This disclosure relates generally to operator interfaces, and more specifically, to joysticks for operating machines.
When considering the interface of an operator and a machine, a better understanding of kinesiology and improved technological features have lead to the development of improved control interfaces. Such interfaces may be added to machines to improve their functionality, efficiency, and general usefulness, while also reducing the negative impact on the operator's health from poor ergonomics. However, such interfaces may create inefficiency via awkward placement of controls or switches or they may create new ergonomic problems for the operator. Also, some improved interfaces may focus disproportionately on ergonomics while disregarding the design's impact on the precision of the machine's operation or the reliability of the interface.
The present invention is directed to overcome one or more of the problems as set forth above.
In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a joystick assembly comprising a base including a main harness and a clockspring, the clockspring having a vertical axis. The joystick assembly further comprises a palm support including an upper housing, a lower housing, a clamp, a data wire, and a data wire connector. Additionally, the joystick assembly comprises an interface device. The joystick assembly is rotatable about the vertical axis of the clockspring, the vertical axis being generally perpendicular to the upper housing.
Referring to
With further reference to
Regarding the lower housing 112, the lower housing 112 may be integrally formed with upper housing 114, or the upper and lower housings may be joined using any generally known joining mechanisms, such as adhesives, glues, or fasteners. As shown in
As seen in
Further, faceplate 128 of interface device 126 may have a contour to create multiple planes, such that the at least one input device may be conveniently actuated by the thumb of an operator. In one embodiment, faceplate 128 has input devices 132, 134, and 136 located on two planes of the faceplate. In this embodiment, input device 132 is a device that permits the operator to selectively instruct the machine to resume a previous speed, such as a push button device. Also, input device 134 is a device that controls the machine's moving speed, such as a roller device, which allows for precise speed control and a plurality of exact speeds. Further, input device 136 is a device that controls the gear setting for the machine's transmission, such as a switch that clearly places the transmission in forward, neutral, or reverse.
Turning to
Clockspring base 510 also includes a main harness 514 for connection to a wire connector 512. By incorporating the main harness 514 in clockspring base 510, clockspring base 510 also provides enhanced reliability and integrity with clockspring 520 over other commonly used input devices, such as buttons or switches, by reducing the likelihood of wire breakage in the joystick assembly.
Further, as shown in
The various components of the joystick assembly, namely, the upper housing, the lower housing, the interface device, and the clockspring base portion may all be joined by any means commonly known in the art. For example, the components of the joystick assembly may be joined together via a plurality of mechanical fasteners, as shown in the exploded view found in
The joystick assembly may be used to enhance the stability of the operator of a machine during rough operation, while also providing precise operator wrist actuation for turning, as opposed to requiring gross movement of the operator's arm and shoulder. The joystick assembly may also improve operator stability and control precision as compared to joysticks having a twist grip feature when the joystick assembly presently disclosed is rigidly formed. As noted above, the joystick assembly may include a palm support with an upper housing that allows for multiple operator hand positions, a clockspring base portion with a clockspring having a vertical axis for improved machine control, and an interface device that may support at least one input device. The input device(s) may be electrically connected to a data cable terminating in a connector or may transmit input signals wirelessly. A machine utilizing such a joystick assembly may be, but is not limited to, a track-type tractor, a pipe layer, a motor grader, an excavator, or any other machine having an operator compartment.
Further, a plurality of input devices may be included in the control portion, each controlling a specific function of the machine. For example, one input device may control the machine's speed, one input device may permit the operator to selectively resume a previous machine speed, and one input device may control the gear setting of the machine's transmission. The input devices may be positioned on the input head for easy actuation by a thumb of an operator having a hand grip the joystick assembly.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Additionally, other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.
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