EP2341410B1 - Joystick with compensation springs and method of making same. - Google Patents

Description

The field of the invention is that of interactive entertainment equipment and accessories for microcomputers and game consoles.

More specifically, the invention relates to joysticks, and accessories using a joystick. The term "joystick" is intended here more specifically devices also known as "joystick" (and not similar devices of reduced size, sometimes called "mini-sticks", and can be mounted for example on a controller) . Such joysticks weigh at least 200 grams (for smaller joysticks, consisting mainly of lightweight materials), and sometimes several kilograms.

Joysticks have been known for decades. Schematically, they comprise a base, or a base, on which is mounted a movable handle in two x, y directions, defining a plane parallel to the base, and perpendicular to the _neutral Z axis defined by the handle when it is at rest. .

Motion detection and measurement means are provided in the base. Thus, the movements applied to the handle by a user are detected, then generally converted into digital signals and transmitted wired or non-wired to a data processing device, such as a computer or game console, so that the latter interprets these movements of the handle according to the software used.

Several motion detection techniques have been proposed. In particular, four contacts were initially used, distributed in crosses along the x and y axes. Several techniques are now used to define more precisely the position of the handle relative to the base, for example based on potentiometers or Hall effect sensors, allowing a non-contact position detection.

The joysticks comprise biasing means, tending to return the handle to a central position, or neutral position, when no effort is applied to it. It can in particular be a coil spring acting on a piece secured to the handle and movable in the base. Various mounting variants of such a spring are illustrated for example in the documents DE-10 2005 012 883 , US-5,891,462 , US 2007 / 026,959 , US 2009/0295724 A1 .

In general, the mounting of the spring, and therefore the parts on which it is supported, are defined so as to ensure sufficient resistance, but not too important, when the lever is moved by the player, in particular in positions d maximum inclination, with respect to the axis of the handle in the neutral position (said neutral axis, z axis _n or _neutral z axis). Another important aspect is that the spring must ensure a fast and accurate return to the neutral position, when the handle is released, without imprecision around the neutral position, or rebound effect around this position.

To meet these requirements, the spring must have a sufficiently high voltage. However, this may pose problems of precision, and / or felt, in the manipulations performed by the user, particularly when the latter wishes to make movements of low amplitude, in the vicinity of the neutral position (also called position rest). Indeed, in this area, the force applied by the spring is felt significantly, and sometimes annoying for manipulation of the handle. However, it is not possible to reduce the force applied by the spring, the latter being necessary to effectively bring back the handle in the neutral position, when the handle has been strongly inclined.

In addition, the joysticks of the prior art encounter bounce problems around the neutral position of the handle when the user suddenly releases the joystick due in particular to the significant tension of the spring. The rebound effect occurs, for example, if the handle is placed in the vicinity of the neutral position and if the user suddenly releases the handle.

The invention particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a joystick with improved precision and / or feel for use.

Thus, according to at least one embodiment, an object of the invention is to provide such a joystick, to act accurately, comfortably and ergonomically on the joystick handle, especially when it is in the vicinity of the neutral position.

Another object of the invention, according to at least one embodiment, is to provide such a joystick whose size is relatively small.

Yet another object, according to at least one embodiment of the invention, is to provide such a joystick which is simple to assemble, and / or which uses a limited number of parts to assemble compared to known techniques.

Another object of the invention is to provide, at least according to one embodiment, a joystick that can be used with a handle, whatever its weight, while offering a better ease of handling, including in the vicinity of the neutral position.

Another object of the invention is to provide, at least according to one embodiment, a joystick which limits the rebound effects in the vicinity of the neutral position.

These objectives, as well as others that will appear later, are achieved with the aid of a joystick comprising a movable handle relative to a base at least in rotation about two axes and first return means placed between said base and a movable member acting on said handle, tending to return said handle to a neutral position.

According to the invention, the joystick further comprises compensation means as defined in claim 1.

