System for coupling control columns
First Claim
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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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for coupling at least two control columns (2A, 2B) of a control device (DC) of a machine, especially an aircraft. The coupling system includes for each of the columns (2A, 2B), at least one operating member (13A, 13B, 14A, 14B) capable of making the column (2A, 2B) tilt about an axis, and a calculation unit (CAL) receiving information relating to the position of tilt of the columns (2A, 2B) and generating, when at least one of the columns (2A, 2B) is operated, tilt commands which are transmitted to the operating member (13A, 13B, 14A, 14B) of the other column (2A, 2B).
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Citations
14 Claims
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification