• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a designation ball (10) in particular used to point objects on a screen of a computer system. The designation ball includes a body (12) for attachment to a work station, a sphere (13) rotatable with respect to the body (12), a set of sensors (16, 17) delivering position information. relative to the sphere (13) relative to the body (12) and means for braking the rotational movement of the sphere (13) relative to the body (12). According to the invention, the braking means comprise a friction ring (20) enclosing the sphere (13). The ring (20) extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the sphere (13). The ring (20) is free in translation in the plane in which the ring (20) extends.
    公开号:FR3019663A1
    申请号:FR1400827
    申请日:2014-04-04
    公开日:2015-10-09
    发明作者:Jean Louis Bigand
    申请人:Thales SA；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The invention relates to a designation ball used in particular for pointing objects on a screen of a computer system. A designation ball is understood to mean an assembly comprising a fixed body and a movable part such as for example a sphere. The fixed portion 5 comprises sensors for delivering information representative of the position of the sphere relative to the fixed part. The information can be associated with a position on the screen by means of a calculator of the equipment. An operator moves the sphere with the fingers to reach a desired position on the screen and thus point an object displayed on the screen. The invention finds particular utility for a designation ball belonging to equipment mounted on board an aircraft. The designation ball can then be used to select flight parameters displayed on the system screen. More generally, the designation ball makes it possible to point objects displayed on the screen. The aircraft may be subject to turbulence which may disturb the pointing of objects. More precisely, turbulence generates vibrations that can lead to uncontrolled movements of the sphere. Even in the absence of proven turbulence, slight acceleration phenomena experienced by the equipment prevent crew members from pointing a graphical area beyond a certain accuracy. A common solution to this problem is to oversize the designatable objects on the screen so as to take this limitation into account. Therefore, this reduces the number of displayable objects on a given display surface. It has also been attempted to stabilize the operator's hand by creating suitable bearing surfaces. An example is given in the patent application published under the number EP 1 552 376 where the fixed part of the designation ball has an ergonomic shape for receiving the palm of the operator, hence its name "palm rest" ". Nevertheless, such a palm rest does not make it possible to completely stabilize the sphere through the fingers of the operator.
    [0002] These two solutions are often associated with braking means of the sphere. These means make it possible to limit the uncontrolled movements of the sphere in the event of vibrations. The brake is naturally secured to the fixed part of the designation ball and exerts a force on the sphere for example by means of a pad rubbing against the sphere. During movement of the sphere, the support of the pad generates a friction torque opposing the rotations of the sphere. The pad is held in abutment against the sphere by means of a spring bearing against the fixed part. Assuming the sphere accessible to the operator's fingers from above, a solution already implemented is to position a friction surface on the ball above the plane of symmetry of the sphere. The rubbing surface is generally made by a plastic membrane. The force exerted along the vertical axis of the sphere by the friction surface 15 is made by an elastomer or a spring system exerting a bearing on the friction surface. This provision causes many problems. The surface usable by the operator is reduced because of the presence of the friction surface above the plane of symmetry of the sphere. The friction torque generated by the brake is highly dependent on the coaxiality accuracy between the vertical axis of the sphere and the axis of the friction surface. The sphere is generally placed on pivots forming sensors for delivering information of the position of the sphere relative to the fixed part. The gap between the axes of the sphere and the brake depends on a chain of dimensions passing through many mechanical parts. Coaxiality precision requires precise assembly and machining. The friction torque generated depends on the pressure exerted by the elastic device which itself depends on the vertical position of the sphere. To limit this dependence, it may be necessary to provide vertical locking means of the brake. This solution is expensive because the wedging means are individually adjusted for each designation ball. The generated torque also varies greatly depending on the variations of the diameter of the sphere, especially during temperature variations, causing it to rise against the braking device when used at high temperature or to go down during temperature use. low. Furthermore, the friction torque is adjusted to the mounting of the designation ball. To change this setting, it is necessary to disassemble the brake, which is difficult to accept in the aeronautical field. Finally, it has been found that the brake is particularly fragile for use outside its normal use position, such as during an overturning during transport. The invention aims to overcome all or part of the problems mentioned above by providing a designation ball having a much more tolerant brake vis-à-vis dimensional variations of the different mechanical parts constituting the designation ball. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a designation ball comprising a body intended to be fixed on a workstation, a sphere movable in rotation with respect to the body, a set of sensors delivering a relative position information of the sphere relative to the body and braking means of the rotational movements of the sphere relative to the body, characterized in that the braking means comprise a friction ring enclosing the sphere, in that the ring extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the sphere and in that the ring is free in translation in the plane in which the ring extends. The invention will be better understood and other advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, which is illustrated by the accompanying drawing in which: FIG. designation according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the designation ball; Figure 3 shows a partial section of the designation ball. 30196 6 3 4 For the sake of clarity, the same elements will bear the same references in the different figures. Figure 1 shows in perspective a designation ball 5 to be actuated by the hand of an operator. The designation ball 10 comprises a fixed body 12 and a sphere 13 that the operator can rotate with respect to the fixed body 12. In the example shown, the fixed body 12 comprises a plate 14 intended to be fixed on a stationary position. work such as for example a dashboard of an aircraft. The designation ball 10 comprises a set of sensors delivering a relative position information of the sphere 13 with respect to the fixed body 12. FIG. 2 represents in front view the designation ball 10. This view is perpendicular to the plate 14 The workstation in which the designation ball 10 is installed may be formed by a horizontal working plane in the vicinity of the designation ball 10. The plate 14 is then also horizontal. The sphere 13 comprises a portion emerging above the plate 14. It is this part of the sphere that the operator manipulates with his fingers. The sensor assembly is located below the plate 14 within the fixed body 12. A designation ball 10 embodying the invention may of course be positioned on an inclined work plane. An axis 15 of symmetry of the sphere 13 is defined, the axis 15 being perpendicular to the plate 14. The axis 15 is vertical if the plane of the plate 14 is horizontal. The set of sensors comprises, for example, two rollers 16 and 25 rolling without friction against the sphere 13 and each making it possible to know the angular position of the sphere 13 around axes parallel to the plane of the plate 14. The rollers 16 and 17 for example, each is fixed to the rotor of an angular encoder delivering the relative position information of the sphere 13. Other types of sensors may be used, such as for example optical or magnetic sensors sensitive to the movements of the sphere 13 The information from the set of sensors is transmitted to a computer that can belong to the designation ball 10 or be remote. The computer is configured to decode the information received from the angular encoders associated with the rollers 16 and 17. The computer sends, for example, the decoded information to the heart of a computer system comprising a screen on which a pointer can move according to the information . When the environment in which the designation ball is placed may be subjected to vibrations, these may cause uncontrolled movements of the sphere 13. To limit these movements, the designation ball includes means for braking the movements of the ball. rotation of the sphere 13 relative to the body 12. According to the invention, the braking means comprise a friction ring 20 enclosing the sphere 13. The friction of the ring 20 against the sphere 13 generates a resisting torque for braking the rotational movements of the sphere 13 on itself. The ring extends mainly in a plane 21 perpendicular to the axis 15, that is to say parallel to the plate 14. The ring 20 has a circular ring shape in the plane 21. In practice, the ring 20 has a certain thickness perpendicular to the plane 21. The thickness of the ring 20 is significantly smaller than the diameter of the ring 20 in the plane 21. Over its entire diameter, the ring contains the plane 21. The sphere 13 is placed on the rollers 16 and 17. In order to relax the chain of dimension connecting the sphere 13 to the braking means, the ring 20 is free in translation in the plane 21. In other words, the ring 20 has two degrees of freedom in translation in the plan 21. These two degrees of freedom combined with the friction of the ring 20 against the surface of the sphere 13 allow the ring 20 to automatically center its diameter on the sphere 13 and more precisely on its axis 15. Advantageously, the plane 21 in which the ring 20 extends is a plane of symmetry of the sphere 13. In other words, the plane 21 intersects the sphere by a large diameter of the sphere 13. The ring 20 rubs on a diameter of the sphere 13. The fact of arranging the plane 21 at a plane 30 of symmetry of the sphere 13 makes it possible to increase as much as possible the surface of the emergent part of the sphere 13 while ensuring a maintenance of the sphere 13 in the fixed part 12 of the designation ball. Alternatively, the plane 21 may be arranged in such a way that the emerging part of the sphere 13 is smaller for reasons of installation in the workstation in which the designation ball 10 is installed. surface of the emerging portion of the sphere 13 beyond the plane of symmetry of the sphere 13. Advantageously, the ring 20 is split. In other words, the ring 20 forms an open circular ring. A slot 22 makes it possible to achieve this opening is visible in both Figures 1 and 2. The slot gives the ring a certain elasticity allowing it to adapt to differences in the diameter of the sphere 13. These differences are for example due to manufacturing tolerances of the sphere 13 or thermal expansion of the sphere 13 during its use. The adaptation of the ring 20 also allows it to compensate for wear of its friction surface which necessarily occurs throughout the use of the designation ball 10. The slot 22 may be perpendicular to the plane 21 or inclined as shown in the drawings. FIGS. Two