These compensation means, which can be mounted between said base and said movable element, and which can, depending on the configuration, provide total or partial compensation, thus make it possible to limit or even cancel the force applied on the handle by the first return means, in particular when the handle is in an area close to the neutral position. Thus, the user can act fine and precise on the handle in this area. The joystick therefore offers the user a better feeling, without harming the effectiveness of the first recall means.

In addition, these compensation means make it possible to limit the rebound effect in the vicinity of the neutral position. For example, if a user suddenly releases the handle, the compensation means dampen the rebound.

In addition, the compensation means make it possible to limit the effects of mechanical clearances. The user no longer perceives a game, because of the presence of these means of compensation.

A joystick according to the invention also makes it possible, because of the presence of the compensation means, to use this joystick with a handle mounted on the handle, regardless of the weight of this handle. Indeed, a joystick with a heavy handle, for example metal (especially steel), requires to provide first return means having a large return force, to be able to bring the handle in a neutral position. In addition, these first return means must be large enough (powerful) to prevent the joystick does not spontaneously pivot under the effect of its own weight.

The compensation means make it possible to relieve the weight of the assembly formed by the handle and the handle, by compensating (in whole or in part, according to the characteristics of the compensation means, for example, for a compression spring, as a function of their stiffness, their free height (without load), their height under a given load, and their minimum height (loaded block)) the forces exerted by the first return means in the vicinity of the neutral position. Also, the user of such a heavy joystick comprising the compensation means according to the invention can easily handle the joystick, including near the neutral, despite the presence of powerful first return means.

According to a particular embodiment, said compensation means comprise second return means, mounted between said base and said movable member, and applying thereon a force partially compensating for the force applied by said first biasing means.

This approach is relatively simple to implement, and effective in practice. In particular, said second return means may comprise at least one second metal coil spring.

Thus, when said movable member is a support movable in translation parallel to the neutral axis of said handle, acting on a part secured to said handle, and that it is mounted on columns parallel to the neutral axis of said handle, each of said columns can carry a second coil spring on each of said columns.

The assembly is then very simple, the second springs being simply threaded on the columns.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the joystick comprises at least one ball joint comprising two patella elements of substantially the same radius, namely a head and a cup, one of the elements being able to pivot around the center of the other element, a first of said ball elements being fixed relative to said base and having an inner space, and a second of said ball elements being integral with said handle, and in contact with said movable member.

This approach using two patella elements substantially of the same radius to ensure the mobility of the handle relative to the base at least in rotation about two axes is advantageous compared to an approach using a universal joint to ensure this mobility. Joysticks using a universal joint have a mechanical play near the neutral position of the handle. It is difficult to engage a low amplitude rotation (a small rotation angle) with respect to one or two axes (for example, one of the rotations engages but not the other, or a rotation engages around the wrong axis) or to stop a rotation of small amplitude relative to an axis. They are therefore less maneuverable in the vicinity of the neutral position, which is particularly troublesome (for example, for refueling replenishment operations where the approach of the funnel basket of the tanker aircraft requires great finesse, low amplitude movements. They are also less manoeuvrable in the extreme positions (for example, when passing a maximum positive inclination along the x axis and zero along the y axis, to a maximum positive inclination along the y axis and zero according to n l axis x).

Said handle may in particular have an extension penetrating into said interior space, the lower end of said extension of said handle moving in said interior space and carrying at least one sensor and / or at least one magnet of a motion detection assembly by effect Lobby.

Thus, either the head or the cup has an opening into which an extension of said handle penetrates. The "head" and the "cup" (these terms are used by analogy for example with the field of prostheses) define a patella. However, either the head is open, so as to allow the movement of the extension of the handle, inside this head; either the cup is open, so as to allow the movement of the extension of the handle, inside this cup.

In other words, the joystick comprises at least one ball joint comprising two ball elements substantially of the same radius, namely a head and a cup, one being able to pivot about the center of the other, a first of said ball elements being fixed with respect to said base and having an interior space, and a second of said ball elements being integral with said handle, and an extension of said handle enters said interior space, the lower end of said extension of said handle moving in said interior space and carrying at least one sensor and / or at least one magnet of a Hall effect motion detection assembly.

