at least one means for time delay could be provided that, depending on detection of the absence of an object, does not deactivate the actuating apparatus until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
In one specific embodiment, the handle section could have a thumb region and a finger region. At least one sensor zone could be arranged in the vicinity of the thumb region and at least one sensor zone could be arranged in the vicinity of the finger region.
One capacitive sensor could have at least one field defining a sensor zone, whereby the field is outwardly oriented relative to the handle section.
The field defining a sensor zone could be outwardly oriented in a direction that is diametrically opposed to the direction of the field, which is defined by the other sensor zones.
WO 2004/010239 _ ( _ PCT/EP2003/007557 The field that is defined by one sensor zone is preferably not connected to the field that is defined by another sensor zone.
After activation, the actuator could remain activated as long as the presence of an object is continuously detected by at least one sensor.
Using the drawings, which illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the invention as well as additional advantages and advantageous further developments and embodiments of the invention are described and explained in greater detail in the following.
Schematically depicted are:
Fig. 1 a first inventive exemplary embodiment in a rear elevation, and Fig. 2 the inventive exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1 in an elevation seen from a different side.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an operating lever, actuatable about a plurality of axes for controlling a vehicle, that is labeled 10 and that is called a joystick in the following. The joystick 10 includes a shaft region 12, extending across a large region of the joystick 10 and embodied largely cylindrically, and an ergonomically embodied handle section 14.
In the operating position, the shaft region 12 is generally WO 2004/010239 - '7 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 arranged largely vertically when it is mounted in a vehicle, and is connected to an actuator 16 to cooperate therewith.
The handle section 14 includes a handle rest 18, a primary thumb region 20, and a secondary thumb region 22. The handle rest 18 is a broadened, curved platform that largely defines the top side of the joystick 10. The primarily thumb region 20 is characterized by a thumb switch 24. Although the thumb switch 24 does not represent an essential element of the present invention, it is shown in Fig. 1 in order to illustrate the ergonomic properties of a corresponding joystick in accordance with the present invention. The thumb switch 24, as well as additional switches (not shown in Fig. 1 ), could be used for actuating functions that are provided by a specific application in which the joystick is used. The secondary thumb region 22 is limited by a nose 26 that extends largely perpendicular to the handle rest 18 in a region that is arranged immediately above the thumb switch 24.
An operating apparatus corresponding to the joystick 10 could be arranged on a vehicle console in the vicinity of an armrest in order to make it possible for the operator of the vehicle to support his arm on the armrest and simultaneously operate the joystick 10. In such a configuration, the operator could operate the joystick 10 such that he places his open palm on the handle rest with his thumb on the side of the nose 26 that faces away from the handle rest 18, so that the thumb switch 24 in the primary thumb region 20 can be operated. The joystick 10 can be operated with only minor hand movements, whereby light pressure is exerted on the handle rest 18 and on WO 2004/010239 _ $ _ PCT/EP2003/007557 the nose 26. The joystick 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is embodied for a right-handed operator. An exemplary embodiment of a joystick 10 for a left-handed operator would largely correspond to the mirror image of the joystick 10 illustrated in Figs.
1 and 2. The following description applies to both embodiments, that is, to a joystick 10 for operation with the left or with the right hand.
In accordance with the invention, passive means are provided with which the joystick 10 is only a releasable and/or activatable for operation when the operator manually grips the joystick 10 in a proper manner. Making such means available prevents accidental actuation of the joystick 10. In particular, a first sensor zone 28 is arranged in the handle section 14, specifically in a region that is arranged adjacent to the primary and secondary thumb regions 20, 22. The first sensor zone 28 is arranged such that the region in which it is arranged corresponds to the first thumb joint when the joystick 10 is manually properly gripped. A second sensor zone 30 is arranged on the handle rest 18 in a region that is arranged adjacent to the nose 26. Consequently the second sensor zone 30 corresponds to a location on the joystick 10 at which the joint of the index finger and of the middle finger are arranged during proper operation of the joystick 10. The sensor zones 28 and 30 are each embodied in the form of proximity sensors that are built in below the surface of the joystick 10.
