US3818154A - Joystick type controller for switches - Google Patents

Joystick type controller for switches Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3818154A
US3818154A US00349547A US34954773A US3818154A US 3818154 A US3818154 A US 3818154A US 00349547 A US00349547 A US 00349547A US 34954773 A US34954773 A US 34954773A US 3818154 A US3818154 A US 3818154A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
control member
predetermined positions
combination
locking
section
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00349547A
Inventor
S Presentey
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US00349547A priority Critical patent/US3818154A/en
Priority to CA196,057A priority patent/CA1031455A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3818154A publication Critical patent/US3818154A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • G05G5/06—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member for holding members in one or a limited number of definite positions only
    • 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
    • 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
    • G05G9/04785—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 the controlling member being the operating part of a switch arrangement
    • G05G9/04788—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 the controlling member being the operating part of a switch arrangement comprising additional control elements
    • G05G9/04796—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 the controlling member being the operating part of a switch arrangement comprising additional control elements for rectilinear control along the axis of the controlling member
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04703—Mounting of controlling member
    • G05G2009/04707—Mounting of controlling member with ball joint
    • 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
    • G05G2009/0474—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 characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04744—Switches
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04766—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 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04766—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 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • G05G2009/0477—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 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce holding the member in a number of definite positions
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04777—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 with additional push or pull action on the handle
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to actuating mechanisms in general, and more particularly to improvements in so-called monocontrol mechanisms wherein a single lever or an analogous control member can initiate and/or terminate a plurality of similar or widely different operations, e.g., by completing and/or opening discrete electric circuits or effecting translatory, angular or other movements of links, gears or analogous motiontransmitting parts, Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in actuating mechanisms wherein a single control member can be used to select any one of a number of different conditions or settings of an apparatus, machine, instrument or the like by the exertion of a predetermined force, for example, to change the setting of a sound recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
  • the invention is embodied in a structure which can be installed in a magnetic tape recording or reproducing apparatus and comprises a support (e.g., a sealed housing), an elongated control member (such as a lever a portion of which extends from the housing), a joint (preferably a universal joint) installed in or on the support and mounting the control member for pivotal movement between a plurality of predetermined positions and for lengthwise movement between first or idle and second or operative positions, a helical spring or analogous-biasing means for urging the control member to the first position (the control member is movable from the first to the second position by overcoming the action of the biasing means in each predetermined po sition of the control member), locking means including a first portion mounted in the support and a second portion which is provided on the control member and serves to engage the first portion in the first position of the control member so that the latter is held against movement between the predetermined positions, indexing means including a first section mounted in the support and a second section provided on the control member and cooperating with
  • control member may be pivoted between five different predetermined positions and the apparatus may include four electric switches which are actuated in response to movement of the control member to four of the five predetermined positions.
  • the fifth predetermined position may constitute a neutral position through which the control member must pivot in order to move from or to those predetermined positions in which it actuates the corresponding switches.
  • FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view of a monocontrol mechanism which embodies one form of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view of a second monocontrol mechanism
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line IIlIIl of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line IVIV of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a monocontrol mechanism which comprises a control member or lever 1 pivotable between five different predetermined positions including a central or neutral position which is indicated by solid lines.
  • the control member is movable relative to a housing or support including two mounting plates 7 and 7a which have registering openings for a receptacle 5 having external threads mating with the internal threads of a mounting fixture 6 provided with a tubular seal 3 secured to the head la of the control member 1.
  • the latter further comprises a shank 1b slidably extending through a diametral bore of spherical swivel 4 in the receptacle.
  • a helical spring 2 reacts against the swivel 4 and bears against the head 1a to urge the shank 1b upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 1.
  • the spring 2 is mounted in the interior of the seal 3 and surrounds the shank 1b.
  • a sealing element 6a is interposed between the outer side of the mounting plate 7 and the polygonal lower end portion 6b of the fixture 6.
  • a flange 5a of the receptacle 5 abuts against the inner side of the mounting plate 7a.
  • a lower or inner end portion 5b of the receptacle 5 below the flange 5a has five locking cavities or recesses 9 each of which can receive a complementary locking element 8 at the innerend of the shank lb.
  • the shank 1b comprises an extension having a spherical enlargement or link coupling 10 which is located between linkages 15 provided with a cylindrical sleeve 16. The latter receives the link coupling 10 with minimal clearance but allows the shank lb to more axially or lengthwise between the illustrated first position and a second or operative position.
  • the lowermost or inner most part 1 1 of the shank 1b constitutes a homing portion or follower which cooperates with an axially movable plain indexing table 12 here shown as a face cam,
  • indexing table 12 havingin its upper side five indexing cavities 12a and furher comprising a shaft 12b slidably extending into a bushing 14.
  • Theindexing table 12 is biased against the homing portion or follower 11 by a helical spring 13 which reacts'against the bushing 14.
  • the parts b and 8 constitute two portions of a lock ing means which can hold the control member 1 against pivotal movement with the swivel 4 of theuniversal joint 4, 5, when the control member 1 assumes the illustrated first axial position.
  • the parts 12-14 and 11 constitute first and second sections of an indexing means which yieldably opposes pivotal movements of the control member 1 when the latter assumes its second axial position and which locates the control member in a selected predetermined position.
  • the user depresses the head 1a in thedirection indicated by arrow A to stress the spring 2 and to expel the locking element-8 from the central locking cavity 9 in the inner end portion 5b of the receptacle 5.
  • the homing portion 11 of the shank lb depresses the indexing table 12 against the opposition of the spring 13.
  • the shaft 121 is a relatively loose fit'in the axial bore of the bushing 14 which is provided with suitable means (e.g., a spline 14a) to hold the table 12 against rotation.
  • the spring 13 yields while thehoming portion 11 rides over the ridge 12c and thereupon expands to push the table 12 upwardly so that the right-hand cavity 12a receives andreleasably retains the homing portion.
  • the user relaxes or terminates the pressure in the direction of arrow A whereby the spring 2 expands and pushes the locking element 8 into the right-hand recess 9.
  • the spring 13 also expands and thus insures that the homing portion 11 remains in the right-hand indexing cavity 12a.
  • the ridge 12c cooperates with the spring 13 to produce a distinct indexing action, i.e., the locking element 8 is in accurate alignment with the right-hand recess 9 as soon as the homing portion 11 snaps into the right-hand indexing cavity 12a.
  • the locking element 8 preferably constitutes the frustum of a cone which tapers toward the swivel 4 so that it can readily find its way into the registering recess 9 which is bounded by a conical surface.
  • the collar 8a at the lower end of the locking element 8 determines the extent to which the spring 2 can expand when the axial pressure (arrow A) upon the control member 1 is terminated.
  • the transfer of the locking element 8 from the central recess 9 into the right-hand recess 9 has caused the link coupling to change the position of the linkage be closed by an element 15b of the linkage 15 when the coupling 10 is moved in the direction. of arrow D, and two additional switches can be closed when the coupling 10 is shifted at right angles to the plane of FIG. 1, either toward or away from the' observer.
  • the recesses 9 and the cavities-12a are preferably located at the centers and four comers of two squares so that the distance between the central recess 9 or cavity 12a and any oneof the four remaining recesses or cavities 9 is the same.
  • each of the four active" settings can be'selected indirectlyby moving the control member 1 back to and thereupon from the illustrated neutral position or directly by moving the control member to successive active positions.
  • FIG. 1 is susceptible of many further modifications.
  • the receptable 5 and/or mounting fixture 6 can be made integral with the housing (mounting plates 7,
  • the receptacle 5 and the indexing table 12 can be 15.
  • the linkage 15 preferably comprises four output I provided with two, three, four, six or more recesses 9 and cavities 12a, the homing portion 11 can be mounted-on the shaft 12b (the indexing table is then mounted on the shank 1b), and the linkage 15 can be omitted entirely or in part if the actuated or controlled unit or units (e.g., the switch 17) are mounted sufficiently close to the shank 1b to be actuated directly by the control member 1 in the corresponding predetermined position of the homing portion 11.
  • the actuated or controlled unit or units e.g., the switch 17