The interior space is therefore a free space, inside which the lower end of the handle moves. It is circumscribed in a sphere, defined by the outline of the patella, and in particular the head (in other words, the end lower handle moves into a free area inside the patella, not under it).

The lower end of the handle, and the element (or the elements) of detection that it carries, can in particular be placed, at rest, substantially in the center of this sphere (thus in the center of the head) to allow a large deflection . The element (or elements) of additional detection, fixed relative to the base, can also be housed inside the patella.

This structure allows a simple and compact assembly, and an effective measurement of displacements, and for example magnetic fields, if Hall effect detection is used.

According to one particular embodiment, the joystick comprises a pivoting piece pivotally mounted in said interior space on two bearings, and cooperating with said extension.

This approach ensures effective control of this movement of the end of the handle.

• obtention d'une partie inférieure dudit socle ;
• mise en place desdits premiers moyens de rappel ou desdits moyens de compensation ;
• mise en place dudit élément mobile ;
• mise en place desdits moyens de compensation ou desdits premiers moyens de rappel ;
• fermeture dudit socle, par rapport à une partie supérieure dudit socle et solidarisation de cette dernière à ladite partie inférieure.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a joystick as described above. Such a method notably comprises the following steps:

• obtaining a lower portion of said base;
• setting up said first biasing means or said compensating means;
• setting up said mobile element;
• setting up said compensating means or said first return means;
• closing said base, relative to an upper portion of said base and securing the latter to said lower part.

The invention also relates to game controllers comprising at least one joystick as described above.

• la figure 1 illustre un exemple de module de joystick selon l'invention, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 2 et 3 sont deux vues en coupe, respectivement selon les axes x et y, du module de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la pièce de bascule visible sur les figures 2 et 3 ;
• la figure 5 illustre un joystick selon les figures 1 à 3, sans sa paroi latérale, de façon à distinguer les différents moyens de rappel ;
• la figure 6 présente schématiquement les étapes principales du montage d'un module tel qu'illustré par les figures 1 à 4.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment. preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

• the figure 1 illustrates an example of a joystick module according to the invention, according to a first embodiment;
• the figures 2 and 3 are two cross-sectional views, respectively along the x and y axes, of the module of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the toggle piece visible on the figures 2 and 3 ;
• the figure 5 illustrates a joystick according to Figures 1 to 3 without its side wall, so as to distinguish the various return means;
• the figure 6 presents schematically the main steps of the assembly of a module as illustrated by the Figures 1 to 4 .

The invention therefore relates to a new joystick, relatively simple to manufacture and having a high accuracy and offering a good feeling for users, especially in the vicinity of the neutral position.

The embodiment described below relates to a Hall effect joystick. It is clear however that other types of joysticks can advantageously implement the solution of the invention.

An example of the mechanical system of the invention is described below in the form of a module that can then be dressed, using external design elements, for example, in the case of a "joystick", using an ergonomic casing (or casing) and a handle with an ergonomic covering (this handle can be screwed to the upper end of the handle; so that this handle is fixed but removably). This housing and this handle can carry various complementary elements, such as interface means (buttons, actuators, potentiometers, ...), signal processing and transmission means, information retrieval means (LEDs , vibrators, return of force ...), elements of ballast, ...

Such a module according to the invention can also be put in place, the case in several copies, on a game controller.

The claims relate both to the modules as subsequently described as such, as joysticks, or game controllers incorporating one or more modules. The claims, however, do not concern devices of reduced size such as mini-sticks that are integrated or intended to be integrated into the joysticks, for which most of the problems that the invention aims to solve do not arise.

The figure 1 schematically presents such a module. It comprises a base, or base element 11, formed of a lower capsule 111, an upper cap 112 and a side wall 113. The caps are for example made of stainless steel.

A handle 12 can move relative to the base 11, in the plane x, y. For this, an opening 13 is formed in the upper capsule 112.