In one preferred exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensors could have capacitive sensors that are known from prior art and that are used in a plurality of applications in which the presence of a person or object is to be detected. One example of such an application is detecting the presence of an occupant in a vehicle for the purpose of activating or deactivating an occupant protection system in the vehicle. Such capacitive sensors generally have a plurality of conductive elements that are arranged between non-conductive layers.
When the sensors are actuated with an electric voltage, they generate an electrical field that extends outwardly from the sensor. Depending on the characteristics of such sensors and the voltage that is applied to the conductive elements, the electrical field and can extend from zero to a few meters. When an object is brought into the electrical field, a negative charge is induced on the surface of this object and the object forms an additional capacitive element that interacts with the other conductive elements. Thus the effective capacity between the sensor and the ground potential changes when the object is located in the electrical field of the sensor. The capacity of the sensor can then be monitored for changes in order to detect the presence of an object in the immediate vicinity of a sensor. The sensor zones 28, 30 could be formed by two separate capacitive sensors or by a single capacitive sensor, whereby the latter has two separate unconnected electrical fields.
Using the capacitive sensors described in the foregoing, which define a first and a second sensor zone 20 and 30, manual gripping of the joystick 10 can be passively detected without providing a mechanical or electromechanical switch that must be actively actuated. Furthermore, when providing separate sensor zones and capacitive sensors with small electrical fields, detecting a specific presence - corresponding to the sensor zones 28 and 30 - can be limited to a relatively small region. Thus the first sensor zone 28 would detect the presence of a user's thumb when the joystick 10 is manually gripped for normal operation. Similarly, the second sensor zone 30 would detect the presence of an operator's index finger and middle finger when the joystick 10 is gripped properly for manual operation.
In one preferred embodiment, the capacitive sensors are arranged in first and second sensor zones 28 and 30 and are connected to the actuator circuit via a logic circuit in order to activate or deactivate the actuator 16 depending on certain pre-specifiable conditions. In particular, the actuator 16 is not activated unless simultaneously a presence is detected in both, that is, in the first and in the second, sensor zones 28, 30.
This AND operator in the logic will arouse the actuator circuit in order to enable operation of the joystick 10 in the proper manner. As soon as the actuator 16 is aroused, the logic is brought into a condition in which a continuous signal must be present that indicates a presence either in one sensor zone 28 or in both sensor zones 28, 30 in order to retain the joystick 10 in the operating condition. This AND/OR
condition in the logic makes it possible to provide the operator greater flexibility in the manipulation of the joystick 10. If the operator lets go of the joystick 10 so that no presence is indicated in the two sensor zones 28, 30, the joystick 10 is deactivated. Now again a signal that indicates the presence of both the first and the second sensor zone 28, 30 is required in order to reactivate the joystick 10.
In addition, a time delay circuit could be provided in the joystick logic in order to activate and/or deactivate the joystick 10 for a pre-specifiable period of time, whereby the pre-specifiable period of time depends on the application for which the joystick 10 is used.
Providing a time delay in the activation of the joystick 10 could further reduce the possibility of unintentional actuation. In the same manner, providing a time delay for deactivating the joystick 10 could lead to a simplification in operation for the operator of the joystick 10 if it should be necessary that the operator lets go of the joystick 10 for a brief moment. The logic for activating and deactivating the actuator 16 depending on a detected presence or a detected absence and a time delay circuit can be attained in many ways known from the prior art and will not be discussed in greater detail here.
Because of the embodiment of the joystick 10 described in the foregoing there is reduced sensitivity with regard to unintentional actuation compared to joysticks that are known from the prior art and in particular those that have mechanical locks.
In particular the arrangement of the sensor zones 28 and 30 make [sicj it highly unlikely that there is unintended contact with the joystick 10 that leads to activation of the actuator 16 for operation.
