| 摘要 |
A joystick produces a control input signal in response to a pivotal displacement of a control handle about any of a plurality of axes. Corrected signals for each of orthogonal "X" and "Y" axes are provided in response to a pivotal displacement of the control handle about a center point disposed within a housing. Rotation of the control handle about the center point is enabled through use of a pair of members having spherical exterior surfaces sharing a common center. The member includes a hemispherical-shaped shell coupled to the control handle shaft, and an end cap defining a spherical surface disposed at the end of the control handle shaft. The control handle shaft extends into the housing through an opening defined in an upper portion of the housing. The opening provides a bearing surface adapted to slidingly engage the spherical upper surface of the hemispherical-shaped shell. The housing further includes a lower portion with a receiver adapted to slidingly engage the end cap. A pair of nested gimbals disposed in the housing are respectively rotated about the X and Y axes through engagement with the control handle shaft. Preferably, the joystick further provides a third input axis (the "Z" axis), about which the control handle is rotated to produce a control input signal. Rotation of the control handle about each of the X, Y, and Z axes is monitored by a corresponding potentiometer that is coupled to the gimbals and the control handle shaft. Torsion springs oppose displacement of the control handle about each of the X, Y, and Z axes and return the control handle to a center position, for each axis.
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