The axis defined by the handle 12 will subsequently be called the axis. When it is in its rest position, or neutral position, this axis is called z _n , or z is _neutral . This axis z _n is perpendicular to the plane x, y.

As it appears on the sectional views of figures 2 and 3 , which respectively correspond to sections along two perpendicular axes x and y, the module comprises a fixed head 21, on which a cup 22 is supported. This head 21 and this cup 22 form a ball joint, the cup being able to pivot about the center of the head.

The head 21 is formed in a part (made for example of polyoxymethylene (POM) filled with Teflon (registered trademark)) having a securing zone 211 with the lower capsule 111, and a connecting zone, for example cylindrical, 217 '. extending between the head itself (that is to say the partially spherical surface on which the cup is supported) and the fastening zone 211.

The fastening zone 211 is secured to the lower capsule 111, for example by means of screws 23. It could also be made, for example, by gluing, or even directly molded or overmolded on the lower capsule 111.

The cup, or cupola, 22, is mounted on the handle 12, so as to control, in the form of rotations, the movements applied by the user to this handle.

An extension 25 is formed in the extension of the handle 12, to extend along the z axis, inside the cup 22.

The part formed by the handle 12, the cup 22 and the extension 25 may be formed, for example by molding or overmoulding, in the same piece. The handle and its extension may be hollow, which allows in particular the passage of electrical son and place an electrical connector (for example a female connector) at the end of the upper end of the handle 12 for the transmission of electrical signals between the handle 12 and said handle, the latter then also having an electrical connector (eg a female connector) at its lower end.

This piece can in particular be made of polyamide (PA 45% CFV for example).

The head 21 thus has a spherical shape truncated at its upper part, which has a flared opening 213, inside which the extension 25 can penetrate. The dimensions and the edges of this opening 213 can be advantageously adapted to serve as stops. at the extension 25, in the extreme inclination positions of the handle 12.

The opening 213 in the head 21 is extended by a substantially cylindrical zone 212, inside which moves the end 251 of the extension 25, which is provided with a magnet 26. The opening 213 and the cylindrical zone 212 define an interior space of the ball (and in this case the head), inside which penetrates the extension 25, so that its end 251 in particular, and therefore the magnet 26, moves inside. of this interior space. It can therefore be seen that the displacement of this magnet 26 takes place inside the head 21, and in particular that the interior space 212 is circumscribed in a sphere defined by the surface of the head 21, when it is prolonged fictitiously.

At the bottom of the zone 212 is mounted a Hall sensor 27, which is for example a triaxial sensor, as proposed by Melexis (registered trademark).

Thus, according to this embodiment, the Hall effect measuring unit (magnet 26 and sensor 27) is housed inside the ball joint, that is to say the sphere defined by the surface of the head. 21.

This Hall effect sensor 27 is mounted on a printed circuit 28, or PCB, secured to the head 21. The presence of a triaxial sensor, or 3D, provides a very good accuracy.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the space extending under this printed circuit 28, since the lower capsule 111, is a free space 24, accessible in particular for the adjustments and the calibration of the sensor 27 and / or for the passage of cables. A piece 29 (for example a screw or a cover) can then be brought into this space 24, to seal it.

In order to prevent the handle 12 from rotating on itself, it is possible to provide a rocker element 210, which allows the handle 12 to rock in the desired directions, but not to rotate around itself, around the z axis. . An example of this rocker piece 210, which can also help to prevent height variations of the magnet 26, is more precisely illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

It comprises on the one hand two circular openings 41 and 42, able to cooperate with two bearings 31, 32, formed in the head 21. These bearings allow the tilts in a direction x (if we consider that the bearings extend along the y axis).

Along this axis y, the rocker part 210 furthermore comprises an oblong opening 43 inside which the extension 25 can move, along the axis y.

Thus, thanks to this piece of rocker 210, it is possible to control the tilting of the handle 12 along the two axes x and y, and thus in the plane (x, y), without the handle 12 rotating about its axis z .

This piece can in particular be made of polyamide (PA 45% CFV for example).