Although it is possible to select the position of the sensor zones 28, 30 elsewhere than on the characteristic embodiments, the sensor zones 28, 30 are preferably arranged such that the risk that a single unintentional contact could simultaneously cover both sensor zones is minimized. In one characteristic embodiment, this is attained in that the first and the second sensor zones 28 and 30 are arranged such that the fields generated by the capacitive sensors are not connected and extend largely in diametrically opposite directions. Using this measure it is unlikely that the joystick 10 will be activated by a bump, kick, being brushed against, or by any other unintentional contact.
The subject of the present invention represents a substantial enhancement relative to known apparatus in a particularly advantageous manner due to the fact that the use of sensors that do not require any individual action by the operator in order to activate the joystick 10 do [sic] not extend beyond what would otherwise be necessary in order to provide the operating functions of the joystick 10. The operator activates the joystick 10 for operation simply by gripping the joystick 10 in the normal manner, and simply by letting go of the joystick 10 the operator converts the joystick 10 to a deactivated status that is secured in an advantageous manner against unintentional actuation.
Thus the selection of the physical arrangement of the joystick 10 can advantageously be made a function of where the joystick 10 is best placed from an ergonomic perspective, and not where it would have to be arranged to be least sensitive WO 2004/010239 _ 13 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 in terms of unintentional actuation. The ergonomic properties are further improved since the capacitive sensors do not require any physical contact for detecting a presence, whereby it is possible for the operator to operate the joystick 10 with a very light grip and still to activate the entire functionality of the joystick 10.
Since the capacitive detection properties of the joystick require certain presence, it is also sufficient to activate the joystick 10 with a hand situated in a glove, even though there can be dirt or moisture on the glove.
The explanation of the present invention was provided with respect to a characteristic exemplary embodiment of a joystick 10. Other joystick configurations can also be inventively provided that have different ergonomic properties. Thus, different ergonomic placement of the hand on an alternative joystick configuration could make a different arrangement of the sensor zones necessary. Furthermore, other types of contact and/or proximity sensors could be used. Consequently, the issue in the present invention is primarily to provide and further develop an operating apparatus that has activation sensors that do not activate the operating apparatus unless the operator manually grips the operating apparatus in the proper manner during normal operation.
The subject of the present invention should not be limited to a special shape or dimension of the operating apparatus.
Even if the invention was only described using one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of different alternatives, modifications, and variants that fall under the present invention are disclosed for one skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description and the drawings.
Operating levers that can be pivoted and/or rotated about a plurality of axes are known that are also called joysticks and that are used in an operator's cab in motor vehicles in the agricultural and construction vehicle fields for controlling the vehicle and/or working equipment functions in numerous ways. Unintended actuation of such operating apparatus poses a significant safety risk for property and for the operator of the vehicle, as well as for others who are located in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Accidental actuation of the operating apparatus generally occurs while the operator's cab is being entered or exited, that is, when there is a probability that an operator will be injured by accidental actuation and in such a case it is not possible to regain control of the vehicle rapidly enough. The likelihood of accidental actuation is frequently heightened by the physical arrangement of a joystick. The selection of a joystick's arrangement is generally influenced by ergonomic considerations in terms of a sitting operator.
Consequently arranging a joystick for minimizing accidental actuation while entering into and/or exiting from the vehicle would have a negative effect on the ergonomics of the joystick in terms of a sitting operator.
Thus efforts were undertaken in the past to solve the problem of accidental actuation of joysticks WO 2004/010239 _ 2 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 such that joysticks were employed that were stiff to operate and that were less sensitive in terms of accidental actuation. However, such joysticks have a negative effect on ergonomics for the operator due to increased fatigue that results from operating the joystick over an extended period of time. It was furthermore suggested to provide mechanical or electromechanical locks and/or releases that activate the joystick for normal operation. Such a solution requires that the operator depresses a lever or a button while he holds and works with the joystick. Such a system does not leave the operator much freedom when operating or holding the joystick and likewise causes fatigue during extended periods of operation.
