EP1507184A2 - Device for controlling by means of interaction with an operator's hand - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a zone of interaction (3) with index finger of a hand of an operator, a conformation surface (1) in a zone of interaction (2) with thumb of the operator. The interaction zones have an activation switch oriented approximately in a direction of thumb or the index finger for avoiding the displacement of the thumb during activation of the switch.

Description

The invention relates to a control device by interaction with the hand operator, including a driver of machinery, equipment or machinery multiple functions.

EP 1.283.535 A2 describes a hand control for a vehicle remote control. This hand control for an underwater vehicle Remote controlled has left, right and vertical pushers. The command hand can be taken between the fingers and the palm of the hand. An adjustable lever is mounted to be operated by the thumb, and is configured to provide command for the right and left thrust members of the vehicle ordered to distance. A two-position button is mounted to be controlled by the index finger. The two positions respectively provide control signals to make up or down the remotely controlled vehicle.

The hand control of EP 1.283.535 A2, however, the disadvantage that the effort of setting or tightening causes fatigue and clenching of the hand that must remain tight on the device.

Hand control handles of known type, generally present the disadvantage of requiring a clamping or an interactive grip of the handle or the body of the control handle to enable effective actions of the operator.

Thus, all the existing control handles, usable for driving in particular of construction machinery, agricultural machinery, trolleys telescopic, has the major disadvantage of causing excessive fatigue of the hand resulting from the necessary clenching of the operator's fingers on the handle of the handle.

A first object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the technique known, by proposing a new device avoiding the clenching of the fingers of the operator.

DE 94 17 838 discloses an actuating control device manual, with multiple control channels, having a conformation to be grasped from above and adapted to the whole of the hand, and possessing a switching arranged and shaped to be operated by the thumb, when the hand holds or rests on said conformation.

The device of document DE 94 17 838 generally gives satisfaction, but not allow a fast interaction with the fingers of an operator driving a machine, equipment or machinery working continuously or at speeds high actuation.

A second object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic device enabling a quick release of the fingers, so as to quickly trigger functions multiples by action of several fingers of the hand.

A third object of the invention is to propose a new device allowing a natural interaction of the operator's hand in the performance of functions multiple.

The invention relates to a control device by interaction with the hand of a operator, including a driver of machinery, equipment or machinery multiple functions, with a conformation of interaction with the palm of the hand, so as to avoid clenching the operator's fingers on the device, while allowing an interaction of the palm and fingers of the operator with the device for performing multiple functions, characterized by the fact that the interaction conformation presents substantially oriented actuator means in the direction of the thumb and forefinger of the operator, so as to avoid any effort sideways on the thumb or forefinger and so as to avoid any movement of the palm of the hand during an actuation.

• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main est au moins localement sensiblement en forme de selle ;
• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main est sensiblement en forme de paraboloïde hyperbolique ;
• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main présente une face avec une zone d'interaction avec le pouce de la main de l'opérateur ;
• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main se prolonge à l'avant par une zone d'interaction avec l'index de la main de l'opérateur ;
• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main se raccorde vers le bas à une zone d'interaction avec le majeur de la main de l'opérateur ;
• au moins une zone d'interaction avec un doigt de la main de l'opérateur est pourvue d'au moins un organe commandable par ce doigt ;
• l'organe commandable par un doigt de la main de l'opérateur est choisi dans la liste suivante : boutons actionneurs, boutons à plusieurs positions, molettes de réglage, molettes proportionnelles, interrupteurs, ou organes analogues ;
• la conformation d'interaction avec la paume de la main est agencée pour basculer le dispositif selon une direction choisie par l'opérateur pour accomplir une action simple ou combinée désirée par l'opérateur ;
• le dispositif est monté à basculement selon plusieurs directions correspondant à une fonction ou à une combinaison de fonctions simultanées.