Of course, this rocker piece could be made substantially differently, always allowing two degrees of freedom in rotation, for example in the form of a universal joint whose one of the forks is fixed to the fixed spherical head and the other at the extension of the handle.

The fact that the magnet 26 is placed, for example by embedding, at the end 251 of the extension, allows a direct transfer of the movement of the handle, without any mechanical intermediary.

We do not detail the calculation of the positioning of this magnet, made by the sensor 27, which is known in itself. The sensor 27, which may be a commercial sensor, delivers a digital signal representative of this position.

It is understood that the proposed structure, in which the measurement between the magnet 26 and the sensor 27 is direct, without any mechanical intermediary, makes it possible to obtain a high degree of accuracy, and in particular to take account of small displacements, and that whatever or the position of the handle 12. This also eliminates the possible presence of calculation zones called "dead", which could appear for example because of games.

First biasing means, here in the form of a metal helical spring 214 prestressed in compression, to automatically return the handle 12 in its neutral position (along the axis z _n), at least displacement printed thereto.

The spring 214 acts on a spring support, hereinafter referred to as a movable support 215 (made for example of polyoxymethylene (POM) loaded with Teflon (registered trademark)), guided in translation in the module, along the axis z _n , by example using four columns 216, which can in particular be stainless steel. The spring is placed along these four columns, then constrained in compression by the upper capsule 112. It acts on a lower rim 2151 of the movable support, tending to push the latter down.

The mobile support 215 also has an upper rim, or shoulder, 2152, which bears on a rim 221 of the cup, extending outwards (as opposed to the interior of the cup). The edge 221 of the cup and / or the shoulder 2152 of the movable support may have shapes and surfaces adapted to cooperate together, and tend to return the handle to its neutral position.

It is understood that, when the handle 12 is inclined in one direction, the cup 22 moves in rotation around the head 21, causing the upward movement of its flange 221, the opposite side to the direction printed on the handle. The rim 221 acts on the shoulder 2152, which tends to raise the mobile support 215, which slides along the columns 216.

The spring 214 opposes this displacement. Thus, as soon as the user releases the handle, the spring 214 returns the movable support 215 in its rest position. It acts on the cup 22, to bring it also to a rest position, which corresponds to the return to the neutral position of the handle 12.

To limit the wear between the shoulder 2152 and the rim 221 of the cup, it is possible for example to overmold a sheet on the shoulder 2152.

To offer a better feeling, or better "feeling", to the user of a joystick according to the invention, around the neutral position of the handle, that is to say when the handle is in positions close to this neutral position, it further provides compensation means, or balancing. Indeed, this neutral position, or central position, generally requires great precision. As explained below, the expression "compensating means" refers to means completely or partially offsetting the force of the main spring 214. In the preferred embodiment described below, this compensation is partial, so that the joystick is more flexible near the neutral position, but the resulting force still effectively returns the handle in neutral position when the user releases it.

According to the embodiment described, there are provided means for compensating the forces exerted by the main spring 214 (or first return means), in the form of second return means placed between the base 11, and more precisely the lower capsule 111, and the mobile support 215.

These second return means comprise four metal helical springs, also called secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 ₄ (three of which, numbered 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ are visible on the figure 5 , two, numbered 231 ₁ and 231 ₃ are visible on the figure 2 and two others, numbered 231 ₂ and 231 ₄ are visible on the figure 3 ), mounted on the four columns 216. According to other implementations, it may be spring blades, or elastic means (metal or not) more generally, placed adequately between the lower capsule 111 and the mobile support 215.

When the handle 12 is inclined, for example by a rotation around the ball head according to the arrow 72, the movable support 215 moves away from the lower cap 111, according to the arrow 73. This displacement causes the compression of the main spring 214 The secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 ₄ are then relaxed and have little influence.

