GB2119067A - Control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A requirement can often arise for data to be entered into an apparatus by means of a manually operable control device, such as a hand lever able to move in two perpendicular directions. This may cause fatigue in an operator after a relatively short period of time. The likelihood of fatigue can be reduced by providing an arm support structure as shown in Figure 2. A member 4, which is covered with a layer of resilient padding 5, provides support for the operator's forearm. The member 4 is attached to a block 7 surrounding and locating a bush 8 which is slidably mounted on a shaft 9. Thus the member 4 is movable in one of the directions required to operate the hand lever. Two helical springs 14 and 15 serve to hold the member 4 in a rest position. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Control apparatus A requirement can often arise for information or data to be entered into a system or apparatus by means of a manually operable control device. Such a requirement exists, in for example, a gunnery system, in which the pointing direction of a gun barrel is positioned by means of a movable lever. The lever can be pivotably mounted after the manner of a joy-stick having four degrees of freedom, and the need to maintain precise positional accuracy causes fatigue in an operator after a relatively short period of time.

This invention seeks to reduce the likelihood of fatigue by providing a control apparatus in which this difficulty is reduced, whilst permitting satisfactory control to be applied normally.

According to this invention a control apparatus inciudes a hand operated control device which is movable in at least one direction, and an elongate arm support which is shaped in a direction transverse to its length so as to provide lateral support and which is movable towards and away from the hand operated control device.

It is possible for the operator to exercise control by moving the control device without changing the position of his arm on the arm support since the arm support is able to move in the same direction as the control device. Therefore the arm may be supported in the correct position during movement of the control device whilst retaining its position relative to the arm support.

Preferably the arm rest has a curved shape so as to conveniently accept the arm of the operator.

The curvature of the arm support is such that the arm may be comfortably accommodated and it may have one side higher than the other to give further lateral support where it is required.

Thus the arm support could consist of a base which is part cylindricai from which a side extension is upstanding to provide the support necessary for the arm. The operator can therefore move the control device in two directions whilst still keeping his arm supported, since in addition to the arm support being able to actually move along one direction, the operator is also easily able to roll his arm to obtain movement in a direction perpendicular to the first because of the curved surface of the arm support. The arm support also gives a degree of alignmentforthe arm with the directions of movement of the control device and provides a reference position for the operator.

Preferably resiliently deformable means are provided to urge the arm support towards a rest position. This assists an operator in holding the hand operated control device in a stable position. Preferably again the resilientiy deformable means comprise a pair of springs acting against each other to return the arm support to its rest position.

It is also possible to lock the arm support in position when operation of the control device is not required so that a stable support is provided to reduce fatigue.

Padding material on the upper surface of the arm support supplies more comfort and prevents the operator's arm from slipping.

The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a control apparatus in accordance with the invention, Figure2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the arm support; and Figure 3 is a transverse cross-section of the arm support.

The apparatus consists of a hand control device 1 together with an arm support structure 2. It forms part of the gun control system of a battle tank.

The hand control device 1 is in use held by an operator and is movable in two mutually perpendicular directions, movement in each direction controlling a different function. Movement of the control device 1 is arranged to generate gun control signals which are utilised to control elevation of the gun barrel and rotation of the turret. Also provided is a button 3 included in the hand control device 1 which enables gun control signals to be generated only whilst it is depressed and which is held down during operation by the operator.

The arm support structure 2 includes an elongate plastic member 4 on which the operator's forearm rests, and a mechanism which allows a certain degree of translation to and fro movement of the member 4. The member 4 is a semi-cylindrical surface with a radius of curvature which enables the arm to be comfortably accommodated when placed on top of it and also has an upstanding extension 41 on that side of the member 4 which is furthest from the operator's body. This provides the support needed by the arm when it is in the position required for tracking a target and controlling the gun. The length of the member 4 is of such a length as to support the whole of the forearm. The top surface of the member 4 is covered with a layer of resilient padding 5 which gives greater comfort and which aids the arm to stay in position.

The member 4 is a fixed by four screws 6 (of which only two are visible) on a block 7 which surrounds and locates bush 8. The bush 8 is slidably mounted on a shaft 9, which is held in position by end plates 10. Thus the block 7, and hence the member 4, is able to move in the direction of the axis X of the shaft 9. This mechanism is made of bearing steel and has an aluminium casing, the cover plates 11 of which are shown. Two helical springs 14 and 15 are mounted on the shaft 9, one on each side of the bush 8. Both springs 14 and 15 bear against respective end plates 10 so that they are both held in compression. They serve to hold the arm support structure 2 in a rest position which is defined by the point at which both springs 14 and 15 are in equalibrium.The spring pressure is such that the structure 2 can be fairly easily moved to facilitate operation of the hand control device 1, but the structure 2 returns to its rest position when the operator relaxes.

The arm support structure 2 is positioned so that the operator can easily grip the hand control device 1 whilst resting his arm on the member 4 and is aligned so that the direction of movement of the hand control device 1 (as indicated by arrow 12) which controls the elevation of the gun barrel is in the direction of the axis X. Thus the operator is able to move the hand control device 1 to control elevation without moving the position of his arm along the member 4. Since the member 4 is curved it is also easy for the operator to move the hand control device 1 in a direction perpendicular to the first by simply rolling his arm, (i.e. to move the hand control device 1 in the direction of arrow 13) and the thus control the position of the turret.

The amount of movement required by the member 4 is governed by the degree of movement permitted by the hand control device 1. When the operator does not require to use the hand control device 1 the member 4 can be locked in a fixed position on the shaft 9 by means not shown, but which could comprise a wing nut assembly or the like.

Thus this invention provides support for the operator's arm even during movement of the hand control device 1, and hence eases the fatigue which is produced by operation over long periods of time.

Also the ability to lock the movement mechanism when operation is not needed provides a stable support for the arm when resting. This invention also gives some degree of alignment for the arm when elevating the gun barrel and provides a reference position when controlling turret rotation.

Claims (9)

1. A control apparatus including a hand operated control device which is movable in at least one direction, and an elongate arm support which is shaped in a direction transverse to its length so as to provide lateral support and which is movable towards and away from the hand operated control device.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the arm support is part-cylindrical.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and including a portion upstanding from one side of the arm support.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 and wherein resiliently deformable means are provided to urge the arm support towards a rest position.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and wherein the resiliently deformable means comprise a pair of springs acting against each other to return the arm support to its rest position.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims and wherein means are provided for locking the arm support in a fixed position.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim and wherein an upper surface of the arm support is covered by padding material.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims and wherein the hand control device is movable in two mutually perpendicular directions.

9. Control apparatus substantially as illustrated in and described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

9. Control apparatus substantially as illustrated in and described with reference to the accompany ing drawing.

New claims filed on 12th April 1983 New Claims: CLAIMS

1. A control apparatus including a hand operated control device which is movable in at least one direction, and an elongate arm support which is shaped in a direction transverse to its length so as to provide lateral support and which is movable during operation of the control device towards and away from the hand operated control device.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the arm support is part-cylindrical.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and including a portion upstanding from one side of the arm support.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,2 or3 and wherein resiliently deformable means are provided to urge the arm support towards a rest position.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 and wherein the resiliently deformable means comprise a pair of springs acting against each other to return the arm support to its rest position.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims and wherein means are provided for locking the arm support in a fixed position.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim and wherein an upper surface of the arm support is covered by padding material.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims and wherein the hand control device is movable in two mutually perpendicular directions.