According to other features of the invention:

• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is at least locally substantially saddle-shaped;
• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is substantially in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid;
• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand has a face with an interaction zone with the thumb of the hand of the operator;
• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is extended to the front by an interaction zone with the index finger of the operator's hand;
• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is connected downwards to an interaction zone with the middle finger of the operator's hand;
• at least one interaction zone with a finger of the hand of the operator is provided with at least one member controllable by this finger;
• the member controllable by a finger of the hand of the operator is selected from the following list: actuator buttons, multi-position buttons, adjusting wheels, proportional knobs, switches, or the like;
• the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is arranged to tilt the device in a direction chosen by the operator to perform a simple or combined action desired by the operator;
• the device is tiltably mounted in several directions corresponding to a function or a combination of simultaneous functions.

• La figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue en élévation latérale dans le sens de la flèche 1 de la figure 2 d'un dispositif de commande selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un dispositif de commande selon l'invention.
• La figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue en élévation latérale dans le sens III de la figure 2 d'un dispositif de commande selon l'invention.
• La figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective illustrant l'interaction de la main de l'opérateur avec un dispositif de commande selon l'invention.
• La figure 5 représente schématiquement un tableau explicatif de multiples fonctions pouvant être réalisés à l'aide d'un dispositif de commande selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood from the following description given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 schematically shows a side elevational view in the direction of the arrow 1 of Figure 2 of a control device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 schematically represents a view from above of a control device according to the invention.
• Figure 3 schematically shows a side elevational view in the direction III of Figure 2 of a control device according to the invention.
• FIG. 4 schematically represents a perspective view illustrating the interaction of the hand of the operator with a control device according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 diagrammatically represents an explanatory table of multiple functions that can be realized using a control device according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the elements that are identical or functionally equivalents are identified by identical reference numbers.

In FIG. 1, the control device according to the invention has a upper conformation substantially in the form of inclined saddle or substantially shaped hyperbolic paraboloid. This superior conformation allows a free support of the palm of the hand, to operate the whole device in a multitude of radial directions.

On the face 1 of the conformation is provided a zone 2, delimited in dashed lines, interaction with the thumb of the operator's hand.

Zone 2 thus makes it possible, in particular, to mount several actuator buttons. positions, self-adjusting thumbwheels, adjustment knobs proportional switches, multi-position switches or any other which can be controlled by an inch, for example displacement members linear slider type, with automatic recall or not.

The implementation of the actuator means in the zone 2 is carried out angularly, to allow thumb actuation by means of a movement of flexion / extension, without lateral effort on the thumb and without moving the palm of the hand.

In the case of tilting actuator means with several positions, the orientation substantially angular of these tilting means leads to predict one or more axes A pivoting or tilting oriented substantially transversely to the direction of the thumb being actuated.

In FIG. 2, the front of the conformation of the device according to the present invention a curved zone 3 delimited in dotted lines of interaction with the index of the operator, when the palm of the hand rests on the superior conformation of the device substantially in the form of an inclined saddle or substantially hyperbolic paraboloid form.

Because the operator's thumb and forefinger are fully relaxed and available to actuate control devices, no fatigue of tension or tightening does not impede or reduce the actions of the operator.

Zone 3 delimited in dashed lines also allows the assembly of all types of organs that can be controlled or actuated by an index: zone 3 allows and in particular the mounting of actuator buttons with several positions, recoil adjustment dials, proportional adjustment knobs, multi-position switches or any other controllable device by an index.

The implementation of the actuator means in zone 3 is carried out substantially longitudinally, so as to allow actuation by the index with the aid of a flexion / extension movement, without lateral effort on the index and without displacement from the palm of the hand.

In the case of tilting actuator means with several positions, the orientation substantially longitudinal implantation of these tilting means leads to provide one or more oriented pivoting or tilting axes B substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the device and to the direction of the index being actuated.

In FIG. 3, the device according to the invention has below the conformation resting the palm of the hand a hollow area 4 delimited in dashed lines, interaction with the middle finger of the operator's hand.