However, in the central zone, that is to say near the rest position), the secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 ₄ are compressed to the maximum, tending to compensate in whole or in part the forces exerted on the mobile support 215 by the main spring 214. The resultant of the forces applied by this main spring 214 and the opposing secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 ₄ is therefore reduced, with respect to the strength of the single main spring. This allows much more flexible movements in the central area, and therefore a better feeling for the user.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the handle 12 is provided with a thread for fixing a handle on the handle, in particular a handle made largely of metal. Of course, according to other embodiments, the handle can be fixed by other fastening means on the handle 12, for example by gluing, Velcro (registered trademark), clipping, wrapping or any equivalent means. Such a joystick, provided with a metal handle or any equivalent heavy material, is therefore likely to have a significant weight, which requires the provision of a spring principal 214 powerful to prevent the assembly formed by the handle and handle spontaneously pivots under the effect of its own weight and it ensures a return of the handle (and therefore the handle) in the neutral position.

The invention makes it possible to relieve the weight of the assembly formed by the handle and the handle (the handle can also be made wholly or partly of metal, for example steel), by the implementation of the compensation means which make it possible to to compensate in whole or in part the forces exerted by the mainspring in the vicinity of the neutral position. Also, the user of such a heavy joystick comprising the compensation means according to the invention can easily handle the joystick, including near the neutral, despite the presence of a powerful main spring 214.

The invention has been successfully tested with a handle of a height of the order of 20 cm and whose weight is about 1 kg (for clarity, this weight does not include the weight of the handle), the total weight of the joystick (with the handle attached to its handle) being greater than 3 kg and this joystick being of a height of the order of 29 cm (the assembly formed by the base 11 and the handle 12 weighing about order of 900 grams, the handle weighing about 1 kg, and a weight plate-on which is fixed the base removably-weighing about 1.5 kg).

The springs (main spring and secondary springs) are chosen so as to provide the desired compromise between comfort (which assumes a relatively low force resultant), and accurate and efficient return to neutral position (which assumes a sufficient force resultant) . A good feeling for the users is the result of a compromise. Users do not necessarily like to have a joystick too soft near its central position, so the balance or the near balance of forces is not necessarily a good compromise. This good compromise will be obtained for example by successive tests, taking into account feedback from a majority of users and / or based on reactions of passionate flight simulation testers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a circular elastomeric band is arranged between the mobile support 215 and the rim of the cup 21. This elastomeric circular band is glued on the movable support 215 under the shoulder 2152 and cooperates with the rim 221 of the cup. This circular elastomer band is for example a band made of BUMPON (registered trademark). This circular elastomer band also tends to push the mobile support 215 upwards, even though its contribution to the thrust is less than that of the secondary springs 231.

The assembly of such a joystick is relatively easy, especially compared to known techniques. The figure 6 schematically illustrates an example of assembly method, in the form of a simplified block diagram, showing the main steps.

Thus, first assembled (51) the PCB 28 (which has previously welded the sensor 27 and the necessary electrical cables) on the head 21, in a housing provided for this purpose. The fastening can be done for example by clipping and / or bonding. The electrical cables are placed in the open space under the PCB.

Then, the head 21 is secured (52) to the lower capsule 111, for example by screwing. It was previously possible to pre-equip the lower capsule, in particular with the side wall 113 and the columns 216.

The handle 12, equipped with its cup 22 and its extension, on which the magnet 26 has been fixed, for example by clipping and / or gluing, is then put in place (53), so that the cup 22 caps the 21. The end of the extension is placed in the oblong opening of the rocker piece 210, previously mounted on the bearings of the head.

The secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 _{4 are} then placed (54) on the columns 216, and the mobile support 215 is placed (55) on the columns 216, which have previously been mounted, for example by screwing, on the lower capsule 111. This movable support can slide freely along the columns. The shoulder 2152 of this movable support comes into contact with the rim 221 of the cup.

The main spring 214 is then reported (56) on the mobile support 215, and the base is closed (57) by means of the upper capsule 112, which is for example screwed onto the columns. This action simultaneously causes the compression of the spring 214 (between the upper cap and the movable support) and the compression of the secondary springs 231 ₁ , 231 ₂ , 231 ₃ , 231 ₄ (between the movable support and the lower cap).