The object of the invention is to provide an operating apparatus of the type described in the foregoing through which the problems cited in the foregoing are overcome.
In particular an operating apparatus is to be provided and further developed that is only activated when the operator holds the operating apparatus during proper use, whereby unintentional actuation is to be prevented while largely retaining positive ergonomic properties.
This object is attained by the teaching in patent claim 1. Additional advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention derive from the subordinate claims.
-2a-Known from EP 0 701 917 A1 is a deadman's device, in particular for hand-guided and/or hand-hold motor-operated processing machines, that has at least one handle for guiding and/or holding the machine, a safety circuit, and evaluation electronics with associated circuitry.
CHANGED PAGE
WO 2004/010239 _ 3 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 The inventive operating apparatus for controlling a device contains an actuator, an actuating lever, and at least one sensor. The actuator is connected to the actuating lever to cooperate therewith. The actuation lever has a handle section. The sensor is arranged on the handle section in order to activate the actuator connected to cooperate therewith when the handle section of the actuating lever is gripped manually in a proper manner.
The use of an inventive operating apparatus substantially reduces the risk of unintentional actuation of the operating apparatus/joystick and the associated safety risks, whereby the positive ergonomic properties of the joystick can be retained in a very particularly advantageous manner.
In one very particularly preferred embodiment, the operating apparatus or joystick includes at least one sensor that includes a discrete or a separate sensor zone that is arranged in the handle section of the operating apparatus. The sensor or the sensor zones can be operated such that the presence of a person or an object in the immediate vicinity of the operating apparatus is passively detectable. The arrangement of the sensor zones in the regions of the operating apparatus or handle section in which the thumb and one finger of one hand of an operator are located during normal operation makes it possible for the sensor to detect that the operator has manually gripped the operating apparatus or joystick for proper operation. The sensor, via a logic circuit, is in communication with the WO 2004/010239 _ 4 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 actuator circuit, so that the part of the operating apparatus affecting the actuator is not activatable unless the presence of an object is detected in the discrete sensor zones. In like manner the part of the operating apparatus affecting the actuator is only activated when the presence of an object is not detected.
Preferably a sensor has at least once sensor zone that could be arranged in the handle section or in its vicinity.
The sensor could now be operatable in that the presence of an object is passively detectable at the handle section.
Furthermore, the sensor could be connected to the actuator to cooperate therewith such that actuation of the actuator can be effected when the sensor detects the presence of an object. Deactivation of the actuator could be effected when the sensor does not detect any object.
Specifically, the sensor could have at least one capacitive sensor or could be embodied in the form a capacitive sensor.
Very particularly preferred, the sensor is built into the handle section of the actuating lever.
Now it could be provided that the actuator is not activated until the presence of an object is detected in at least two sensor zones. This requires at least two sensor zones arranged on the operating apparatus.
Particularly preferred, at least one means for time delay could be provided that, depending on detection of the presence of an object, does not activate the actuating apparatus until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
In the same manner, at least one means for time delay could be provided that, depending on detection of the absence of an object, does not deactivate the actuating apparatus until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
In one specific embodiment, the handle section could have a thumb region and a finger region. At least one sensor zone could be arranged in the vicinity of the thumb region and at least one sensor zone could be arranged in the vicinity of the finger region.
One capacitive sensor could have at least one field defining a sensor zone, whereby the field is outwardly oriented relative to the handle section.
The field defining a sensor zone could be outwardly oriented in a direction that is diametrically opposed to the direction of the field, which is defined by the other sensor zones.
WO 2004/010239 _ ( _ PCT/EP2003/007557 The field that is defined by one sensor zone is preferably not connected to the field that is defined by another sensor zone.
After activation, the actuator could remain activated as long as the presence of an object is continuously detected by at least one sensor.
Using the drawings, which illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the invention as well as additional advantages and advantageous further developments and embodiments of the invention are described and explained in greater detail in the following.