  • the control member 1 can move axially or lengthwise (under or against the action of the spring 2) in each of its five predetermined positions. However, the control member 1 can pivot only when it assumes the second axial position, i.e., when the second portion 8 of the locking means is disengaged from the first por tion 5b.
  • the present invention can be embodied in a portable tape-recorder, e.g., for use by military forces under circumstances where the entire apparatus is to be immersed in water.
  • the housing must be waterproof and the sealing elements 6a, 3 (or analogous sealing means) insure that the lengthwise and/or pivotal movements of control member 1 do not allow water or another fluid to penetrate into the housing, If the illustrated monocontrol mechanism is incorporated. in'a tape recorder, the neutral position of the control member 1 may correspond to the off setting of the tape recorder and the four additional predetermined positions of the control member may respectively correspond to the record, playback, fast forward and fast rewind modes.
  • the arrangement may be such that the motor of the tape recorder is automatically arrested during each transition from one mode to another.
  • FIGS. 2 and 4 show a second embodiment of the monocontrol mechanism. All such parts which are identical with or clearly analogous to the corresponding parts of the first monocontrol mechanism are denoted by similar reference characters plus 100.
  • the parts 103, 106, 107 shown in FIG. 2 respectively correspond to the seal 3, fixture 6 and mounting plate 7 of FIG. 1.
  • the top of the head 101a of the control member or lever 101 has a knurled pattern, and this control member further comprises a shank 101b which is slidable in and turnable with-the swivel 104 of a universal joint further including the receptacle 105.
  • the indexing plate 12 is replaced with four indexing rollers 112 cooperating with a stud-shoped homing portion 111 of the shank 10112.
  • the rollers 112 are mounted on the vertical legs of two U-shaped springs 113 installed in a spring mount 114 so as to allow the rollers 112 to yield when the homing portion 111 is moved sideways in response to pivoting of the shank 10111.
  • the springs 113 bias the rollers 112 toward each other (see FIG. 3) so that at least one thereof must be deformed in order to move the homing portion 111 between the neutral or central position (shown by solid lines) and a selected one of the four additional predetermined positions (indicated by broken lines).
  • the spring or springs 113 will snap back as soon as the homing portion 111 reaches the selected position. In fact, the springs 113 will assist the last stage of movement of the homing portion 111 to a new predetermined position by urging the adjacent pair of rollers 112 to move toward each other as soon as the portion 111 has moved beyond the narrowest part of the gap between such adjacent rollers.
  • the locking element 108 is a cup whose open side faces the inner mounting plate 10711 of the housing.
  • the inner end portion 105]? of the receptacle 105 has four triangular projections 120 (see FIG. 4) defining a cruciform passagefor the shank 101b.
  • the outer sides of the projections 120 are of convex shape having their centers of curvature on the axis of the shank l01b when the control member 101 dwells in its neutral position.
  • the locking element 108 surrounds the projections 120 in the illustrated neutral position to thus hold the control member 101 against pivotal movement when the control member is in undepressed position.
  • the locking element 108 When the user applies finger pressure in the direction of arrow A, the locking element 108 is disengaged from the projections 120 and the shank 1.01! can pivot with the swivel 104 to move the homing portion 11 l to one of the four broken-line predetermined positions shown in FIG. 3.
  • the locking element 108 moves upwardly to assume a position in which it conceals two projections 120 but exposes portions of the other two projections. From then on, the control member 101 cannot pivot but the operator can apply finger pressure (arrow A) to disengage the locking element 108 from the portion 105k of the receptacle 105.
  • the mode of operation of the monocontrol mechanism of FIGS. 24 is analogous to that of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1.
  • the user In order to change the position of the homing portion 111, the user must move the head 1010 in the direction of arrow A to thus disengage the locking element 108 from the inner end portion 105! of the receptacle 105.
  • the control member 101 In the next step, the control member 101 is caused to pivot about an axis passing through the center of the swivel 104 and normal to the axis of the homing portion 111 to thereby shift the linkage 115 which controls one or more switches, gears, link trains or analogous controlled units in a manner shown in and described in connection with FIG. I.
  • the linkage 115 which controls one or more switches, gears, link trains or analogous controlled units in a manner shown in and described in connection with FIG. I.
  • homing portion 111 directly engages the linkage 115 in the region between the locking element 108 and the indexing rollers 112. Once the homing portion 111 reaches the selected predetermined position, the pressure upon the head 101a is relaxed or terminated and the spring 108 into engagement with the inner end portion l05b of the receptacle 105.
  • the bias of the springs 113 is adjustable or the springs l 13 can be replaced by softer or harder springs to thus change the resistance which the homing portion 111 encounters in response to pivoting of the control member 101.
  • the monocontrol mechanism of FIGS. 24 is also susceptible of many additional modifications.
  • the two U-shaped springs 113 can be replaced by a single spring having four prongs, one for each of the indexing rollers 112, or by four discrete springs, one for each roller 112.
  • the homing portion 111 may move between two, three, four, six or more different predetermined positions, depending on the numberof mechanical, electrical or other controlled units which are to be actuated or deactivated in response to pivoting of the shank l01b.
  • the locking element 108 and the portion of the receptacle 105 can be replaced by locking means of the type shown in FIG. 1. or the indexing means l11-114 of FIGS. 23 can be replaced with the indexing means 11-.-14 of FIG. 1.
  • the indexing means of FIGS. 23 is preferred at this time because it is less expensive than the indexing means of FIG. 1.
  • An important advantage of the improved monocontrol mechanism is that a single control member suffices to actuate any one of several electrical, mechanical or other units in any desired sequence and in such a way that a selected unit remains actuated or deactivated without any danger of accidental changes in its status.
  • control member 1 or 101 The lengthwise movement of control member 1 or 101 in the direction of arrow A is necessary in order to disengage the locking means 5b, 8 or 105b, 108 and the pivotal movement of control member 1 or 101 about an axis defined by the swivel 4 or 104 is necessary to index the homing portion to a different predetermined position and to thereby displace one or more parts of the'linkage 15 or 115.
  • the spring or springs of the indexing means can be designed and mounted in such a way that the movement of homing portion 11 or 111 to a given predetermined position necessitates the exertion of a smaller or greater effort than the movement to other predetermined position or positions so that the user can select a desired setting without locking at the head la or 101a and/or without observing any deals, scales or analogous indicating means on the housing, i.e., by the only expedient of taking into consideration the magnitude of that force which is required to index the homing portion to a selected predetermined position.
  • the number of active predetermined positions of the homing portion depends on the number of units which are to be controlled by the linkage 15 or 115 or analogous motion transmitting means and is limited only by the de- .sired dimensions of the housing which receives the locking indexing and motion transmitting means.
  • the improved monocontrol mechanism can be used to regulate the operation of a variety of machines, apparatusand/or instruments.
  • the monocontrol mechanism can be installed in photographic and copying apparatus, radio and television receivers, control panels of machine tools and/or others.
  • a combination comprising a support; an elongated control member; a joint installed in said support and mounting said control member for pivotal movement between a plurality of predetermined positions and for lengthwise movement between first and second positions, said control member being movable lengthwise in each of said predetermined positionsj biasing means for urging said control member to said first position; locking means including a first portion provided in said support and a second portion pro.
  • indexing means including a first section provided in said support-and a second section provided on said control member andcooperating with said first section to yieldably oppose the movements of said control member between said predetermined positions, at least in said second position of said control member and to locate said control member in the selected predetermined position thereof; and at least one controlled unit actuatable' by said control member in response to movement of said control member to one of said predetermined positions,
  • said support is a housing and said control member is a lever having a first portion located within said housing and including said second portion of said locking means and said second section of said indexing means, said lever further having a second portion which extends from said housing and is accessible for manual movement of said lever from said first to said second position against the opposition of said biasing means and thereuponbetween said predetermined positions against the opposition of said indexingrneans.
  • said first section of said indexing means comprises a plurality of rollers and resilient means for biasing said rollers toward each other, said second section of said indexing means including a homing portion provided on said control member and arranged to move between a pair of said rollers against the opposition of said resilient means in response to pivotal movement of said control member to or from a predetermined position.
  • said first section of said indexing means comprises a face cam and said second section of said indexing-means comprises a follower which tracks said face cam during pivotal movement of said control member between said predetermined positions, said first section further comprising means for biasing said face cam against said follower in all positions of said control member.
  • said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of cavities one for each of said predetermined positions of said control member
  • said second portion of said locking means comprises a locking element which extends into the corresponding cavity in each predetermined position of said control member and while said control member assumes said first position thereof.
  • said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of projections and said second portion of said locking means comprises a cupped element which receives semoving through said neutral position.