Zone 4 delimited by dashed lines allows the assembly of all types of organs which can be controlled by a major:: zone 4 allows, in particular, the assembly of multi-position actuator buttons, recoil adjustment knobs automatic, proportional adjustment knobs, position switches multiple or any other organ that can be controlled by a major.

Due to the free support and rest of the palm of the hand on the upper part substantially saddle-shaped, the middle finger of the operator's hand is also relaxed and does not suffer any tightening tension.

The principle of delimitation of preferential interaction zones with a finger determined by the hand of an operator can also be extended without departing from the scope of the present invention to the other fingers of the operator. Thus, it is possible to to design devices according to the invention adapted particularly to hands particular, for example to an operator's hand whose major would have been amputated or partially hilly. It is also possible, without going outside the scope of the the present invention, to design devices according to the invention adapted to the hand left of a left-handed operator, or even used by one hand left or right hand with a new assignment or reprogramming of the corresponding functions.

However, the usually preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is the embodiment providing the interaction of the palm of the hand with the device, and two or three fingers of the operator's hand with the device, these two or three fingers being usually selected from the group including thumb, forefinger and middle finger.

In FIG. 4, the hand of an operator is shown in a position overlapping the saddle conformation of a device according to the invention.

The natural position of the thumb, forefinger and middle finger allows the hollow of the palm to build on the superior conformation and ensure an ergonomic balance of the hand of the operator on the device according to the invention.

The device according to the invention can be used independently, because no clenching or finger tightening fatigue is usually to fear. However, in the case of machines in motion or vibration, by example in the case of telehandlers, it is appropriate to provide a second support for the forearm of the operator, in order to avoid the transmission of vibrations of moving machines to the muscles of the forearm and the hand.

This is why, in combination with the device according to the invention, an armrest for resting the forearm of the operator and filtering parasitic vibrations that can be transmitted to the forearm.

In FIG. 5, the table represented indicates by lines the functions intended to be performed by part of the hand of an operator, for example a driver of telehandler with telescopic arm.

The first line 10 indicates the functions performed by interaction of the palm of the operator with the device according to the invention.

When the machine is operating in the handling mode, the palm of the hand allows to switch the device according to the invention in an infinite number of directions presenting four main axes: the tilting of the device towards the front corresponds to the lowering of the telescopic arm, the tilting of the device to the rear corresponds when lifting the telescopic arm, tilting the device to the left corresponds to the receding of the apron, the tilting of the device to the right corresponds to the dumping of the apron, the tilting of the device according to a any direction corresponds to a combined action proportionally to the orientation of the device with respect to the main axes.

The second line 11 indicates the functions performed by interaction of the thumb of the operator with the device according to the invention.

The exit or re-entry movement of the telescope can in any case be adjusted to a desired exit or rewind speed with the help of a thumbwheel proportional to automatic return on release.

Another knob, knob or optional member may be provided, either for the command at a desired speed by the thumb of a first work accessory function placed at the top of the arrow and intended to complete the action of the working member carried by the telescopic arm, either for controlling a second accessory function additional placed at the top of the arrow. proportional to automatic return on relaxation. This other button can lock the work accessory on the apron, or check the hydraulic flow of the corresponding accessory cylinder using a proportional electric control.

The third line 12 indicates the functions performed by interaction of the index of the operator with the device according to the invention.

The mobility functions of the machine are activated when the operator index operates on a three position stable changeover button to operate the machine in forward motion, stop it in a neutral position, or operate it in reverse.

The up and down speed control of the gearbox can be staged using another push button or other body command operated by the index, as shown on line 12. This command staged shifting gearbox can be performed as well uphill only downhill speed, and preferably under load.

The fourth line 13 indicates the functions performed by interaction of the middle finger of the operator with the device according to the invention.

An optional button or command that can be operated by the middle finger ensures a distribution at will of the hydraulic flows between one or the other cylinders accessory placed at the top of the arrow, so as to activate the first function work accessory placed at the top of the arrow, actuated by the thumb, and indicated on line 11, or to activate the second additional accessory function placed at the top of the arrow, actuated by the thumb, and indicated on line 11.

Flow distributions and power functions or auxiliary functions can be modified simultaneously by combinations of the functions of the buttons or organs operated by the palm or fingers of the operator.

Preferably, the device according to the invention can be combined with a table of edge illustrating the real-time operation of the machine and sending visual, vocal or acoustic messages to warn the operator of positions or critical situations, for example when there is a stability limit for the machine.

Also, the operation of the device according to the invention can be limited by hardware stops or software commands that constantly ensure Safe operation of a machine controlled by a device according to the invention.

• sortie ou rentrée du télescope par l'action du pouce, et mobilité de la machine par l'action de l'index ;
• sortie ou rentrée du télescope par l'action du pouce, et changement de vitesse d'avancement par l'action de l'index ;
• ouverture ou fermeture de l'accessoire premier par l'action du pouce, et mobilité de la machine par l'action de l'index ;
• ouverture ou fermeture de l'accessoire premier par l'action du pouce, et changement de vitesse d'avancement par l'action de l'index ;
• sélection du second accessoire par le majeur, et ouverture ou fermeture de ce second accessoire par l'action du pouce, et mobilité de la machine par l'action de l'index ;
• sélection du second accessoire par le majeur, et ouverture ou fermeture de ce second accessoire par l'action du pouce, et changement de vitesse d'avancement par l'action de l'index.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the following functions can be activated simultaneously with the tilting of the device by the action of the palm:

• exit or re-entry of the telescope by the action of the thumb, and mobility of the machine by the action of the index finger;
• exit or re-entry of the telescope by the action of the thumb, and change of speed of advance by the action of the index;
• opening or closing of the first accessory by the action of the thumb, and mobility of the machine by the action of the index finger;
• opening or closing the first accessory by the action of the thumb, and change of speed of advancement by the action of the index;
• selection of the second accessory by the major, and opening or closing of the second accessory by the action of the thumb, and mobility of the machine by the action of the index;
• selection of the second accessory by the major, and opening or closing of the second accessory by the action of the thumb, and change of speed of advancement by the action of the index.

The invention described with reference to several particular embodiments, is not by no means limited, but on the contrary covers any change in form and any variant of embodiment within the scope and spirit of the invention, the essential being free the operator's fingers and hand to allow effective interaction and without clenching or tightening fatigue of the operator's fingers with the device according to the invention.

Claims (10)

Control device by interaction with the hand of an operator, in particular of a machine operator, of equipment or machine with multiple functions, having an interaction shape with the palm of the hand, so as to avoid the tightening fingers of the operator on the device, while permitting interaction of the palm and fingers of the operator with the device for the performance of multiple functions, characterized in that the interaction conformation has actuator means oriented substantially in the direction of the thumb or forefinger of the operator, so as to avoid any movement of the palm of the hand during actuation. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is at least locally substantially saddle-shaped. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is substantially shaped hyperbolic paraboloid. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand has a face (1) with an area (2) of interaction with the thumb of the hand of the hand. operator. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is extended at the front by an area (3) of interaction with the index of the hand of the hand. operator. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is connected downwards to an area (4) of interaction with the middle finger of the operator's hand. . Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one zone (2 or 3 or 4) of interaction with a finger of the hand of the operator is provided with at least one member commandable by this finger. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the member controllable by a finger of the hand of the operator is selected from the following list: actuator buttons, multi-position buttons, adjustment wheels, proportional knobs, switches, or analogous organs. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction conformation with the palm of the hand is arranged to tilt the device in a direction chosen by the operator to perform a simple or combined action desired by the operator. 'operator. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the device is mounted to tilt in several directions corresponding to a function or a combination of simultaneous functions.

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