characteristics of the material of the ring 20 are used to enable it to fulfill its braking function of the sphere 13: On the one hand, the elasticity of the ring 20 characterized its dimensions and its Young's modulus allows it to 4. On the other hand, the coefficient of friction ring 20 / sphere 13 allows it to quantify 20 the friction torque associated with the clamping force. It is possible to dissociate these two characteristics by adding an additional elastic element making it possible to clamp the ring 20 against the sphere 13. For this purpose, the braking means advantageously comprise an annular spring 25 extending in the plane 21 and compressing the ring 20 against the sphere 13. The spring 25 may be disposed in a groove 26 formed in the ring 20. The ring 20 is for example made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This material has a Young's modulus too weak to ensure sufficient force of the ring on the sphere 13. For this, the clamping of the ring 20 on the sphere by means of a spring for example made of steel wire on springs. In addition, polytetrafluoroethylene has a relatively low coefficient of friction. This has the advantage of reducing the sensation of dry friction and detachment occurring when an operator begins a movement of the sphere. 3 shows in partial section the connection between the ring 20 and the body 12. In order to ensure freedom in translation of the ring 20 relative to the body 12 in the plane 21, the body 12 comprises a groove 30 '. extending in the plane 21. Like the ring 20, the groove is annular and centered on the axis 15. The outer diameter of the ring 20 is smaller than the inside diameter of the groove 30. In a radial plane about the axis 15 , the groove has a constant section having mainly two sides 31, 32 and a bottom 33. The flanks 31 and 32 are substantially parallel to the plane 21. The bottom 33 is substantially perpendicular to the plane 21. The ring 20 is guided in translation between the two flanks 31 and 32. A functional clearance 35 is provided between the ring 20 and the bottom 33. The functional clearance 35 allows freedom in translation of the ring 20 relative to the body 12. The value of the game 35 is chosen according to the positioning tolerances of sphere 13 by rap The value of the clearance 35 is equal to the difference between the outside diameter of the ring 20 and the inside diameter of the groove 30. The functional clearance 35 also makes it possible to take account of dimensional variations of the sphere 13 during In practice, in order to insert the ring 20 into the body 12, the plate 14 may consist of two half-plates fastened to each other after mounting of the ring 20. The groove 30 extends into the two half-plates. In Figures 1 and 2, only one of the half-plates is shown. The assembly of the ring 20 and the two half-plates is done in two stages. Firstly, the ring is inserted into a first of the two half-plates in a translational movement whose direction is carried by plane 21. Next, the second half-plate is inserted, always according to the same translational movement for closing the groove 30 around the ring 20. The ring 20 comprises a friction surface 40 intended to rub against the sphere 13 to slow its rotational movements. The functional clearance 35 makes it possible to absorb the variations of position of the sphere 13 in translation in the plane 21. It is also advantageous to provide means for absorbing the positional deviations of the sphere 13 perpendicularly to the plane 21. At this point, Indeed, the friction surface 40 has a cylindrical shape extending perpendicular to the plane 21.
    [0003] In other words, the friction surface 40 forms a cylinder portion with an axis 15. The height H of the cylinder, measured along the axis 15, is defined as a function of the variations in height of the plane 21, plane of symmetry of the sphere 13 carrying a large diameter of the sphere 13. More generally, the cylindrical surface 40 is configured to allow a displacement of the sphere 13 in translation perpendicularly to the plane 21. Alternatively, the friction surface 40 may have a frustoconical shape with a low angle d 'opening. The opening angle is oriented to generate a force of the sphere 13 towards the rollers 16 and 17 and thus press the sphere 13 against the rollers.
    [0004] In FIG. 3, the friction surface 40 has been represented at a slight distance from the sphere 13. In operation, it is understood that the friction surface 40 is in pressure against the sphere under the effect of the elasticity of the spring 25. This pressure generates the friction torque used for the braking of the sphere 13.
    [0005] The sphere 13 is able to separate from the two rollers 16 and 17, for example under the effect of significant vibration during operation or during transport of the designation ball 10 before installation in his work plan. Such detachment may cause an extraction of the sphere 13 out of its housing. To limit this risk, it is advantageous to provide means for limiting the translation of the sphere 13 perpendicularly to the plane 21. In other words, the designation ball 10 may comprise an abutment against which the sphere 13 is likely to bear in order to avoid that the sphere 13 can not completely separate from the body 12. This stop function is advantageously performed by the ring 20 itself which then has a stop 45 adapted to limit a translation of the sphere 13 perpendicular to the plane 21. To prevent that the sphere 13 is jammed in the ring 20, the stop 45 is advantageously a portion of spherical surface complementary to that of the sphere 13 and extending in the extension of the friction surface 40 without breaking the slope. More specifically, the friction surface 40 is of cylindrical shape with the same diameter as the sphere 13. The largest diameter of the spherical surface portion is also the diameter of the sphere 13. The stop 45 slightly closes the opening of the ring 20 above the plane 21.