Schematically depicted are:
Fig. 1 a first inventive exemplary embodiment in a rear elevation, and Fig. 2 the inventive exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1 in an elevation seen from a different side.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an operating lever, actuatable about a plurality of axes for controlling a vehicle, that is labeled 10 and that is called a joystick in the following. The joystick 10 includes a shaft region 12, extending across a large region of the joystick 10 and embodied largely cylindrically, and an ergonomically embodied handle section 14.
In the operating position, the shaft region 12 is generally WO 2004/010239 - '7 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 arranged largely vertically when it is mounted in a vehicle, and is connected to an actuator 16 to cooperate therewith.
The handle section 14 includes a handle rest 18, a primary thumb region 20, and a secondary thumb region 22. The handle rest 18 is a broadened, curved platform that largely defines the top side of the joystick 10. The primarily thumb region 20 is characterized by a thumb switch 24. Although the thumb switch 24 does not represent an essential element of the present invention, it is shown in Fig. 1 in order to illustrate the ergonomic properties of a corresponding joystick in accordance with the present invention. The thumb switch 24, as well as additional switches (not shown in Fig. 1 ), could be used for actuating functions that are provided by a specific application in which the joystick is used. The secondary thumb region 22 is limited by a nose 26 that extends largely perpendicular to the handle rest 18 in a region that is arranged immediately above the thumb switch 24.
An operating apparatus corresponding to the joystick 10 could be arranged on a vehicle console in the vicinity of an armrest in order to make it possible for the operator of the vehicle to support his arm on the armrest and simultaneously operate the joystick 10. In such a configuration, the operator could operate the joystick 10 such that he places his open palm on the handle rest with his thumb on the side of the nose 26 that faces away from the handle rest 18, so that the thumb switch 24 in the primary thumb region 20 can be operated. The joystick 10 can be operated with only minor hand movements, whereby light pressure is exerted on the handle rest 18 and on WO 2004/010239 _ $ _ PCT/EP2003/007557 the nose 26. The joystick 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is embodied for a right-handed operator. An exemplary embodiment of a joystick 10 for a left-handed operator would largely correspond to the mirror image of the joystick 10 illustrated in Figs.
1 and 2. The following description applies to both embodiments, that is, to a joystick 10 for operation with the left or with the right hand.
In accordance with the invention, passive means are provided with which the joystick 10 is only a releasable and/or activatable for operation when the operator manually grips the joystick 10 in a proper manner. Making such means available prevents accidental actuation of the joystick 10. In particular, a first sensor zone 28 is arranged in the handle section 14, specifically in a region that is arranged adjacent to the primary and secondary thumb regions 20, 22. The first sensor zone 28 is arranged such that the region in which it is arranged corresponds to the first thumb joint when the joystick 10 is manually properly gripped. A second sensor zone 30 is arranged on the handle rest 18 in a region that is arranged adjacent to the nose 26. Consequently the second sensor zone 30 corresponds to a location on the joystick 10 at which the joint of the index finger and of the middle finger are arranged during proper operation of the joystick 10. The sensor zones 28 and 30 are each embodied in the form of proximity sensors that are built in below the surface of the joystick 10.
In one preferred exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensors could have capacitive sensors that are known from prior art and that are used in a plurality of applications in which the presence of a person or object is to be detected. One example of such an application is detecting the presence of an occupant in a vehicle for the purpose of activating or deactivating an occupant protection system in the vehicle. Such capacitive sensors generally have a plurality of conductive elements that are arranged between non-conductive layers.
When the sensors are actuated with an electric voltage, they generate an electrical field that extends outwardly from the sensor. Depending on the characteristics of such sensors and the voltage that is applied to the conductive elements, the electrical field and can extend from zero to a few meters. When an object is brought into the electrical field, a negative charge is induced on the surface of this object and the object forms an additional capacitive element that interacts with the other conductive elements. Thus the effective capacity between the sensor and the ground potential changes when the object is located in the electrical field of the sensor. The capacity of the sensor can then be monitored for changes in order to detect the presence of an object in the immediate vicinity of a sensor. The sensor zones 28, 30 could be formed by two separate capacitive sensors or by a single capacitive sensor, whereby the latter has two separate unconnected electrical fields.