We can then perform the settings and calibrations of the sensor, then report on all so obtained the dressing and additional functions required depending on applications.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the main spring can be mounted compressed between the lower cap and the movable support, which is therefore pushed upwards. In this case, the secondary springs are mounted so as to push the movable support downwards.

According to other variants of the invention, it is possible to invert the cup and the head. In this case, the cup defines a fixed receptacle, integral with the base, in which the head bears, integral with the handle. An extension, carrying a magnet, respectively a sensor, enters the cup, to cooperate with a sensor, respectively a magnet, housed at the bottom of the cup.

The helical secondary springs are not necessarily mounted on the columns 216 (which may also be absent), in some embodiments. Suitable housings or supports may be defined in or on the base or an element integral with the base and / or in or on the movable support.

According to an alternative embodiment, a single helical secondary spring can be provided, placed centrally with respect to the _neutral axis z, and mounted for example between the columns. This single secondary spring is then concentric with the main spring, but shorter and / or stiffer than the latter.

In addition, other return means, such as spring blades, can be used. It is also possible to place, between the mobile support and the base, elastic elements, for example made of elastic plastic material, in particular elastomer such as one or more spring buffers (or domes or membranes or pads or washers) of elastomers.

In some embodiments, the compensation means may be removable, for example to allow the player to keep them or not, or replace them with compensation means whose strength is different, depending on his expectations and / or games he uses.

In other embodiments, these compensation means may be adjustable, to allow adjustment and fine balancing during manufacture and / or to allow the player to adjust the reactions of the joystick according to his expectations and needs. Thus, in the case of helical springs, there is provided a moving part, for example by screwing, to compress more or less each spring.

Claims (9)

1. Joystick, comprising a stick (12) that can at least rotationally move relative to a base (11) about two axes and first return means placed between said base (11) and a movable element acting on said stick (12), tending to return said stick (12) to a neutral position, said joystick further comprising compensation means placed between said base (11) and said movable element and applying a force thereto that at least partially compensates the force applied by said first return means, at least when said stick (12) is in the vicinity of said neutral position, characterised in that said compensation means comprise second return means mounted between said base (11) and said movable element and applying a compensation force to said movable element at least partially compensating the force applied by said first return means, so that, in the vicinity of said neutral position, the resulting force required to move said stick is reduced relative to the single force applied by said first return means.
2. Joystick according to claim 1, characterised in that said second return means comprise at least one second helicoidal spring.
3. Joystick according to either one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that said movable element is a support that can translationally move parallel to the neutral axis of said stick (12), acting on a part integral with said stick (12).
4. Joystick according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that said movable element is mounted on columns (216) parallel to the neutral axis of said stick (12) and in that each of said columns (216) supports a second helicoidal spring.
5. Joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises at least one ball joint comprising two ball joint elements, namely a head (21) and a cup (22), with substantially the same radius, one of the elements being able to pivot about the centre of the other element,
   a first of said ball joint elements being fixed relative to said base (11) and having an inner space, and a second of said ball joint elements being rigidly connected to said stick (12) and in contact with said movable element.
6. Joystick according to claim 5, characterised in that said stick (12) has a projection (25) penetrating said inner space, the lower end of said projection (25) of said stick (12) moving inside said inner space and carrying at least one sensor (27) and/or at least one magnet (26) of a Hall effect movement detection unit.
7. Joystick according to either one of claims 5 and 6, characterised in that it comprises a see-saw part (210) pivotally mounted in said inner space on two bearings (31, 32) and cooperating with said projection (25).
8. Method for manufacturing a joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises the following steps of:

   - obtaining a lower part of said base (11);

   - installing said first return means or said compensation means;

   - installing said movable element;

   - installing said compensation means or said first return means;

   - closing said base (11), in relation to an upper part of said base (11), and rigidly connecting said base to said lower part.
9. Game controller, characterised in that it comprises at least one joystick according to any one of claims 1 to 7

Images