Abstract

A monocontrol mechanism for magnetic tape recorders wherein a lever is movable lengthwise and is pivotable in a universal joint which is mounted in a sealed housing. The lever can be depressed by hand against the opposition of a spring to thereby disengage a portion thereof from the locking device in the housing and to be thereupon pivotable between a number of predetermined positions against the opposition of an indexing device which is designed to yieldably hold the lever in any selected predetermined position. Once the pressure upon the lever is terminated, the spring is free to expand and reengages the lever with the locking device. The lever can actuate one or more electric switches, gears, links and/or other controlled units in the housing during movement to or from the predetermined positions.

Description

United'States Patent [1 1 Presentey [5 JOYSTICK TYPE CONTROLLER FOR SWITCHES [451 June 18, 1974 1,098,971 1/1968 Great Britain 220/6 A Primary Examiner-James R. Scott [76] Inventor: Shelley M. Presentey, 1268 Henry Farm Dr, Ottawa K2C2E2, Canada Attorney, Agent, or Fzrm Michael S. Striker [22] Filed: Apr. 9, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT [2]] Appl. No.: 349,547 A monocontrol mechanism for magnetic tape recorders wherein a lever is movable lengthwise and is pivotable in a universal joint which is mounted in a sealed [52] 200/6 A, 200/17 R, 74/ 471x Y housing. The lever can be depressed by hand against hat. Cl. the pposition of a spring to thereby disengage a pot- Fleld 0f Sear'ch A, R, tion thereof from the locking device in the housing 74/471 1 Y and to be thereupon pivotable between a number of predetermined positions against the opposition of an 1 References Cited indexing device which is designed to yieldably hold UNITED STATES PATENTS the lever in any selected predetermined position. Once 2,227,350 12/1940 Kight 200/6 A Pressure "P the lever is terminated, the Spring is 1 2,391,881 1/1946 2 Clay free to expand and reengages the lever with the lock- 2,984,720 5/ 1961 Fisher 200/6 A X ing device. The lever can actuate one Or more electric 3,2 6,562 9/1965 Griggs et al.... 200/6 A switches, gears, links and/or other controlled units in 3,355,960 12/1967 Bureck 61 31 74/471 R 1 the housing during movement to or from the predeter- FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS c- Positions 2 1,222,144 8/1966 Germany 200/6 A 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures .u a. T '1" A I |I I ll ,4 i i 1 il 11' s/ I; 1
L. II 2+ 45%7 24 [5 /6 w a I L/ 1 k j /56' PATENTEDJun we m4 sum 2 or s PAIENIEBJIW mm 381815 1 SHEET 3 0F 3 FIG. 3
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to actuating mechanisms in general, and more particularly to improvements in so-called monocontrol mechanisms wherein a single lever or an analogous control member can initiate and/or terminate a plurality of similar or widely different operations, e.g., by completing and/or opening discrete electric circuits or effecting translatory, angular or other movements of links, gears or analogous motiontransmitting parts, Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in actuating mechanisms wherein a single control member can be used to select any one of a number of different conditions or settings of an apparatus, machine, instrument or the like by the exertion of a predetermined force, for example, to change the setting of a sound recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION monocontrol actuating mechanism with novel and improved indexing, sealing, locking and mounting means.
The invention is embodied in a structure which can be installed in a magnetic tape recording or reproducing apparatus and comprises a support (e.g., a sealed housing), an elongated control member (such as a lever a portion of which extends from the housing), a joint (preferably a universal joint) installed in or on the support and mounting the control member for pivotal movement between a plurality of predetermined positions and for lengthwise movement between first or idle and second or operative positions, a helical spring or analogous-biasing means for urging the control member to the first position (the control member is movable from the first to the second position by overcoming the action of the biasing means in each predetermined po sition of the control member), locking means including a first portion mounted in the support and a second portion which is provided on the control member and serves to engage the first portion in the first position of the control member so that the latter is held against movement between the predetermined positions, indexing means including a first section mounted in the support and a second section provided on the control member and cooperating with the first section to yield ably oppose movements of the control member between the predetermined positions in the second position of the control member and to locate the control member in a selected predetermined position, and at least one electric switch, gear, link, lever or an analogous controlled unit which is actuatable in response to movement of the control member to one of its predetermined positions. For example, the control member may be pivoted between five different predetermined positions and the apparatus may include four electric switches which are actuated in response to movement of the control member to four of the five predetermined positions. The fifth predetermined position may constitute a neutral position through which the control member must pivot in order to move from or to those predetermined positions in which it actuates the corresponding switches.-
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved monocontrol mechanism itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view of a monocontrol mechanism which embodies one form of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view of a second monocontrol mechanism;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line IIlIIl of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is a sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line IVIV of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a monocontrol mechanism which comprises a control member or lever 1 pivotable between five different predetermined positions including a central or neutral position which is indicated by solid lines. The control member, is movable relative to a housing or support including two mounting plates 7 and 7a which have registering openings for a receptacle 5 having external threads mating with the internal threads of a mounting fixture 6 provided with a tubular seal 3 secured to the head la of the control member 1. The latter further comprises a shank 1b slidably extending through a diametral bore of spherical swivel 4 in the receptacle. A helical spring 2 reacts against the swivel 4 and bears against the head 1a to urge the shank 1b upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 1. The spring 2 is mounted in the interior of the seal 3 and surrounds the shank 1b. A sealing element 6a is interposed between the outer side of the mounting plate 7 and the polygonal lower end portion 6b of the fixture 6. A flange 5a of the receptacle 5 abuts against the inner side of the mounting plate 7a. A lower or inner end portion 5b of the receptacle 5 below the flange 5a has five locking cavities or recesses 9 each of which can receive a complementary locking element 8 at the innerend of the shank lb.
The shank 1b comprises an extension having a spherical enlargement or link coupling 10 which is located between linkages 15 provided with a cylindrical sleeve 16. The latter receives the link coupling 10 with minimal clearance but allows the shank lb to more axially or lengthwise between the illustrated first position and a second or operative position. The lowermost or inner most part 1 1 of the shank 1b constitutes a homing portion or follower which cooperates with an axially movable plain indexing table 12 here shown as a face cam,
3. havingin its upper side five indexing cavities 12a and furher comprising a shaft 12b slidably extending into a bushing 14. Theindexing table 12 is biased against the homing portion or follower 11 by a helical spring 13 which reacts'against the bushing 14. x
The parts b and 8 constitute two portions of a lock ing means which can hold the control member 1 against pivotal movement with the swivel 4 of theuniversal joint 4, 5, when the control member 1 assumes the illustrated first axial position. The parts 12-14 and 11 constitute first and second sections of an indexing means which yieldably opposes pivotal movements of the control member 1 when the latter assumes its second axial position and which locates the control member in a selected predetermined position.
The operation: 1
In order to change the angular position of the control member I, the user depresses the head 1a in thedirection indicated by arrow A to stress the spring 2 and to expel the locking element-8 from the central locking cavity 9 in the inner end portion 5b of the receptacle 5. At the sametime, the homing portion 11 of the shank lb depresses the indexing table 12 against the opposition of the spring 13. The shaft 121; is a relatively loose fit'in the axial bore of the bushing 14 which is provided with suitable means (e.g., a spline 14a) to hold the table 12 against rotation.
The user thereupon pivots the control member 1 with the swivel 4 (for example, in the direction indicated by arrow B) so as to move the locking element 8 into register with the right-hand cavity 9 of FIG. 1. This causes the homing portion 11 to ride over a ridge or hump 120 on the upper side of the indexing table 12 and to enter the right-hand cavity 12a. The spring 13 yields while thehoming portion 11 rides over the ridge 12c and thereupon expands to push the table 12 upwardly so that the right-hand cavity 12a receives andreleasably retains the homing portion. In the next step, the user relaxes or terminates the pressure in the direction of arrow A whereby the spring 2 expands and pushes the locking element 8 into the right-hand recess 9. The spring 13 also expands and thus insures that the homing portion 11 remains in the right-hand indexing cavity 12a. The ridge 12c cooperates with the spring 13 to produce a distinct indexing action, i.e., the locking element 8 is in accurate alignment with the right-hand recess 9 as soon as the homing portion 11 snaps into the right-hand indexing cavity 12a. I
The locking element 8 preferably constitutes the frustum of a cone which tapers toward the swivel 4 so that it can readily find its way into the registering recess 9 which is bounded by a conical surface. The collar 8a at the lower end of the locking element 8 determines the extent to which the spring 2 can expand when the axial pressure (arrow A) upon the control member 1 is terminated.
The transfer of the locking element 8 from the central recess 9 into the right-hand recess 9 has caused the link coupling to change the position of the linkage be closed by an element 15b of the linkage 15 when the coupling 10 is moved in the direction. of arrow D, and two additional switches can be closed when the coupling 10 is shifted at right angles to the plane of FIG. 1, either toward or away from the' observer. The recesses 9 and the cavities-12a are preferably located at the centers and four comers of two squares so that the distance between the central recess 9 or cavity 12a and any oneof the four remaining recesses or cavities 9 is the same.
In moving from a first outer cavity 120 into an adjoining outer cavity, the homing portion 11 may but need not move through the neutral position of FIG. 1'. Thus, each of the four active" settings can be'selected indirectlyby moving the control member 1 back to and thereupon from the illustrated neutral position or directly by moving the control member to successive active positions.
It is clear that the monocontrol mechanism of FIG. 1 is susceptible of many further modifications. For example, the receptable 5 and/or mounting fixture 6 can be made integral with the housing (mounting plates 7,
' 7a), the receptacle 5 and the indexing table 12 can be 15. The linkage 15 preferably comprises four output I provided with two, three, four, six or more recesses 9 and cavities 12a, the homing portion 11 can be mounted-on the shaft 12b (the indexing table is then mounted on the shank 1b), and the linkage 15 can be omitted entirely or in part if the actuated or controlled unit or units (e.g., the switch 17) are mounted sufficiently close to the shank 1b to be actuated directly by the control member 1 in the corresponding predetermined position of the homing portion 11.
The control member 1 can move axially or lengthwise (under or against the action of the spring 2) in each of its five predetermined positions. However, the control member 1 can pivot only when it assumes the second axial position, i.e., when the second portion 8 of the locking means is disengaged from the first por tion 5b.
The present invention can be embodied in a portable tape-recorder, e.g., for use by military forces under circumstances where the entire apparatus is to be immersed in water. The housing must be waterproof and the sealing elements 6a, 3 (or analogous sealing means) insure that the lengthwise and/or pivotal movements of control member 1 do not allow water or another fluid to penetrate into the housing, If the illustrated monocontrol mechanism is incorporated. in'a tape recorder, the neutral position of the control member 1 may correspond to the off setting of the tape recorder and the four additional predetermined positions of the control member may respectively correspond to the record, playback, fast forward and fast rewind modes. The arrangement may be such that the motor of the tape recorder is automatically arrested during each transition from one mode to another. Thus, the
motor will always start on movement of the control member 1 to any one of the four active positions, ir- 4 respective of the presence or absence of tape. This'is desirable in order to insure that the motor can be operated irrespective of eventual tape break or the opening of customary end-of-tape switch.
FIGS. 2 and 4 show a second embodiment of the monocontrol mechanism. All such parts which are identical with or clearly analogous to the corresponding parts of the first monocontrol mechanism are denoted by similar reference characters plus 100. For example, the parts 103, 106, 107 shown in FIG. 2 respectively correspond to the seal 3, fixture 6 and mounting plate 7 of FIG. 1. The top of the head 101a of the control member or lever 101 has a knurled pattern, and this control member further comprises a shank 101b which is slidable in and turnable with-the swivel 104 of a universal joint further including the receptacle 105.
The indexing plate 12 is replaced with four indexing rollers 112 cooperating with a stud-shoped homing portion 111 of the shank 10112. The rollers 112 are mounted on the vertical legs of two U-shaped springs 113 installed in a spring mount 114 so as to allow the rollers 112 to yield when the homing portion 111 is moved sideways in response to pivoting of the shank 10111. The springs 113 bias the rollers 112 toward each other (see FIG. 3) so that at least one thereof must be deformed in order to move the homing portion 111 between the neutral or central position (shown by solid lines) and a selected one of the four additional predetermined positions (indicated by broken lines). The spring or springs 113 will snap back as soon as the homing portion 111 reaches the selected position. In fact, the springs 113 will assist the last stage of movement of the homing portion 111 to a new predetermined position by urging the adjacent pair of rollers 112 to move toward each other as soon as the portion 111 has moved beyond the narrowest part of the gap between such adjacent rollers.
The locking element 108 is a cup whose open side faces the inner mounting plate 10711 of the housing. The inner end portion 105]? of the receptacle 105 has four triangular projections 120 (see FIG. 4) defining a cruciform passagefor the shank 101b. The outer sides of the projections 120 are of convex shape having their centers of curvature on the axis of the shank l01b when the control member 101 dwells in its neutral position. The locking element 108 surrounds the projections 120 in the illustrated neutral position to thus hold the control member 101 against pivotal movement when the control member is in undepressed position. When the user applies finger pressure in the direction of arrow A, the locking element 108 is disengaged from the projections 120 and the shank 1.01!) can pivot with the swivel 104 to move the homing portion 11 l to one of the four broken-line predetermined positions shown in FIG. 3.
If the spring 102 is then allowed to expand, the locking element 108 moves upwardly to assume a position in which it conceals two projections 120 but exposes portions of the other two projections. From then on, the control member 101 cannot pivot but the operator can apply finger pressure (arrow A) to disengage the locking element 108 from the portion 105k of the receptacle 105.