Using the capacitive sensors described in the foregoing, which define a first and a second sensor zone 20 and 30, manual gripping of the joystick 10 can be passively detected without providing a mechanical or electromechanical switch that must be actively actuated. Furthermore, when providing separate sensor zones and capacitive sensors with small electrical fields, detecting a specific presence - corresponding to the sensor zones 28 and 30 - can be limited to a relatively small region. Thus the first sensor zone 28 would detect the presence of a user's thumb when the joystick 10 is manually gripped for normal operation. Similarly, the second sensor zone 30 would detect the presence of an operator's index finger and middle finger when the joystick 10 is gripped properly for manual operation.
In one preferred embodiment, the capacitive sensors are arranged in first and second sensor zones 28 and 30 and are connected to the actuator circuit via a logic circuit in order to activate or deactivate the actuator 16 depending on certain pre-specifiable conditions. In particular, the actuator 16 is not activated unless simultaneously a presence is detected in both, that is, in the first and in the second, sensor zones 28, 30.
This AND operator in the logic will arouse the actuator circuit in order to enable operation of the joystick 10 in the proper manner. As soon as the actuator 16 is aroused, the logic is brought into a condition in which a continuous signal must be present that indicates a presence either in one sensor zone 28 or in both sensor zones 28, 30 in order to retain the joystick 10 in the operating condition. This AND/OR
condition in the logic makes it possible to provide the operator greater flexibility in the manipulation of the joystick 10. If the operator lets go of the joystick 10 so that no presence is indicated in the two sensor zones 28, 30, the joystick 10 is deactivated. Now again a signal that indicates the presence of both the first and the second sensor zone 28, 30 is required in order to reactivate the joystick 10.
In addition, a time delay circuit could be provided in the joystick logic in order to activate and/or deactivate the joystick 10 for a pre-specifiable period of time, whereby the pre-specifiable period of time depends on the application for which the joystick 10 is used.
Providing a time delay in the activation of the joystick 10 could further reduce the possibility of unintentional actuation. In the same manner, providing a time delay for deactivating the joystick 10 could lead to a simplification in operation for the operator of the joystick 10 if it should be necessary that the operator lets go of the joystick 10 for a brief moment. The logic for activating and deactivating the actuator 16 depending on a detected presence or a detected absence and a time delay circuit can be attained in many ways known from the prior art and will not be discussed in greater detail here.
Because of the embodiment of the joystick 10 described in the foregoing there is reduced sensitivity with regard to unintentional actuation compared to joysticks that are known from the prior art and in particular those that have mechanical locks.
In particular the arrangement of the sensor zones 28 and 30 make [sicj it highly unlikely that there is unintended contact with the joystick 10 that leads to activation of the actuator 16 for operation.
Although it is possible to select the position of the sensor zones 28, 30 elsewhere than on the characteristic embodiments, the sensor zones 28, 30 are preferably arranged such that the risk that a single unintentional contact could simultaneously cover both sensor zones is minimized. In one characteristic embodiment, this is attained in that the first and the second sensor zones 28 and 30 are arranged such that the fields generated by the capacitive sensors are not connected and extend largely in diametrically opposite directions. Using this measure it is unlikely that the joystick 10 will be activated by a bump, kick, being brushed against, or by any other unintentional contact.
The subject of the present invention represents a substantial enhancement relative to known apparatus in a particularly advantageous manner due to the fact that the use of sensors that do not require any individual action by the operator in order to activate the joystick 10 do [sic] not extend beyond what would otherwise be necessary in order to provide the operating functions of the joystick 10. The operator activates the joystick 10 for operation simply by gripping the joystick 10 in the normal manner, and simply by letting go of the joystick 10 the operator converts the joystick 10 to a deactivated status that is secured in an advantageous manner against unintentional actuation.
Thus the selection of the physical arrangement of the joystick 10 can advantageously be made a function of where the joystick 10 is best placed from an ergonomic perspective, and not where it would have to be arranged to be least sensitive WO 2004/010239 _ 13 _ PCT/EP2003/007557 in terms of unintentional actuation. The ergonomic properties are further improved since the capacitive sensors do not require any physical contact for detecting a presence, whereby it is possible for the operator to operate the joystick 10 with a very light grip and still to activate the entire functionality of the joystick 10.
Since the capacitive detection properties of the joystick require certain presence, it is also sufficient to activate the joystick 10 with a hand situated in a glove, even though there can be dirt or moisture on the glove.
The explanation of the present invention was provided with respect to a characteristic exemplary embodiment of a joystick 10. Other joystick configurations can also be inventively provided that have different ergonomic properties. Thus, different ergonomic placement of the hand on an alternative joystick configuration could make a different arrangement of the sensor zones necessary. Furthermore, other types of contact and/or proximity sensors could be used. Consequently, the issue in the present invention is primarily to provide and further develop an operating apparatus that has activation sensors that do not activate the operating apparatus unless the operator manually grips the operating apparatus in the proper manner during normal operation.
The subject of the present invention should not be limited to a special shape or dimension of the operating apparatus.
Even if the invention was only described using one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of different alternatives, modifications, and variants that fall under the present invention are disclosed for one skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing description and the drawings.
Claims (15)
1. Operating apparatus for controlling a device, in particular for controlling a vehicle, whereby the operating apparatus is preferably pivotable and/or rotatable about a plurality of axes, with an actuator (16), an actuation lever, and at least one sensor, whereby said actuator (16) is connected to said actuating lever to cooperate therewith, whereby said actuation lever has a handle section (14), whereby said sensor is arranged on said handle section (14) in order to activate said actuator (16) connected to cooperate therewith when said handle section (14) of said actuating lever is gripped manually in a proper manner, whereby one sensor of said at least one sensor is provided that has at least two sensor zones (28, 30), and whereby said sensor zones (28, 30) are preferably arranged in said handle section (14) or in the vicinity thereof.
2. Operating apparatus for controlling a device, in particular for controlling a vehicle, whereby the operating apparatus is preferably pivotable and/or rotatable about a plurality of axes, with an actuator (16), an actuation lever, and at least one sensor, whereby said actuator (16) is connected to said actuating lever to cooperate therewith, whereby said actuation lever has a handle section (14), whereby said sensor is arranged on said handle section (14) in order to activate said actuator (16) connected to cooperate therewith when said handle section (14) of said actuating lever is gripped manually in a proper manner, whereby two sensors of said at least one sensor are provided that each have at least one sensor zone (28, 30), and whereby said sensor zones (28, 30) are preferably arranged in said handle section (14) or in the vicinity thereof.
3. Operating apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor has at least one sensor zone (28, 30) that are [sic] preferably arranged in said handle section (14) or in the vicinity thereof.
4. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 through 3, characterized in that said sensor can be operated in that the presence of an object on said handle section (14) is passively detectable.
5. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor is connected to said actuator (16) to cooperate therewith such that actuation of said actuator (16) can be effected when said sensor detects the presence of an object, and in that deactivation of said actuator (16) can be effected when said sensor does not detect any object.
6. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor has at least one capacitive sensor.
7. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sensor is built into said handle section (14) of said actuating lever.
8. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, whereby at least two sensor zones are provided, characterized in that the presence of an object are [sic] to be detected in at least two sensor zones (28, 30) in order to activate said actuator (16).
9. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one means for time delay is provided that depending on detection of a presence of an object does not activate the actuating apparatus (10) until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
10. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one means for time delay is provided that depending on detection of an absence of an object does not deactivate said actuating apparatus (10) until a pre-specifiable period of time has elapsed.
11. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, whereby at least two sensor zones are provided, characterized in that said handle section (14) has a thumb region (20, 22) and a finger region and in that at least one sensor zone (28) is arranged in the vicinity of said thumb region and at least one sensor zone (30) is arranged in the vicinity of said finger region.
12. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a capacitive sensor hast at least one field defining a sensor zone (28, 30), whereby the field is outwardly directed relative to said handle section (14).
13. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, whereby at least two sensor zones (28, 30) are provided, characterized in that the field defining said one sensor zone (28) is outwardly directed in one direction that is largely diametrically opposed to the direction of the field that is defined by said other sensor zone (30).
14. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, whereby at least two sensor zones (28, 30) are provided, characterized in that the field that is defined by one sensor zone (28) is not connected to the field that is defined by another sensor zone (30).
15. Operating apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after activation said actuator (16) remains active as long as the presence of an object is continuously detected by at least one sensor.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| US10/200,385 | 2002-07-22 | ||
| US10/200,385 US6948398B2 (en) | 2002-07-22 | 2002-07-22 | Joystick with enabling sensors |
| PCT/EP2003/007557 WO2004010239A1 (en) | 2002-07-22 | 2003-07-12 | Operating device for triggering an apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2495724A1 true CA2495724A1 (en) | 2004-01-29 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002495724A Abandoned CA2495724A1 (en) | 2002-07-22 | 2003-07-12 | Operating apparatus for controlling a device |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
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| US (1) | US6948398B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1523704B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2005534095A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100956274B1 (en) |
| AR (1) | AR040648A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003246688B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0312853B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2495724A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE50304968D1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA05000775A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2004010239A1 (en) |
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| US6135230A (en) | 1998-10-09 | 2000-10-24 | Caterpillar S.A.R.L. | Interlock control system for a work machine |
| DE19934186C2 (en) | 1999-07-21 | 2001-06-21 | Wacker Werke Kg | Operating device with light detector |
| KR20000054121A (en) * | 2000-05-23 | 2000-09-05 | 유영재 | Computer input apparatus and electronic game apparatus having physical exercise function |
| KR20020011688A (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2002-02-09 | 전주영 | Conversion apparatus of game input key |
| EP1199622B1 (en) * | 2000-10-20 | 2007-12-12 | Deere & Company | Operating element |
| US6471106B1 (en) * | 2001-11-15 | 2002-10-29 | Intellectual Property Llc | Apparatus and method for restricting the discharge of fasteners from a tool |
-
2002
- 2002-07-22 US US10/200,385 patent/US6948398B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-07-12 CA CA002495724A patent/CA2495724A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-07-12 MX MXPA05000775A patent/MXPA05000775A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-07-12 JP JP2004522441A patent/JP2005534095A/en active Pending
- 2003-07-12 AU AU2003246688A patent/AU2003246688B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-07-12 DE DE50304968T patent/DE50304968D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-07-12 WO PCT/EP2003/007557 patent/WO2004010239A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-07-12 EP EP03764973A patent/EP1523704B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-07-12 KR KR1020057001079A patent/KR100956274B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-07-12 BR BRPI0312853A patent/BRPI0312853B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-07-21 AR AR20030102617A patent/AR040648A1/en active IP Right Grant
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110048162A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Kubota Corporation | Grip |
| US9058051B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2015-06-16 | Kubota Corporation | Grip |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6948398B2 (en) | 2005-09-27 |
| AR040648A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
| BRPI0312853B1 (en) | 2017-03-14 |
| DE50304968D1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
| EP1523704A1 (en) | 2005-04-20 |
| EP1523704B1 (en) | 2006-09-06 |
| WO2004010239A1 (en) | 2004-01-29 |
| KR100956274B1 (en) | 2010-05-10 |
| BR0312853A (en) | 2005-04-19 |
| US20040011154A1 (en) | 2004-01-22 |
| AU2003246688B2 (en) | 2007-07-26 |
| JP2005534095A (en) | 2005-11-10 |
| KR20050035866A (en) | 2005-04-19 |
| MXPA05000775A (en) | 2005-04-19 |
| AU2003246688A1 (en) | 2004-02-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |