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System for coupling control columns

  • US 5,900,710 A
  • Filed: 11/24/1997
  • Issued: 05/04/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for electrically coupling at least two control columns of a control device of a machine, said control columns being intended to be operated by separate operators and each being mounted so that it can tilt about at least one axis of tilting (X--X, Y--Y), said electrical coupling system comprising:

  • for each of said control columns, at least one tilt sensor delivering an electrical signal that is a function of the amplitude of tilting of said control column about its axis of tilting on either side of a neutral position;

    for each of said control columns, at least one operating member capable of acting, in accordance with commands received electrically, on said control column; and

    calculation means receiving the electrical signals generated by said tilt sensors and capable of sending electrically, on the basis of said electrical signals, on the one hand, commands to control members of the machine and, on the other hand, commands to said operating members,wherein;

    for each of said control columns there is also at least one mechanical or hydraulic means generating resistance to tilting when said control column is tilted, the amount of resistance being a function of the amplitude of said tilting, so as to produce a force sensation function;

    said calculation means can be activated and deactivated for generating the commands for said operating members;

    said operating members are commanded only when said calculation means are activated; and

    the commands for one operating member associated with one of said control columns always depend on the tilted position of the other control column so that the force sensation function and the function of coupling the control columns are separate, the force sensation function being achieved purely mechanically by the action of said mechanical or hydraulic means and the coupling function being achieved electrically by the action of said operating members.

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