The present invention relates to a hydraulic joystick conversion system for converting hydraulic joystick mechanisms to an electromechanical structure.

Background of the Invention

In the present day, the joysticks are known as input devices which are used for controlling numerous systems such as cranes, construction equipment, simulators, robot manipulators. Two main types that are used widespread are proportional joysticks and ON/OFF joysticks.

In the state of the art, the traditional proportional joysticks provide output signals that are in accordance with the magnitude of the displacement of the joystick between its two positions. For example, if the throttle is connected to this joystick system, a small movement would partially open the gas throttle valve. A bigger movement will cause the gas throttle valve to be opened more. In these kind of systems, the joystick actuates the control device to which it is connected using direct mechanical connections. These connections might be of mechanical, hydraulical, pneumatical types or the like. Applying of these connections is hard and costly in the sense of the assembly costs and time.

In order to overcome the problems related to direct connections, electronic joysticks are being used. The change in the control arm of the electronic joysticks are sensed via sensors. During operation, the changes in the control arm are converted to electric signals via the sensors, and they activate the control devices to which they are connected. The signals that are generated for the control device have to be carried to the control device that is connected to the joystick. Solenoid valves, relays, electric motors can be given as examples of these devices. These signals are carried using electric cables which are relatively simpler and cheaper. Even though the traditional electronic joysticks eliminate the problems with the direct mechanical connections, the changes in the control arm are sensed using sensor structures such as microswitches and potentiometers. The usage of these types of sensors require physical contact between the mechanics of the joystick and the sensors. These types of sensors, which tend to be delicate, have the risk of breaking and loosening upon harsh use.

Problems Solved by the Invention

The object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic joystick conversion system which enables the conversion of the mechanical changes that are acquired in the prevalently and traditionally used joystick systems to analog electrical signals and universal communication protocols. In the system in which hydraulic joysticks are used, it is enabled that the movement received from the joystick is converted to analog electrical systems and universal communication protocols upon a small scale mechanical change. By this way, the adaptation of the joysticks to the system in vehicles and vehicle simulators is easily achieved. The inventive system provides cost and time advantage on converting hydraulic systems to electronic systems.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The figures for the system for hydraulic joystick conversion system realized in order to fulfill the objects of the present invention are as follows:

Figure 1.. View of the inventive hydraulic joystick conversion system. Elements shown in the figures are numbered, and the correspondence of these numbers are given as follows:

1. Hydraulic joystick conversion system

2. Magnet

3. Sensor

4. Electronic board

Hydraulic joystick mechanism

P. Pin

A. Spring

X. Horizontal axis

Y. Vertical axis

The hydraulic joystick conversion system (1) which enables converting of the hydraulic joystick mechanisms to electromechanical structures essentially comprises; at least one joystick mechanism (H) which comprises a hydraulic joystick, multiple pins (P) which move with the force stemming from the movement of the hydraulic joystick and which transmit the movements of the hydraulic joystick,

multiple springs (A) which enable the pins (P) to return to their initial positions once the force stemming from the movements of the hydraulic joysticks disappear,

multiple magnets (2) which are placed at the ends of the pins (P) which are further from the joystick,

multiple sensors (3) which senses the movements of the hydraulic joystick in a positive direction on horizontal axis (X), in a negative direction on horizontal axis (X), in a positive direction on vertical axis (Y), and in a negative direction on vertical axis (Y) according to the movements of the magnet which moves along with the pins (P),

at least one electronic board (4) which enables the conversion of the changes that are sensed by the sensor (3) to control signals.

The inventive hydraulic joystick conversion system essentially consists of multiple magnets (2), multiple sensors (3) and an electronic board (4). In the hydraulic joystick mechanisms, the bonnet that is connected to the hinge applies pressure on the guiding pins (P) as the joystick is moved. The guiding pins (P) transmit this pressure to the carrying pins (P), enabling them to move downwards. When the joystick is released, the carrying pins (P) and the guiding pins (P) return to their initial positions with the effect of the springs (Y). This system is the operation system of the traditional hydraulic joystick mechanisms. In here, the carrying pins (P) enables the redirection of the hydraulic fluid coming to a body block to the control point via main control valves.

Upon adding magnets (2), and sensors (3) concentrically with them, and electronic communications board (4) with the inventive arrangement, it is enabled that the mechanism is converted to electromechanical from hydraulical.

In an embodiment of the invention, there are four magnets (2) present which are placed on the pins (P) belonging to the hydraulic joystick. There are four sensors (3) present in order to sense the displacements of the four magnets (2). By this way, bi-directional measurements can be taken on both the horizontal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Y).

The magnets (2) that are fixed on the carrying pins (P) move up and down together with the pins (P) and get closer to and further from the sensors (3). These changes in the distance are measured by the sensors (3) and they are converted to control signals by the electronic board (4). These signals are interpreted by the electronic card (4) and they are carried to computers or other devices 2.0B protocol or DAC outputs.