The mode of operation of the monocontrol mechanism of FIGS. 24 is analogous to that of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1. In order to change the position of the homing portion 111, the user must move the head 1010 in the direction of arrow A to thus disengage the locking element 108 from the inner end portion 105!) of the receptacle 105. In the next step, the control member 101 is caused to pivot about an axis passing through the center of the swivel 104 and normal to the axis of the homing portion 111 to thereby shift the linkage 115 which controls one or more switches, gears, link trains or analogous controlled units in a manner shown in and described in connection with FIG. I. The
homing portion 111 directly engages the linkage 115 in the region between the locking element 108 and the indexing rollers 112. Once the homing portion 111 reaches the selected predetermined position, the pressure upon the head 101a is relaxed or terminated and the spring 108 into engagement with the inner end portion l05b of the receptacle 105.
The bias of the springs 113 is adjustable or the springs l 13 can be replaced by softer or harder springs to thus change the resistance which the homing portion 111 encounters in response to pivoting of the control member 101.
The monocontrol mechanism of FIGS. 24 is also susceptible of many additional modifications. Thus, the two U-shaped springs 113 can be replaced by a single spring having four prongs, one for each of the indexing rollers 112, or by four discrete springs, one for each roller 112. Furthermore, the homing portion 111 may move between two, three, four, six or more different predetermined positions, depending on the numberof mechanical, electrical or other controlled units which are to be actuated or deactivated in response to pivoting of the shank l01b. The locking element 108 and the portion of the receptacle 105 can be replaced by locking means of the type shown in FIG. 1. or the indexing means l11-114 of FIGS. 23 can be replaced with the indexing means 11-.-14 of FIG. 1. The indexing means of FIGS. 23 is preferred at this time because it is less expensive than the indexing means of FIG. 1.
An important advantage of the improved monocontrol mechanism is that a single control member suffices to actuate any one of several electrical, mechanical or other units in any desired sequence and in such a way that a selected unit remains actuated or deactivated without any danger of accidental changes in its status. Once the control member is moved to a selected predetermined position, it is held in such predetermined position by the indexing means including the spring 13 or springs 113 as well as by the locking means including the element 8 or 108. The lengthwise movement of control member 1 or 101 in the direction of arrow A is necessary in order to disengage the locking means 5b, 8 or 105b, 108 and the pivotal movement of control member 1 or 101 about an axis defined by the swivel 4 or 104 is necessary to index the homing portion to a different predetermined position and to thereby displace one or more parts of the'linkage 15 or 115.
If desired, the spring or springs of the indexing means can be designed and mounted in such a way that the movement of homing portion 11 or 111 to a given predetermined position necessitates the exertion of a smaller or greater effort than the movement to other predetermined position or positions so that the user can select a desired setting without locking at the head la or 101a and/or without observing any deals, scales or analogous indicating means on the housing, i.e., by the only expedient of taking into consideration the magnitude of that force which is required to index the homing portion to a selected predetermined position. The number of active predetermined positions of the homing portion depends on the number of units which are to be controlled by the linkage 15 or 115 or analogous motion transmitting means and is limited only by the de- .sired dimensions of the housing which receives the locking indexing and motion transmitting means.
It is further clear that the improved monocontrol mechanism can be used to regulate the operation of a variety of machines, apparatusand/or instruments. Thus, in addition to being useful in magnetic tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus, the monocontrol mechanism can be installed in photographic and copying apparatus, radio and television receivers, control panels of machine tools and/or others.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics ofvthe generic and specific aspects of my contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. In a structure of the character indicated, such as a magnetic tape recorder, a combination comprising a support; an elongated control member; a joint installed in said support and mounting said control member for pivotal movement between a plurality of predetermined positions and for lengthwise movement between first and second positions, said control member being movable lengthwise in each of said predetermined positionsj biasing means for urging said control member to said first position; locking means including a first portion provided in said support and a second portion pro.-
vided on said control member and arranged to engage said first portion in said first position of said control member so as to hold the latter against movement be tween said predetermined positions; indexing means including a first section provided in said support-and a second section provided on said control member andcooperating with said first section to yieldably oppose the movements of said control member between said predetermined positions, at least in said second position of said control member and to locate said control member in the selected predetermined position thereof; and at least one controlled unit actuatable' by said control member in response to movement of said control member to one of said predetermined positions,
2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said support is a housing and said control member is a lever having a first portion located within said housing and including said second portion of said locking means and said second section of said indexing means, said lever further having a second portion which extends from said housing and is accessible for manual movement of said lever from said first to said second position against the opposition of said biasing means and thereuponbetween said predetermined positions against the opposition of said indexingrneans.
3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlled unit is an electric switch.
4. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising motion transmitting means interposed between said control member and said controlled unit and arranged 'to actuate said controlled unit in response to movement of said control member to said one predetermined position, i
5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said joint is a universal joint. I i
6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first section of said indexing meanscomprises a plurality of rollers and resilient means for biasing said rollers toward each other, said second section of said indexing means including a homing portion provided on said control member and arranged to move between a pair of said rollers against the opposition of said resilient means in response to pivotal movement of said control member to or from a predetermined position.
7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first section of said indexing means comprises a face cam and said second section of said indexing-means comprises a follower which tracks said face cam during pivotal movement of said control member between said predetermined positions, said first section further comprising means for biasing said face cam against said follower in all positions of said control member.
8. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of cavities one for each of said predetermined positions of said control member, and said second portion of said locking means comprises a locking element which extends into the corresponding cavity in each predetermined position of said control member and while said control member assumes said first position thereof.
9. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of projections and said second portion of said locking means comprises a cupped element which receives semoving through said neutral position.