    权利要求:
    Claims (8)
    [0001]
    REVENDICATIONS1. Design ball comprising a body (12) for attachment to a work station, a sphere (13) rotatable relative to the body (12), a set of sensors (16, 17) providing relative position information of the sphere (13) relative to the body (12) and means 5 for braking the rotational movements of the sphere (13) relative to the body (12), characterized in that the braking means comprise a friction ring (20) enclosing the sphere (13), in that the ring (20) extends mainly in a plane (21) perpendicular to an axis (15) of symmetry of the sphere (13), and in that the ring (20) is free in translation in the plane (21) in which the ring (20) extends.
    [0002]
    2. designation ball according to claim 1, characterized in that the plane (21) in which the ring (21) extends is a plane of symmetry of the sphere (13). 15
    [0003]
    3. designation ball according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (20) of friction is split (22). 20
    [0004]
    4. designation ball according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking means comprise an annular spring (25) extending in the plane (21) and compressing the friction ring (20) against the sphere ( 13). 25
    [0005]
    5. designation ball according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) comprises a groove (30) extending in the plane (21), the groove (30) having a constant section having mainly two flanks (31, 32) and a bottom (33), the flanks (31, 32) being substantially parallel to the plane (21) and the bottom (33) being substantially perpendicular to the plane (21), in that a set functional (35) is provided between the ring (20) and the bottom (33), the functional clearance (35) allowing freedom in translation of the ring (20).
    [0006]
    6. designation ball according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (20) comprises a friction surface (40) intended to rub against the sphere (13) to slow its rotation movements and in that the friction surface (40) has a cylindrical shape extending perpendicular to the plane (21), the cylindrical shape being configured to allow a displacement of the sphere (13) in translation perpendicular to the plane (21).
    [0007]
    7. designation ball according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (20) comprises a stop (45) adapted to limit a translation of the sphere (13) perpendicularly to the plane (21).
    [0008]
    8. designation ball according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the stop (45) has a portion of spherical surface complementary to that of the sphere (13) and coming in the extension of the friction surface (40). without breaking the slope.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20150286300A1|2015-10-08|
    FR3019663B1|2016-05-06|
    US9557835B2|2017-01-31|
    EP2927785A1|2015-10-07|
    EP2927785B1|2017-02-01|
    引用文献:
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    US6623485B2|2001-10-17|2003-09-23|Hammill Manufacturing Company|Split ring bone screw for a spinal fixation system|
    FR2846111B1|2002-10-18|2005-02-25|Thales Sa|DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE MAINTENANCE OF A DESIGNATION BALL|
    EP1752101A3|2005-08-08|2007-05-30|Medison Co., Ltd.|Control panel for use in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus|FR3052888B1|2016-06-21|2018-07-13|Thales Sa|DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE BRAKING EFFORT OF A CONTROL BALL OR "TRACKBAL" AND CONTROL BALL THEREFOR|
    US10496216B2|2016-11-09|2019-12-03|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system capacitive touch totem with optical communication support|
    US10817077B2|2018-06-28|2020-10-27|Dell Products, L.P.|Information handling system touch device context aware input tracking|
    US10761618B2|2018-06-28|2020-09-01|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system touch device with automatically orienting visual display|
    US10664101B2|2018-06-28|2020-05-26|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system touch device false touch detection and mitigation|
    US10852853B2|2018-06-28|2020-12-01|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system touch device with visually interactive region|
    US10635199B2|2018-06-28|2020-04-28|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system dynamic friction touch device for touchscreen interactions|
    US10795502B2|2018-06-28|2020-10-06|Dell Products L.P.|Information handling system touch device with adaptive haptic response|
    法律状态:
    2015-04-08| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2016-03-23| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2017-03-27| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1400827A|FR3019663B1|2014-04-04|2014-04-04|BRAKE OF A DESIGNATION BALL|FR1400827A| FR3019663B1|2014-04-04|2014-04-04|BRAKE OF A DESIGNATION BALL|
    US14/677,896| US9557835B2|2014-04-04|2015-04-02|Trackball brake|
    EP15248040.6A| EP2927785B1|2014-04-04|2015-04-03|Brake of a trackball|
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