Claims (10)

1. In a structure of the character indicated, such as a magnetic tape recorder, a combination comprising a support; an elongated control member; a joint installed in said support and mounting said control member for pivotal movement between a plurality of predetermined positions and for lengthwise movement between first and second positions, said control member being movable lengthwise in each of said predetermined positions; biasing means for urging said control member to said first position; locking means including a first portion provided in said support and a second portion provided on said control member and arranged to engage said first portion in said first position of said control member so as to hold the latter against movement between said predetermined positions; indexing means including a first section provided in said support and a second section provided on said control member and cooperating with Said first section to yieldably oppose the movements of said control member between said predetermined positions, at least in said second position of said control member and to locate said control member in the selected predetermined position thereof; and at least one controlled unit actuatable by said control member in response to movement of said control member to one of said predetermined positions.
2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said support is a housing and said control member is a lever having a first portion located within said housing and including said second portion of said locking means and said second section of said indexing means, said lever further having a second portion which extends from said housing and is accessible for manual movement of said lever from said first to said second position against the opposition of said biasing means and thereupon between said predetermined positions against the opposition of said indexing means.
3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said controlled unit is an electric switch.
4. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising motion transmitting means interposed between said control member and said controlled unit and arranged to actuate said controlled unit in response to movement of said control member to said one predetermined position.
5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said joint is a universal joint.
6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first section of said indexing means comprises a plurality of rollers and resilient means for biasing said rollers toward each other, said second section of said indexing means including a homing portion provided on said control member and arranged to move between a pair of said rollers against the opposition of said resilient means in response to pivotal movement of said control member to or from a predetermined position.
7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first section of said indexing means comprises a face cam and said second section of said indexing means comprises a follower which tracks said face cam during pivotal movement of said control member between said predetermined positions, said first section further comprising means for biasing said face cam against said follower in all positions of said control member.
8. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of cavities one for each of said predetermined positions of said control member, and said second portion of said locking means comprises a locking element which extends into the corresponding cavity in each predetermined position of said control member and while said control member assumes said first position thereof.
9. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said locking means comprises a plurality of projections and said second portion of said locking means comprises a cupped element which receives selected projections of said first portion in each of said predetermined positions of said locking member and while said locking member assumes said first position.
10. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said predetermined positions include a neutral position and a plurality of additional positions, said locking member being pivotable between said additional positions by moving through said neutral position.
US00349547A 1973-04-09 1973-04-09 Joystick type controller for switches Expired - Lifetime US3818154A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00349547A US3818154A (en) 1973-04-09 1973-04-09 Joystick type controller for switches
CA196,057A CA1031455A (en) 1973-04-09 1974-03-26 Monocontrol mechanism for magnetic tape recorders or the like

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00349547A US3818154A (en) 1973-04-09 1973-04-09 Joystick type controller for switches

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3818154A true US3818154A (en) 1974-06-18

Family

ID=23372861

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00349547A Expired - Lifetime US3818154A (en) 1973-04-09 1973-04-09 Joystick type controller for switches

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3818154A (en)
CA (1) CA1031455A (en)

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3867604A (en) * 1973-12-18 1975-02-18 Carling Electric Inc Electric switch toggle assembly
US4181828A (en) * 1975-12-06 1980-01-01 Hayden Nilos Conflow Limited Safety cut-out devices
US4237629A (en) * 1977-08-12 1980-12-09 Ing. Alfred Schmidt Gmbh Apparatus for actuating the operation of a snowplow
US4309582A (en) * 1980-06-13 1982-01-05 Ledex, Inc. Push button switch for a controller
US4330694A (en) * 1979-11-05 1982-05-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Complex switch assembly
US4415782A (en) * 1981-10-02 1983-11-15 Sundstrand Corporation Sliding disc transducer actuator
US4492372A (en) * 1982-02-11 1985-01-08 Rawson Control Systems, Inc. Amusement helicopter
US4704915A (en) * 1986-02-25 1987-11-10 Deere & Company Valve control lockout
GB2190987A (en) * 1986-05-22 1987-12-02 Telemecanique Electrique An x-y analogue manipulator with preferential orientations
US4738417A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-04-19 Fmc Corporation Hand operated control
US4782327A (en) * 1985-01-02 1988-11-01 Victor B. Kley Computer control
EP0301209A2 (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-02-01 MEYRA WILHELM MEYER GMBH & CO. KG Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like
US4849583A (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-07-18 Wilhelm Meyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Electrical joy stick control device
WO1991020072A1 (en) * 1990-06-15 1991-12-26 Empruve, Inc. System for displaying information
US5176041A (en) * 1990-06-01 1993-01-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Control transmitter
EP0762316A2 (en) * 1995-09-12 1997-03-12 Konami Co., Ltd. A multidirectional switch and a driving game machine using the same
EP0872957A1 (en) * 1997-04-18 1998-10-21 Eaton Corporation Switch assembly
EP0991190A1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2000-04-05 Valeo Electronique Contactless switch for motor vehicle steering column
US6189401B1 (en) * 1996-05-18 2001-02-20 Penny & Giles Controls Ltd Electrical joystick controller
EP1164607A2 (en) * 2000-06-02 2001-12-19 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Electric switch
US20030115708A1 (en) * 1998-06-05 2003-06-26 Edwards Mark Stephen Method and apparatus for making articles having bristles
US6590171B1 (en) 2002-07-02 2003-07-08 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Hand control for machinery
US6593536B1 (en) * 2002-05-21 2003-07-15 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Multi-axis switch with redundant contacts
EP1411409A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-04-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force sense imparting type input apparatus
US20050066765A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Toshiya Otani Operation lever structure
US20060191775A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-31 Penny & Giles Controls Limited Joystick controller
WO2008064739A1 (en) * 2006-12-02 2008-06-05 Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Gmbh Joystick for a cargo loading system
US8005571B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2011-08-23 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Microsurgical robot system
JP2011192284A (en) * 2011-03-23 2011-09-29 Hori Co Ltd Joystick structure
US20120154569A1 (en) * 2009-08-28 2012-06-21 Indepth Pth Ltd Waterproof Housing And Control Arm
US20120260760A1 (en) * 2011-04-12 2012-10-18 Toyo Denso Co., Ltd. Joystick device
US8820463B2 (en) 2011-09-27 2014-09-02 Shane Phillips Safety control systems and methods for heavy equipment

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2227350A (en) * 1938-10-07 1940-12-31 Kight Theodus Electric switch
US2391881A (en) * 1944-06-03 1946-01-01 Murray G Clay Crane controlling system
US2984720A (en) * 1959-06-10 1961-05-16 Warner Swasey Co Control unit
US3206562A (en) * 1963-03-26 1965-09-14 Jennings Radio Mfg Corp Rotary stepping relay with radial spaced contacts and actuator means
DE1222144B (en) * 1963-07-09 1966-08-04 Schmersal & Co K A Universal control switch
US3355960A (en) * 1965-12-14 1967-12-05 Ford Motor Co Single knob heater control
GB1098971A (en) * 1964-02-13 1968-01-10 Herbert Ltd A Improvements in or relating to an electrical switch for selecting the direction of movement of an electrically-driven member, such as a table or slide, of a machine tool

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2227350A (en) * 1938-10-07 1940-12-31 Kight Theodus Electric switch
US2391881A (en) * 1944-06-03 1946-01-01 Murray G Clay Crane controlling system
US2984720A (en) * 1959-06-10 1961-05-16 Warner Swasey Co Control unit
US3206562A (en) * 1963-03-26 1965-09-14 Jennings Radio Mfg Corp Rotary stepping relay with radial spaced contacts and actuator means
DE1222144B (en) * 1963-07-09 1966-08-04 Schmersal & Co K A Universal control switch
GB1098971A (en) * 1964-02-13 1968-01-10 Herbert Ltd A Improvements in or relating to an electrical switch for selecting the direction of movement of an electrically-driven member, such as a table or slide, of a machine tool
US3355960A (en) * 1965-12-14 1967-12-05 Ford Motor Co Single knob heater control

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3867604A (en) * 1973-12-18 1975-02-18 Carling Electric Inc Electric switch toggle assembly
US4181828A (en) * 1975-12-06 1980-01-01 Hayden Nilos Conflow Limited Safety cut-out devices
US4237629A (en) * 1977-08-12 1980-12-09 Ing. Alfred Schmidt Gmbh Apparatus for actuating the operation of a snowplow
US4330694A (en) * 1979-11-05 1982-05-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Complex switch assembly
US4309582A (en) * 1980-06-13 1982-01-05 Ledex, Inc. Push button switch for a controller
US4415782A (en) * 1981-10-02 1983-11-15 Sundstrand Corporation Sliding disc transducer actuator
US4492372A (en) * 1982-02-11 1985-01-08 Rawson Control Systems, Inc. Amusement helicopter
US4782327A (en) * 1985-01-02 1988-11-01 Victor B. Kley Computer control
US4704915A (en) * 1986-02-25 1987-11-10 Deere & Company Valve control lockout
AU585691B2 (en) * 1986-02-25 1989-06-22 Deere & Company Valve control lockout
GB2190987A (en) * 1986-05-22 1987-12-02 Telemecanique Electrique An x-y analogue manipulator with preferential orientations
US4784008A (en) * 1986-05-22 1988-11-15 La Telemecanique Electrique Analogue manipulator with preferential orientations
GB2190987B (en) * 1986-05-22 1990-07-04 Telemecanique Electrique Analogue manipulator with preferential orientations
US4738417A (en) * 1987-02-02 1988-04-19 Fmc Corporation Hand operated control
EP0301209A2 (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-02-01 MEYRA WILHELM MEYER GMBH & CO. KG Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like
US4849583A (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-07-18 Wilhelm Meyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Electrical joy stick control device
EP0301209A3 (en) * 1987-07-28 1990-08-22 Meyra Wilhelm Meyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like
US5176041A (en) * 1990-06-01 1993-01-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Control transmitter
WO1991020072A1 (en) * 1990-06-15 1991-12-26 Empruve, Inc. System for displaying information
EP0762316A2 (en) * 1995-09-12 1997-03-12 Konami Co., Ltd. A multidirectional switch and a driving game machine using the same
EP0762316A3 (en) * 1995-09-12 1997-03-19 Konami Co., Ltd. A multidirectional switch and a driving game machine using the same
US5868620A (en) * 1995-09-12 1999-02-09 Konami Co., Ltd. Multidirectional switch and a driving game machine using the same
US6189401B1 (en) * 1996-05-18 2001-02-20 Penny & Giles Controls Ltd Electrical joystick controller
EP0872957A1 (en) * 1997-04-18 1998-10-21 Eaton Corporation Switch assembly
US5861796A (en) * 1997-04-18 1999-01-19 Easton Corporation Multiple position hall effect switch with lever actuator biasing mechanism
US20030115708A1 (en) * 1998-06-05 2003-06-26 Edwards Mark Stephen Method and apparatus for making articles having bristles
EP0991190A1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2000-04-05 Valeo Electronique Contactless switch for motor vehicle steering column
FR2784252A1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2000-04-07 Valeo Electronique CONTACTLESS SWITCH FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
EP1164607A3 (en) * 2000-06-02 2002-02-13 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Electric switch
EP1164607A2 (en) * 2000-06-02 2001-12-19 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Electric switch
US6593536B1 (en) * 2002-05-21 2003-07-15 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Multi-axis switch with redundant contacts
US6590171B1 (en) 2002-07-02 2003-07-08 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Hand control for machinery
US9220567B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2015-12-29 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Microsurgical robot system
US8396598B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2013-03-12 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Microsurgical robot system
US8170717B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2012-05-01 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Microsurgical robot system
US8041459B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2011-10-18 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Methods relating to microsurgical robot system
US8005571B2 (en) 2002-08-13 2011-08-23 Neuroarm Surgical Ltd. Microsurgical robot system
EP1411409A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-04-21 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force sense imparting type input apparatus
US6953901B2 (en) 2002-10-17 2005-10-11 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Force sense imparting type input apparatus
US20050066765A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Toshiya Otani Operation lever structure
US7129428B2 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-10-31 Penny & Giles Controls Limited Joystick controller
US20060191775A1 (en) * 2005-02-23 2006-08-31 Penny & Giles Controls Limited Joystick controller
WO2008064739A1 (en) * 2006-12-02 2008-06-05 Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Gmbh Joystick for a cargo loading system
US20120154569A1 (en) * 2009-08-28 2012-06-21 Indepth Pth Ltd Waterproof Housing And Control Arm
JP2011192284A (en) * 2011-03-23 2011-09-29 Hori Co Ltd Joystick structure
US20120260760A1 (en) * 2011-04-12 2012-10-18 Toyo Denso Co., Ltd. Joystick device
US8770056B2 (en) * 2011-04-12 2014-07-08 Toyo Denso Co., Ltd. Joystick device
US8820463B2 (en) 2011-09-27 2014-09-02 Shane Phillips Safety control systems and methods for heavy equipment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1031455A (en) 1978-05-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3818154A (en) Joystick type controller for switches
US4939320A (en) Self-setting switch-actuating assembly and method
KR0169952B1 (en) Gear position sensor
US5080619A (en) Engine control device
US4648497A (en) Single lever control
US5041855A (en) Lens assembly for automatic focusing cameras
US3919510A (en) Electrically controlled shift mechanism for marine propulsion units
US6047609A (en) Remote control mechanism
US4027555A (en) Engine transmission and speed control with warm-up interlock apparatus
GB1391991A (en) Actuating device for switchgear
US2639338A (en) Selector switch
US4101949A (en) Single control key for tape recorders
US5012577A (en) Shaving apparatus
JPH11348593A (en) Automatic transmission operating device having rotating knob
US2612049A (en) Universal motion actuator
US2890299A (en) Selector and indicator device
CA2126780A1 (en) Transmission X-Control Mechanism and Pivot Pin Therefor
JPS56164417A (en) Remote operating mechanism for speed changing gear
JPS58153873A (en) Control apparatus
US1446636A (en) Operating mechanism for inclosed push-button switches
JPS6120674Y2 (en)
US2531186A (en) Switching device
JPH03664Y2 (en)
JPS6233161Y2 (en)
JPS576452A (en) Cassette tape recorder